Are your kids counting down the days until Santa arrives? While they have to wait until Christmas for the gift delivery, we’ve got details on all Ann Arbor Santa Appearances that start in early November
We are continuing to add Santa events for 2022. Be sure to check back throughout the season as more events get announced.
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Ann Arbor Santa Meals
There are several Santa Meals around Ann Arbor this holiday season. I love Santa Meals as a relaxed way for the kids to interact with Santa. Many of the Santa meals require advance registration and sell out. Be sure to check our list and make your reservations.
Events from our Sponsors
Ann Arbor Santa Trains
Have you ever been on a train with Santa? There are a couple holiday trains in our area.
Spicers Orchard
Spicers Orchard in Fenton offers “train’ rides to visit Santa. Trains run Thursday-Sunday from November 25-December 23. Reservations are required and book quickly. Tickets are $15/day time, $18/night (6p & later).
Southern Michigan Railroad
Southern Michigan Railroad offers the closest Santa trains to Ann Arbor. Unfortunately they sold out for the season 5 days after announcing tickets in mid-October.
| Date/Time | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 💙🎟 | 11/25/2022 10:00am-2:45pm | Santa Train at Southern Michigan Railroad (Tecumseh Station), Tecumseh Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | 11/26/2022 10:00am-2:45pm | Santa Train at Southern Michigan Railroad (Tecumseh Station), Tecumseh Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | 11/27/2022 10:00am-2:45pm | Santa Train at Southern Michigan Railroad (Tecumseh Station), Tecumseh Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | 12/03/2022 10:00am-2:45pm | Santa Train at Southern Michigan Railroad (Tecumseh Station), Tecumseh Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | 12/04/2022 10:00am-2:45pm | Santa Train at Southern Michigan Railroad (Tecumseh Station), Tecumseh Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | 12/10/2022 10:00am-2:45pm | Santa Train at Southern Michigan Railroad (Tecumseh Station), Tecumseh Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | 12/11/2022 10:00am-2:45pm | Santa Train at Southern Michigan Railroad (Tecumseh Station), Tecumseh Michigan |
North Pole Express
The North Pole Express is a bit further from Ann Arbor in Owosso. They typically run the Pere Marquette 1225 (PM 1225). The blueprints for this train were used to make the train in the Polar Express Book & Movie. Due to the rebuilding of the wheels and running gears, this engine will not be used this year. The train runs November Saturdays and Sundays November 19-December 19 plus Friday, November 25. The train runs at both 10a and 5p except Friday November 25 when there is only a 5p train. The trip includes a 2 hour party at the Christmas Village where you will meet Santa. Unfortunately, there are only single seats available for this year.
Ann Arbor Santa Sets
Briarwood Mall Santa
Santa is arriving at Briarwood Mall much later than pre-pandemic. He will not be at the mall until November 23 – the day before Thanksgiving. He will be available daily through December 24. Reservations are suggested.
Briarwood Mall traditionally hosts Caring Santa on a Sunday morning for children with sensory sensitivities. They also host a pet photos night on a Sunday evening.
| Date/Time | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 💙🆓🎟 | 12/04/2022 9:00am-10:30am | Caring Santa at Briarwood Mall, Ann Arbor Michigan |
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Cabela’s Dundee Santa
Santa arrived in a parade on November 5. Then Santa will greet guests indoors at Cabela’s from November 6-December 24. Reservations are recommended and open 7 days in advance.
Attendees will get a free 4×6 photo. Additional photo packages are available for purchase.
Three Cedars Farm
Visit Santa and Mrs Claus at Three Cedars Farm’s Country Christmas. Santa is available 11a-2p and 4-7p on Fridays and Saturdays and noon-4p on Sundays. They also have trees, wreaths, and roping available. Don’t miss out on their donuts, cider, and hot chocolate.
Kerrytown Santa
Santa Joe was the Kerrytown Santa for years. However, Kerrytown has not brought back their Santa experience since December 2019. Santa Joe can be found on Facebook as the merry Town Santa Claus. In a comment, he stated that he will not be at Kerrytown Market as in the past. But does have a day that he will be at Found in Kerrytown and we’ve found a few other appearances he will be making that are listed below
| Date/Time | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 💙🆓 | 11/26/2022 11:00am-6:00pm | South Lyon Kiwanis Club Tree Sale & Pictures with Santa at McHattie Park, South Lyon Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | 12/03/2022 10:00am-2:00pm | Faithview Village Christmas at Faithview Christmas, Saline Michigan |
| 💙🆓🎟 | 12/07/2022 1:00pm-4:00pm | Santa at Found at Kerrytown Market & Shops, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙 | 12/09/2022 5:00pm-7:00pm | Merry Town Santa at Mancino's at Mancino’s Pizza & Grinders – Saline, Saline Michigan |
| 💙 | 12/16/2022 6:30pm-8:30pm | Merry Town Santa at Tippin's Market at Tippins Market, Ann Arbor Michigan |
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All Santa Events
The list below will be updated as new events are announced.
Saturday, November 5, 2022
| Date/Time | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 💙🆓 | 11/05/2022 5:00pm-7:00pm | Santa Arrives at Cabela's at Cabela’s, Dundee Michigan |
Saturday, November 12, 2022
| Date/Time | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 💙🆓 | 11/12/2022 10:00am-4:00pm | Fishville Farms Craft & Vendor Show at Chelsea Fairgrounds, Chelsea Michigan |
Sunday, November 13, 2022
| Date/Time | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 💙🆓 | 11/13/2022 12:00pm-4:00pm | Santa & His Reindeer at KBK Garden Center, Saline Michigan |
Sunday, November 20, 2022
| Date/Time | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 💙 | 11/20/2022 10:00am-4:00pm | Frosted Flea: The Vintage Market at Washtenaw Farm Council Fairgrounds, Ann Arbor Michigan |
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Friday, November 25, 2022
| Date/Time | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 💙🎟 | 11/25/2022 10:00am-2:45pm | Santa Train at Southern Michigan Railroad (Tecumseh Station), Tecumseh Michigan |
| 💙🆓🎟 | 11/25/2022 6:00pm-8:00pm | Walk Thru Lights at Hamlett Lavender Farm with Santa & Friends at Hamlett Lavender Farm, Pinckney Michigan |
Saturday, November 26, 2022
| Date/Time | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 💙🎟 | 11/26/2022 10:00am-2:45pm | Santa Train at Southern Michigan Railroad (Tecumseh Station), Tecumseh Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | 11/26/2022 11:00am-6:00pm | South Lyon Kiwanis Club Tree Sale & Pictures with Santa at McHattie Park, South Lyon Michigan |
Sunday, November 27, 2022
| Date/Time | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 💙🎟 | 11/27/2022 10:00am-5:00pm | Private Santa Sessions at Carousel Acres, South Lyon Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | 11/27/2022 10:00am-2:45pm | Santa Train at Southern Michigan Railroad (Tecumseh Station), Tecumseh Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | 11/27/2022 5:30pm | Depot Town Tree Lighting at Depot Town, Ypsilanti Michigan |
Tuesday, November 29, 2022
| Date/Time | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 💙 | 11/29/2022 1:00pm-6:00pm | Visit Santa for Pictures at Charles Reinhart North Office, Ann Arbor Michigan |
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Friday, December 2, 2022
| Date/Time | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 💙🆓 | 12/02/2022 5:00pm-6:30pm | Chelsea Tree Lighting at Pierce Park, Chelsea Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | 12/02/2022 5:00pm-11:59pm | Midnight Madness at Main Street Area, Ann Arbor MI |
| 💙🎟 | 12/02/2022 5:30pm-8:30pm | Christmas Shopping Party - Jump-A-Rama at Ypsilanti Township Community Center, Ypsilanti Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | 12/02/2022 5:30pm-7:00pm | Downtown Ypsilanti Tree Lighting at Ypsilanti District Library – Michigan Ave Branch, Ypsilanti Michigan |
| 💙🆓🎟 | 12/02/2022 6:00pm-8:00pm | Walk Thru Lights at Hamlett Lavender Farm with Santa & Friends at Hamlett Lavender Farm, Pinckney Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | 12/02/2022 6:30pm | Manchester Christmas Parade at Downtown Manchester, Manchester Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | 12/02/2022 7:00pm | Tecumseh Christmas Parade at Downtown Tecumseh, Tecumseh Michigan |
Saturday, December 3, 2022
| Date/Time | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 💙 | 12/03/2022 9:00am-3:00pm | Christmas at the Mansion - Gingerbread & Santa at Gordon Hall, Dexter Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | 12/03/2022 10:00am-2:00pm | Faithview Village Christmas at Faithview Christmas, Saline Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | 12/03/2022 10:00am-2:45pm | Santa Train at Southern Michigan Railroad (Tecumseh Station), Tecumseh Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | 12/03/2022 11:00am-2:00pm | Cookies with Santa at Homestead Kitchen, Westland Michigan |
| 💙 | 12/03/2022 11:00am-4:00pm | Visit with the Grinch, Santa and Mrs. Claus at Stone Chalet Events, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | 12/03/2022 2:00pm-5:00pm | Robin Hills Holiday Party at Robin Hills Farm, Chelsea Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | 12/03/2022 6:00pm-7:00pm | Milan Christmas Parade at Downtown Milan, Milan Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | 12/03/2022 6:00pm-7:00pm | Superior Township Christmas Tree Lighting at Old Township Hall, Ypsilanti Michigan |
Sunday, December 4, 2022
| Date/Time | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 💙🆓🎟 | 12/04/2022 9:00am-10:30am | Caring Santa at Briarwood Mall, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | 12/04/2022 10:00am-2:45pm | Santa Train at Southern Michigan Railroad (Tecumseh Station), Tecumseh Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | 12/04/2022 12:00pm-3:00pm | Photos with Santa at Mitten’s Pets, Ypsilanti Michigan |
Wednesday, December 7, 2022
| Date/Time | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 💙🆓🎟 | 12/07/2022 1:00pm-4:00pm | Santa at Found at Kerrytown Market & Shops, Ann Arbor Michigan |
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Friday, December 9, 2022
| Date/Time | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 💙 | 12/09/2022 5:00pm-7:00pm | Merry Town Santa at Mancino's at Mancino’s Pizza & Grinders – Saline, Saline Michigan |
| 💙🆓🎟 | 12/09/2022 6:00pm-8:00pm | Walk Thru Lights at Hamlett Lavender Farm with Santa & Friends at Hamlett Lavender Farm, Pinckney Michigan |
Saturday, December 10, 2022
| Date/Time | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 💙🆓 | 12/10/2022 10:00am-12:00pm | Donuts & Selfies with Santa at Smokehouse 52 BBQ Chelsea, Chelsea Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | 12/10/2022 10:00am-4:00pm | Fishville Farms Craft & Vendor Show at Chelsea Fairgrounds, Chelsea Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | 12/10/2022 10:00am-1:00pm | Santa at My Urban Toddler at My Urban Toddler Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | 12/10/2022 10:00am-2:45pm | Santa Train at Southern Michigan Railroad (Tecumseh Station), Tecumseh Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | 12/10/2022 11:00am-1:00pm | Santa Pictures at Northfield Township Area Library, Whitmore Lake Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | 12/10/2022 4:00pm-6:00pm | Dixboro Christmas at Dixboro Farmers Market, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙 | 12/10/2022 4:00pm-7:00pm | Santa's Visiting the Distillery at Ugly Dog Distillery, Chelsea Michigan |
Sunday, December 11, 2022
| Date/Time | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 💙🎟 | 12/11/2022 10:00am-5:00pm | Private Santa Sessions at Carousel Acres, South Lyon Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | 12/11/2022 10:00am-2:45pm | Santa Train at Southern Michigan Railroad (Tecumseh Station), Tecumseh Michigan |
| 💙🆓🎟 | 12/11/2022 6:00pm-8:00pm | Santa Pet Night at Briarwood Mall, Ann Arbor Michigan |
Monday, December 12, 2022
| Date/Time | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 💙🆓 | 12/12/2022 3:00pm-5:00pm | Santa Pictures at Northfield Township Area Library, Whitmore Lake Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | 12/12/2022 5:00pm-7:00pm | Free Pictures with Santa at Gene Butman Ford, Ypsilanti Michigan |
Tuesday, December 13, 2022
| Date/Time | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 💙🎟 | 12/13/2022 11:00am-1:00pm | Brunch with Santa at Goldfish Swim School, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | 12/13/2022 5:00pm-7:00pm | Santa Pictures at Northfield Township Area Library, Whitmore Lake Michigan |
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Friday, December 16, 2022
| Date/Time | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 💙🆓🎟 | 12/16/2022 3:30pm-5:30pm | Holiday Crafts & Caroling at Art Learning Center & Gallery, Pinckney Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | 12/16/2022 6:00pm-7:30pm | Light Up Dexter at Monument Park, Dexter Michigan |
| 💙🆓🎟 | 12/16/2022 6:00pm-8:00pm | Walk Thru Lights at Hamlett Lavender Farm with Santa & Friends at Hamlett Lavender Farm, Pinckney Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | 12/16/2022 6:30pm-8:30pm | Almost Solstice Night Hike and CampFire at Independence Lake, Whitmore Lake Michigan |
| 💙 | 12/16/2022 6:30pm-8:30pm | Merry Town Santa at Tippin's Market at Tippins Market, Ann Arbor Michigan |
Saturday, December 17, 2022
| Date/Time | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 💙 | 12/17/2022 11:00am-3:00pm | Santa at the Stables at Hell Creek Equestrian (formerly Heavenly Horse Stables), Pinckney Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | 12/17/2022 12:00pm-5:30pm | Private Santa Sessions at Carousel Acres, South Lyon Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | 12/17/2022 1:00pm-3:30pm | Santa's Candy Cane Trail at Hudson Mills Metropark, Dexter Michigan |
Sunday, December 18, 2022
| Date/Time | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 💙🎟 | 12/18/2022 10:00am-5:30pm | Private Santa Sessions at Carousel Acres, South Lyon Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | 12/18/2022 4:00pm | Santa at the Pub at Connor O’Neills, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | 12/18/2022 4:00pm-5:30pm | Sensory Friendly Reindeer Games Holiday Party at Xtreme Fun Party & Play Center, Ann Arbor Michigan |
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Friday, December 23, 2022
| Date/Time | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 💙 | 12/23/2022 6:00pm-8:00pm | Visit Santa at BIG at BIG: Best in Games, Ypsilanti Michigan |
| 💙🆓🎟 | 12/23/2022 6:00pm-8:00pm | Walk Thru Lights at Hamlett Lavender Farm with Santa & Friends at Hamlett Lavender Farm, Pinckney Michigan |
Saturday, December 24, 2022
| Date/Time | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 💙 | 12/24/2022 12:00pm-2:00pm | Visit Santa at BIG at BIG: Best in Games, Ypsilanti Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | 12/24/2022 4:00pm-7:00pm | Santa on the Huron - CANCELED at Argo Nature Area, Ann Arbor MI |
Events We Are Watching For
Many events are repeated year after year and we updated our list when we see updates. With covid cancellations in 2020, we are looking back two years. (We have already updated any 2020 events and there were no events left to watch)
2021 Events
| Date/Time | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 💙🆓 | 11/28/2021 5:00pm-7:00pm | Palio Tree Lighting Ceremony at Palio, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | 11/30/2021 12:00pm-5:00pm | Photo with Santa at Waterloo Farm Museum, Grass Lake Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | 12/01/2021 12:00pm-5:00pm | Photo with Santa at Waterloo Farm Museum, Grass Lake Michigan |
| 💙🆓🎟🖥 | 12/02/2021 5:15pm-8:00pm | Zoom with Santa Virtual Event - Enjoy at Home |
| 💙 | 12/04/2021 11:00am-3:00pm | Santa Paws at Huron Pet Supply, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | 12/04/2021 1:00pm-3:45pm | Santa's Candy Cane Trail at Kensington Metropark Nature Center, Milford Michigan |
| 💙 | 12/05/2021 11:00am-3:00pm | Santa Paws at Huron Pet Supply, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🆓🎟 | 12/07/2021 4:00pm-6:45pm | Santa at the Shop! at McPherson Local, Saline Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | 12/07/2021 4:30pm-7:45pm | Jingle Fest with Santa at Saline Rec Center, Saline MI |
| 💙🆓🎟 | 12/08/2021 4:00pm-6:45pm | Santa at the Shop! at McPherson Local, Saline Michigan |
| 💙🆓🎟 | 12/09/2021 4:00pm-6:45pm | Santa at the Shop! at McPherson Local, Saline Michigan |
| 💙 | 12/11/2021 1:00pm-4:00pm | Christmas at Rentschler Farm at Rentschler Farm, Saline Michigan |
| 💙🆓🎟 | 12/11/2021 3:00pm-7:00pm | Night of Christmas Joy at Peace Lutheran Church, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | 12/12/2021 10:00am-3:30pm | Sunday with Santa at Oakwoods Metropark, New Boston Michigan |
| 💙 | 12/18/2021 9:00am-11:00am | Breakfast with Santa & Mrs Claus at Alpha Diner, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | 12/19/2021 10:00am-2:00pm | Santa Brunch at Polo Fields Country Club, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | 12/20/2021 4:30pm-6:00pm | Merry Town Santa at Saline Area Social Services, Saline Michigan |
2019 Events
| Date/Time | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| 💙🆓 | 11/15/2019 7:00pm-9:00pm | Tree Lighting Ceremony at Briarwood Mall, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | 11/24/2019 1:00pm-3:00pm | Santa visits Kohl's at Kohl’s, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | 12/01/2019 5:00pm-7:00pm | Annual Tree Lighting Festival at Kerrytown Market & Shops, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🆓🎟 | 12/04/2019 10:00am-11:00am | Santa Storytime at Northfield Township Area Library, Whitmore Lake Michigan |
| 💙🆓🎟 | 12/04/2019 4:00pm-7:00pm | Santa Visits the Library at Northfield Township Area Library, Whitmore Lake Michigan |
12/07/2019 8:30am-12:00pm | Breakfast with Santa at Fox Hills Golf & Banquet Center, Plymouth Michigan | |
| 💙🆓 | 12/07/2019 10:00am-1:00pm | 21st Annual Downtown Home & Garden Christmas Party at Downtown Home & Garden, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | 12/07/2019 12:00pm-4:30pm | Freighthouse Holiday Festival at Ypsilanti Freighthouse, Ypsilanti Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | 12/08/2019 12:00pm-3:00pm | Santa Visits at Kerrytown Market & Shops, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | 12/08/2019 1:00pm-3:00pm | Santa visits Kohl's at Kohl’s, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙 | 12/11/2019 6:00pm-8:00pm | Meet Santa at Dexter’s Pub, Dexter Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | 12/14/2019 9:00am-10:30am | Breakfast with Santa: Christmas in Space at Sidetrack, Ypsilanti Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | 12/14/2019 9:00am-12:00pm | Pictures with Santa at 2|42 Community Church, Ann Arbor MI |
| 💙 | 12/14/2019 9:00am-10:30am | Santa Brunch at the Bank at Bridgewater Bank Tavern, Saline Michigan |
| 💙 | 12/14/2019 10:00am-2:00pm | Breakfast with Santa at Kensington Hotel, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙 | 12/14/2019 10:00am-12:00pm | LHS Bands Holiday Cookie Walk at Lincoln High School, Ypsilanti Michigan |
| 💙 | 12/14/2019 12:00pm-2:00pm | A Visit with Father Christmas at Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | 12/14/2019 2:00pm-4:00pm | Photos with Santa at The Morning Owl, Milan Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | 12/14/2019 5:00pm-7:00pm | S'mores and Santa at Kensington Metropark Farm Center, Milford MI |
| 💙🆓 | 12/15/2019 12:00pm-3:00pm | Santa Visits at Kerrytown Market & Shops, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙 | 12/15/2019 1:00pm-4:00pm | Christmas at Rentschler Farm at Rentschler Farm, Saline Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | 12/15/2019 1:00pm-3:00pm | Santa visits Kohl's at Kohl’s, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙 | 12/17/2019 5:00pm-7:00pm | Santa is Coming to Salt Springs at Salt Springs Brewery, Saline Michigan |
| 💙 | 12/18/2019 6:00pm-8:00pm | Santa is Coming to Aubree's! at Aubree’s Dexter, Dexter Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | 12/21/2019 10:00am-2:00pm | Santa Visits Yankee Air Museum at Yankee Air Museum, Belleville Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | 12/21/2019 11:00am-2:00pm | Santa Clay at Ypsilanti Food Co-Op, Ypsilanti Michigan |
| 💙 | 12/21/2019 12:00pm-2:00pm | Santa is Coming to Salt Springs at Salt Springs Brewery, Saline Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | 12/22/2019 12:00pm-4:00pm | Family Bowl with Santa at Station 300, Saline Michigan |
| 💙🆓 | 12/22/2019 12:00pm-3:00pm | Santa Visits at Kerrytown Market & Shops, Ann Arbor Michigan |
| 💙🎟 | 12/22/2019 12:30pm-1:30pm | Winter Wonderland at Gym America, Ann Arbor Michigan |
Ann Arbor Christmas
For more Ann Arbor Christmas fun, be sure to check out our Christmas Guide. It includes Holiday Parades, Holiday Shows, Christmas Tree Farms, and more.
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