When we moved to Ann Arbor, I was mostly impressed with all it had to offer, then December happened. In all the other cities we had lived in, there was so much to do during December we could hardly fit it all in, but in Ann Arbor I searched and searched for fun, family, Christmas activities, but they were no where to be found. 

After a few years, I learned that you had to branch outside our college town to find most of the good, Christmas stuff, but it is out there! I will list a few of our favorites first and the all the others I discovered are happening this year. I hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday season! 

Saline Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 6 at 7pm http://cityofsaline.org
This is a small event where they light Saline’s Christmas tree, but it was a great little event for our family. There was a small band singing Christmas carols that we joined in on and free cookies and hot cocoa. It only lasted about 30 minutes, but it infused a little holiday spirit in all of us. 

Saline Holiday Parade
December 7 at 5:30pm http://cityofsaline.org/
This is one of our favorite events during the holiday season. They parade is fantastic with bands, dancers, fire trucks and floats and lasts about 1 hour. It is a jolly atmosphere with Santa as the grand finale. If you want to sit on the big guy’s lap, hustle back to the Arts Center where you can tell him all of your wildest wishes. A great event for families! 

Treasure Trail to Santa Saline, MI
December 14 from 10am-1:30pm
In the Busch’s Shopping Center in Saline, kids can go from store to store and collect little prizes, then they can visit Santa at Busch’s. It’s simple but free gifts and candy are always fun for the little ones. 

Crossroads to Christmas in Flint, MI
Thanksgiving to Christmas (hours vary)
I know Flint may seem like a long drive away, but they have one of the best Christmas activities you can find! At Crossroads park they offer an entire Christmas village, a real train to ride on as you look at holiday lights, Santa and his workshop and lots of other fun shops and stops. If you are really needing a dose of authentic Christmas cheer, this is where you can get it! The only downside is that is is NOT free, but is reasonable! 

Dexter holiday hustle 5K Run (Dexter)
Go Santa Go 5K  (Ypsilanti)

December 8
Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert (Ann Arbor)

December 13
Holiday Pops Concert Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra (Ann Arbor)

December 14
Breakfast with Santa Ypsilanti
Holiday Tour and Downtown Stroll Ypsilanti

December 19
Songs of the Season  Ann Arbor

Is there something else you know about that I am missing? Fill us in!