Pick up this week's special year-end double issue of the Northern Express - sister publication of The Ticker - for your guide to the northern Michigan holiday season...and beyond!

Still figuring out where to celebrate New Year's Eve? Check out our overview of regional parties and celebrations, ranging from the Traverse City CherryT Ball Drop to Charlevoix's Bridge Drop to Petoskey's Crooked Tree Arts Center gala. If you're hosting your own party, some of the top bartenders and proprietors from across the area share their tips for the best champagne brands and cocktails to serve your guests this year, plus preview some of the hot mixology trends on tap in 2016. Thousands of northern Michigan New Year's Eve and New Year's Day parties this season will also have Michigan State and U of M football games on; sports writer Al Parker talks to fans of both teams about their predictions and some of their favorite bowl traditions.

Heading into 2016, investigative reporter Patrick Sullivan looks at the big issues, decisions and news likely to affect area communities in the coming year, from Traverse City to Cadillac to Harbor Springs to Petoskey. Music writer Kristi Kates profiles some of the most anticipated albums of 2016, while Ross Boissoneau goes behind the scenes to preview the upcoming Detroit Auto Show January 11-24. Movie fans will also want to check out our "Too Early Oscars Scorecard," which highlights some safe bets along with longer-shot predictions for the 2016 Academy Awards on February 28.

This week's issue also includes a feature story on the Salvation Army's holiday bell ringers, locally written music and film reviews, our popular Hot Dates calendar - and much more! Check out the Northern Express online, or pick up a free copy at one of more than 600 distribution spots across 13 counties. And, stay connected throughout the week on Facebook and Twitter.