KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter for the Ann Arbor / Detroit Metro Area |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
When my husband and I started planning a family, we talked a lot about the kind of parents we hoped to be. Naturally, we looked back on our own childhoods. David had story after story about his parents—their quirks, what they cared about, who they were. But when I tried to do the same, I came up oddly blank. I could tell you what I loved as a kid, but not much about what made my
own parents’ hearts sing. I remembered that my dad had a garden when I was little, but I couldn’t say whether he enjoyed digging in the dirt, liked making things grow, or was just trying to save money on vegetables. That realization stuck with me. I didn’t want my kids to grow up seeing me as a blur in the background of their story; I wanted them to see me clearly: as someone who had favorite things, real interests, and a sense of enjoyment they could understand. I wanted them
to grow up expecting that adulthood could be full of that, too... all of the vivid experiences that make up the inner life of a regular person, especially the joys. I started using the phrase "live what you love" as a kind of parenting guidepost. Our kids are always watching, taking cues about what adulthood looks like. If all they ever see is grownups stressed, rushing, and tired, they’ll assume that’s the default. But if they also see us delighted by a song, energized by a
game, inspired by something we've learned, genuinely laughing with people we love... that’s powerful. It shows them that joy isn’t something you age out of, it’s something you grow into. The holidays are packed with tasks and to-do lists, but they’re also full of opportunities for joy. So tune your radar to what YOU love, and if you catch yourself smiling at paper snowflakes or belting out a corny carol, don’t downplay it. Let yourself have that moment. When your kids see the
joy you've just pushed into the room; it's a gift to their present and to their future.
—Debra Ross, publisher
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KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more. If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site. |
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Hebrew Day School of Ann Arbor teaches more than reading, writing, and arithmetic. We teach menschen—knowledgeable, caring, and committed Jewish children in a dynamic learning environment. This year's theme is resilience, following the Jewish wisdom of being "soft like a reed, never hard like a cedar." Through our social-emotional learning program, students develop self-awareness, empathy, and the courage to take appropriate risks in a supportive environment. They discover that mistakes are part of learning and that asking for help shows maturity.Our just-right-sized classes create the trust needed for this growth. Jewish values like tikkun olam aren't abstract, they're lived daily as students learn that individual strength connects to the bigger picture of community resilience.Top middle schools love our well-prepared graduates not only for their strong academics, but also because they arrive as confident thinkers who collaborate well, bounce back from setbacks, and lead with…
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Kids, party in your PJ's with the animals! Way better than a babysitter, Pets & Pajamas at the award-winning Humane Society of Huron Valley is so much fun for ages 5-11. We'll enjoy tucking the animals in, watching a G- or PG-rated animal-themed movie, eating dinner and popcorn, and more. Pets & Pajamas is a drop-off event from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on select Fridays. $35/child—includes supervision by our humane educators, entertainment, and food. You're welcome to bring sleeping bags and blankets, too!
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Celebrate Merry Mile at the Calhoun County Fairgrounds! The Merry Mile is back, bigger and better than ever! More lights, more to see and enjoy, and lots of ooohs and ahhhs. This year our theme is "Country Christmas".
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Experience the magic of the holidays at the annual Birmingham Winter Markt, featuring displays from local artists and vendors, European cuisine, thousands of holiday lights, ice sculptures, live entertainment, complimentary carriage rides and more. Santa House, a Kinderhaus children’s activity area and warming stations are sure to please visitors of all ages!
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Celebrate the spirit of the season at Crossroads Village, where a historic village comes alive with holiday magic for an unforgettable experience. Indulge in the enchantment of twinkling lights, artisan crafting, and timeless holiday activities for the whole family. Enjoy an evening ride on the historical 1800s Huckleberry Railroad, or walk through the streets filled with classic decorations capturing Christmas past with Santa waiting to say hello. You’re sure to find gifts for everyone on your holiday list this season. Creating family memories for over 40 years, Christmas at Crossroads kicks off November 28th and continues through December 29th. Join us on opening night for a tree lighting ceremony, a firework show, and free village-only admission to all Genesee County Residents.
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Join FIM as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Nutcracker. Families have cherished the holiday tradition of The Nutcracker for generations, and this year marks the 50th anniversary of our beloved production. Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, the story begins on Christmas Eve, when the mysterious Herr Drosselmeyer presents his young goddaughter Clara with a magical nutcracker doll. With Clara's help, the Nutcracker comes to life and defeats the evil Mouse King, transforming into a prince. Together, they journey through a snow-covered forest to the enchanting Land of Sweets, where they are welcomed by the Sugar Plum Fairy and dazzled by dances from around the world.
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Santa is here! Visit our Christmas wonderlands and get your annual photo with Santa. Remember to bring your camera! Clinton Twp, Royal Oak & West Bloomfield locations only.
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Enjoy holiday music & decorations, crafts, farm animals & shopping in our General Store. Visit with Santa in his antique sleigh in our century-old barn where Santa's Elf will be on hand to help you snap a family photo! Drop your letter to Santa in our North Pole Mailbox, and don't forget to warm up at the bonfire!
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Santa is stopping at MilkShake Factory! Bring your camera, your family, and your sweetest smiles! Rumor has it Santa’s upgrading to milkshakes this year. Giveaways and Activities No appointment necessary ... and it’s free! (Get some holiday shopping done while you’re at it...choose from a variety of our handmade gourmet chocolates!)
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Join us December 7th & December 18th for two magical nights at Aurora! Enjoy the festive sounds of the Velvet Carolers, then wander into our illuminated winter forest full of holiday magic.
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Dearborn Wanderlights, a new city tradition blending public art and holiday celebration, will make its inaugural debut at PEACE Park West from Nov. 20, 2025 - Feb. 20, 2026. This free, family-friendly experience will span three months and feature three world-class, interactive light installations from artists across the globe.
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Step into a world alight. Meijer Gardens transforms into a luminous wonderland of glowing pathways, interactive installations, and seasonal soundscapes. Nights shimmer, art breathes, and the ordinary becomes extraordinary.
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The Wayne County Lightfest celebrates its 32nd year with new displays across five miles of Hines Park! The Wayne County Lightfest is open Wednesday - Sunday from November 20, 2025 - December 24, 2025, with bonus days of Monday, December 22, 2025, and Tuesday, December 23, 2025.
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The Ann Arbor-Detroit area offers a delightful selection of Christmas tree farms that bring the magic of the holiday season to life. Families can enjoy the cherished tradition of selecting the perfect tree while exploring picturesque landscapes and engaging
in festive activities.
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KidsOutAndAbout's 2025 list of holiday events list for Ann Arbor, Detroit, and SE Michigan. Christmas concerts, lights, trees, nativities, and more. . . plus activities for Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve.
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- Santa’s Coming to The Village! Enjoy Free Visits With Santa at The Village of Rochester Hills! - The Village of Rochester Hills - North Adams Road, Rochester Hills, MI, USA, December 5-7, 2025, Times vary - please check website for times.
- Free
mini photo session with Shoott! - Shoott - Broadway, New York, NY, USA, December 6-7, 2025, See link for times.
- Photos with Santa at English Gardens (Select Locations) - English Gardens - Kelly Road, Eastpointe, MI, USA, December 6, 2025, 11AM - 2PM.
- Feeding Time in the Nature Center - Stony Creek Metropark - Stony Creek Nature Center - 4300 Main Park Road,
Shelby Township, MI 48316, December 7, 2025, 1pm - 2pm.
- FREE Safe Winter Driving for Teens and Parents with Michigan Auto Law - Shelby Township Library - Shelby Township Library, December 6, 2025, 3PM.
- CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING with SANTA CLAUS - 575 East Clark Road, Superior Township, MI, USA, December 6, 2025, 6:00pm.
- Santa Claus visit at Mall of Monroe - 2121 N Monroe St, Monroe, MI 48162, December 2-7, 2025, 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
- Meet Santa at MilkShake Factory! - MilkShake Factory Ann Arbor
- South Maple Road, Ann Arbor, MI, USA, December 6, 2025, 2:00PM - 5:00PM.
- 26th Annual All Four One Holiday Harvest Toy Drive - 15218 Farmington Road, Livonia, MI, USA, December 2-7, 2025, All Day.
- Dearborn Wonderlights - Dearborn Peace Park West, West Village Drive, Dearborn, MI, USA, December 2-7, 2025, 5:30PM.
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Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the Dallas area. From Arcades to Ziplines our Big List will help you think outside the box and plan the party of your kids' dreams! KidsOutAndAbout has dozens of ideas!
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2025's Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Detroit Metro Area, as voted by thousands of parents! Our Top 20 results page includes a list of your top picks, including winners in special categories like Top Arts Educator, Top Sports Educator, and Top STEM
Educator!
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
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