HOLIDAY

A German Family Christmas will be celebrated at the Kempf House Museum with guided house tours today from 1-4 p.m., as well as Dec. 8 and 9 at the same times. Following the tour today only, there will be a Christmas carol sing around the Kempfs’ 1877 Steinway piano from 4 to 5 p.m. The restored 19th century Greek Revival Kempf House will be decorated to reflect a German-American musical family’s celebration of the holidays in the early 1900s. Christmas cookies served. Admission free. Donations appreciated. Kempf House Museum, 312 S. Division St. 734-994-4898.

The UMS Choral Union and the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra will present Handel's "Messiah" at Hill Auditorium. 2 p.m. An Ann Arbor tradition since 1879 in the beautiful surroundings of Hill Auditorium, these performances are ultimately the heart of the University Musical Society, connecting audiences with the talented people on stage, and with the friends and family who attend each year. Tickets start at $10. 825 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor. 734-763-3333.

THEATER

You can say you knew them when if you attend the Performance Network Theatre's "Fireside New Play Festival." Today through Wednesday at 7 p.m. each night. These new plays have been selected from hundreds of submissions and will be showcased to the public through performances known as staged readings. More information and reservations can be found online at www.performancenetwork.org, or by calling 734-663-0681 during box office hours. 120 E. Huron St. Ann Arbor.

HOLIDAY

Today wraps up the Chelsea Hometown Holiday celebration this weekend. Activities today include Christmas on the (Waterloo) Farm, Chelsea Chamber Players Holiday Concert, Holiday Festival of Lessons & Carols and the Giant Holiday Stocking Giveaway. Get a complete schedule at chelseafestivals.com for a complete schedule and locations of events.

LECTURE

Dan Savage will bring his "Savage Love Live" tour to the Michigan Theater. 3 p.m. Savage will spend the afternoon sharing candid and often hysterical insights about his life's work and current LGBT political issues, including an open question-and-answer session with the audience. Ticket prices range from $22.50 to $37.50. Tickets will be available by phone at 800-745-3000, online at Ticketmaster.com

ENTERTAINMENT

Enjoy an evening of "Evening of Dinner & Jazz" at the Polo Fields - Washtenaw. 5-8 p.m. Ron Brooks and Friends will perform with featured vocalist Betty Joplin.Tickets include a mix & mingle, dinner buffet, live entertainment, and cash bar. All proceeds benefit the African American Cultural & Historical Museum of Washtenaw County. $50. Purchase tickets online here: aachmuseum.org. Call Cheryl Ervin at 734-971-7819 for reservations and tickets. 2955 Packard Road, Ypsilanti. 734-434-2150.