Weekend Happenings: Shop Local, Holiday Entertainment, Crafts and More...

I just wrote about some great holiday family activities this weekend at AnnArbor.com that include several Christmas parades, and traditional holiday celebrations happening around Ann Arbor this weekend, however there are so many other great (and free) happenings I'd like to add. Below are free craft events, cookie walks, and more - Check it out, I doubt your kids will be bored with all the entertainment in the area this weekend!

For the crafty there are several craft shows and free craft events for kids of all ages. From noon - 8:00 p.m. today, Barnes & Noble (3235 Washtenaw Ave. Ann Arbor) will have a free craft event sponsored by the Oak Trails Montessori. Kids can make a beaded bracelet and necklace throughout the day.

For those families that want to shop locally, there are many great night-time shopping experiences to be had. The best part is, virtually all of them will feature free entertainment for the entire family. Ypsilanti (Historic downtown Ypsilanti) has the Starlight Spree on December 3-5 and 10-12 (Fri., 5:00-9:00 p.m., Sat., Noon-7:00 p.m., and Sun., 1:00-4:00 p.m.), Ann Arbor has Midnight Madness (throughout Ann Arbor downtown and the Kerrytown District) on December 4, from 5:00 - midnight with outstanding shop til you drop deals and roving performers and Saline has a a Midnight Madness Craft Show (Saline Middle School, 7190 N. Maple Road., Saline) from 5:00 - 11:00 p.m. on December 4, with a holiday concert held DURING the craftavaganza! Talk about some great local shopping and entertainment.

If the Polar Express is a family favorite, there are several opportunities to hear the story for free. On Friday, December 4, at AnnArbor.com there will be a storytyime event with readings at 4:00, 5:00 and 6:00 with free cookies and hot chocolate. Santa will even be there for free Santa Photos at AnnArbor.com!  Barnes & Noble (3235 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor) will also be hosting a Polar Express Pajama Party on December 4, and 7:00 p.m. with hot chocolate, a holiday sing-along and a special guest visit!

Finally for teens, they can wrap up the weekend by creating their own customized wrapping paper and gift tags. On Sunday, December from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. teens from grade 4 and up can create fun gift tags and wrapping paper at the AnnArbor Library (3333 Traverwood Drive, Ann Arbor) with free materials. For more information on this project, parents can call the AADL call the Library’s Youth Department at 327-8301 or visit the AADL website.

Have you heard of other free events this weekend? Feel free to shoot me a message or comment on the where and when below!