The holiday season in Ann Arbor is bustling with activity, from parades to Christmas markets, special orchestral performances, and more — mark your calendar with activities you don’t want to miss.

Hometown Holiday

Various Locations, Chelsea
November 29th-December 15th

As part of Chelsea’s Hometown Holiday event, kiddos can send letters to Santa himself! Drop your mail into the Santa Mailbox at Palmer Commons on Main Street, located across from the city offices and the police department. Children are encouraged to mail their wish lists directly to the North Pole. In order to receive a return letter, mail must be received by December 15th. Letters should be self-addressed with postage paid and include a return envelope. This event is proudly organized by the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce, with special thanks to the Chelsea Senior Center and the Hometown Holiday Presenting Sponsor: Eder & Diver Insurance Agency. Nothing beats the magic of sending your Christmas list off to Santa and receiving something back from the man of the hour before Christmas! Full details and a list of all events can be found here. 

Kerrytown District Kindlefest

315 Detroit Street, Ann Arbor
December 6th

This outdoor holiday market will feature artisans and vendors selling holiday wares, making this a prime opportunity to finish up that holiday shopping before Christmas rolls around. There will be traditional food options, as well as hot mulled wine to sip on as you peruse. The festive outdoor setting is the perfect location for those looking to emulate the magic of the Christkindlmarkt experience in Germany. Kerrytown District businesses and restaurants will remain open later in the evening to enhance the festivities. Attendees can expect to find a variety of crafts, goods, as well as local food trucks and vendors on site. Of course, beer and glühwein will also be available for purchase. Events for kids are scheduled from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and live music will wrap up around 10:00 PM.

Krampusmrkt: Handmade Holiday Bazaar

100 Market Place, Ypsilanti
December 6th & 7th

This two-day holiday bazaar is back for its 4th year and better than ever! The event is set to be held at the Ypsilanti Freighthouse with plenty of holiday cheer and 50+ local artisans and makers onsite selling their handmade goods; from Krampus-themed crafts to one-of-a-kind gifts for the special people in your life. Embrace the darker side of the holiday season at this unique and festive celebration. Admission is free and parking is available along Rice Street, as well as on Cross and River Streets. The mischievous spirit of Krampus might give you a little fright throughout the market but don’t fear: this opportunity to explore Ypsilanti’s local businesses shouldn’t be skipped! Participants can enjoy food and drinks, all while browsing independent shops and galleries — soak up the exciting atmosphere that only rolls around once every year.

Christmas Parade

104 East Michigan Avenue, Saline
December 7th

The Saline Area Chamber of Commerce Holiday Parade is scheduled from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM on the first Saturday of December. Ring in the holiday season in downtown Saline with lots of festive music, entertainment, and lights galore. There will even be a special guest — Santa Claus! People from all across the area line the streets for this traditional holiday event, so be sure to arrive early to carve out a good viewing spot. The event is free to attend. There will be over 100 parade participants, including animals, dancers, musicians, and even a hot air balloon! Whether you bring your family out or cheer the participants on solo, there’s no wrong way to ring in the festive season at the parade. Float contest winners are chosen across categories such as business organizations, charitable organizations, and youth organizations. One of the criteria that the judges use is a public appeal, so cheer on your favorites to help them win!

Christmas in the Village

5583 Webster Church Road, Dexter
December 14th

The Webster Township Historical Society presents Christmas in the Village this December. From 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM, spend the evening taking a leisurely stroll through the Historic Village by lantern light. Take a step back in time as the Arbor Consort fill the air with carols while dressed in period attire. Each building will be adorned with festive greenery and glowing candlelight. Santa will be in residence in the Old Town Hall, so make sure to say hello. The schoolmarm will read “Twas the Night Before Christmas” in the one-room schoolhouse and the blacksmith will be firing up his old forge in the shop. Revelers can stay warm by the outdoor fire while they sip on warm cups of hot cocoa and enjoy cookies from the general store. This event is priced at $10 per person.

Christmas at the Orchard

13011 Bethel Church Road, Manchester
December 15th

Manchester’s Christmas at the Orchard is a great way to get into the holiday spirit with Christmas just around the corner. On December 15th from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM, join Freedom Winery for a festive celebration filled with holiday cheer, delicious cocktails, and fun activities for the whole family. Included with each picture admission ticket is a photo with Santa and a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. Additional treats and activities will be available, such as cookie decorating, food, games, vendors with seasonal goodies, and the Santa Mailbox where kiddos can drop their letters. Adults can imbibe special holiday cocktails and hard cider beverages. The winery will remain open until 5:00 PM, so stick around after the Christmas fun. Picture admission is priced at $8 and general admission is priced at $4.50 if you’re coming as a group!

The Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra Holiday Extravaganza

7425 Willis Road, Ypsilanti
December 15th

This year’s performance by the Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra will feature a world premiere and collaboration with the Washtenaw International HS Orchestra. On Sunday, December 15th from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM head over to Lincoln High School to catch this unforgettable experience, as well as the second annual YSO Fundraising Auction. The world premiere of “Symphony #3 for Orchestra” by Brooke Pierson will surely excite audiences of all ages! Brooke Pierson is a multi-award-winning composer, conductor, and teacher of the year nominee from Ypsilanti. Tickets to this holiday performance are priced at $12 for adults, $6 for students, seniors, and children, or $30 per family. There is parking available onsite.

Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings

7650 Scio Church Road, Ann Arbor
December 18th

Candlelight concerts bring audiences together using the magic of a live, multi-sensory ambiance at awe-inspiring locations like you’ve never seen them. Snag your tickets now for this special rendition of the Candlelight concert series: Christmas Carols on Strings. The concert will be held at Frutig Farms under the gentle glow of candlelight. Attendees must be 8 years or older and anybody under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Seating is assigned on a first come first served basis, so arrive 30 minutes prior to the start time when doors open. The tentative program for the Christmas Carols includes 12 Days of Christmas, Deck the Halls, Carol of the Bells, Joy to the World, O Holy Night, and The First Noël. The Kalkaska String Quartet will be performing.

Holiday Pops 2024

825 North University Avenue, Ann Arbor
December 21st

Are you ready to experience a symphony of lights, sights, and sounds at this year’s Holiday Pops? This beloved event makes its return to Ann Arbor’s Hill Auditorium to celebrate the spirit of the season with this extra-special concert. This year, Music Director Earl Lee will take the candy cane-striped podium for the first time — so make sure to show your support! The journey to the North Pole will be led by the full orchestra during an evening of classics, new orchestral arrangements, and transformative audience participation, so everyone has the chance to get involved. The start time of 7:00 PM is designed to help parents accommodate earlier bedtimes, as this event is meant to be fun for the entire family and provide a memorable experience for all ages. Tickets are on sale now here, varying in price depending on which section of the auditorium you choose.

Mark Your Calendars for These New Year’s Eve Celebrations!

And don’t forget, New Year’s Eve events and celebrations are right around the corner as well! Check out these local parties, shows, and more to ring in 2025.

Ultimate New Year’s Eve Celebration

3050 Jackson Avenue, Ann Arbor
December 31st

Looking for an unforgettable way to welcome 2025? Indulge in the most luxurious New Year’s Eve event in Ann Arbor at Weber’s Boutique Hotel. Whether you’re a local looking for a staycation or you’re visiting from out of town, this is the perfect spot to ring in the new year. Not only will you receive deluxe accommodations, you can enjoy fine dining and world-class entertainment while you’re at it. For those who book by 11/30/24, the hotel is offering a free night on January 1st, 2025 — so book now and save! The New Year’s Eve Grand Ballroom Dinner and Party Package includes evening-long entertainment from live performers and a poolside DJ, as well as a champagne welcome reception and an open luxury bar from 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM. The dining experience will feature an hors d’oeuvre plate for two, buffet salads and soups, buffet entrees such as prime rib of beef, crab cakes, caramelized salmon filet and more, accompaniments, and an exquisite selection of seasonal mini pastries for dessert. Guests can also partake in a late-night pizza snack!

New Year’s Eve Burlesque Show

102 West Michigan Avenue, Ypsilanti
December 31st

Want to ring in the new year with a sizzling burlesque show? Head on over to the Ypsi Cocktail Club in Ypsilanti this New Year’s Eve for a show you won’t soon forget. The night will be filled with dazzling performances and exciting entertainment beginning at 8:00 PM. The talented group of performers will showcase their unique skills in a night dedicated to glamor and comedy. Grab a group of friends and make some cherished memories as you stay up past midnight to greet 2025! General admission tickets are priced at $50 plus fees and include two cocktails. There are VIP options available starting at $65 plus fees that include limited bar seating, as well as two cocktails apiece. If there’s one thing to know about the Ypsi Cocktail Club it’s that they know their cocktails! Order your favorites or branch out and try something new.

Crescent City Quartet’s New Orleans New Year’s Eve

301 North Fifth Avenue, Ann Arbor
December 31st

Get ready to greet the new year with a night dedicated to traditional, New Orleans-inspired hot jazz with the Crescent City Quartet. Lace up your dancing shoes and get to swinging your hips as you jump onto the dance floor with your partner. Tickets to this New Year’s Eve event include one glass of champagne or a sparkling nonalcoholic alternative, as well as party hats — because what’s a celebration without a little bit of themed attire? The event officially kicks off at 7:00 PM and runs past midnight on January 1st at Ann Arbor’s North Star Lounge. Tickets are priced at $30 and you can grab them ahead of time online at nstarlounge.com. You can select from two seating slots, with the first between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM and the second from 10:00 PM to 12:05 AM. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime.

Happy Holidays, Ann Arbor!

We hope you have a phenomenal time this holiday season — quality time spent with friends, family, and loved ones is never time wasted. This is the most festive time of the year, so take advantage and check out all that the Ann Arbor area has to offer during the holidays.