ANN ARBOR – The holidays are just around the corner and luckily, there is no shortage of festive events in the area.
Whether you want to stay in town or feel like a quick drive to Dexter or Plymouth, we’ve got you covered.
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Below are this season’s best events, by location.
Ann Arbor
With its rich, historic character, Kerrytown is a natural destination for holiday events. From artisans selling beautiful wreaths and hand-made gifts at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market to the famous Chriskindlmarkt-style Kindlefest, the area throws events that combine nostalgia and tradition and keep people coming back each year.
Kerrytown Tree Lighting Festival
When: Dec. 1 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Enjoy carolers and Santa in the Kerrytown courtyard as the district lights its tree with song and candle luminaries.
Read: Holiday events coming to Ann Arbor Farmers Market this season
Kindlefest
When: Dec. 6 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Be transported to Europe for one night with this traditional outdoor market. Stroll through the market where artisans, farmers and retailers will be selling their goods during this holiday extravaganza. Sip on mulled wine and beer or snack on traditional foods like bratwursts and pretzels for this distinctly German experience. Santa will make an appearance and carolers and bonfire stations will be set up throughout.
That same evening, Midnight Madness and Moonlight Madness will take over the Main Street area and State Street District, respectively. Enjoy shopping specials at select retailers until midnight -- it’s the latest shopping night of the year in Ann Arbor.
Read: Kindlefest, Moonlight and Midnight Madness set for Dec. 6 in Ann Arbor
Special Holiday Market
When: Dec. 14 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Market day at Ann Arbor Farmers Market will look distinctly different with this holiday-themed event. Expect a daytime Kindlefest experience with free hot chocolate, bonfire and marshmallow roasting, kids activities, Santa in Kerrytown Market & Shops and a wide selection of vendors with Christmas decorations and gifts.
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Dexter
A quick drive from Ann Arbor, Dexter offers this family-friendly holiday event.
Holiday Stroll at Zingerman’s Cornman Farms
When: Dec. 15 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Stroll the grounds at Cornman Farms during this family-friendly event where the property will be set aglow with holiday lights.
Enjoy carols by University of Michigan’s Dicks and Janes a cappella group, signature snacks, hot chocolate, s’mores and a cash bar for adults. Kids activities include a card-making station and face painting.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for kids (children under two are free).
Reserve tickets here.
Plymouth
Plymouth Ice Festival
When: Jan. 10-12
There’s a reason this event is so popular. Now in its 38th year, the three-day festival features over 100 ice sculptures, live carving demos, food, shopping and more all in the picturesque heart of downtown Plymouth.
For more information, visit the festival’s Facebook page.