Compiled by Lily Cole | Editor
Arts and Crafts
The first recorded instance of Christmas being celebrated on December 25 was in 336 AD. Wikimedia Commons | Dietmar Rabich
Fishville Farms Christmas at the Fair Craft Show and Food Donation Drive
Dec. 14-15 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Chelsea Fair Grounds | 1434 Old Manchester Rd., Chelsea
Join us for a free, family-friendly craft and vendor show at the Chelsea Fairgrounds on Dec.14-15. The show will feature over 50 local artisans, small businesses, and food trucks. Enjoy free Santa visits and kids’ activities, and support local foster care and shelter donations while completing your holiday shopping!
Ypsilanti Artisans Holiday Market
Dec. 21-22 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Ypsilanti Freighthouse | 100 Market Pl., Ypsilanti
Get ready for a holiday shopping spree like no other at the Ypsilanti Artisan Holiday Market. Browse handmade treasures from over 40 local artisans, featuring everything from jewelry and ceramics to fiber art and wood crafts. Enjoy live music, tasty bites and festive vibes. Admission and parking are free.
Annual Holiday Sale: Kiwanis Center
Every Friday & Saturday, Nov. 29-Dec. 21 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (Fri.) & 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (Sat.)
Kiwanis Center West | 100 N. Staebler Rd., Ann Arbor
Shop ’til you drop and explore a fabulous sale of used toys, seasonal goodies, sporting gear, kitchen finds, collectibles, books, jewelry, furniture and so much more. Whether you’re looking for gifts, bargains, or something quirky, there’s something for everyone.
Music and Fun
Santa Claus’ name is derived from Sinterklaas, which means Saint Nicholas in Dutch. Wikimedia Commons | Jonathan Meath
Santa at Domino Petting Farm
Dec. 14 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Domino’s Petting Farm | 3001 Earhart Rd., Ann Arbor
Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit Domino Petting Farm for a special event with kids! Pre-registration is required: $10 per family for members and $20 per family for non-members. The price includes time with Mrs. Claus and 3 minutes with Santa–bring your own camera or get a photo from the farm.
Ann Arbor Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl
Dec. 21 | 4-10 p.m.
Bløm Mead + Cider | 100 South 4th Avenue #STE 110, Ann Arbor
Get ready for the Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl. Ages 21 and up. Join for an epic night of festive cheer, holiday fun and drink specials at local bars. Don your ugliest sweater, gather your friends, and enjoy an unforgettable evening of laughter, new friends and holiday merriment.
Nightmare Before Christmas starring Halloween the Heavy Metal Horror Show
Dec. 13-14 | 7 p.m.-1 a.m.
Diamondback Music Hall | 49345 Interstate 94 S Service Drive Van Buren Charter Township
Join Detroit’s legendary shock rock pioneers, Halloween, for a spine-chilling night of heavy metal horror at Diamondback Music Hall on Dec. 13. Ages 21 and up. This a full night of electrifying performances you won’t want to miss. Tickets go for $20.
Not a Holiday Fan?
Little Orphan Annie debuted as a comic strip in 1924. Wikimedia Commons | Eva Rinaldi
“Annie”: the Encore Musical Theatre Company
Dec. 5-Jan. 12 | 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat., except Dec. 12), 3 p.m., 2 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.)
Encore | 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter.
Catch the Tony Award-winning musical Annie at Encore! This heartwarming show features iconic songs like “Tomorrow” and “It’s a Hard-Knock Life. ” It follows Annie’s adventures from the orphanage to Daddy Warbucks’ mansion. Performances are Thursday–Saturday evenings and weekend matinees. Tickets from $43.50–$60.50 are available at theencoretheatre.org.
Studio Tours: Stephenson Ceramic Studio
Dec. 27 or all year | 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Stephenson Ceramic Studio | 4380 Waters Rd., Ann Arbor
Step into the creative world of John and Susanne Stephenson, where a lifetime of stunning ceramic and metal art fills every corner of their whimsical woodland studio. Explore their new gallery, art-filled storage nooks, and charming Winter Sculpture Garden. Free and fun for all ages.
Ann Arbor 200 Film Series
Dec. 23 | 6-7:30 p.m.
Downtown Library: 1st Floor Lobby | 343 South Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor
Join the AA Public Library for weekly screenings in Dec. of short documentary films celebrating Ann Arbor’s history, commissioned by AADL for the city’s bicentennial. Enjoy four to five films each week, followed by a Q&A with local filmmakers, exploring topics like businesses, traditions and historical stories.
