While December is one of the coldest months of the year in Ann Arbor, it is also one of the busiest and most festive and fun — due to all the holiday events packed on the calendar.

All month long, there are exciting holiday events to lift your spirits, from tree lighting ceremonies and Christmas concerts to holiday markets and festive races. Add some of these Ann Arbor events to your calendar to make it a December you’ll always remember!

Jump Ahead: 

Arts + Culture | Community Celebrations | Sports

 

Arts + Culture

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas | Dexter

Where: The Encore Theatre

When: November 30–December 17 (Varying Dates)

Based on the classic 1954 film, “White Christmas” is an enchanting musical full of dancing, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written, including “Blue Skies,” “I Love a Piano,” “How Deep is the Ocean” and of course, “White Christmas.” The musical is taking place at The Encore Theatre in Dexter on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from November 30 through December 17. Get your tickets here!

 

Holiday Maker Market | Ypsilanti

Where: Ziggy’s + Bloodroot Herb Shop

When: December 2

Ziggy’s and Bloodroot Herb Shop are coming together to host a combined Holiday Makers Market, where you can shop from a variety of vendors to fulfill your holiday shopping list! There will also be live music by FeRn Whale and drinks at Ziggy’s to sip on while you shop. Click here to see more details, including a list of all the vendors you can expect to see at the market.

 

Handel’s Messiah | Ann Arbor

Where: U-M Hill Auditorium

When: December 2–3

Handel composed Messiah over the course of a single month in 1741, and nearly 300 years later, his renowned oratorio will fill Hill Auditorium with two special performances on the first weekend in December. The concert will be conducted by music director Scott Hanoian and performed by the UMS Choral Union and the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra. Get your tickets for this annual holiday tradition here.

 

Holiday Movies at Michigan Theater | Ann Arbor

Where: Michigan Theater

When: December 3, 10 + 17

Nothing says “happy holidays” like watching a classic Christmas film. Michigan Theatre is hosting showings of three different beloved movies throughout the month: The Polar Express on December 3, The Grinch on December 10, and Home Alone on December 17. The best part? All showings are completely free. You’ll just have to reserve your seats here.

 

The Nutcracker Presented by iBallet Studio | Ann Arbor

Where: Power Center for the Performing Arts

When: December 9 + 10

It wouldn’t be the holiday season without The Nutcracker. iBallet Studio is bringing back their performance of this timeless classic, this time with even more talent and expertise! The productions on December 9 and 10 will feature professional guest dancers from the Mariinsky Ballet and Bolshoi Theatre. Get your tickets for either date here!

 

Fishville Farms Christmas Craft & Vendor Show | Chelsea

Where: Chelsea Fairground

When: December 9 + 10

Discover the ultimate Christmas shopping experience at the Fishville Farms Christmas Craft & Vendor Show on December 9 and 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Chelsea Fairgrounds. With more than 40 small business booths, this event offers a diverse selection of handmade items and unique gifts. Enjoy food truck delights from Krystal’s Kitchen and a caffeine boost from the Sippity Split coffee truck. This is an excellent opportunity to find that special holiday gift while supporting local businesses — and admission is free! Explore the myriad of indoor booths, participate in the Gift Basket Gift-Away, and contribute to the donation drive benefiting Faith In Action & Jackson Interfaith Shelter.

 

Together for the Holidays | Dexter

Where: Dexter Center for the Performing Arts

When: December 10

Take part in the joyous celebration of the holiday season with the Dexter Community Orchestra’s Together for the Holidays. The concert will feature Coleridge-Taylor’s Christmas Overture, Holst’s St. Paul’s Suite, Anderson’s Sleigh Ride and A Christmas Festival, and other holiday favorites. The event will also feature the Dexter High School Chamber Orchestra.

 

Holiday Pops | Ann Arbor

Where: U-M Hill Auditorium 

When: December 16

Photo Courtesy of Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra

This Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra tradition returns to Hill Auditorium on December 16. The Holiday Pops concert offers a sleighful of classic hits plus new orchestral performances, featuring special guests, Measure for Measure, Ann Arbor Youth Chorale, Boychoir of Ann Arbor, and members of the Pioneer, Huron and Skyline High School Choirs. This year, the show starts a little earlier at 7 p.m. to accommodate younger listeners. Get your tickets for this exciting community tradition here!

 

Ypsilanti Artisans Holiday Market | Ypsilanti

Where: Ypsilanti Freighthouse

When: December 16 + 17

Shop from more than 40 local crafters, artisans and food vendors at the Ypsilanti Artisans Holiday Market, which is popping up at the Ypsi Freighthouse on December 16 and 17. Enjoy live music and other festivities while you shop for unique and handmade gifts, like baked goodies, one-of-a-kind paintings, specialty teas, candles, handmade jewelry, and more, created by makers of all kinds! Admission to the market is completely free.

 

Community Celebrations

Rockin’ for the Hungry | Ann Arbor

Where: Kroger

When: November 28–December 2

Amidst the busy-ness of the holiday season, it’s important to remember our neighbors in need. Food Gatherers is hosting Rockin’ for the Hungry, their largest food and fund drive of the year. Donate food or funds at the Kroger on 400 South Maple Road from November 28 through December 2, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. 107.1 FM will be broadcasting the event all five days, featuring interviews with community partners, program highlights, donor-sponsored power hours, and of course, lots of great music! Get all the info here.

 

Kerrytown District KindleFest | Ann Arbor

Where: Kerrytown District

When: December 1

After a short hiatus, KindleFest is back in Kerrytown — now with even more festivities to enjoy! Much like Christkindlmarkt in Germany, this festive event will feature artists and vendors selling their holiday wares, plus traditional food and hot mulled wine, in a cozy outdoor setting in the Kerrytown District. Plus, many local retail businesses and restaurants will stay open late for shopping and snacking!

 

Festival of Trees | Northville

Where: Mill Race Historical Village

When: December 1

Step back in time to experience an old-fashioned Christmas at the charming Mill Race Historical Village in Northville. Festive lighted trees decorated by businesses, families and groups will be on display as part of their Christmas in the Village event. There will also be a Christmas market, holiday inflatables, Christmas music, and much more, at this magical family-friendly event!

 

Midnight Madness | Ann Arbor

Where: Downtown Ann Arbor

When: December 1

Every year, just in time for the holiday shopping season, downtown Ann Arbor businesses stay open late for one of our community’s favorite shopping events. Main Street Ann Arbor’s Midnight Madness includes holiday specials inside shops and restaurants, holiday lights, painted windows, live music, and sidewalk entertainment from 7–9 p.m. Click here for the 2023 shopping guide.

 

Moonlight Madness | Ann Arbor

Where: State Street District

When: December 1

Enjoy a fun night out while checking some items off your holiday shopping list at Moonlight Madness! Businesses in the State Street District will be offering amazing deals as they gear up for the holidays while restaurants will be staying open late, giving you the chance to shop local this holiday season. Plus, enjoy musical performances, live ice sculpting, hot cocoa stations, and more. This is the perfect opportunity to Show Your Love for downtown and support our amazing local businesses and re-invited Ann Arbor State Street Art Fair fine artists!

 

Hometown Holiday | Chelsea

Where: Downtown Chelsea

When: December 1 + 2

In Chelsea, the holiday kick-off lasts an entire weekend. The activities start with Santa lighting the Christmas tree at Pierce Park on Friday night and continue through the weekend with a light parade, gingerbread house displays, a holiday home tour, and more. To see the full activity schedule, click here.

 

Christmas in the Village | Manchester

Where: Downtown Manchester

When: December 1 + 2

An amazing hometown celebration every year, Manchester’s Christmas in the Village includes a Christmas parade, a tree lighting, Santa visits, hayrides, a bake sale, kids crafts, a pop-up market, and more. This year, it’s going to be a Winter Wonderland! Follow the team on Facebook for updates.

 

Christmas at the Mansion | Dexter

Where: Gordon Hall

When: December 2

Gordon Hall in Dexter comes to life throughout the holiday season, including their Christmas at the Mansion event. This is a rare opportunity to visit this beloved historic home decked out in stunning holiday decorations with the theme “Angels Among Us.” Plus, visit with Santa, make a gingerbread house, and explore the Christmas Vintage Collection, which is a magical display of Milt Campbell’s massive collection of Department 56 villages. If you can’t make it on this night, don’t worry! Gordon Hall will be open on the evenings of December 9, 16 and 27 from 6–8 p.m. This event is free, with a suggested donation of $5 per adult.

 

Saline Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting | Saline

Where: Downtown Saline

When: December 2

The holidays in Saline kick off on December 2 with the Saline Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting. Festivities begin with a cocoa crawl from 12–6 p.m., followed by the tree lighting from 5–6 p.m., a Merry Mile race at 5:30 p.m., the parade at 6:15 p.m., and photos with Santa from 7:30–8:30 p.m. Get more info about this jam-packed event here!

 

Sports

Holiday Hustle | Dexter

Where: Monument Park

When: December 2

This one-mile fun run and 5K in Dexter has become one of our favorite family traditions in the area! The dash through the community allows participants to take in the neighborhood light displays while wearing festive costumes. $5 from each registration will be donated to local charities and race day participants can bring non-perishable food items to receive free raffle tickets. The 1-mile and 5K races start at 4 and 4:30 p.m., respectively, and there’s also a half marathon at 11 a.m. if you’re looking for more of a challenge! Click here for all the details about registration and pricing for 2023.

 

The Whoville 5K | Northville

Where: Northville High School

When: December 3

Photo Courtesy of Jamie Geysbeek via Gazelle Sports

The Whoville 5K is more than just a race — it’s a place! It’s a place where you’ll meet some of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Thing 1 and 2 and their cat, Mr. and Mrs. Mayor, and of course, The Grinch! After completing this fun 5K, all participants will receive a festive hat and medal, plus delicious sweet treats in the Who-village. Proceeds will benefit local charities, so this is an excellent — and fun — way to give back this holiday season!

 

Happy December!

We hope you and your family have a dazzling and delightful December!