Holiday events start in earnest in the metro area this weekend

The trees are lit, the lights have been strung, the gift lists have been made. It’s beginning to look a lot like ... well, you know.

And December starts with a blast of special holiday events in the metro area, including ...

• The big party will be at Detroit’s 49th Noel Night from 5-10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 in the Midtown and Cultural Center areas, with more than 80 performance venues, stores and eateries participating — including the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and more. Details and a full schedule can be found at noelnight.org.

• Mariah Carey, whose “All I Want For Christmas is You” is the biggest holiday hit of all time, brings her Merry Christmas On and All Tour to Little Caesars Arena at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1. 2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit. 313-471-7000 or 313Presents.com.

• After a triumphant debut last year, Cirque du Soleil’s Cirque Dreams Hoidaze is back for five shows Friday through Sunday, Dec. 1-3, at the Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit. 313-471-7000 or 313Presents.com.

• The Macomb Ballet Co. rolls out “The Nutcracker” for five shows Friday through Sunday, Dec. 1-3, at the Macomb Center, 44575 Garfield Road, Clinton Township. 586-286-2222 or macombcenter.com.

• Dave Boutette and Kristin Lynn Davis team up for a Christmas show at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1 at the Trinity House Theatre, 38840 W. Six Mile Road, Livonia. 734-436-6302 or trinityhousetheatre.org.

• The Prolifics host a Motown Christmas at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1 at The Roxy, 401 Walnut Blvd., Rochester. Tickets are sold out. 248-453-5285 or theroxyrochester.com.

• Another “Nutcracker” hits the stage, featuring American Ballet dances accompanied by the Detroit Symphony Youth Orchestra, at 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3 at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave., Dearborn. 313-943-2354 or dearborntheater.com.

• Scores of local bands perform for this year’s Rock For Tots, benefiting the Goodfellows, taking place at noon Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 2-3, at Freddy’s Bar & Grill, 40000 Garfield Road, Clinton Township. Admission is one new, unwrapped toy. 586-416-7777 or FreddysBarRocks.com.