Things to do in Ann Arbor around the Holidays

American Life

By Eric Kwong

“A whole new world, a new fantastic point of view, no one to tell us no, or where to go or say we’re only dreaming….” (Lyrics from A new world) Are you new to Ann Arbor? Is this your first time spending your winter in Ann Arbor? Fear not, there are ton of things you can do in Ann Arbor during the holidays! I just want to name a few for you to get started. 😀

MUSEUMS IN TOWN
Do you love museums ? I love museums! There are many museums in downtown Ann Arbor that are open all four seasons. (Some of them managed by the University of Michigan and some by the City of Ann Arbor.)

University of Michigan Museum of Art
You need to visit the Museum of Art if you have a huge interest in art. The museum is separated into two section, a building for modern arts and another for classical art.
http://umma.umich.edu/

photo credit: tripadvisor.com

University of Michigan: Kelsey Museum of Archaeology
The Kelsey Museum of Archaeology is a tiny museum on State Street with the focus on archaeology. Though the museum is small, it houses a collection of more than 100,000 artifacts and over 1,500 of them are on permanent display! O_o
http://lsa.umich.edu/kelsey/

University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
Hurry to visit this gem before they close in their current Museum on December 30, 2017, as they prepare to move right next door where the Museum will reopen in 2019! Exhibits at the Museum include displays on prehistoric life (dinosaurs), Michigan wildlife, anthropology, geology, and a digital Planetarium. It is closed for the holidays on Dec. 24, 25, 26, 31, 2017.
https://lsa.umich.edu/ummnh

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
Do you enjoying learning about history? Do you want to learn more about President Gerald Ford and the Cold War Era? This presidential library located in Ann Arbor gives you a glimpse into the lives of President Gerald Ford and First Lady Betty Ford. Different documents and archival materials during the Ford administration are also housed there.
https://www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov/

Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
The Hands-On Museum is a great place to visit if you have young children with you, or if you want to relive your childhood again! The Hands-On Museum has a wide variety of exhibits that helps young children explore the world around them! Definitely a good family day activity.
https://www.aahom.org/

CINEMA & PERFORMING ARTS
Ann Arbor is a great place for motion pictures, theatrical and performing arts.

State Theater
A local theater located in downtown Ann Arbor. They might not always show the most up-to-date movies, but you will often find some excellent movies that are lesser known.
http://statetheatrea2.org/

photocredit: michtheater.org

Michigan Theater
Another local theater located in downtown Ann Arbor. Not only will they show American classics occasionally, but they often have concerts, or other performances as well.
http://www.michtheater.org/

University of Michigan Events
Below are the different venues operated by the University of Michigan, full list of musical events, performances and ticketing can be found here.
University Musical Society
Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre
Power Center
Arthur Miller Theatre
Michigan Union Ticket Office

Well, I hope you will find this list helpful! This is just the tip of the iceberg. Come to Ann Arbor to explore for yourself.