Good morning, Ann Arbor.

City Council approved closing Main Street between William and Washington and Liberty Street from Ashley to Fourth for Ann Arbor’s Midnight Madness event set for Friday (Dec.

5). The event will offer live entertainment, festive shopping, family activities and holiday celebrations downtown including a chance to meet Santa, the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who.

Value City Furniture will close 33 stores, including its Ann Arbor location at 425 East Eisenhower Parkway, in the coming weeks after a $150 million sales drop from 2024 to 2025 led to a Chapter 11 filing by parent American Signature Inc.—the company will continue fulfilling online orders and liquidate the closing sites.

JD’s Stage Bistro at 117 1/2 S.

Main St. in Chelsea is under construction and will open next April as a music venue and restaurant co-owned by Jeff Daniels. The venue will host live music, dining, and community events and will feature vintage decor—showing strong local roots.

Ann Arbor resident Carly Groves set up her yearly Christmas Critter House display at 1702 Shadford Road in Burns Park, featuring about 300 festive decorations that include handmade gifts and playful animal figures.

The display, which had its lighting ceremony on November 21, raises funds for Food Gatherers+Pioneer High School boys soccer and brings holiday cheer to local neighbors.

The University of Michigan announced that it will demolish the 52-year-old Wolverine Tower at 3003 S.

State St.—maintenance costs have become too high, and administrative staff have begun relocating to new offices at 1000 Victors Way, with the building set to close early next spring as officials plan its repurpose under Campus Plan 2050.

Fall enrollment in Ann Arbor Public Schools dropped by 1.17% from last year—totaling 17,005 students—yet the count remains higher than it was over a decade ago.

District officials said the decrease could cost up to $2.2M in state aid, but planned budget adjustments will ease the financial impact.

Head coach Sherrone Moore led Michigan to a 9-3 finish this season, where the team struggled in key matchups against top-ranked opponents — the losses were notably uncompetitive in games against teams like Ohio State and USC.

Observers say Moore’s strong recruiting and progress with the NIL program buy him time, but he must adjust his offensive strategy and improve player development ahead of the bowl game.

Women's Basketball: Central Michigan Chippewas vs. Michigan Wolverines

1-4 p.m. — Crisler Center — VIP ticket options available — Experience an exciting college basketball matchup between the Chippewas and Wolverines.

Dom Flemons Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Ark — $29.00 — Experience the rich tapestry of folk music with multi-talented artist Dom Flemons, a key figure in the black country music scene.

The RFD Boys Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Ark — $16.00, $15 for students, seniors, and Ark members — Enjoy a lively bluegrass performance by the legendary RFD Boys with humor and impressive musicianship.

Jon McLaughlin & Friends: Home for the Holidays

7:30-9:00 p.m. — The Ark — $40.00 — Celebrate the holiday season with a night of music and stories from Jon McLaughlin and special guests.

Ebird & Friends Holiday Show

8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Ark — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the holiday season with a diverse musical lineup featuring local talent and uplifting performances.

Ebird and Friends Holiday Celebration

8:00–9:30 p.m. — The Ark — Ticket prices vary — Experience a heartwarming blend of musical styles and local talent as the holidays approach.

The Cure: The Show of A Lost World Film

7-8:30 p.m. — Michigan Theater — Tickets from $54 — Experience the mesmerizing film by The Cure in a historic venue.

Lucy Kaplansky Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — The Ark — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting songs of acclaimed singer-songwriter Lucy Kaplansky live in concert.

Mike Cooley Performance

8-9:30 p.m. — The Ark — Ticket prices vary — Experience the evocative storytelling and Southern rock sound of Drive-By Truckers' guitarist Mike Cooley.

Alicia Witt Holiday Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — The Ark — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the season with Alicia Witt’s festive music from her Christmas album.