When most people think of December, they think of staying in their house, cozy and warm in front the fireplace. However, while the temperatures outside will drop, the fun will be heating up this December in the Ann Arbor area. If you live in Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Dexter, Saline, or Ypsilanti, there are many events for you to enjoy all month long.

Ann Arbor

 
Santa’s Mailbox
Santa’s mailbox is now open for letters and wish lists in front of Conor O’Neill’s (318 S. Main St.). All letters received by 3pm on December 18th will be answered. Please remember to include your return address.
Click here for more information.
 
KindleFest

Kerrytown District’s KindleFest is a free outdoor holiday market happening December 4th, 6-10pm. The festival features local and regional artisans and farmers selling hand-crafted ornaments, toys and unique holiday gifts, as well as German foods, sweets and beverages. Enjoy live music, fire pits to keep you warm, warming tent, s’more roasting and a Lantern Parade in the Kerrytown neighborhood. Bring your family and parade around with colorful lanterns while singing holiday carols. Make a night of it and explore the entire downtown area as many of the shops kick off the holiday shopping season with special hours, sales, and more.
Click here for more information.
 
 Midnight Madness
Once again Kerrytown and Main Street Association of Ann Arbor will be hosting Ann Arbor’s famed Midnight Madness on December 4. This is a fun-filled evening of shopping and dining. You’ll find great holiday sales throughout the stores, while you shop enjoy the sidewalk entertainment, and say hello to Santa Claus and Miss Washtenaw County, who will be roaming the sidewalks from 7-9pm. Live music featuring the Joe Summers Gypsy Jazz Quartet, strolling carolers, treats at Kerrytown.
Click here for more information.
 
Visit with Santa in Kerrytown
Santa will be visiting Kerrytown December 5th, 12th, and 19th, from 10am -2pm.  Come back the following week and pick up your free photo on one of the holiday trees in Kerrytown.
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Sing Along with Santa
You can sing along with him at the Bethlehem United Church of Christ on December 5.  This is your opportunity to sing your favorite carols with Santa Claus, oboist Timothy Michling and Pioneer High School’s Desperate Measures, Dissonance, and Pioneers. A photographer will be taking a photo of each youngster with Santa – which will be sent electronically in time for Christmas.
Click here for more information.
 
Holiday Classic Film Series
The Michigan Theater is featuring three classic films at its Holiday Classic Film Series on Sunday afternoons before Christmas in December. All shows are at 1:30pm and admission is FREE.

• December 6 – The Muppet Christmas Carol
• December 13 – How the Grinch Stole Christmas
• December 20 – It’s a Wonderful Life

Click here for more information.
 
Holiday Extravaganza Concert

The Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra is proud to present its “Holiday Extravaganza Concert” on Sunday, December 13, 2015 at 3:30pm in Towsley Auditorium, Washtenaw Community College.  This concert will feature The Washtenaw Community College Chamber Singers under the Direction of Dr. Joseph D. Daniels. Come kick off your Holiday Season with the Music of Leroy Anderson, Victor Hely-Hutchinson, Joseph Martin, John Rutter and other holiday favorites!
Tickets are $12 for adults, $6 for Seniors 65 and over/Children 12 and under, $30 for a family of four or more. WCC Students enter free with School ID.  Tickets can be purchased ahead of time at http://www.ypsilantisymphony.org/tickets.html or the day of at the door.
Click here for more information.
 
A Christmas Carol


The National Theatre of Scotland is returning to Ann Arbor December 17 through January 3 with a unique production of Charles Dickens’s holiday classic. A Christmas Carol will be performed in a specially-designed immersive set that places the audience right in the midst of the offices of Messrs. Scrooge and Marley. Dickens’s immortal tale of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge features a superbly talented cast, haunting puppets, live music, and a set that will spirit you back to Scrooge’s Victorian London. General admission onstage seating only.
Click here for more information.
 

Chelsea

 
 
Annual Gingerbread House Displays
As part of the Chelsea’s Hometown Holiday events there will be an annual Gingerbread House Show. Houses will be prominently displayed in shop windows throughout Chelsea. Enjoy seeing beautiful creations as you stroll through local shops from December 3 through December 19.
Click here for more information.
 

Visit with Santa & Santa’s Workshop
Meet with Santa and make gifts in his workshop on Friday, December 4, from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm at the Chelsea Depot.  Bring your camera for a photo opportunity with the man in red! After meeting with Santa, head across the lot for Story Telling at Chelsea’s Farmers Supply.

Crafts are sponsored by Chelsea Children’s Cooperative Preschool.
Click here for more information.
 
Hometown Holidays Annual Chelsea Michigan Hometown Holiday is a fun filled weekend celebration which marks the beginning of the holiday season. Festivities starts with a tree lighting ceremony and the weekend includes visits with Santa, a live nativity,  holiday activities and entertainment at our many great merchants and historic locations in Chelsea, Michigan
Chelsea is decked out in holiday splendor to warm your hearts and get you in the holiday spirit.  Local merchants are on hand with great gift ideas and special pricing for everyone on your list.  Explore the annual gingerbread house displays, sip on hot chocolate, and enjoy the special events from December 4 – 6.
Click here for more information.
 
Nutcracker

Ballet Chelsea will present its 18th Annual Nutcracker Ballet December 5 & 6, 2015 at Chelsea High School’s auditorium. This family holiday favorite is a full-length, narrated ballet, choreographed by Artistic Director Wendi DuBois.  Accomplished dancers delight audiences as they bring this classic story to life. Professional choreography, lavish costumes, pyrotechnics, and stunning sets make this performance a cut above other productions.
During intermission, enjoy live music, and our Snow and Sweet Shop in the sparkling commons, for light refreshments and an array of holiday and Nutcracker themed gifts for purchase.
Click here for more information.
 
Tour Historic Chelsea Homes
Visitors are welcome to join a docent led walking tour of the historic Chelsea homes. Enjoy their splendid holiday decor while learning about each homes unique history. It starts December 5, in front of the Chelsea Area Historical Society & Museum. $15 per person, proceeds go to Chelsea Area Historical Society. Tour tickets are available at the museum, Chelsea Pharmacy or by calling George Till at 734-562-2008 .
Click here for more information
 

Saline

 
Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus
This year the Saline Area Players will be performing Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus from December 3 through December 6. Based on an 1897 editorial written in The Sun in New York City, the play tells the story of Virginia who ponders whether or not Santa really exists.
This delightful and heartwarming play is performed by children and adults alike and is a must-see for family members of all ages. Join the Saline Area Players’ holiday tradition!

Click here for more information.
 
Annual Saline Christmas Parade
Don’t miss Saline’s 40th Annual Christmas Parade December 5, at 5:30pm.  Each year, depending on the weather, anywhere between 3,000 and 5,000 people come out to enjoy marching bands, scout troops, and floats made by local businesses, organizations and churches.
Click here for more information.
 
Saline New Horizons Band Holiday Concert
The Saline New Horizons Band Holiday Concert is coming up Sunday December 6th at 3pm at the Saline United Methodist Church located at 1200 Ann Arbor Saline Road. It will feature familiar favorites according to band director Dr. Joseph Labuta. The concert will also feature a few surprises.
Click here for more information.
 
Treasure Trail to Santa
Treasure hunt your way to Santa on Dec 12, from 10:00 am to 1:30pm, at Busch’s Shopping Center. This fun, family event also includes carriage rides, animal petting, a photo tent by Forgive Me Not Photos, and refreshments! Pick up your treasure map at Physical Therapy in Motion, 505 E. Michigan Ave., and follow the trail to Santa!
Click here for more information.
 

Ypsilanti

 
Ypsilanti Downtown Tree Lighting
Join in the holiday fun Friday, December 4 at 6:00 pm. In addition to lighting the tree there will be caroling, hot chocolate, cookies, and a visit from Santa!
Click here for more information.
 
Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels Annual Holiday Home Tour
Join Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels for their Annual Holiday Home Tour December 5 from either 1-4pm for the daytime tour or 5-11pm for the evening tour. The Tour will include private homes as well as the Ypsilanti Senior Center. At each house you visit there will be holiday decor, beverages and ppetizers or other menu items from many great Ypsilanti & Ann Arbor area restaurants. A few stops will even include musical entertainment.
Click here for more information.
 
Pour Over Ypsi: Local Coffee Showcase
Pour Over Ypsi is a local coffee showcase that highlights the amazing cafes and roasteries within the Ypsilanti area and beyond. There will be delicious coffee, sweet caramels and treats, and live local music.  Join in for the first round of what is certain to become a great Ypsi tradition.
All proceeds go to benefit Food4Farmers. Their mission is to facilitate the implementation of sustainable food security programs in coffee growing communities. Check them out at www.food4farmers.org. You can buy tickets in advance of the event at any of the participating coffee shops starting Friday, November 20th. You can also buy tickets at the door. Each ticket includes 12 tokens.
Click here for more information.
 
DIYpsi Holiday Market

DIYpsi is a handmade art fair taking place at the Riverside Arts Center in Downtown Ypsilanti on December 12 – 13. Check out the best indie artists our region has to offer for a one-of-a-kind holiday shopping experience that will take care of everyone on your list. On top of finding unique hand crafted gifts, doing your holiday shopping at DIYpsi means you’re contributing to a larger cause- keeping thousands of dollars invested in our local economy and supporting the arts.
Click here for more information.
 
Michigan Firehouse Museum Holiday Open House
Celebrate the season at the Michigan Firehouse Museum’s Holiday Open House on Sunday, December 13, 2015 from 1 to 3 PM. Stop by and see fire-themed holiday decorations, including more than ten decorated trees. New this year, decorations will include handmade gingerbread firehouses. Vote for your favorite firehouse before our award ceremony begins at 2 PM. There will be a make and take activity for children, a visit from Santa Claus, holiday fire safety information, and light refreshments will be served. Admission to the museum is $5 for adults and $3 for children. The museum will once again be collecting new unwrapped toys for children, and will offer one free admission to anyone bringing a toy to donate.
Click here for more information.