Experience the magic of the holiday season in Ann Arbor, MI, with an array of enchanting events that cater to all ages. Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village transports visitors to a 19th-century celebration with lantern-lit paths and period-accurate decorations, while Nite Lites at the Jackson County Fairgrounds dazzles with a drive-through light show synchronized to holiday tunes.
For a musical treat, the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Pops concert blends classical music with beloved seasonal melodies, creating an unforgettable auditory experience. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Ann Arbor offers holiday festivities that promise to delight and entertain.
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The Top Christmas Events in Ann Arbor
- Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops
- Kerrytown Market & Shops Holiday Market
- Downtown Tree Lighting and Santa
- Holiday Nights at University of Michigan Museum of Art
- Christmas at Cobblestone Farm
Ann Arbor Holiday Markets and Shopping
Kerrytown Market & Shops Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Artisanal and locally-made holiday gifts
Description:
Kerrytown Market & Shops Holiday Market celebrates local artisans and their handcrafted wares. This bustling marketplace showcases unique, locally-made gifts that capture the essence of Ann Arbor's creative spirit. Visitors can browse through stalls offering everything from hand-poured candles to artisanal chocolates. The market's location in historic Kerrytown adds to its charm, with the district's brick streets and Victorian architecture providing a picturesque backdrop. You'll discover one-of-a-kind treasures while supporting the local economy and preserving traditional craftsmanship.
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Kerrytown Market & Shops Holiday Market
Ann Arbor Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops
What to Expect:
Classical renditions of holiday favorites
Description:
The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra elevates holiday music to new heights with their Holiday Pops concert. This annual tradition blends classical mastery with beloved seasonal melodies, creating a sophisticated auditory experience. The orchestra's skilled musicians breathe new life into familiar tunes, offering fresh interpretations that resonate with audiences of all ages. Guests can marvel at the intricate arrangements that showcase the full range of orchestral instruments. The concert pays homage to Ann Arbor's rich cultural heritage, having been a staple of the city's holiday season for decades.
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Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops
Ann Arbor Other Holiday Activities
Downtown Tree Lighting and Santa
What to Expect:
Community-centered tree lighting ceremony
Description:
Ann Arbor's Downtown Tree Lighting ceremony brings the community together in a heartwarming display of holiday spirit. The event centers around the illumination of a towering evergreen, symbolizing the start of the holiday season. Local choirs fill the air with carols, creating a joyous atmosphere. Children eagerly await Santa's arrival, often by fire truck, adding excitement to the festivities. This tradition has been a cornerstone of Ann Arbor's holiday celebrations for generations, fostering a sense of unity among residents and visitors alike.
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Downtown Tree Lighting and Santa
Holiday Nights at University of Michigan Museum of Art
What to Expect:
Art-inspired holiday celebrations
Description:
Holiday Nights at the University of Michigan Museum of Art blends fine art appreciation with seasonal cheer. The museum's galleries come alive with special exhibitions and holiday-themed art installations. Visitors can explore the collections while enjoying live performances by local musicians and artists. The event offers a unique opportunity to view masterpieces in a festive context, encouraging new interpretations of familiar works. Guests can create their own art-inspired ornaments, connecting them directly with the creative process. This sophisticated celebration highlights the cultural significance of the university's art collection.
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Holiday Nights at University of Michigan Museum of Art
Christmas at Cobblestone Farm
What to Expect:
19th-century farm Christmas experience
Description:
Christmas at Cobblestone Farm offers a glimpse into 19th-century rural holiday celebrations. This restored 1844 farmhouse comes alive with period-accurate decorations and activities. Visitors can experience traditional crafts, such as candle dipping or wreath making, guided by costumed interpreters. The farmhouse kitchen bustles with the preparation of historic holiday recipes, filling the air with enticing aromas. You'll learn about the evolution of Christmas traditions in Michigan's farming communities, gaining insight into the state's agricultural heritage. This immersive event provides a stark contrast to modern holiday celebrations, highlighting the simplicity of past times.
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Nearby Events
Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village (Dearborn)
What to Expect:
Immersive historical Christmas experience
Description:
Step back in time at Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village. This living history museum transforms into a 19th-century holiday celebration. Lantern-lit paths guide visitors through historic homes adorned with period-accurate decorations. Engage with costumed interpreters who bring Christmas traditions of the past to life. The event showcases how holiday customs have evolved over time, offering a unique perspective on American cultural history. You can even take a ride in a Model T or horse-drawn carriage, adding to the authentic atmosphere of yesteryear.
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Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village
Nite Lites - Jackson County Fairgrounds (Jackson)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display with synchronized music
Description:
Nite Lites illuminates the Jackson County Fairgrounds with a dazzling array of light displays. This drive-through experience synchronizes millions of LED lights to holiday tunes, creating a symphony for the senses. The event boasts over three miles of animated displays, making it one of the largest light shows in Michigan. Visitors can tune their car radios to a dedicated station to fully immerse themselves in the spectacle. The fairgrounds, typically bustling with summer activities, transform into a winter attraction that draws thousands annually.
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Nite Lites - Jackson County Fairgrounds
Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo (Royal Oak)
What to Expect:
Animal-themed light sculptures
Description:
Wild Lights transforms the Detroit Zoo into a luminous safari after dark. Millions of LED lights form intricate animal sculptures, creating a unique blend of wildlife education and holiday cheer. Visitors can stroll through immersive light tunnels and encounter glowing representations of their favorite zoo inhabitants. The event incorporates conservation messages, raising awareness about endangered species. Guests can warm up with hot cocoa while exploring the illuminated pathways. This innovative approach to holiday lighting has made Wild Lights a regional attraction since its inception.
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Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo
Christmas at the Crossroads (Flint)
What to Expect:
Recreated 19th-century village Christmas
Description:
Christmas at the Crossroads transports visitors to a 19th-century holiday celebration. This living history event recreates the sights and sounds of a Victorian-era village during the festive season. Costumed interpreters demonstrate traditional crafts and share stories of Christmas past. The air is filled with the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread from the village bakery. Guests can participate in period games or take a lantern-lit stroll through the historic buildings. The event offers a glimpse into the simpler holiday traditions of rural Michigan, preserving an important part of the state's cultural heritage.
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Dexter Christmas Parade (Dexter)
What to Expect:
Small-town charm with a big holiday spirit
Description:
The Dexter Christmas Parade embodies small-town charm with a grand holiday celebration. Floats adorned with twinkling lights wind through the historic downtown, showcasing local businesses and community groups. The parade culminates with Santa's arrival, greeted by cheering crowds. Spectators line the streets, bundled up against the winter chill, creating a warm community atmosphere. This annual tradition has been bringing Dexter residents together for decades, fostering a strong sense of local pride and holiday spirit.
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Holiday Nights at Meadow Brook Hall (Rochester)
What to Expect:
Opulent Tudor-revival mansion decorated for Christmas
Description:
Holiday Nights at Meadow Brook Hall showcases the grandeur of a bygone era. This Tudor-revival mansion, once home to automotive aristocracy, dons its finest holiday attire. Each room is meticulously decorated with period-appropriate ornaments and greenery, offering a glimpse into lavish early 20th-century celebrations. Visitors can explore the 110-room estate, marveling at the intricate details of holiday decor against the backdrop of historic architecture. The event pays homage to the Dodge-Wilson family's holiday traditions, preserving an important piece of Michigan's automotive heritage.
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Holiday Nights at Meadow Brook Hall
Nutcracker Ballet by Ballet Chelsea (Chelsea)
What to Expect:
Community-based production of a classic ballet
Description:
Ballet Chelsea's Nutcracker brings a beloved holiday classic to life with local talent. This community-based production showcases the skills of young dancers alongside seasoned professionals, creating a unique blend of enthusiasm and expertise. The performance features elaborate costumes and sets that transport the audience to a world of sugar plum fairies and toy soldiers. Tchaikovsky's iconic score resonates through the theater, performed by live musicians. This annual tradition not only entertains but also nurtures local artistic talent, contributing to the cultural vibrancy of the Chelsea area.
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Nutcracker Ballet by Ballet Chelsea
Saline Christmas Parade (Saline)
What to Expect:
Historic small-town Christmas parade
Description:
The Saline Christmas Parade captures the essence of small-town holiday spirit. Floats adorned with sparkling lights roll down the historic main street, showcasing local businesses and community organizations. The parade's route passes by well-preserved 19th-century buildings, adding a touch of nostalgia to the festivities. Spectators line the sidewalks, sipping hot chocolate and cheering on their neighbors. This longstanding tradition brings together generations of Saline residents, fostering a strong sense of community pride and holiday cheer.