Observer Editor
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Events in December 2025
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December 25, 2025
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Looking for live music tonight?
Visit our Nightspots listing.
December 21, 2025
Ann Arbor Group Runs: Fleet Feet
Observer Editor
Every Tues., Wed., & Sun., except Dec. 24. Runners of all abilities invited to join a run of 3–5 miles along varying routes from different locations. Rain or shine. 8 a.m. (Sun.) & 7 a.m. (Tues.), Dozer Coffee, 112 Jackson Plz., and 7 p.m. (Wed.), Fleet Feet, 123 E. Liberty. Free. (734) 929–9022 (Sun. & Tues.) & (734) 769–5016 (Wed.). fleetfeetsemichigan.com.
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Santa Photos: Briarwood Mall
Community Listing
The ultimate holiday tradition awaits. And Santa is making a list and checking it twice – so reserve your photos with Santa today!
Santa arrives on November 21, 2025 and will be here through December 24th. Book early to ensure your spot to see Santa.
Make Your Reservation Here: https://whereissanta.com/mall/0143?utm_campaign=briarwood-mall&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=website-rsc-simon
12/18 - 11:00am-7:00pm
12/19 - 10:00am-8:00pm
12/20 - 9:00am-9:00pm
12/21 - 9:00am-7:00pm
12/22 - 9:00am-9:00pm
12/23 - 9:00am-9:00pm
12/24 - 9:00am-5:00pm
100 Briarwood Cir
Briarwood Mall
Reservations start at $19.99
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Ypsilanti Artisans Holiday Market
Observer Editor
Nov. 29 & 30, Dec. 20 & 21. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Ypsilanti Freighthouse, 100 Market Pl., Ypsi. Free admission & parking.
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“Elemental Ecstatic Dance”: Our Play Ground
Observer Editor
Every Sun. Dancers of all ages & abilities invited for free-form dancing. Flow toys, hula hoops, and other props provided. Wear loose clothes, barefoot or stockinged feet. 11 a.m.–1 p.m., A2 Yoga, 2030 Commerce Blvd. $20 (age 13 & under, free) cash or Venmo (@andjru) at the door only. [email protected], bit.ly/ecstatic-dance-a2.
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“Investigate Labs”: U-M Museum of Natural History
Observer Editor
Every Tues.–Sun., except Dec. 24, 25, & 31, and Jan. 1. All age 6 & up invited into the museum’s Nature Lab and Micro Worlds Lab to use scientific tools and museum specimens to answer questions and solve problems. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., U-M MNH, 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org.
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Sunday Artisan Market
Observer Editor
Every Sun. through Dec. 21. Juried market of local handmade arts and crafts, now in its 34th year. 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Farmers Market Pavilion, Kerrytown. Free admission. (734) 913–9622.
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H.A.C. Ultimate
Observer Editor
Every Sun. All invited to a relaxed pick-up game of this spirited team sport played with a flying disc. Note: Overly competitive players are politely asked to leave. 11:15 a.m., Fuller Park, just west of the pool & parking lot (or occasionally across the street). Free. (734) 846–9418, [email protected].
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“Adult Open Hours & Creature Encounters”: The Creature Conservancy
Observer Editor
1st & 3rd Fri. and every Sat. & Sun. During the Friday Adult Open Hours (age 18+ only), conservancy staffers show off some nocturnal animals, including a reindeer, Dumeril’s boa, African-crested porcupine, and wolf hybrid at 7:30 p.m. On Sat. and Sun., the first three animals are presented at 1 & 4 p.m., and an animal keeper talks about the wolf hybrid at 2 & 3 p.m. All tickets include a chance to see the conservancy’s other animals. 7–9 p.m. (Fri.) & noon–5 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.), CC, 4950 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd. $15 (kids ages 2–12, $13; under age 2, free) cash or credit at the door only. (734) 929–9324, thecreatureconservancy.org.
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Critter House Open Hours: Leslie Science & Nature Center
Observer Editor
Every Sat. & Sun. A chance to view LSNC birds of prey and its Critter House animals, which include frogs, turtles, snakes, and other species native to Michigan. Noon–3 p.m., LSNC, 1831 Traver. $5 suggested donation. (734) 997–1553, lesliesnc.org.
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Open Board Games: Sylvan Factory
Observer Editor
Every Sun. All invited to play one of a wide variety of board games in a casual, friendly atmosphere. Instruction provided. Also, on Dec. 7, game playtesting with Michigame Design Lab (2 p.m.), during which players are invited to try out new board and card games from local designers Bruce Bielawa & Joe Hopkins and provide feedback. Noon–6 p.m., Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium. Free. [email protected].
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U-M Museum of Natural History Planetarium & Dome Theater
Observer Editor
Every Fri.–Sun. Three different audiovisual planetarium shows suitable for all ages, including We Are Stars (noon), an exploration of the secrets of our cosmic chemistry and our explosive origins; The Sky Tonight (1 & 3 p.m.), an exploration of the current night sky, with tips on how to find the cardinal directions, constellations, and planets on your own; and T. Rex (2 p.m.), an exploration of the iconic dinosaur’s scientific and cinematic history that contains scenes of dinosaur violence. Noon, 1, 2, & 3 p.m., U-M MNH, 1105 North University. $8 at the gift shop. Limited capacity. (734) 764–0480, ummnh.org.
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U-M Women’s Basketball
Observer Editor
Game vs. CMU. The U-M also has home games this month against Purdue (Dec. 7, noon), Akron (Dec. 13, noon), & Oakland (Dec. 21, noon). 7 p.m., Crisler Center. Tickets $8–$12 in advance at mgoblue.com and at the gate. (734) 764–0247.
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“How to Become a Fossil”: U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos
Observer Editor
Every Sat. & Sun., except Dec. 6. Hands-on 20-minute family-oriented demo for age 5 & up about how fossils form and what they can tell us. 12:30 & 2:30 p.m., U-M MNH, 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org.
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“Chesstastic”: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
Adults and kids age 5 & up invited to drop in and play chess. All skill levels welcome. Instruction not provided. Chess sets provided. 1–3 p.m., AADL Traverwood. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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3D Printing Open Lab: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
All invited to print an item to take home after learning about the library’s 3D printing resources and the basics of 3D design. 1–5 p.m., AADL Downtown, Secret Lab. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Mario Kart Tournament: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
Adults & teens invited to compete in a tournament format of this popular Nintendo Switch video game. Participants may bring their own Switch handheld console or borrow one from the library. 1–4 p.m., AADL Downtown, 4th fl. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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“Loving Kindness Crafters”: Jewel Heart Buddhist Center
Observer Editor
All invited to bring crafts to work on, socialize, and share knowledge. 1:30–2:30 p.m., Jewel Heart, 1129 Oak Valley. Free. [email protected]. jewelheart.org.
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“The Polar Express”: Michigan Theater
Observer Editor
Film screenings every day. Tickets $10.50 unless otherwise noted (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 and older, & U.S. veterans, $8.50; Marquee Arts members, $8) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar.
Dec. 21: “The Polar Express” (Robert Zemeckis, 2004). Animated adventure fantasy based on Chris Van Allsburg’s children’s book about a boy who doubts the existence of Santa Claus and boards a mysterious train to the North Pole. FREE, reservation requested at marquee-arts.org. 1:30 p.m.
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“Walking with Whales Tour”: U-M Museum of Natural History
Observer Editor
Every Sun. Thirty-minute tour that uses the museum’s specimens to tell the story of prehistoric whales and dolphins, who had 4 limbs and walked on land. 1:30 p.m., U-M MNH, 1105 North University. Free. Limited capacity. Sign up at the welcome desk. (734) 764–0478.
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“DJ Whittington’s Kool Kat: A Hip-Hop Panto”: Theatre Nova
Observer Editor
Every Fri.–Sun., Dec. 5–Jan. 4. Mike Sandusky directs Carla Milarch and R. MacKenzie Lewis’s latest seasonal panto comedy, a hip-hop version of the English folktale of Dick Whittington. Loosely based on a lord mayor of London in the late Middle Ages, Whittington rises from poverty to wealth by selling his cat to a rat-infested town. British panto is a genre that blends familiar children’s stories with a bit of vaudeville to create a raucous family entertainment. Theatre Nova’s panto, a popular annual tradition, usually sells out. 7:30 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 3 p.m. (Sat.), & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Theatre Nova, 410 W. Huron St. Tickets $32 ($25, seniors; $15, students; $12, age 16 and under) in advance at theatrenova.org & at the door. (734) 635–8450.
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“Frozen”: The Encore Musical Theatre Company
Observer Editor
Dec. 4–Jan. 11 (different times). Daniel Cooney directs this local professional theater company in Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez, and Jennifer Lee’s 2018 stage musical, itself based on the 2013 animated Disney movie, a loose adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen.” It tells the story of Queen Elsa of Arendelle, whose self-seclusion in an ice palace prompts her younger sister Anna to attempt to find her, aided by a cast of characters including Olaf the snowman and Kristoff the ice vendor. The musical features numbers like “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” and “Let It Go.” 7 p.m., Encore, 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter. Tickets $44–$65 (17 and under $34) in advance at theencoretheatre.org & at the door. (734) 268–6200.
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Michigame Design Lab Game Playtesting: Bløm Mead + Cider
Observer Editor
All invited to try out new board and card games from local designers and provide feedback. 2–6 p.m., Bløm, 100 S. Fourth Ave. Free, but purchase of food & drink encouraged. (734) 548–9729, drinkblom.com/events.
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“How to Become a Fossil”: U-M Museum of Natural History Discovery Demos
Observer Editor
Every Sat. & Sun., except Dec. 6. Hands-on 20-minute family-oriented demo for age 5 & up about how fossils form and what they can tell us. 12:30 & 2:30 p.m., U-M MNH, 1105 North University. Free. (734) 764–0478, ummnh.org.
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“Pom-Pom Ice Cream Cones”: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
Adults and kids grade K & up invited to use pom-poms and felt to create ice cream cone decorations. 3–4 p.m., AADL Downtown, lower level program rm. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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International Folk Dance Party: Ann Arbor Community for Traditional Music and Dance
Observer Editor
Dec. 7 & 21. Traditional Eastern European and Middle Eastern circle and line dancing to recorded music. No experience or partner needed. Wear loose-fitting clothing and clean, flat, nonslip shoes. Beginners welcome. Preceded at 2 p.m. by a lesson. 3–5 p.m., Concourse Hall, 4531 Concourse. Pay what you can ($5 suggested; first time, free). [email protected].
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“Christmas Lessons and Carols”: St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
Observer Editor
St. Andrew’s music director Deborah Friauff directs the church adult choir, 2 children’s choirs, and a handbell choir in this traditional English service, in which scripture readings alternate with seasonal anthems and carols, some sung by the congregation. 4 p.m., St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 306 N. Division. Free. (734) 663–0518, standrewsaa.org.
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U-M Men’s Basketball
Observer Editor
Game vs. Rutgers. The U-M also plays home games this month vs. Villanova (Dec. 9, 6:30 p.m.), La Salle (Dec. 21, 4 p.m.), & McNeese St. (Dec. 29, 7 p.m.). 4 p.m., Crisler Center. Tickets from $15 in advance at mgoblue.com and at the gate. (734) 764–0247.
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Winter Solstice Celebration: Kerrytown Concert House
Observer Editor
Local composer-pianist Kathryn Goodson is joined by Chicago baritone Robert Sims, tenor George Shirley, flutist Abigail Middaugh, and cellist Thor Sigurdson for a program of music in honor of the darkest night of the year. Highlighted by Lena McLin’s arrangement of the spiritual “Hold Out Your Light,” the program also includes works by Roland Hayes, Rachmaninoff, Schubert, Arvo Pärt, Goodson herself, and more. 4 p.m., KCH, 415 N. Fourth Ave. Tickets $30–$40 (students, $20–$30) in advance at kerrytownconcerthouse.com and (if available) at the door. (734) 769–2999.
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“It’s a Wonderful Life”: Michigan Theater
Observer Editor
Film screenings every day. Tickets $10.50 unless otherwise noted (children under 12, students, seniors age 65 and older, & U.S. veterans, $8.50; Marquee Arts members, $8) in advance online (recommended) & at the door. For updated schedule, see marquee-arts.org/calendar.
Dec. 21: “It’s a Wonderful Life” (Frank Capra, 1946). It would hardly be Christmas without this sentimental classic about a man who gets a second chance at life. James Stewart, Donna Reed. 5 p.m.
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Clay Chinese Guardian Lions: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
Adults & teens invited to drop in and make a Chinese lion figurine out of air-dry clay. Led by local artist Lyla Wang. 5–6:30 p.m., AADL Downtown. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Phil Ogilvie's Rhythm Kings: Zal Gaz Grotto
Community Listing
10-piece big band led by Chris Smith, specializing in hot jazz of the 1920s and 30s. Jelly Roll Morton, King Oliver, Duke Ellington and other jazz legends are prominent in their repertoire. Great for listening or dancing.
2070 W. Stadium Blvd ,Ann Arbor. Free (tipjar for the band). [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/porkjazz 734-663-1202.Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
Winter Wonderland - Meet Santa!: Sam Hill
Community Listing
Bring your family to The Hall at Sam Hill on Sunday December 21st from 5pm-8pm!
Meet Santa, snap some family photos, and enjoy a buffet of cocoa, s'mores, and other treats. Write your wish list for Santa, and pull up a seat at the craft table where you can decorate an ornament, then either take it home or hang it on our Kid Art Gallery tree that will be on display in our dining room. Make sure to BRING YOUR CAMERA to capture every moment!
Entry fee is $20 per child, and includes a voucher for a free $10 kids meal at Sam Hill (voucher provided upon arrival at event). Adult entry fee is $5.
Sam Hill 5827 Jackson Rd ,Ann Arbor. https://tinyurl.com/5n7u7am9 $5-$20 (Includes free kids meal). [email protected]Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
“Lantern-Lit Solstice Walk”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission
Observer Editor
Half-hour self-guided nature walk through woods along a paved path (unplowed in case of snow) lit with luminaries and lanterns. A bonfire with hot cocoa and s’mores follows. Dog walkers welcome. Dress for the weather. 6–8:30 p.m. (arrival by 7:30 p.m. required), Independence Lake County Park Beach Center Pavilion, 3200 Jennings, Whitmore Lake. $15 per household (up to 4 people). Preregistration required (registration #IL431310) at parksonline.ewashtenaw.org. $6 (nonresidents, $10) vehicle entry fee. (734) 449–4437.
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“Lantern-Lit Solstice Walk”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission
Observer Editor
Half-hour self-guided nature walk through woods along a paved path (unplowed in case of snow) lit with luminaries and lanterns. A bonfire with hot cocoa and s’mores follows. Dog walkers welcome. Dress for the weather. 6–8:30 p.m. (arrival by 7:30 p.m. required), Independence Lake County Park Beach Center Pavilion, 3200 Jennings, Whitmore Lake. $15 per household (up to 4 people). Preregistration required (registration #IL431310) at parksonline.ewashtenaw.org. $6 (nonresidents, $10) vehicle entry fee. (734) 449–4437.
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Ann Arbor Morris
Observer Editor
Every Sun., except Dec. 28. All invited to try this boisterous, jingly English ceremonial dance thought to be descended from the 15th-century Spanish morisca. Wear athletic shoes. 6–8 p.m., Concourse Hall, 4531 Concourse Dr. Free. [email protected].
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Ballroom Dance Club at the U-M
Observer Editor
Every Sun., except Dec. 28. Ballroom dancing to recorded music, including foxtrots, waltzes, cha-chas, rumbas, tangos, swing, and more. No partner necessary. Preceded at 6 p.m. by beginning lessons and practice. 7–9 p.m., Michigan Union Ballroom. $5 ($10 includes lessons). (734) 763–6984.
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Terry Farmer & the Change of Pace Band: First Congregational Church
Observer Editor
Ensemble led by Farmer, a longtime Detroit-area singer-songwriter and guitarist who spent 2 years as lead guitarist for Jan & Dean, cofounded the chamber folk group Cairn to Cairn, and taught classical guitar at the Cleveland Institute of Music. Tonight’s show features classic and folk Christmas tunes in bluesy arrangements. 7 p.m., FCC, 608 E. William. Free; donations accepted. (734) 662–1679.
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Winter Solstice Celebration: Michigan Friends Center
Observer Editor
All invited to join a circle of people for singing and silence to celebrate the year’s longest night. The program is too quiet for most young children. Dress for the weather, and bring a flashlight. 7–9 p.m., Michigan Friends Center, 7748 Clark Lake Rd. (off Waterloo Rd. west of M-52), Chelsea. Free, donations accepted. Preregistration requested at [email protected]. mfcenter.org.
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“The UnClub”: The Theater Shop
Observer Editor
Dec. 7 & 21. Performances by aspiring and experienced comics attending former Tonight Show staff writer Chili Challis’s comedy dojo. The humor is appropriate for adults. 7:30 p.m., the Ypsi Alehouse, 124 Pearl, ste. 100, Ypsi. Free. facebook.com/unclubshow.
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Improv Jam: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
Observer Editor
Dec. 14 & 21. All invited to participate in short-form improv games or long-form improv. No experience required. Spectators welcome. 7:30–9:30 p.m., HSBT, 2350 W. Liberty. Pay what you want. [email protected], heardotsay.com/events.
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