HOLLY DAZZLE 2026

The HOLLY DAZZLE holiday celebration returns to the grounds of the Michigan Renaissance Festival on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights running from November 27 through December 31, 2026. More than half million twinkling lights illuminate festive holiday scenes, with cheerful games, charming photo opportunities and delightful discoveries along the way. From a family’s first visit with Santa to a romantic evening beneath the lights, Holly Dazzle offers memorable ways to enjoy the holiday season.

Families can enjoy an array of activities included with general admission. Children can sip free hot cocoa, receive a complimentary gift, enjoy free train rides, visit the petting zoo, search for hidden elves in the Elf on the Shelf hunt, create festive crafts and experience magical visits with Santa.

Savory aromas add to the holiday atmosphere, with hearty soups, chili, hot dogs, walking tacos and turkey legs and more available for purchase. Patrons looking for something sweet can indulge in cookies, rich brownies, cannoli and other delicious seasonal treats.

Adults can plan a cozy evening with a five-course igloo dinner or celebrate with a spirited Polar Pub Crawl. Igloos comfortably seat up to four guests, and dinner reservations include general admission to Holly Dazzle. These experiences are available by making reservations.

Adding to the holiday excitement, the Run Run Rudolph 5K Run/Walk takes place Sunday, December 13, at 4 p.m. Participants can run or walk through Holly Dazzle, enjoying sparkling lights and festive surroundings along the way. Registration includes a Holly Dazzle admission ticket, a custom long-sleeve shirt, a finisher medal and more.

PLAN YOUR VISIT 

 Opening Night: Friday, November 27, 2026, from 5–10 p.m. 

Season: November 27–December 31, 2026 

Open: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays

Weekend Hours: Fridays and Saturdays, 5–10 p.m.; Sundays, 5–9 p.m. 

 Location: Michigan Renaissance Festival Grounds, 12600 Dixie Highway, Holly, MI 48442 

 Tickets, complete holiday hours and special-event reservations: www.hollydazzle.com

Opening the day after Thanksgiving, Holly Dazzle invites families, couples and friends to begin a sparkling new tradition filled with holiday wonder.

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS THE MUSICAL

Coming to Detroit's Fisher Theatre March 2-7, 2027 is a North American tour stop of the theatrical musical adaption of Sara Gruen's critically acclaimed bestselling novel WATER FOR ELEPHANTS. Tickets go on sale Friday, November 13 at 10:00 a.m. and will be available online at us.ATGTickets.com/Detroit.

The Broadway musical has a book by four-time Tony Award® nominee Rick Elice (Jersey Boys, Peter and the Starcatcher), a soaring score by the acclaimed PigPen Theatre Co. (The Tale of Despereaux), with the North American tour direction by Ryan Emmons, recreating the original Broadway production direction by Tony Award nominee Jessica Stone (Kimberly Akimbo). WATER FOR ELEPHANTS also features circus design by Tony Award nominee Shana Carroll (The 7 Fingers) and choreography by Tony Award nominees Jesse Robb (Miss Saigon).

Show Synopsis 

After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age.

Performance schedule for WATER FOR ELEPHANTS appearing March 2 - 7, 2027 at the Fisher Theatre located at 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, MI are: 

Tuesday through Saturday evening performances at 7:30 p.m. 

Saturday matinee at 2:00 p.m. 

Sunday matinee at 1:00 p.m. 

Sunday evening performances at 6:30 p.m. 

Special Open Caption performance on Friday, March 5, 2027 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets start at $35.00 (including parking & facility fee) and can be purchased online at us.ATGTickets.com/Detroit. For more information about the production, please visit waterforelephantsthemusical.com

WHY FAST PACED CARTOONS MIGHT OVERWHELM YOUNG MINDS

Bright colors, quick cuts and constant sound effects can hold a young child’s attention, but that intense stimulation may make it harder to settle down afterward. Fast-paced cartoons aren’t automatically harmful, and every child responds differently. Still, parents may notice irritability, restless play or resistance when the screen turns off. Looking at how a show moves and sounds can help you choose programs that fit your child’s age, temperament and time of day.

The Modern Visual Sensory Rush 

Many children’s cartoons pack several attention-grabbing elements into each minute. Characters race across the screen, camera angles change quickly and music fills nearly every pause. This steady stream of visual and audio cues gives a young viewer little time to process one event before the next begins. 

Coverage of how fast-paced media affects children highlights concerns about attention and overstimulation. Parents can watch for more immediate signs at home, such as a child becoming unusually loud, agitated or tearful after viewing. One difficult evening doesn’t establish a pattern, but repeated reactions deserve a closer look.

How Rapid Scene Cuts Impact Focus 

Toddlers and preschoolers are still learning how to direct their own attention. Rapid cuts do that work for them by introducing a fresh movement, sound or character every few seconds. Once the program ends, a puzzle or picture book may seem unusually slow because it requires the child to maintain focus without constant prompts. 

Before choosing toddler programming, check its pace, scene length and use of background sound. Watch five minutes on your own and count how often the picture changes completely. A calmer show usually gives characters time to finish an action, speak clearly and pause before the story moves forward. 

Assessing Everyday Toddler Programming 

Age labels provide a starting point, but they don’t tell you how stimulating a program feels. Preview an episode and pay attention to more than its educational theme. A cartoon may teach numbers while still using flashing graphics, overlapping voices and nonstop movement. 

Your child’s behavior offers useful information too. Notice what happens during the first 15 minutes after the screen goes off. Calm play, conversation and an easy transition suggest the program was manageable. Running wildly through the house, demanding another episode or melting down over a routine request may signal that the content, viewing length or timing needs adjustment. Keep brief notes for several days to spot a consistent pattern. 

Calmer Media Choices for Quiet Evenings 

Evening viewing works best when the program matches the slower rhythm you want before bed. Look for familiar settings, gentle narration, simple stories and longer shots. Nature footage, drawing demonstrations, quiet educational series and shows centered on everyday routines can be easier to leave behind when it’s time for pajamas. 

The growing slow TV movement reflects parents’ interest in children’s programming with fewer rapid cuts and less sensory intensity. Keep volume moderate and turn off autoplay so one episode doesn’t roll into the next. A clear stopping point, such as one 20-minute episode before bath time, also makes the transition more predictable. 

Restoring Balance After Screen Sessions 

Build in a short reset period after viewing, especially if the show was energetic. Turn off the screen, lower background noise and offer an activity that uses the hands and body at a manageable pace. Modeling clay, blocks, coloring or a walk to the mailbox can help shift attention back to the physical environment. 

If your child protests, acknowledge the disappointment and keep the boundary simple: “The show is finished. Now we’re building.” Avoid launching into several instructions while emotions are high. Ten quiet minutes may be enough before dinner or bedtime routines resume. Over time, a familiar post-screen ritual can make that final scene feel like a transition instead of a sudden stop.

AVATAR FIRE AND ASH COLLECTORS EDITION

If you are holiday shopping for a movie geek like me this year, here is a gift idea that is sure to be a hit! On December 8th, 20th Century Studios’ Avatar: Fire and Ash Collector’s Edition arrives on digital platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Fandango and more, as well as will be available to purchase on 4K Ultra HD. This release will allow fans to explore the world of Avatar: Fire and Ash on an even deeper level with over nine hours of visually stunning and emotionally powerful bonus features, including over six hours of never-before-seen content that offer an expansive look at the creation of Pandora. Featuring all-new deleted and extended scenes, performance capture demos, scene deconstructions, featurettes and more, the all-new bonus content provides an in-depth look at the artistry, innovation, and filmmaking behind James Cameron’s epic cinematic vision.

Film Synopsis

Return to the breathtaking world of Pandora in the most powerful chapter of the Avatar saga yet. As Jake and Neytiri guide their family through grief, they journey with the nomadic Wind Traders across Pandora’s skies. But the Sullys’ path is threatened by a fierce new enemy — the Ash People — who have turned against Eywa and the ancient Na’vi way.

Bonus Features

• Fire and Water: Making the Avatar Films Episode 1 & Episode 2 
• Stephen Lang "Infinite Space" 
• Deleted and Extended Scenes 
• "Wind Traders Travel Vignettes" - Extended Cut 
• "Sullys Escape from Ash Through Swamp" - Extended Cut 
• "Quaritch Tells Ardmore that Spider Can Breathe Pandoran Air" - Deleted Scene
•  "Selfridge's Arrival" - Deleted Scene 
• "Lo'ak Chases After Payakan" - Deleted Scene 
• "Jake Leaves Reef to Attack the RDA" - Deleted Scene
•  "The Coming of Age Ceremony" - Deleted Scene
•  "Jake and Spider are Held Captive at Bridgehead" - Deleted Sequence 
• "Quaritch's Reflection" - Deleted Scene 
• "Neytiri and Spider Return to the Reef Without Jake" - Deleted Scene
•  "Alternative Ardmore Death" - Deleted Scene 
• "Neytiri Presents Pril to Tonowari" - Deleted Scene 
• Performance Capture Side-by-Sides 
• Jake and Neytiri Argue about Faith 
• Jake and Lo'ak Clash over Payakan 
• Jake and Neytiri Fight about Spider 
•  Kiri & Tsireya Comfort Lo'ak in His Time of Need 
•  Tsireya Tells Lo'ak about Payakan 
• Quaritch Arrives at Ash Village and Strikes a Deal with Varang 
• Beach Standoff 
•  Ronal Tells Kiri that She Must Do Something 
•  Ronal Gives Birth, Jake and Lo’ak Surface 
• Scene Deconstructions
•  Lo'ak Shows Jake the Recovered War Bow
•  Family Meeting to Send Spider Away 
• Varang's Fire Dance and Sullys’ Escape 
• Kiri Learns She is Eywa's Child 
• Kiri Teaches Spider to Ride an Ilu 
• Performance Capture Demos
•  Performance Capture Demo #1 with Stephen Lang and Oona Chaplin, November 20, 2025, Manhattan Beach Studios 
• Performance Capture Demo #2 with Sam Worthington and Sigourney Weaver, November 20, 2025, Manhattan Beach Studios 
• Awards Panels — Cast | Filmmakers I Music 
• Awards Panel with Cast, Disney Lot, Main Theatre - November 30, 2025 
• Miley Cyrus Awards Q&A, DGA Theater 1 - December 4, 2025 
• Awards Panel with Department Heads, AMC Century City - January 8, 2026 
• Music Panel, Vibrato Grill Jazz - January 9, 2026 
• Gone with the Wind TrAIders
• English Family Audio Track — All objectionable language removed. 
• Igniting the Flame: The Making of Avatar: Fire and Ash — A series of featurettes that explores the filmmakers' journey making Avatar: Fire and Ash with exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and insights about the process from the creative talents who shaped the film. 
• Jon Landau Tribute — If James Cameron is the guiding vision for the Avatar sequels, producer Jon Landau was their nurturing heart. In this warm tribute, the filmmakers celebrate a beloved friend and colleague with remembrances from cast and crew. 
•  RDA Orientation — Do you have what it takes to survive the wild frontier of Pandora? In these tutorial videos, the RDA provides essential training in Na'vi language and an intelligence briefing on the clans of Pandora and the biomes they inhabit. 
• Marketing Materials & Music Video — Marketing materials used to build audience awareness of the film. 
• “Dream as One” Music Video: Multi Grammy®-winning superstar Miley Cyrus performs her emotional end-title ballad, "Dream as One," in the official music video. 
• Theatrical Trailer 1: New clans, new villains. The Sully family fights to survive. Watch trailer 1 now.
•  Theatrical Trailer 2: The Pandoran world goes deeper than you can imagine. Watch trailer 2 now.

SHUT OUT BULLYING CONTEST

The Detroit Red Wings and local Planet Fitness franchises are teaming up to promote kindness, inclusion, and positive environments for Michigan youth through their fourth annual “Shut Out Bullying” contest. The initiative will award $10,000 to one Michigan school or youth organization to support an existing or new program focused on bullying prevention. The contest opens on November 1, 2026, at 8:00 AM EST and runs through December 13, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST. Educational institutions and youth organizations throughout Michigan serving students in grades K–12 are encouraged to apply by completing a short entry form and answering questions about their current or proposed bullying prevention initiatives.

"The 'Shut Out Bullying' initiative is about more than a $10,000 award, it's about recognizing the people who are working every day to make a difference in the lives of young people," stated Mary Scott, Vice President of Marketing at EPIC Fitness Group, a Planet Fitness franchise division operating more than 70 locations across Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois. "Schools and youth organizations have a tremendous influence on how children learn to treat one another, and we're proud to partner with the Detroit Red Wings to support those efforts. Together, we can help encourage kindness, respect, and inclusion and remind young people that everyone deserves to feel like they belong."

The 2027 winner will be honored during a special pre-game presentation on Saturday, January 23, 2027 at Little Caesars Arena. Representatives from the winning organization will be invited to stay and enjoy the Red Wing's game against the Tamp Bay Lightning. Past winners include L'Anse Creuse Middle School-North (2026), Endeavor Charter Academy (2025), and Fraser Public Schools (2024).

The "Shut Out Bullying" contest was created to shine a spotlight on the important work that schools and youth organizations are doing every day to help young people feel safe, supported, and accepted. Through the $10,000 award, the winning organization will have the opportunity to expand an existing initiative or bring a new bullying prevention program to life, helping make a meaningful difference for students and families in its community.

Applications for the 2026 "Shut Out Bullying" contest will be accepted beginning November 1, 2026. For complete contest details and to submit an entry, visit DetroitRedWings.com/ShutOutBullyingContest.

HOLIDAY CLASSIC MOVIE SHOWCASE AT MJR THEATRES

Get into the holiday spirit with MJR Theatres' Big Screen Rewind, a special holiday edition bringing beloved seasonal movies back to the big screen at all 10 MJR Theatre locations in Michigan. The weekly series invites moviegoers to revisit the films that have become part of the holiday tradition, from laugh-out-loud comedies and family favorites to timeless Christmas classics.

Whether it's a long-standing family tradition, a favorite movie night with friends, or an opportunity to introduce a new generation to holiday films, Big Screen Rewind offers the perfect way to celebrate the season with a little nostalgia and big-screen magic. Each week features a different holiday favorite, giving audiences a new reason to head to the theatre and make memories throughout the most wonderful time of the year. 

Making the experience even sweeter, these all-ages films are only $5 per person and offer family and friends the ability to see their favorite seasonal films the way they were meant to be seen, on the big screen!

November 6 – November 12

GREMLINS:  A wholesome, All-American town is turned upside-down, when "gremlins"--some impish little creatures--are accidentally unleashed and wreck havoc. Rated PG

November 6 – November 12

A CHRISTMAS STORY: In the 1940's, in the town of Hammond, 9-year-old Ralphie wants one thing for Christmas -- an official Red Ryder BB rifle. When he asks his mother for the BB gun for Christmas, she says, "No, you'll shoot your eye out". When he writes an essay about it at school his teacher gives him a C+ with a note saying "You'll shoot your eye out." Next he asks Santa for the gun, Santa's response is familiar, he says, "You'll shoot your eye out, kid." Ralph fears that he'll never get the BB gun for Christmas. But there may be a surprise in store for him. Rated PG

November 13 – November 19

THE GRINCH (2018): The Grinch tells the story of a cynical grump who goes on a mission to steal Christmas, only to have his heart changed by a young girl's generous holiday spirit. Funny, heartwarming and visually stunning, it's a universal story about the spirit of Christmas and the indomitable power of optimism. Rated PG

November 20 – November 26 

CHRISTMAS VACATION: Clark Griswold, the well-intentioned, walking disaster who has dragged his family through the horrors of traveling in two previous National Lampoon Vacation films, has decided to stay home for the holidays--and the neighborhood will never be the same.​ Rated PG-13

November 27 – December 3

ELF:  As a baby, Buddy crawls into Santa's toy bag and is whisked off to the North Pole, where he is raised as an elf. A misfit who grows to be three times the size of his elf family, Buddy ultimately heads to his birthplace of New York City to seek out his roots. Unfortunately, they turn out to be a "Scrooge"-like father and a cynical ten-year-old stepbrother who doesn't believe in Santa. Worst of all, everyone seems to have forgotten the true meaning of Christmas. But using his simple elf ways, Buddy sets out to single-handedly win over his family and save Christmas in New York, hoping to at last find his true place in the world. Rated PG

December 4 – December 10

HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS (2000): The curmudgeonly recluse Grinch, who hates Christmas, becomes annoyed with the out-of-control Christmas festivities in Whoville, the town lying below his cave dwelling on Mt. Crumpit. But after the Grinch conspires to deprive the Who's of their favorite holiday by sneaking into town on Christmas eve to steal everything associated with the holiday, he learns that the spirit of Christmas goes much deeper than tinsel and toys. Rated PG

December 11 – December 17

THE POLAR EXPRESS: A young boy lies awake in his room one snowy Christmas Eve, excited and alert. Breathing silently. Hardly moving. Waiting. He's listening for a sound he's afraid that he might never hear--the ringing bells of Santa's sleigh. The time is five minutes to midnight. Suddenly, a thunderous roar startles the boy. Clearing the mist from his window he sees the most amazing sight--a gleaming black train rumbles to a stop right in front of his house, the steam from its powerful engine hissing through the night sky and the softly falling snowflakes. The boy rushes outside, clad only in his pajamas and slippers, and is met by the train's conductor who seems to be waiting just for him. "Well, are you coming?" the conductor inquires. "Where?" the boy asks. "Why, to the North Pole--of course. This is the Polar Express!" What unfolds is an adventure that follows a doubting young boy, who takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole; during this ride, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. Rated G

December 18 – December 25

WHITE CHRISTMAS: Ring in the holiday season like never before when Irving Berlin's beloved White Christmas returns to the big screen for a two-day celebration. Fans of all ages will gather together to experience the full splendor of a successful song-and-dance duo (Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye) pairing up with a charming sister act (Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen) to save a struggling Vermont inn. In addition to reliving this holiday classic, audiences will be treated to special backstage stories and an Irving Berlin White Christmas retrospective. Rated N/A

$5 tickets for these movies can be purchased online at mjrtheatres.com on MJR's App, and at theatre Box Offices.

EXPLORING NEW HOBBIES: A GUIDE TO ENGAGING ACTIVITIES

A new hobby can add variety to your week and give you something enjoyable to look forward to outside daily responsibilities. The best activities fit your time, budget, and personality, so you don’t need to chase whatever happens to be popular. Start with a little curiosity, test an activity on a small scale and pay attention to which experiences leave you eager to return.

Why Start a New Hobby? 

Hobbies create a useful break between work, household tasks and family commitments. An absorbing activity can hold your attention long enough to quiet everyday distractions, while shared interests introduce you to people outside your usual circles. 

Your reason for starting can guide the choice. You might want a creative outlet, a more active weekend, or a skill you can practice with your kids. Set one simple goal, such as attending two beginner classes or completing a small project within a month. That gives the hobby a fair trial without turning your free time into another source of pressure. 

Finding the Right Fit for You 

Begin by listing activities you enjoyed as a child, topics you read about, and experiences you’ve always wanted to try. This practical guide to finding an adult hobby can help if your list feels short. Next, consider how much time, space, and equipment each option requires. 

Try the activity before committing. You might start with something familiar, such as cooking, photography, gardening, or painting, or venture into something more adventurous, like hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, or archery. If you’re curious about activities that are further outside your usual routine, a shooting range can offer another structured way to try something new without immediately investing in equipment. Borrow supplies, book a single class, or choose a supervised beginner session whenever possible. 

When an experience is unfamiliar, look for clear guidance, established rules, and beginner options. Afterward, ask yourself whether you enjoyed the activity itself or simply liked the idea of having that hobby. 

Hands-On Activities to Consider 

Hands-on hobbies provide visible progress, which can be especially satisfying after a screen-heavy week. Cooking classes, pottery, woodworking, and gardening all produce something you can use, share, or improve over time. If you prefer movement, consider indoor climbing, dance lessons, kayaking or a recreational sports league.

Technology can support active interests too. Building a small robot, learning digital photography, or creating a family podcast combines creative decisions with practical skills. The Hartford’s overview of new hobby ideas offers more prompts based on different interests. 

Choose a beginner project that fits into one or two sessions. A complicated first attempt can hide the fun beneath setup costs and frustration. 

Benefits of Diverse Recreation 

Different hobbies exercise different parts of your attention. A logic-based activity such as coding or chess encourages planning, while drawing and music invite experimentation. Physical recreation builds coordination and can make movement feel more appealing than a standard workout. 

Variety also helps families find common ground. One weekend might include a nature walk with a photo scavenger hunt, while the next could feature baking or a board game night. Give each person a turn choosing the activity and keep the first session short enough to hold everyone’s interest. 

You don’t need several ongoing commitments to gain these superb benefits of sharing hobbies. One regular hobby and an occasional seasonal activity can provide plenty of novelty without crowding the calendar. 

Making Time for Your Passions 

Put hobby time on the calendar in realistic blocks. Thirty minutes on a Wednesday evening may work better than waiting for a completely free Saturday that rarely appears. Prepare supplies ahead of time so you can start without searching for tools, charging devices, or clearing a workspace. 

Protect the habit with a minimum version. If you can’t complete a full painting session, sketch for 10 minutes. If bad weather cancels an outdoor activity, use the time to learn a related technique or plan your next outing. Track attendance or finished projects for the first six weeks, since visible progress makes a new routine easier to maintain. 

Most importantly, leave room for your interests to change. You know a hobby has done its job when it makes your limited free time feel well spent, even if you eventually replace it with something new.