tasty tidings.
CHRISTMAS DONE RIGHT
The Fragility of Awesome
Our town is awesome. It’s up to us to keep it that way.
Four houses on our block got tickets to the Zach Bryan concert at The Big House—all the families, together. I knew it would be a late night for my littlest guy, but I couldn’t let him miss the largest ticketed concert in U.S. history. We went, soaked it in, and slipped out early. As we walked home under the lights, I couldn’t stop thinking—our town is awesome
Just the night before, UMS opened its 2025–2026 season with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra performing Verdi’s Requiem. Two weeks earlier, the Ann Arbor Symphony—yes, Ann Arbor has its own symphony!—launched its 97th season at Hill Auditorium. None of this is normal for a city our size. All of it is awesome.
But let’s remember—these experiences exist only because we show up and support them. As funding for non-profits shifts and economic tides change, it’s more important than ever to back our small business community. As we approach the holiday season, I hope you’ll consider doing so through the lens of supporting local—by giving experiences and shopping in person. Gift tickets to the Michigan and State Theaters, plays at The Purple Rose, or UMS and A2SO performances. Visit Lewis Jewelers—a 100+ year-old treasure—or explore the downtown and Kerrytown shops that make Ann Arbor unique.
This issue celebrates the people and places that keep Ann Arbor vibrant and one-ofa-kind. We chat with Hilary Gustafson, visionary co-owner of Literati Bookstore, whose new venture, Literati Tours, brings literature to life through guided tours of the cities and cultures that inspired the world’s most iconic books and the writers behind them.
We also feature Dr. Megan Oxley, founder of Michigan Progressive Health, whose pioneering use of ketamine therapy is redefining treatment for depression and chronic pain—a breakthrough that brings hope during a season that can feel especially heavy for many.
Then we visit Mary Cambruzzi, owner of Found, a shop that embodies wonder and discovery—and share some of this season’s must-have gifts. Plus, we mix up a little “winter in a glass” with cozy cocktails perfect for cold nights. Finally, we connect with Shannon Polk, President and CEO of the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, who’s leading efforts to advance equity and connection across Washtenaw County.
Ann Arbor is awesome. But it stays that way only if we support it. This holiday season, here’s to supporting the community we love. Happy Holidays!
MARIA KARPIEL, PUBLISHER @ANNARBORCITYLIFESTYLE
December 2025
PUBLISHER
Maria Karpiel | maria.karpiel@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Rebecca Voigt | rebecca.voigt@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
William Walker Orr, Shannon Polk
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Stacy Anderson, Meg Dula, Janie Jones
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Proverbs 3:5-6
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Emily Bastion and Adam Zylka of Momentum Construction + Design during the 2025 Remodelers Home Tour. 2: GRAMMY Award winners Jacob Collier and Chris Thile performing with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra. 3: Olga Kiely, Nataliya Straus, Veta McFall, Greta Miseikyte, and Christina Martirosian at The 1985 Series art exhibition. 4: Mary Cambruzzi and her team at the Found 20th anniversary celebration. 5: University of Michigan alum Vienna Teng performing at the Ark. 6: John U. Bacon kicks off the book tour for The Gales of November with a sold-out event at Rackham Auditorium. 7: Gary Rochman of Rochman Design-Build during the 2025 Remodelers Home Tour.
DECEMBER 2025 Want
business monthly
Give the Gift of Unmistakable Lincoln Style
The Lincoln Wish List Sales Event invites you to experience Lincoln’s distinguished lineup—the Navigator®, Aviator®, Nautilus®, and Corsair®—where design, technology, and craftsmanship converge. Visit Sesi Lincoln, proudly serving Ann Arbor since 1946, for some of the year’s most exceptional offers and discover for yourself the elegance that defines every Lincoln.
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New Year’s Eve at The Pulpo Group
Ring in the New Year in style at one of The Pulpo Group restaurants: Sava’s, Aventura, or Dixboro House. Each is offering unforgettable dining experiences and thoughtfully crafted menus to start the year off right. Whether you’re looking for a lively night out or an intimate celebration, the Pulpo Group has the perfect spot to toast to new beginnings.
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Celebrate Your Moments
Lewis Jewelers is proud to be your Ann Arbor go to for all your jewelry needs this holiday season. Let Lewis’ team of trusted expert advisors help you celebrate every moment and milestone with items from one of their many designer brands or a Lewis crafted custom creation. Their state-of-the-art repair facility can also restore, refurbish, and renew any cherished heirlooms.
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We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.
Boutique Shopping
Ayla & Co.
734.665.7788
Van Boven vanboven.com | 734.665.7228
V2V shopv2v.com | 734.665.9110
Leyla shopatleyla.com | 734.662.9171
State & Liberty stateandliberty.com | 734.882.0272
Specialty Stores
Lewis Jewelers lewisjewelers.com | 734.994.5111
Literati Bookstore literatibookstore.com | 734.585.5567 Spun spunannarbor.com | 734.780.7867
Want to suggest a monthly pick?
Mudpuddles mudpuddlesa2.com | 734.662.0022
Holiday Arts
University Musical Society (UMS) ums.org | 734.764.2538
Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra a2so.com | 734.994.4801
Michigan & State Theaters marquee-arts.org | 734.668.8397
Purple Rose Theatre Company purplerosetheatre.org | 734.433.7673
The Ark theark.org | 734.761.1818
Coffee Shops
YORK yorka2.com | 734.662.0798
Argus Farm Stop Packard Cafe argusfarmstop.com | 734.585.5441
Hyperion Coffee Co. hyperioncoffee.com | 734.510.0398
Hazel Coffee Co. hazelcoffee.co
Songbird Cafe thesongbirdcafeannarbor.com | 734.780.7100
Photographers
Meg Dula Photography megdulaphotography.com
Stacy Anderson Photography stacyandersonphoto.com
Abbie Buhr Photo | Design abbiebuhr.com
Jen Geer Photography jengeerphotography.com
Kelly Ridenour Photography kellyridenourphotography.mypixieset.com
Experience the music that defines the season. Handel’s timeless Messiah, featuring the triumphant “Hallelujah” chorus, is brought to life each year by the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra and the UMS Choral Union. Witness this holiday tradition within the breathtaking grandeur and iconic acoustics of Hill Auditorium.
Ann Arbor’s Official Start to the Season. 734-764-2538
Messiah
AROUND T HE WORLD
DISCOVER THE WORLD’S MOST INSPIRING LITERARY DESTINATIONS WITH LITERATI TOURS
ARTICLE BY MARIA KARPIEL
“Finding the right book can change your life.”
To walk into Literati Bookstore is to step into a space where curiosity still feels sacred. It’s a place built not on algorithms or trends, but on the quiet belief that “finding the right book can change your life,” as owner Hilary Gustafson says.
When Hilary and her husband, Mike, opened Literati in 2013, many thought they were taking on the impossible. “People said, you know, you’re crazy, bookstores are dying,” Gustafson says. “We had a couple landlords we met with when we were trying to rent a space who said, ‘Well, if Borders can’t make it, how do you think you can?’”
But they saw something others didn’t—a model for what an independent bookstore
could be. “I saw the ones that were thriving,” Gustafson says. “They curate their inventory specifically for the people in their community, have lots of events, and become a true third place.”
That philosophy transformed Literati into one of Ann Arbor’s most beloved gathering spots, hosting nearly 300 events each year and serving as a home for readers who believe in the serendipity of a bookstore. “When you come to our store,” she says, “you’re not just going to see the bestseller list. You’re going to see authors and publishers you don’t usually see featured—books that are really under the radar.”
Mike and Hilary Gustafson, photo by Stacy Anderson.
Now, that same spirit of discovery is taking flight with Literati Tours, an adventure travel company that invites guests to experience the literary culture of the places they visit. Rooted in the concept of literary travel—exploring the world through the lens of books and writers—each journey invites travelers to visit the places that inspired great works, trace the footsteps of beloved authors, and immerse themselves in the culture that shaped their stories.
The inaugural, six-day journey took place in Paris in October, with Gustafson as its guide. Travelers explored bookshops along the Seine; met rare book dealers and local authors; dined at Drouant, the historic restaurant where France’s top literary prize, the Prix Goncourt, is decided; took a private cooking class at Le Cordon Bleu; and much more. Literati Tours returns to Paris in April 2026 (why not gift your bookish loved one the trip of a lifetime this holiday season?) and plans to add tours to Ireland next year as well. But wherever literary wanderlust takes them next, the heart of Literati Tours remains the same—an invitation to see the world through the eyes of those who write it.
Learn more at literatitours.com
Literati Tours in 2026
Literati Tours returns to Paris in spring and fall of 2026. These unique, informative travel experiences are designed to help broaden your appreciation of literature and culture all over the world.
PARIS APRIL 2026
Dates: April 20-27, 2026
Price: From $6,000 per person
Soak in the iconic romance of Paris in the spring, through a once-ina-lifetime literary lens. Paris has long been a city of writers, from Romantic-era icons like Victor Hugo to the Lost Generation expatriates, including Ernest Hemingway and Gertrude Stein.
PARIS OCTOBER 2026
Dates: October 19-26, 2026
Price: From $6,000 per person
Paris has nurtured a vibrant literary culture for centuries, and there’s no better time to experience it than autumn on the Seine. Stroll the bouquinistes along the river’s banks before learning about the Prix Goncourt, France’s most prestigious literary prize.
THE GIFT of Hope
MICHIGAN PROGRESSIVE HEALTH OFFERS A PROMISING NEW PATH FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND PAIN TREATMENT
ARTICLE BY WILLIAM WALKER ORR PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEG DULA
For many, December is a contradictory month. It’s a time for gathering with loved ones, the warm exchange of giving and receiving, and the final chapter before celebrating the start of a new year. Yet as families come together during the holidays, it can be a triggering time for those wrestling with chronic pain, depression, and PTSD.
At Michigan Progressive Health, Dr. Megan Oxley and her team are helping patients navigate these challenges through an innovative and highly effective treatment: ketamine infusion therapy. Originally developed as an anesthetic and safely used in medicine for decades, ketamine has recently emerged as a breakthrough in treating depression, PTSD, and chronic pain, offering rapid relief—where traditional antidepressants may take weeks or fail altogether. According to Dr. Oxley, its use heralds a powerful shift in mental health treatment.
Dr. Oxley began her career as a board-certified emergency medicine physician, spending a decade in the ER before founding Michigan Progressive Health in 2016. “During that work, I was starting to notice that our care was ineffective for certain groups of people,” Dr. Oxley explains. “At the time, I was looking a lot at pain patients—chronic pain patients and migraine patients—and had stumbled on ketamine as an avenue that could be helpful for [them].”
After reading an article spotlighting anesthesiologists who’d launched ketamine clinics to treat depression, Dr. Oxley became fascinated with the drug as a remedy for both physical and mental pain. “My brain was too intrigued to let it go,” Dr. Oxley says. “I did the research, I saw how effective it was, and I did have a family member who was suffering from treatment-resistant depression at the time. I knew this needed to be accessible.”
While ketamine itself isn’t new, its application in mental health has transformed the landscape of treatment. In simple terms, ketamine therapy helps increase the connectivity and flexibility of our brains, allowing patients to break free from negative thought cycles and both form and reform their neural pathways.
CONTINUED >
DR. MEGAN Oxley
MICHIGAN PROGRESSIVE HEALTH FOUNDER & MEDICAL DIRECTOR
“When [ketamine] is in your brain…it gives you a chance to change the habitual ways we think,” Dr. Oxley says. “It’s very difficult to change a habit, let alone change the ways we think about things. Ketamine therapy makes it easier.”
Furthermore, one of ketamine’s most advantageous features is its speed, which outpaces antidepressants at a rate roughly four times faster. According to Dr. Oxley, most patients initially receive treatment twice a week for four weeks, typically seeing improvements starting around halfway through that process. “Most people are noticing that things are shifting,” Dr. Oxley says. “It can be anything from, ‘All my suicidal thoughts are gone,’ to just, ‘It’s easier for me to move through my day.’”
Still, Dr. Oxley is clear that ketamine isn’t a onetime miracle. Each Michigan Progressive Health patient begins their journey with a 90-minute consultation that covers treatment goals while setting realistic expectations. From there, patients will receive infusions in rooms designed jointly around comfort and medical safety, fit with everything from candles to salt lamps as staff monitor heart rates, blood
pressure, and video feeds of the session. During the approximately two-hour session, patients may encounter a variety of sensations, including sensitivity to light and sound, and feelings of weightlessness and movement.
“People feel weird and different, and that’s ok—we’re right there and with them through it,” Dr. Oxley says.
Dr. Oxley also debunks the myth that ketamine therapy leads to addiction. “Patients become addicted to substances because they have untreated pain, and they’re trying to treat themselves with whatever that addiction is,” she says. “With ketamine, we’re treating a source of pain—physical and emotional—and since we’re treating the source…patients don’t become addicted, since they don’t hold the pain anymore.”
As Michigan Progressive Health approaches its 10th anniversary next year, alleviating pain and suffering remains its guiding light. The clinic’s holistic, patient-centered approach continues to redefine what recovery can look like—helping thousands of patients find relief and renewed hope.
To learn more, visit michiganprogressivehealth.com.
It gives you a chance to change the habitual ways we think. It’s very difficult to change a habit, let alone change the ways we think about things. Ketamine therapy makes it easier.
Surprise and Delight
Discover the season's most unique gifts at Found
Since opening in the Kerrytown Market & Shops two decades ago, Mary Cambruzzi’s shop Found has brought a sense of discovery to the Ann Arbor retail community.
Originally focused exclusively on unique vintage and antique items, the shop has expanded and evolved over the years to include everything from home décor and stationery to art supplies and jewelry. But throughout its 20 years in Kerrytown, Found’s mission has remained the same: offering an unexpected collection of items that surprise and delight. Every corner of the shop is thoughtfully designed to draw shoppers in, leading them from one carefully crafted display to the next. “The finding and the displaying are both my passions,” Cambruzzi says. “Finding wonderful card makers and print makers, and baskets that serve a function for people. The finding part is so much fun, and then arranging them and making it easy for people to go through the shop and just discover things along the way.”
This holiday season, there are endless delights to discover at Found, including Scandinavian-inspired holiday décor, decorative and scented candles, a wonderful selection of holiday cards, science-inspired gifts, beautiful wool scarves, and so much more. Shoppers can also enjoy a “Merry Multiples” quantity discount throughout the season, 20 percent off throughout the store on December 5 during Midnight Madness and Kerrytown KindleFest, and Giving Fridays in December with 10 percent of all purchases donated to area charities.
With its deep roots in the Kerrytown community, Found has become more than just a destination for unique gifts and home décor.
“It’s a great store because you never know what you’re going to find,” Cambruzzi says. “That word—found—it plays with a lot of what we do. You’ll find things that you don’t expect that aren’t actually products. A lot of people come in just to get their creative spark. It’s more than just a place to buy stuff.”
ARTICLE BY REBECCA VOIGT
“That word—found—it plays with a lot of what we do. You’ll find things that you don’t expect that aren’t actually products. A lot of people come in just to get their creative spark. It’s more than just a place to buy stuff.”
Highland Tweed Shetland Wool Throw in Red Maple
Celebrate the holidays in style! Imported from England, this heirloom quality throw brings festive warmth and color to your home. Enjoy the softness, elegance, and modernity of wool. The Red Maple design is also available as a scarf. Enjoy these cozy gifts that will be treasured for years to come.
Prince of Scots Red Maple Highland Tweed Shetland Wool Throw, $178
Photo by Stacy Anderson
Holiday Hoptimist Reindeer
Spread holiday cheer with the Hoptimist Reindeer. Designed to bring smiles and joy, this bouncy Danish-designed decoration is perfect as festive décor, hostess gifts, or stocking stuffers. Choose from a variety of colors and sizes. Bring a playful spirit to every holiday!
Organize art supplies in style with this Mini Zippered Pouch. Made from 100% cotton and featuring a colorful vintage image from the Cavallini archives, it’s perfect for pencils, markers, tiny sketchbooks and small essentials. A delightful, affordable gift for kids of all ages.
Peppermint Stick, Holiday Tree, and Cranberry Orange naturally-scented candles are a holiday tradition at Found. Handcrafted in Ferndale, Mich., by Green Daffodil, these candle tins, scented tealights and soaps are perfect additions to your holiday stockings and gift baskets.
Pencils Mini Zippered Pouch
Peppermint Stick Candles
F&H Group Holiday Hoptimist Small Bumble Reindeer, $32
Cavallini Pencils Mini Pouch, $14.50
Green Daffodil Peppermint Holiday Tin, $10.60 to $16.50
Photo credit: Neil Weaver
Dr. Kathryn Chilton and Dr. Megan Oxley
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE
JONES
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, these holiday drinks are guaranteed to bring a little extra cheer to your cup.
HOLIDAY COCKTAILS & COZY CREATIONS
BOURBON VANILLA BEAN HOT CHOCOLATE
An ultra-creamy, chocolatey holiday drink with a hit of warm bourbon and a vanilla bean twist.
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
INGREDIENTS:
• 1/2 cup high-quality dark chocolate (chopped or chips)
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp sugar or maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt
• 2 oz bourbon
Topping: 4 large marshmallows
Optional garnish: grated dark chocolate, whipped cream, cinnamon
INSTRUCTIONS:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, cream, cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Whisk until smooth and heated through. Add chopped dark chocolate and stir constantly until melted and silky. Lower heat if needed to avoid scorching. Remove from heat, then stir in bourbon. Taste and adjust sweetness or strength to your liking. Top with marshmallows. Add whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, and shaved chocolate.
Optional: Add a pinch of cinnamon and cayenne for spicy depth.
Kid-friendly version: Omit bourbon and add peppermint extract or caramel syrup instead.
SPICED CINNAMON RUM FLIP
A luscious holiday cocktail with warming spices, rich texture, and a beautiful cinnamon garnish.
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 oz dark or spiced rum
• 3/4 oz cinnamon simple syrup
• 1 oz heavy cream
• 1 whole egg
• Dash of ground nutmeg
• Dash of vanilla extract
Garnish: cinnamon stick and a light dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon
INSTRUCTIONS:
Make Cinnamon Simple Syrup:
Combine 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, and 2 cinnamon sticks in a saucepan. Simmer for 10 mins, let cool, and strain. Store in the fridge.
Add rum, cinnamon syrup, cream, egg, vanilla, and a pinch of nutmeg to a shaker. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds to emulsify the egg. Strain into a coupe or stemmed glass like the one in your photo. Top with a cinnamon stick across the rim and a dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon.
Optional: Add 1/2 oz chilled espresso for a coffee kick.
FESTIVE
CRANBERRY
GIN FIZZ
A bright, elegant cocktail with a foamy top and a hint of holiday spirit.
• 2 oz gin
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 oz cranberry juice
• 3/4 oz lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 1 egg white
Optional: splash of sparkling water or club soda
Garnish: fresh rosemary or thyme sprig
INSTRUCTIONS:
In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, cranberry juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white. Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds to create the frothy top. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass to get that smooth, foamy top. Add a small splash of sparkling water if you’d like a bit of fizz. Gently place a sprig of rosemary or thyme on top of the foam.
HOLIDAY SPICED GINGERBREAD LATTE
A warm, frothy, and festively spiced drink perfect for winter nights.
INGREDIENTS:
For the latte:
• 1 shot of espresso (or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee)
• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 tbsp gingerbread syrup
• Whipped cream
For the gingerbread syrup:
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp molasses
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Optional toppings:
• Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for dusting
• Marshmallow
• Crushed gingerbread cookie around the rim or on top
INSTRUCTIONS:
Make the gingerbread syrup:
In a small saucepan, combine water, brown sugar, molasses, and spices. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and let cool. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Prepare the drink: Brew your espresso or strong coffee. Heat and froth your milk. In your glass, add 2 tablespoons of the gingerbread syrup. Pour in the espresso, then the steamed milk, stirring gently to combine. Spoon frothed milk or whipped cream on top. Dust with cinnamon or nutmeg.
Optional: Rim the glass with crushed gingerbread cookie crumbs for extra flair.
Winter Simmer
Magic
ARTICLE BY ARSINE KALOUSTIAN
FILL YOUR HOME WITH THE COZY SCENTS OF TART CRANBERRIES, BRIGHT CITRUS, AND WARMING SPICES
Creating stovetop potpourri is a delightful way to indulge in the scents of the festive season. This Cranberry Orange Potpourri combines sparkling notes of fresh citrus and cranberries with nostalgic spices and woodsy herbs to create a welcoming atmosphere.
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 orange, sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• 3 star anise
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2-3 cups water (plus more as needed)
INSTRUCTIONS:
Combine cranberries, sliced orange, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and rosemary in a pot. Add 2-3 cups of water, ensuring the ingredients are submerged. Simmer on low heat, allowing the aromas to release. Check the water level, adding more as needed to prevent drying out. Simmer for several hours to fill your home with the scents of the season.
This potpourri is perfect for setting the holiday mood, whether you’re preparing for a family gathering or simply want your home to smell warm and inviting.
realty report
2025
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
DECEMBER 5TH
Midnight Madness
Downtown Ann Arbor
Don’t miss downtown Ann Arbor’s holiday season kick-off! Select stores will be open until midnight, offering special discounts, festive treats, and unique gifts for everyone on your list. Also, join the Social District Cocktail Crawl, meet Santa Claus on Main Street, and more. For details visit mainstreetannarbor.org
DECEMBER 5TH
Kerrytown KindleFest
Kerrytown District | 5:00 PM
Kerrytown’s annual, outdoor holiday market will feature artisans and vendors selling their holiday wares, plus traditional food and hot mulled wine, a kids’ event, music, and late-night hours at area stores and restaurants. Join the fun at kerrytowndistrict.org/kindlefest.
DECEMBER 6TH & 7TH
UMS Presents: Handel's Messiah
Hill Auditorium
Considered by many to be the official start to the holiday season, Handel’s Messiah returns to Hill Auditorium. Performed by the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra and the UMS Choral Union, this musical tradition is a celebration of the season’s true meaning: comfort, hope, and the promise of joy. For tickets visit ums.org.
DECEMBER 7TH & 13TH
Christmas on The Farm
Domino's Petting Farm | 11:00 AM
Whether you’re looking for a family outing or a fun day with friends, embrace the magic of the winter season at The Petting Farm. Enjoy hands-on interactions with all of the farm’s friendly animals, an enchanting Christmas village display, and pictures with Santa. Learn more at pettingfarm.com
HOLIDAYS AT THE THEATER
DECEMBER 11TH - 13TH
Ebird & Friends Holiday Show
The Ark
For 18 years Erin Zindle has been curating an epic annual musical celebration inspired by the themes of the holiday season. Each December, this event is a warm hearted lift-off to the holidays that has become an indispensable tradition for families in the greater Ann Arbor area and far beyond. For tickets visit theark.org.
DECEMBER 16TH
World Ballet Company: The Nutcracker
Michigan Theater | 7:00 PM
Featuring 40 world-class dancers, more than 150 sparkling costumes, and breathtaking sets, World Ballet Company’s enchanting production of the holiday classic, The Nutcracker, brings dreams into reality for audiences of all ages. Learn more and purchase tickets at marquee-arts.org
DECEMBER 20TH
A2SO Holiday Pops 2025
Hill Auditorium | 7:00 PM
Experience a symphony of lights, sights, and sounds as the A2SO brings its beloved annual Holiday Pops event to Hill Auditorium. Journey to the North Pole with full orchestra in an evening of festive classics, new orchestral arrangements, transformative audience participation, show-stopping guest appearances, and more in this staple of the holiday season. For tickets visit a2so.org
DECEMBER 31ST
Noon Year’s Eve
Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum | 10:00 AM
Celebrate the New Year with the entire family at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum. Activities include crafts, meet-and-greets with mammals from the Leslie Science & Nature Center, an exhibition of model trains, and musical performances by Kat Steih with a NYE countdown at the end of each show. For details visit discoverscienceandnature.org.
ARTICLE BY SHANNON POLK
A Force for Good
GET TO KNOW SHANNON POLK OF THE AAACF
Leading the AAACF
As President & CEO of the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, I have the privilege of guiding a team dedicated to advancing equity, opportunity, and connection across Washtenaw County. Every day, our work brings together donors, nonprofits, and community leaders to make a lasting, positive impact in our region.
A Place to Call Home
Bringing Change & Impact to Washtenaw County
Since 1963, AAACF has served as a trusted philanthropic partner and permanent source of charitable capital for Washtenaw County. One recent highlight is our investment in Apple Playschools, where AAACF provided a $750,000 loan and $100,000 in development grants to expand child-care access, creating 12 new jobs and 47 additional childcare slots!
Things I Love To Do
Washtenaw County is full of small joys that make life here so special. I love grabbing cider and donuts at Dexter Cider Mill, wandering the Arboretum trails, or spending an afternoon browsing the Ann Arbor District Library. Dinner at Zingerman’s Roadhouse or Bellflower is always a treat, and summer nights at the Ann Arbor Summer Festival remind me how vibrant and connected this community truly is.
I’m inspired by how people in our communities care deeply about progress, equity, and each other. Collaboration thrives everywhere, from coffee shop conversations that spark new ideas to neighbors uniting around shared causes. I’m reminded daily that meaningful leadership grows from empathy, connection, and community. Washtenaw County truly feels like home!
Staying Involved with AAACF
Community engagement is at the heart of everything we do. We encourage everyone to explore our reports, attend upcoming events, and stay connected through aaacf.org to see community impact in motion.
Nichols Arboretum, photo by John Metzler.
“If you find a place you love but the house just doesn’t feel right, don’t worry — that’s where we come in. We can take what’s there and make it what you want, whether that means opening it up, adding on, or completely reworking the inside until it feels like home to you.” - Jake Johnson
PHOTO: JEFF GARLAND PHOTOGRAPHY | ARCHITECT: ANGELINI & ASSOCIATES | LANDSCAPING: KC RUNCIMAN LANDSCAPES