Concordia University Ann Arbor is pleased to announce it will host an inaugural Christmastime event this December that builds on a tradition begun on campus years ago.
A Manor Christmas will take place Dec. 1 from 3-9 p.m.; Dec. 2 from 12-9 p.m.; and Dec. 3 from 12-4 p.m. on Concordia’s Ann Arbor campus, 4090 Geddes Road. The event, which is sponsored by Thrivent Financial Great Lakes Region, is free and open to the public.
The event resurrects and expands upon a Concordia tradition—then called Christmas at the Manor— that took place for three years from 2000-2002, where professional designers from the community decorated rooms in the historic Earhart Manor around Christmastime, and community members were invited on campus to tour the festive grounds.
“Concordia is home to one of the most beloved historic gems in the area, the Earhart Manor,” said Joanie Koerschen, chair of the event committee. “This event allows us to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas together with our community, while sharing the rich history that is a part of the Earhart Manor.”
In addition to viewing a decked-out Earhart mansion, attendees of this year’s A Manor Christmas event will have opportunity to enjoy:
- An outdoor European-style “Christkindlmarkt,” featuring artisans, greens, seasonal foods and merriment
- A unique Festival of Trees display of tabletop Christmas trees, individually decorated by local business and community groups, and available for purchase
- An entertainment tent for all ages
- Children’s activities set up in a heated space
Proceeds from the event will go towards North Star Reach, an outdoor camp experience for children diagnosed with serious health challenges, as well as the Concordia Guild Scholarship Fund for CUAA students.
Event-goers can extend their reveling by purchasing tickets for the 40th annual Boar’s Head Festival pageant, where medieval Christmas traditions are woven together with the symbolism and story of Christ’s birth. The moving spectacle is directed by Gerald Dzuiblinski, with musical direction by Brian Altevogt.
Boar’s Head showings are Dec. 1 and 2 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 3 at 4 p.m. Tickets may be purchased starting Nov. 1. Call 734-995-7537 to order tickets.
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