Ann Arbor Holiday Events and Activities: November 29 - December 5

There's lots to do this week - I found an awesome round-up post on AnnArbor.com that wraps up arts, movies and musical events happening this week in Ann Arbor. Be sure to check some of the great local fun!

Thanksgiving Weekend Activities for the Whole Family in Ann Arbor

FROM AnnArbor.com:

If you are not in a food coma from all the turkey, out shopping for the crazy deals or decorating for the holidays, there are many great family activities to do this weekend with the kids. Here is a few fun family activities in and around Ann Arbor.


Practice Writing Skills and Letters
Beginning on November 26, kid’s can bring their letters to Santa to Santa’s mailbox located on Liberty Street, in front of Organic Bliss (117 E. Liberty Street). All letters received by December 16th will be answered.

Feed the Birds
Shhh, I heard of a little secret... Behind the nature center at Kensington Metro Park (2240 W. Buno Road, Milford), the birds will literally eat out of your hands if you take along some black oil sunflower seeds. What a great way to get out into nature! On November 26, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks will waive vehicle entry fees and boat launch fees for annual “Appreciation Days”.

Get Your Skate On
Take a break from shopping on November 26 to strap on your ice skates from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. at Yost Ice Arena (1000 South State Street, Ann Arbor). Open skate times at Veterans Ice Arena (2150 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor) are also available on November 27-28 at 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. or at the Buhr Park Outdoor Ice Rink (2751 Packard Road, Ann Arbor) on November 28 from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. or 7:15 - 8:45 p.m.

Get Crafty
On Saturday, November 27, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. children and adults alike can decorate an ornament free with in-store purchase at Michael’s Crafts. (Actually I blogged on holiday crafts at Michael's Crafts earlier this month...)

Add A Little Holiday Spirit
On Sunday Night when your family is about to head back to school and work, get into the holiday spirit by attending the Kerrytown Market & Shops Annual Tree Lighting Festival (407 N. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor) from 5:30 - 6:00 p.m. Join in to welcome the holidays in the courtyard with Christmas carols, candle luminaries and Santa lighting the tree!

Great Deal: $50 Jump City Gift Certificate for $25

My kids LOVE to bounce - What kid doesn't right? Heck even I like to bounce with them if the bounce-house can sustain an adult body.  It's a GREAT work-out!!!

I just heard about a great deal offered on AnnArbor.coms Real Deal website that allows parents to purchase a $50 Jump City gift certificate for only $25.  Each household is limited to one purchase per person and is valid until November 23, 2011. 



Jump City is a bounce, play & party place (2825 Boardwalk, Ann Arbor) with pop-n-play times on Tuesdays and Fridays for only $7 per child. For more information call Jump City at 734-995-5055 for pop-n-play times, special events, party information & reservations. Purchased gift certificates may be used toward any purchase at Jump City!

Crafty Inspirations at Michael's Crafts This Holiday Season

Looking to get into the spirit with fun and inexpensive (or free) craft projects and activities? I just picked up a flier at Michael's for their 6 Weeks of inspirations that includes many free and low cost make it and take it events appropriate for all ages. Keep this list handy, or better yet pick up your own flier at Michael's (3655 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor) since it has a bonus 20% off coupon attached!

NOVEMBER
11/20, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Decorate a cute felt stocking. Free with in-store purchase.

11/27, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Ornament decorating for any age. Free with in-store purchase.

DECEMBER
12/4, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Learn the make a finger knit scarf and create an ornament for FREE. I think this might be the perfect quick how to for school aged kids through teens!

12/5, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. - Create that traveling dad his own own duct tape luggage tag or let your kids decorate a tree ornament for grandma and grandpa. Both projects are FREE.

12/11 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Create your own customized gift card holder or decorated a gift bag for wrapping those holiday gifts. Free with in-store purchase.


12/18, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Last minute shopping necessary, don't worry about it, let your teen make their own button rings to give or keep while you shop in the store. Free with in-store purchase. Also from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. check out the activity sampler kit free demo while browsing!

I figure if I'm there anyway, I might as well let my kids have fun creating while I shop!

Significant Childrens Clothing Discount at Ann Arbor's Elephant Ears

Elephant Ears (415 N Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor) in Ann Arbor's Kerrytown Market and Shops has today's Groupon deal offering a coupon for $15 off a $30 sale of children's clothing and accessories! Inside Elephant Ears sustainable shoppers can sift through a variety of Fair Trade, organic, and natural fiber children's clothing, footwear, bedding , and more.

This 50% deal is perfect timing for holiday shopping!