Weekend Planner: Lights, Music and Holiday Action in Ferndale

The big Christmas tradition is almost here. On Saturday, head downtown for the annual event at Nine Mile and Woodward, where fun and festivities will surround the big evergreen as it goes aglow for the season.

All that and more events are in store throughout Ferndale this weekend to keep the Christmas momentum going, so put on your jingle bells and join in the holiday cheer with this lineup:

• When: Open house all day Thursday, with class starting at 6:30 p.m.
• Where: 
• Cost: Free
• Why go: Check out the beautiful holiday decor and the famous Blumz Tree Decorating Class. Learn tips for handling fresh trees from the executive director of the Michigan Christmas Tree Growers Association.
• What else: Call 248-398-5130 for more information.

• When: Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Friday; music begins at 7 p.m.
• Where: 
• Cost: Free
• Why go: The Ferndale Public Library places itself firmly in the loud camp as it showcases two local bands, The Ashleys and The Science Fair, as part of its monthly First Stop Friday concert series. The all-ages, no-alcohol, non-bar atmosphere provides a unique setting to hear great local music for those who aren’t able to or don’t want to go to a bar. Local talents from all genres of Metro Detroit’s rich music scene are harvested for these intimate, one-of-a-kind shows.
• What else: For more information about The Ashleys: http://www.facebook.com/theashleysmusicdetroit?ref=ts. For more information about The Science Fair: http://www.facebook.com/ScienceFair.

• When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday
• Where:
• Cost: $1 admission
• Why go: Find unique items that are perfect for those on your gift lists. Shop in a relaxed atmosphere when you drop off your children at the staff- supervised Fun Zone for free.
• What else: For more information on the events, visit fernda­lerecreation.­org or call 248-544-6767.

• When: 9:30-11 a.m. Saturday
• Where:
• Cost: Cost is $8 per child, $4 per adult or $20 for a family of four of more (maximum two adults).
• Why go: Enjoy a breakfast or lunch with Santa. Each child will receive a treat bag and photo with the Big Guy. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage and a beverage. Lunch includes a hot dog, chips and a beverage.
• What else: For more information on the events, visit fernda­lerecreation.­org or call 248-544-6767.

• When: 7 p.m. Saturday
• Where: Woodward and Nine Mile
• Cost: Free
• Why go: Join in on a holiday tradition, which includes the tree lighting, music and festivities surrounding Ferndale's long-growing pine tree at the corner of Woodward and Nine Mile. 
• What else: Local groups will be collecting donations for Toys for Tots and the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

For more weekend-things-to-do options, visit our events guide here. If you'd like to post your own event, .