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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 19, 2025
Lane 9 Women’s Running Group
Observer Editor
Every Fri. All men & women invited to join this women-focused running group on a 3-mile loop run. All paces (including walking) welcome. 6:45 a.m., meet outside Argus Farm Stop, 1600 Packard. Free, preregistration required by emailing [email protected]. lane9project.org.
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Kiwanis Annual Holiday Sale
Observer Editor
Every Fri. & Sat., Nov. 28–Dec. 20. Used toys, decorations, and more. 9 a.m.–1 p.m. (Fri.) & 9 a.m.–3 p.m. (Sat.), Kiwanis Center West, 100 N. Staebler. (734) 368–9738.
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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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“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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The Guild of Artists & Artisans Holiday Artist Market
Observer Editor
Every Wed.–Sat., Nov. 14–Dec. 20. Juried show & sale of art. 11 a.m.–5 p.m., The Gutman Gallery, 118 N. Fourth Ave. Free admission. (734) 662–3382.
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Chime Concert: Kerrytown Market & Shops
Observer Editor
Every Wed., Fri., & Sat. All invited to play one of 200 songs, with melodies transcribed in numbers, on the 17-bell chime’s numbered keys. Ambitious players can add chords. Kids welcome. Noon–12:30 p.m. (Wed. & Fri.) & 10:30–11 a.m. (Sat.). Kerrytown Market. Free. [email protected].
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Lunchtime Concert: U-M Stearns Collection of Musical Instruments
Observer Editor
U-M music students & faculty perform a wide range of music on period and replica instruments from around the globe. Bring a bag lunch. Noon, North Campus Research Complex bldg. 18, 2800 Plymouth Rd. Free. (734) 417–3899.
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Stephenson Ceramics Handcrafted for the Holidays: Stephenson Ceramics
Community Listing
This holiday, we’re celebrating the remaining pieces of the Functional Collection - timeless, handcrafted pieces from Susanne and John Stephenson’s legacy. Each piece tells a story of craft and care. After a lifetime of creating, there is no new work being produced. Once these pieces are gone, they’re gone.
Collect a piece of Stephenson history while you can. Come shop, explore, discover and celebrate 60+ years of work by the “dynamic duo of ceramics”, at the site the work was imagined and created. The studio and storage areas are filled to the brim with free standing and wall mounted sculptures, colorful and gestural vases and bowls as well as cups, mugs and plates.
Open: Thursday - Saturday 12-4pm thru December 20th.
4380 Waters Road ,Ann Arbor. Free. [email protected] https://www.stephensonceramicstudio.com/ 7343951540.Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
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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Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club
Observer Editor
Every Tues., Thurs., & Fri. through Dec. 23. All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge (Tues. & Fri.) and a 499er game (Thurs.) for players with no more than 499 ACBL master points. 1–4 p.m. or so (arrive by 12:45 p.m.), City Club, 1830 Washtenaw. $9 per person. If you plan to come without a partner, email [email protected].
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“Fix-It Friday”: Maker Works
Observer Editor
All invited to bring anything that needs fixing—chairs, sweaters, radios, whatever. Maker Works members and staff on hand help with repairs. Handy people invited to assist. Repairs not guaranteed. Also, toy adaptations to make off-the-shelf toys more accessible for people with disabilities. 4–6 p.m., Maker Works, 3765 Plaza Dr. Free. Preregistration required at tinyurl.com/a2fix-it-fri. (734) 222–4911.
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“2025 Winter Showcase”: Randazzo Dance Company
Observer Editor
Dec. 18–20. This local dance company performs 6 shows in a variety of dance styles, showcasing routines they have worked on throughout the year. For a complete schedule see randazzodance.com/winter-showcase-2025. 7 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.), 5 p.m. (Fri.), and 1 & 4 p.m. (Sat.), Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. Tickets $20/per show in advance at randazzodance.com and at the door. (734) 477-9350.
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“AADL World Famous Trivia”: Ann Arbor District Library
Observer Editor
AADL staffers lead 2 rounds of trivia aimed at adults. Prizes. 5:30–7:30 p.m., AADL Westgate. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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Community Self Defense: Ann Arbor Martial and Healing Arts
Community Listing
This class emphasizes situational awareness, correct mechanics, and remaining in center to reduce the number of ways a person can be compromised in a defensive situation, better positioning you to bring the situation under control. Participants will learn self-defense techniques that work against much bigger and stronger opponents, allowing you to feel more confident out in the world. Suitable for ages 18 and over and younger teens with a parent participating.
1904 Federal Blvd, MI 48103 ,Ann Arbor. Preregistration via website encouraged. Free. [email protected] https://annarbormartialandhealingarts.com 7347700737.Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal
“When Detroit Played the Numbers: Gambling’s History and Cultural Impact on the Motor City”: Ann Arbor District Library Author Event
Observer Editor
WSU anthropology professor Felicia B. George discusses her new book about early 20th-century underground gambling in Detroit. 6–7 p.m., AADL Downtown, lower level program rm. Free. (734) 327–4200.
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D&D Adventurers League: Sylvan Factory
Observer Editor
Every Fri. All invited to play the current official campaign of the popular Dungeons & Dragons tabletop role-playing game, using 5th-edition rules. Kids under 13 must have parent or guardian accompaniment. 6–10 p.m., Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium. $10. Space limited, preregistration strongly recommended at sylvanfactory.com/events, (734) 929–5877.
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Candlelight Concert: Kalkaska String Quartet
Observer Editor
See 6 Saturday. Tonight: “Christmas Carols on Strings.” 6:30 & 8:45 p.m.
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Magic: The Gathering: Sylvan Factory
Observer Editor
Every Mon.–Wed., except Dec. 24, Fri., & Sat. All invited to play both casual and tournament forms of the collectible card game Magic: The Gathering (MTG).
Mon. (6:30 p.m.): “Just Another Modern Monday.” Three rounds using powerful cards, for experienced players, with prizes. $10.
Tues. (6:30 p.m.): “MTG Pauper.” A fun and fast format for all skill levels, three rounds. $5.
Wed. & Sat. (5 p.m.): “Casual Commander Night.” A drop-in session of the most popular form of the game. Free.
Wed. (6:30 p.m.): “MTG Standard Showdown.” Three rounds, with competitive tournament rules, prizes of store credit. $10.
Fri. (6:30 p.m.): “Friday Night Magic.” Cost and format vary.
Various times, Sylvan Factory, 2459 W. Stadium. Various costs. (734) 929–5877, sylvanfactory.com.
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Winter Solstice Campfire: Huron-Clinton Metroparks
Observer Editor
Guided stargazing (if the sky is clear) and other fun activities (even if it is not) around a campfire, with sweet treats and hot cocoa. Includes a half-mile walk to the amphitheater. 6:30–8:30 p.m., Hudson Mills Activity Center, 8801 North Territorial Rd., Dexter. $6 per person (kids under 2, free), plus $10 vehicle entry fee. Preregistration at tinyurl.com/hudson-solstice-12-25 required by 4 p.m. Dec. 18. (734) 426–8211.
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“2025 Winter Showcase”: Randazzo Dance Company
Observer Editor
Dec. 18–20. This local dance company performs 6 shows in a variety of dance styles, showcasing routines they have worked on throughout the year. For a complete schedule see randazzodance.com/winter-showcase-2025. 7 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.), 5 p.m. (Fri.), and 1 & 4 p.m. (Sat.), Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. Tickets $20/per show in advance at randazzodance.com and at the door. (734) 477-9350.
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“A Solstice Show”: Hearth & Hymn
Observer Editor
The show begins with a solstice grounding ritual (7:15 p.m.), led by ritual facilitator Anna Lemler. Followed by performances by the local guitar duo Alex Belhaj & Erik McIntyre (7:30 p.m.), whose intimate swinging acoustic instrumental music is inspired by early 20th-century jazz records, and Hearth & Hymn (8:30 p.m.), the close-harmony minimalist neo-folk duo of multi-instrumentalists Samantha Cooper and Elisabeth Pixley-Fink, who are joined tonight by singer-songwriter Charlie Millard. Part of the proceeds go to the Palestine Grassroots Distribution Project. 7 p.m., Friends Meeting House, 1420 Hill St. Tickets $20 (age 4 & under, free) in advance at hearthandhymn.com/store and (if available) at the door.
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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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“An Organist’s Christmas”: American Guild of Organists
Observer Editor
Local organists David Wagner, Oliver Steissberg, and Marijim Thoene present a festive program of Christmas music on the church’s impressive LeTourneau pipe organ, with a sing-along of favorite Christmas tunes. 7 p.m., St. Francis of Assisi Church, 2250 E. Stadium. Free; donations accepted. (734) 769–2550.
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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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“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”: 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. 19: “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (Jeremiah S. Chechik, 1989). Comedy about a family holiday gone hilariously awry. Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo. 7 p.m.
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“The Nutcracker”: iBallet Studio
Observer Editor
Dec. 19 & 20. This production of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet features professional dancers from top ballet companies in the principal roles of Clara, Nutcracker Prince, and Uncle Drosselmeyer, backed by iBallet Studio (Novi) student dancers. Recorded music. 7 p.m. (Fri.) and 1 & 6 p.m. (Sat.). Power Center. Tickets $29–$40 in advance at mutotix.umich.edu & (if available) at the door.
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Ann Arbor Kirtan
Observer Editor
All invited to try kirtan, an ancient yogic spiritual practice that involves singing and chanting. Accompanied by live music on tabla, harmonium, bass, the violin-like sarangi, and finger cymbals. The program ends with silent meditation and homemade chai tea. 7 p.m., Prana Yoga Studio, 5060 Jackson Rd. Free; donations accepted. (734) 476–2621.
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Mike Stanley: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase
Observer Editor
Dec. 18–20. High-energy Chicago-based observational comic, originally from the Detroit area, whose act is sharp, coarse, and at times politically incorrect in Stanley’s takes on politics, drugs, and sex. Preceded by opening acts TBA. Alcohol served. 7:15 p.m. (Thurs.–Sat.) & 9:45 p.m. (Sat.), 212 S. Fourth Ave. $20 (Thurs., $15) at aacomedy.com and (if available) at the door. (734) 996–9080.
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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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“Sixty Years Searching for Comets”: University Lowbrow Astronomers Monthly Meeting
Observer Editor
Talk by Canadian amateur astronomer David Levy. In 1993, he codiscovered Shoemaker-Levy 9, a comet that would eventually collide spectacularly with Jupiter in 1994. 7:30 p.m., U-M Detroit Observatory, 1398 E. Ann at Observatory. Free. (734) 975–3248.
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Friday Night Improv: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
Observer Editor
Every Fri. Performance by Eleven Non-Blondes, a house team of experienced improvisers. 7:30–9 p.m., HSBT, 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events, $18 (if available) at the door. [email protected].
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Candlelight Concert: Kalkaska String Quartet
Observer Editor
See 6 Saturday. Tonight: “Christmas Carols on Strings.” 6:30 & 8:45 p.m.
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Riverside Swings: Riverside Arts Center
Observer Editor
Every Fri. Swing dancing to recorded music. No partner or experience required. Wear comfortable low-grip/tread shoes. Preceded at 7 and 8 p.m. by hour-long lessons. Followed by a “late night blues-&-fusion” dance. The 1st Friday of each month is free, and the 3rd Fridays include a Charleston lesson. 9–11 p.m., RAC, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsi. $5 (students, $4). riversidearts.org/riverside-swings.
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“Comedy Theme Park”: Hear.Say Brewing + Theater
Observer Editor
Stand-up comedy on a theme TBA by area comics. 9:30–10:30 p.m., HSBT, 2350 W. Liberty. $15 in advance at heardotsay.com/events, $18 (if available) at the door. [email protected].
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“Die Hard”: 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. 19: “Die Hard” (John McTiernan, 1988). Action thriller about an off-duty cop who takes on a gang of thieves who are using hostages to keep the police at bay. Bruce Willis. 9:30 p.m.
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Washtenaw County Funk & Disco
Community Listing
Join us for a night of authentic Funk and Disco dance tunes! With House and Techhouse all the rage these days, what about the good ole boogie jams we always enjoyed? THEY LIVE HERE.
Live mixing by DJ Auld and Evan Oswald from 10-2am, no cover, must be 21 to join.
LoFi; 220 S Main ,Ann Arbor. [email protected] 7348834435.Add this event to your calendar: Google Calendar | iCal