December's coming to an end, and we all know that means holidays are flying at us left and right. With all that's happening, it's easy to forget to savor the fun times, whether that's curling up to enjoy a holiday novel or partaking in a holiday-themed cocktail. So, deck the dance halls, make the Yuletide gay and get ready to explore these five queer things that can add some spice to your holidays:
1. Snuggle by the fire and read a queer holiday book.
"Amor Actually" cover art. Photo: Amazon.
Sometimes, with the right book, and a little imagination, you can sprinkle warmth onto your winter blues. That's why we recommend dedicating some time to read or reread your favorite LGBTQ+ holiday story during this holiday time. Check out the newly released "Amor Actually," edited by queer bestselling author Adriana Herrera. In this anthology, enjoy three LGBTQ+ love stories: "Make the Yuletide Gay" by Herrera, "All I Want for Nochebuena" by Alexis Daria and "To Us, You Are Perfect" by Alexis Daria and Herrera. All the stories are based in New York and follow Latinx couples as they navigate the Christmas season.
Find out more, including where to buy the book, at goodreads.com.
2. Ice Skate at Campus Martius Park.
Bird's eye view of The Rink. Photo: Downtown Detroit Partnership.
Attention all queers, it's your time to twinkle on the rink, to twirl among the best and to show the straights that you, too, can enjoy a whimsical winter. Where? Downtown Detroit, of course. Campus Martius Park is back with its outdoor skating rink on Woodward Avenue this holiday season. "The Rink at Campus Martius Park offers one of the most beautiful and iconic skating experiences in the country and continues to be a top destination for the entire region during the holiday and winter seasons," said Eric Larson, CEO of the Downtown Detroit Partnership.
No skates? No problem. Skate rentals are available for a $5 fee. Holiday times vary, so be sure to check the website ahead of time. For more information, go to Downtowndetroitparks.com
3. Partake in holiday-inspired cocktails at The Oakland in Ferndale.
Holiday-themed cocktails at The Oakland. Photo: Instagram.
Don your best Mariah Carey-inspired look, call up your merry and queer folx, and stroll into this modern-day speakeasy. For this holiday season, Ferndale's The Oakland is delivering seasonal cocktails with the help of the festive pop-up bar Miracle. Walk into a cozy, dimly-lit atmosphere surrounded by Christmas tchotchkes and warm aromas of butter, brown sugar and cinnamon-infused Pierre Ferrand Cognac. "The whole menu are cocktails with Christmas themes, served with Christmas-themed glassware," said Sandy Levine, owner of The Oakland. "When you walk in, it's like a wonderland feeling."
Due to limited seating, they are not accepting parties over six and reservations are strongly recommended. Bar seating is available as well. Make your reservation on The Oakland's website.
4. Debrief from the holidays at Affirmations Women's Discussion Group.
Hey ladies, this one's for you. The holidays can induce anxiety, so take some time to debrief once the dust settles. Then, consider joining Ferndale's Affirmations Women's Discussion Group. Topics will vary from lighthearted subjects to in-depth discussions regarding coming out stories, heteronormative social decorum, friends and family, sexuality and more. The group's facilitator, Nicole Lupiloff, said the meetups are a time to "socialize, vent and build community in a safe space."
Meetings are at 6:30 p.m. every first Thursday of the month and 10:30 a.m. every last Saturday of the month. Their next meeting is Jan. 6, 2022. Email [email protected] for more information.
5. Drive through the glamour of Wayne County Lightfest.
Wayne County Lightfest. Photo: Wayne County website.
This is all about the sparkle, honey. Wayne County's annual light show is back once again for their family-friendly light fest. Starting at Merriman Hollow Park in Westland, cruise through 4.5 miles of nearly 50 colorful light displays and more than 100,000 lights along Hines Drive.
The show runs through New Year's Eve but is closed on Christmas day. Car fees start at $5 and go up to $50. For more information on times and prices, go to Waynecounty.com.
