ANN ARBOR – What happened to November? If you experienced it like we did, it was here and gone in an instant. It is now officially December, which means it's appropriate to bust out the holiday music and spread good cheer. Speaking of things that put us in a great mood, this weekend's events are quite spectacular. So bundle up, brace yourselves for the winter season and most importantly enjoy every minute of "the most wonderful time of the year." It'll be over before we know it.
Friday
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Midnight Madness
A holiday tradition we always look forward to, Main Street Ann Arbor's Midnight Madness is sure to delight anyone who enjoys extended hours at their favorite stores, special holiday sales and perhaps a sighting or two of Santa Claus and Miss Washtenaw County. Meredith has already highlighted many of the Midnight Madness events, which begin at 5 p.m., but one we want to re-emphasize is Vault of Midnight's annual Christmas tree lighting soiree. According to Vault of Midnight, the tree is "non-denominational with electric lights, decorations and a very special tree topper." Guests are encouraged to bring in an ornament for the tree and will receive a limited holiday edition Vault of Midnight sticker, plus the chance to win big prizes. We encourage anyone and everyone to unleash their inner nerd.
Moonlight Madness
If you're also a fan of Ann Arbor's district neighborhood, we highly recommend State Street District's Moonlight Madness. Many of our favorite places are participating in the event, including Ashley's, Noodles and Company, Ragstock and more. However, what we're most excited for is the State Theatre's relighting of its iconic marquee, which will help kick off Moonlight Madness at 6 p.m. It will truly be something special to see and a great way to reintroduce everyone to this historic staple's majesty.
Saturday
Merry Mitten Holiday Event with the SCBWI
Nicola's Books is hosting this wonderful event for children and parents alike at 1 p.m., when attendees will have the opportunity to meet six local authors who are members of the Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators and have their books signed. The six aforementioned authors include Leslie Helakoski, author of "Big Chickens" and "Woolbur"; Nancy Shaw, author of seven beloved tales featuring the endearing and comical sheep; Jodi McKay, a proud member of the writing community; Jeff Jantz, a sculptor and the mastermind behind Jantzer Studios, whose debut book is "Gruel Snarl Draws a Wild Zugthing"; Kathryn Madeline Allen, author of numerous books, short stories and poems for children; and Janet Ruth Heller, a poet, literary critic, college professor, essayist, playwright and fiction writer.
"The Nutcracker"
We wrote about Randazzo Dance Company's annual performance of this Christmas classic earlier this week, but we cannot emphasize enough our excitement for these shows. This year marks the 49th year that the city of Ann Arbor has come together for this annual treat and will be extra special with the help of guest artists Hannah Bettes and Lawrence Rines of the Boston Ballet, as well as guest dancers from the University of Michigan. If you love locally produced holiday performances, make a point of seeing "The Nutcracker" at the Skyline High School Theatre. Performances are Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m.
Sunday
"The Year Without a Panto Claus"
Full disclosure: We have not seen or reviewed this Theatre Nova play, but just based on its description, you can consider our collective interest piqued.
"2017 was a bummer of a year. When Santa gets depressed, he decides to pack it in and disappear. Two of his elves search far and near looking for some genuine Christmas cheer. Arriving at a few decidedly un-Christmas-y locations, they face the wrath of the Heat and Snow Miser twins, the tropical town’s grumpy citizens, and a mysterious Russian bombshell named Vixen."
“The Year Without a Panto Claus” is written by Carla Milarch and R. MacKenzie Lewis. We're recommending this play on our favorite day and time, Sunday at 2 p.m., but performances begin on Friday and continue through Dec. 31.
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