Midnight Madness
Visitors can stroll through downtown to enjoy late-night shopping, holiday specials, and dining promotions across local shops and restaurants. Outdoor entertainment along Main Street features live choir performances, festive winter games, and a silent disco under the twinkle lights. Guests can also meet Santa Claus, explore hands-on family activities, and sip seasonal drinks along the social district cocktail crawl.
What to Expect
Downtown Ann Arbor’s holiday season kick-off with late-night shopping and street entertainment.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Ann Arbor
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Main Street Area Association
Food & Drink
Sip specialty holiday cocktails on the crawl, enjoy hot cocoa from AAPD, or get hot apple cider at CLUSTER Museum.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday shoppers
Vibe
Festive and lively
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: No Midnight Madness admission or ticket price is stated. The glow-in-the-dark magic wand activity is free, 5:00pm - 10:00pm or while supplies last; CLUSTER Museum also lists free kids activities and hot apple cider.
- Hours: Listed activity times: Winter Games 5 PM - 11 PM; Social District Cocktail Crawl 5 PM - 11 PM; Galen Tags 6 PM - 12 AM; Voices in Harmony 6 PM - 8 PM; Hand On Museum 6 PM - 9 PM; AFC Ann Arbor 6 PM - 10 PM; Meet Santa Claus on Main Street 7 PM - 9 PM; Meet Miss Michigan 7 PM - 9 PM; Hot Cocoa with AAPD 7 PM - 9 PM; Coat Swap & Donation with A2Zero 7 PM - 10 PM; Pioneer Choirs 8 PM - 10 PM; Whoa Silent Disco 8 PM - 11 PM. Select stores are open until midnight; store hours vary.
Tips & Advice
- Bring a spare coat to the A2Zero coat swap on Main Street, since trading or donating one enters you to win a gift card downtown.
- Go to the Ann Arbor Art Center early for the free glow-in-the-dark magic wand activity, because it only runs while supplies last.
- Get a Social District drink to go, like Grizzly Peak's to-go beer, and carry it with you as you walk between shops.
- Santa and Miss Michigan are on Main Street for only part of the evening, so plan your family's photo stop around their appearance.
- Store hours vary from shop to shop and only some stay open the latest, so visit your must-see stores earlier in the night.
Special Events & Promotions
- One night only: buy an AFC Ann Arbor season ticket at their booth and get a limited-edition 10-year anniversary scarf, plus a meet-and-greet with Nutmeg the Squirrel.
- Galens Tag Days return, with all proceeds going to local children's charities in Washtenaw County.
- Coat Swap & Donation with A2Zero: trade or donate a coat and be entered to win a downtown gift card.
- Santa and Miss Michigan stroll Main Street together for part of the evening.
- Hot cocoa served by the Ann Arbor Police Department.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there for kids?
The Hands-On Museum brings interactive exhibits and creative activities, and Santa meets kids of all ages on Main Street. Kids can decorate a free glow-in-the-dark magic wand at the Ann Arbor Art Center. CLUSTER Museum has free kids activities and hot apple cider.
How does the cocktail crawl work?
In the Social District Cocktail Crawl, local bars and restaurants make holiday-themed cocktails. Some spots pour drinks to go, so you can sip while you shop, like Grizzly Peak's to-go beer and the Grotto's hot and cold drinks.
What entertainment is on Main Street?
You'll find Winter Games and the all-women's choir Voices in Harmony strolling the street. The Pioneer High School Choirs perform, and the Whoa Silent Disco has wireless headphones and several music channels.
Can I donate a coat?
Yes. Bring a coat to trade or donate at the A2Zero Coat Swap & Donation on Main Street. You'll be entered to win a gift card to a downtown business of your choice.
Are shops running deals?
Yes. Many stores have storewide discounts, gifts with purchase, free samples and giveaways. Renaissance Clothing and IVEY offer free gift wrapping.
More Christmas Events Near Ann Arbor
More Christmas Events near Ann Arbor
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.