Winter Break in Ann Arbor is a full 2 weeks encompassing the end of Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Year’s, and the first week of January. Whether you’re celebrating all, some, or none of the holidays we’ve got ideas for all of break.
There are plenty of ways to keep kids entertained during Winter Break near Ann Arbor. We’ve got a list of all the holiday celebrations, camps, holiday events, and fun family activities.
Holiday Celebrations
Be sure to check our Christmas Guide for all the Christmas Events that first weekend of winter break.
Arbor Annie’s Guide to an Amazing Ann Arbor Christmas
Our Guide to Christmas Events in Ann Arbor has all the fun local activities to celebrate the holidays. Find the best activities for Ann Arbor holiday celebrations to keep you in the holiday spirit. Note: We update the Christmas Ann Arbor Guide throughout the season as we find new events. Check back through the season to find […]
Kwanzaa runs December 26-January 1. Unfortunately there are not many events in Ann Arbor, but we are sharing some events in Metro Detroit. If you find details on any Ann Arbor events, please let us know.
Celebrate Kwanzaa Near Ann Arbor
These Ann Arbor Kwanzaa events are a great choice for your family – whether you have been celebrating Kwanzaa for years or want to learn more about the celebrations and introduce them to your children. We have found very few Kwanzaa events. If you know of others we have missed, please let us know Kwanzaa […]
This year Hanukkah overlaps with winter break. It ends on Monday, December 22
Family Feasts & Hanukkah Events Near Ann Arbor
Christmas is dominating our calendar and content lately. However, there are several Hanukkah Events in Ann Arbor for families on our calendar as well. These Ann Arbor Hanukkah Events are open to the general public. Additionally, we have found a number of options for local restaurants and markets that are offering Hanukkah specific holiday meals […]
And don’t miss New Year’s Celebrations. There are crafts early in the week and plenty of early celebrations on New Year’s Eve. And don’t miss the New Year’s Day events.
Thrill your Family at these Fabulous Ann Arbor New Years Celebrations
Are you looking for Ann Arbor Family New Years Celebrations? We have searched and found several fun kid-friendly New Year’s events around Ann Arbor. Of course it’s hard to make New Years plans too early before knowing what’s going on with bowl games. Last year Michigan played on New Year’s Eve and the year before […]
Winter Break Camps
Be sure to check out our list of Winter Break Camps especially if you have to work during winter break . While there are camps both weeks, there are more camp options the second week of break.
From Sports to Arts: Ann Arbor’s Diverse Winter Break Camps
Are you looking for an Ann Arbor Winter Break Camp? Ann Arbor Public Schools is in session through Friday, December 20 and returns Monday, January 6. There are camp offerings both weeks of break. There are also several days off or mini-breaks in January and February – Martin Luther King Jr Day and Presidents Day is […]
Fun Activities for Winter Break
Ann Arbor offers so much fun for families that often get lost in our busy every day lives and finding the best events. Winter break is often a time that our lives are less busy and the local event calendar is not as full. That makes it a perfect time to explore other activities.
Winter break is always a great time to visit the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum. Each year they host Hands-On Holidays starting on December 26 with extra activities throughout the museum. It can be a great choice if you have family visiting. Members can bring grandparents for free and they offer reciprocal admission to members of certain other museums.
Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
Check out the other local museums like UM’s Natural History Museum and the Henry Ford.
Our Top 5 Ann Arbor Area Museums for Kids
Museums are a great choice year round. They are a great option for rainy summer days (or really hot days when the air conditioning is a welcome relief). They are also a great option for freezing cold winter days. There are a number of great museums in and around Ann Arbor that are a great […]
Check out some active ideas for winter break like Ice Skating (additional open skate times at A2 Parks are on our calendar below), Indoor Swimming opportunities, and bowling alleys.
Swim Year Round at These Indoor Pools Near Ann Arbor
Yes, there are a number of Ann Arbor Indoor Pool where you can swim year round! There’s nothing like a taste of summer on a cold winter day – until you have to go back outside. Find an Indoor Swimming Pools Near You Are you looking for an Indoor Swimming Pool? Check out the map to […]
Score a Strike Bowling at Ann Arbor’s 7 Best Alleys
Get in the fast lane to fun at these Bowling Alleys in Ann Arbor area. Bowling is a great family activity that can appeal to a wide range of ages. With bowling ramps and bumpers, even preschoolers can have fun bowling. Bowling is a great option for cold winter days, hot summer days, or rainy days year round. While […]
Skate Your Heart Out: Unmissable Ice Skating Near Ann Arbor
There are several Ice Skating Rinks Near Ann Arbor. These include both indoor ice rinks available year round or seasonally, and outdoor rinks. As a child, my bus route home from school went past a park where they created a natural rink each winter. I would check the status to see if it was safe […]
Now Playing
There are no new kid-friendly movies this weekend (The Mummy is rated R). However there are several PG & PG-13 movies still in theaters:
- The Super Mario Galaxy Movie – PG
- Hoppers – PG
- Project Hail Mary – PG-13
- You, Me, & Tuscany – PG-13
Christmas Weekend
Winter break starts after school on Friday December 19. That gives us a whole weekend – and 2 days to enjoy activities before Christmas Eve & Day
Saturday, December 20 Highlights
❄️ 10:00am-5:00pm Hillside Christmas Tree Farm at Hillside Christmas Tree Farm
❄️ 10:00am-4:00pm Yspi Artisans Holiday Market at Ypsilanti Freighthouse
❄️ 10:30am-11:30am ASL-Friendly Sensory Storytime at Ypsilanti District Library – Superior
❄️ 10:30am-3:00pm Snacks with Santa at Kensington Metropark Farm Center
❄️ 11:00am-11:45am Dancing Babies Robin Robinson at Westgate Branch of AADL
❄️ 11:00am-3:30pm Last Minute Magic: 1/2 Day Holiday STEAM at Future Innovators Academy
❄️ 1:00pm-2:00pm Circus Anatomy with Poppet at Downtown Branch of AADL
❄️ 1:00pm-3:00pm Saturday Ornament Painting at Michaels
❄️ 1:00pm The Nutcracker presented by iBallet Studio at Power Center
❄️ 2:00pm-4:00pm Charm School: Snowflakes - Crafternoon at SCRAP Creative Reuse
❄️ 2:00pm Disney's Frozen at Encore Musical Theatre
❄️ 2:00pm Frozen Jr - Lincoln Community Education at Brick Elementary School
❄️ 2:00pm-4:00pm Ornaments - Crafternoon at SCRAP Creative Reuse
❄️ 2:00pm-4:00pm Saturday Snow Globes at Ypsilanti District Library – Michigan Ave Branch
❄️ 2:00pm The Nutcracker 2025: Land of Sweets at Dexter High School
❄️ 2:30pm-3:30pm Santa at Christina's Sweet Treats at Christina’s Sweet Treats
❄️ 3:00pm DJ Whittington's Kool Kat: A Hip-Hop Panto at Theatre Nova
❄️ 3:00pm-4:00pm Sparkle Penguins at Pittsfield Branch Library
❄️ 3:00pm-4:00pm Spongebob Party! at Traverwood Branch of AADL
❄️ 4:30pm The Nutcracker 2025: Land of Sweets at Dexter High School
❄️ 5:30pm-8:30pm Glow Night Kids Night Out at Michigan Academy of Gymnastics
❄️ 6:00pm-8:30pm Ornament Workshop: Laser Cutting at Future Innovators Academy
❄️ 6:00pm The Nutcracker presented by iBallet Studio at Power Center
❄️ 6:30pm-10:00pm Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village
❄️ 7:00pm Disney's Frozen at Encore Musical Theatre
❄️ 7:00pm Holiday Pops at Hill Auditorium
❄️ 7:00pm The Holdovers at Michigan Theater
❄️ 7:30pm-9:00pm Beyond Christmas Concert at Pease Auditorium
❄️ 7:30pm DJ Whittington's Kool Kat: A Hip-Hop Panto at Theatre Nova
Sunday, December 21 Highlights
❄️ 9:30am-2:30pm Santa Brunch at Polo Fields Country Club
❄️ 10:00am-5:00pm Hillside Christmas Tree Farm at Hillside Christmas Tree Farm
❄️ 10:00am-4:00pm Yspi Artisans Holiday Market at Ypsilanti Freighthouse
❄️ 11:00am-3:30pm Last Minute Magic: 1/2 Day Holiday STEAM at Future Innovators Academy
❄️ 1:00pm-5:00pm 3D Printing Open Lab at Downtown Branch of AADL
❄️ 1:30pm The Polar Express- Holiday Classic Film Series at Michigan Theater
❄️ 2:00pm Disney's Frozen at Encore Musical Theatre
❄️ 2:00pm DJ Whittington's Kool Kat: A Hip-Hop Panto at Theatre Nova
❄️ 2:00pm The Nutcracker presented by iBallet Studio at Power Center
❄️ 3:00pm-4:00pm Bluey Party! at Malletts Creek Branch Library
❄️ 3:00pm-4:00pm Pom Pom Ice Cream Cones at Downtown Branch of AADL
❄️ 5:00pm It's A Wonderful Life at Michigan Theater
❄️ 5:00pm-6:30pm Traditional Chinese Guardian Lion with Lyla Wang at Downtown Branch of AADL
❄️ 6:00pm-8:30pm Lantern Lit Trail - Celebrate Solstice at Independence Lake
❄️ 6:30pm-10:00pm Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village
Week of Christmas
Monday, December 22 Highlights
❄️ 11:00am-12:00pm Drop-In Winter Wonderland Story & Crafts at Dexter District Library
❄️ 11:00am-12:00pm Paint a Snake at Traverwood Branch of AADL
❄️ 11:00am-12:00pm Pom Pom Pom at Westgate Branch of AADL
❄️ 12:00pm-1:00pm Winter Break STEM at Ypsilanti District Library – Superior
❄️ 1:30pm-3:00pm Pizza & Games at Dexter District Library
❄️ 2:00pm-3:00pm The Secret Code of Comics with Meggie Ramm at Downtown Branch of AADL
❄️ 6:30pm-10:00pm Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village
Tuesday, December 23 Highlights
❄️ 1:00pm-1:45pm Magic Show with Jeff Wawrzaszek at Downtown Branch of AADL
❄️ 2:00pm Disney's Frozen at Encore Musical Theatre
❄️ 2:00pm-2:45pm Weather the Storm: Michigan Science Center at YDL at Ypsilanti District Library – Michigan Ave Branch
❄️ 3:30pm-4:15pm Weather the Storm: Michigan Science Center at YDL at Ypsilanti District Library – Michigan Ave Branch
❄️ 4:00pm-7:00pm Merry Town Santa at the Dairy at Washtenaw Dairy
❄️ 5:00pm Christmas Tales with Santa & Mrs Claus at Cabela’s
❄️ 6:30pm-10:00pm Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village
❄️ 7:00pm The Bells of St Mary's at Michigan Theater
Wednesday, December 24 Highlights
In making your plans for December 24, be sure to check out our What’s Open on Christmas Eve & Day post for details on who is open & closed. We reorganized the list into categories this year to make it easier to use.
What’s Open or Closed on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
Are you wondering what is open on Christmas in Ann Arbor. I’ve scoured a number of places for family fun and their holiday hours. For Christmas Eve (December 24), my general assumption is that shopping is open during the day and closing around dinner time. Many other locations may have special hours. For Christmas, my default assumption […]
Thursday, December 25 Highlights
Pre-New Year’s Weekend
Friday, December 26 Highlights
❄️ 12:00pm-1:00pm Winter Break STEM at Ypsilanti District Library – Superior
❄️ 1:00pm-2:00pm Snowy Pictures at Malletts Creek Branch Library
❄️ 3:00pm-7:00pm Kwanzaa Celebration & Kinara Lighting at Cadillac Square
❄️ 6:30pm-10:00pm Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village
❄️ 6:30pm-8:30pm UMOJA -Opening Celebration & Candle Lighting at African American Cultural and Historical Museum of Washtenaw County
❄️ 7:00pm Disney's Frozen at Encore Musical Theatre
❄️ 7:30pm DJ Whittington's Kool Kat: A Hip-Hop Panto at Theatre Nova
Saturday, December 27 Highlights
❄️ 10:00am-2:00pm The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa with Mama Jahra at Henry Ford Museum
❄️ 10:30am-12:30pm Little Ones Open Play at Michigan Avenue at Ypsilanti District Library – Michigan Ave Branch
❄️ 12:00pm-1:00pm Pipe Cleaner Sculptures at Malletts Creek Branch Library
❄️ 2:00pm Disney's Frozen at Encore Musical Theatre
❄️ 2:00pm-3:00pm Owl Aboard at Downtown Branch of AADL
❄️ 3:00pm-5:00pm CircuitLab at Michigan Avenue at Ypsilanti District Library – Michigan Ave Branch
❄️ 3:00pm DJ Whittington's Kool Kat: A Hip-Hop Panto at Theatre Nova
❄️ 6:30pm-7:30pm Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings at First Presbyterian Church
❄️ 6:30pm-10:00pm Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village
❄️ 7:00pm Disney's Frozen at Encore Musical Theatre
❄️ 7:00pm Little Women at Michigan Theater
❄️ 7:30pm DJ Whittington's Kool Kat: A Hip-Hop Panto at Theatre Nova
❄️ 8:45pm-9:45pm Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings at First Presbyterian Church
Sunday, December 28 Highlights
❄️ 12:00pm-2:00pm Collage Making at Traverwood Branch of AADL
❄️ 12:00pm-1:00pm Dinosaur Dig Site at Downtown Branch of AADL
❄️ 2:00pm Disney's Frozen at Encore Musical Theatre
❄️ 2:00pm DJ Whittington's Kool Kat: A Hip-Hop Panto at Theatre Nova
❄️ 2:00pm-3:00pm TriviaTime! With Katie and Abbie: Star Wars at Westgate Branch of AADL
❄️ 6:30pm-10:00pm Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village
New Year’s Week
Be sure to check for closures on New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day.
What’s Open on New Year’s Near Ann Arbor
Are you wondering what is open on New Years Eve in Ann Arbor? What about who is closed on New Year’s Eve Near Ann Arbor? I’ve scoured a number of places for family fun and their holiday hours. New Year’s Celebrations Don’t miss our list of Family New Year’s Events and Celebrations Note we are in the […]
Monday, December 29 Highlights
❄️ 10:30am-12:30pm Little Ones Open Play at Michigan Avenue at Ypsilanti District Library – Michigan Ave Branch
❄️ 11:00am-12:00pm Drop-In New Year's Hat & Noisemaker Crafts at Dexter District Library
❄️ 12:00pm-1:00pm Winter Break STEM at Ypsilanti District Library – Superior
❄️ 1:00pm-2:30pm Easy Bead Snowman Keychain at Traverwood Branch of AADL
❄️ 2:00pm-3:00pm STEM: Makedo Free Build at Ypsilanti District Library – Superior
❄️ 6:00pm-8:00pm Youth Gaming: RPG One Shot at Sylvan Factory Games
❄️ 6:30pm-8:30pm Kwanzaa Business Mixer - Ujamaa - Cooperative Economics at African American Cultural and Historical Museum of Washtenaw County
Tuesday, December 30 Highlights
❄️ 10:00am Leslie Science & Nature Center: Living in Winter at Ypsilanti District Library – Michigan Ave Branch
❄️ 2:00pm-3:00pm KPop Demon Hunters Party! at Dexter District Library
❄️ 2:00pm-3:30pm LEGO Fun Day at Downtown Branch of AADL
❄️ 2:00pm-3:00pm Pipe Cleaner Jellyfish Light at Westgate Branch of AADL
❄️ 6:00pm-9:00pm Farm-to-Table Community Dinner at Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ale & Kitchen
❄️ 6:30pm-8:00pm NIA - Young Royalty Day at African American Cultural and Historical Museum of Washtenaw County
Wednesday, December 31 Highlights
❄️ 10:00am-12:00pm Noon Year's Eve Party at Henry Ford Museum
❄️ 11:00am-12:00pm Noon Year's Eve Party! at Downtown Branch of AADL
❄️ 11:30am-1:00pm Noon Years Eve Countdown Balloon Drop at Stone Chalet Events
❄️ 12:00pm-1:00am New Years Eve Bowling at Station 300
❄️ 12:00pm-1:30pm Noon Years Eve Family Swim at Goldfish Swim School
❄️ 2:00pm Disney's Frozen at Encore Musical Theatre
❄️ 2:30pm-4:30pm Kuumba - Kid's Kwanzaa Party at African American Cultural and Historical Museum of Washtenaw County
❄️ 4:00pm-7:00pm Family Friendly New Years Eve Celebration at Launch Trampoline
❄️ 8:00pm-11:00pm Stranger Things Finale! at Michigan Theater
Thursday, January 1 Highlights
❄️ 9:00am-11:00am A Very Nice Run at Washtenaw Dairy
❄️ 12:00pm-5:00pm Hands-On Holidays at Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
❄️ 2:00pm Disney's Frozen at Encore Musical Theatre
❄️ 7:00pm Disney's Frozen at Encore Musical Theatre
Final Winter Break Weekend Highlights
School resumes on January 5. That leaves one more weekend after New Year’s to enjoy Winter Break.
Friday, January 2 Highlights
❄️ 12:00pm-1:00pm Winter Break STEM at Ypsilanti District Library – Superior
❄️ 1:00pm-3:00pm Friendship Bracelets: Beyond the Basics at Traverwood Branch of AADL
❄️ 1:00pm-2:00pm Sticker Scenes at Downtown Branch of AADL
❄️ 1:00pm-2:00pm Thank You Card Party at Pittsfield Branch Library
❄️ 6:00pm-7:00pm KPop Demon Hunters Party! at Downtown Branch of AADL
❄️ 6:00pm-8:30pm Lantern Lit Hike at Independence Lake
❄️ 7:00pm Disney's Frozen at Encore Musical Theatre
❄️ 7:30pm DJ Whittington's Kool Kat: A Hip-Hop Panto at Theatre Nova
Saturday, January 3 Highlights
❄️ 9:00am-12:00pm Home Depot Kids Workshop - Tow Truck at Home Depot
❄️ 10:00am-5:00pm Hands-On Holidays at Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
❄️ 10:30am-11:30am Spanish Storytime with Norma Rodriguez at Ypsilanti District Library – Michigan Ave Branch
❄️ 11:00am-12:00pm Drop-in Wish & Treasure Box Craft at Dexter District Library
❄️ 12:00pm-1:00pm Creature Cuties at Traverwood Branch of AADL
❄️ 12:00pm-1:00pm Puddle Painting Inspired by Helen Frankenthaler at Pittsfield Branch Library
❄️ 2:00pm Disney's Frozen at Encore Musical Theatre
❄️ 2:00pm-3:15pm Hot Cocoa & Crafts for Teens & Tweens at Dexter District Library
❄️ 2:00pm-3:00pm Looking Forward to 2026: A Mini-Zine of Aspirations at Downtown Branch of AADL
❄️ 3:00pm DJ Whittington's Kool Kat: A Hip-Hop Panto at Theatre Nova
❄️ 7:00pm Disney's Frozen at Encore Musical Theatre
❄️ 7:30pm DJ Whittington's Kool Kat: A Hip-Hop Panto at Theatre Nova
Sunday, January 4 Highlights
❄️ 11:00am-4:00pm Studio Ghibli Celebration 2026 at Downtown Branch of AADL
❄️ 2:00pm Disney's Frozen at Encore Musical Theatre
❄️ 2:00pm DJ Whittington's Kool Kat: A Hip-Hop Panto at Theatre Nova
