Dive into the holiday spirit with these FREE festive events that promise to make the season extra special for the whole family.
These heartwarming celebrations are packed with fun – kids’ crafts, Santa meet-and-greets, reindeer encounters, wagon rides, cozy moments with hot chocolate, and more.
The perfect settings to create cherished family memories!
November 5 – December 24 @ Great Lakes Crossing Outlet Mall, Auburn Hills
Get a free 4×6 photo with Santa plus a free shareable video! During your visit, families can mail their letter to Santa and receive free giveaways while supplies last. Families can also enjoy the amazing aquariums and wildlife displays found in every Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s store.
November 27 – December 24 @ Shain Park, Birmingham
Make an appointment to visit Santa at his quaint home in Shain Park. While you’re here, hop aboard a horse-drawn carriage for an illuminated tour of the holiday lights and beautifully decorated downtown. As always, Santa House and carriage rides are free! Donations benefiting the Lions Club will be accepted during the event for those that would like to contribute.
November 17 – January 16 @ Beacon Park, Detroit
Families can watch the 20-foot, Michigan-grown Children’s Tree come to life, with ornaments decorated by local Detroit children, during the tree lighting at 6 p.m. Plus, spend some time with Santa and Mrs. Claus, meet real reindeer, groove to live music and feast on delicious food truck fare. And don’t forget the “Polar Express” rides – they’re free for all! New this year will be the Design Haus, indoor heated space!
Saturday, December 2@ The Cultural Center & Midtown, Detroit
Celebrate the holidays with live music performances, interactive holiday experiences, make-and-take activities for families, visits with Santa throughout the Noel Night footprint, lots of Food trucks and hot beverage stands, and a free shuttle bus service.
November 16 – December 24 @ 1001 Woodward Ave., Detroit
The jolly man in red will be awaiting your visit downtown at 1001 Woodward Ave. this winter season! Santa will be available for FREE photos, first come first served. Be sure to dress warm as lines for Santa may extend outdoors.
1001 WINTER WONDERS – SENSORY FRIENDLY
December 2 & 8@ 1001 Woodward Ave., Detroit
Santa will be available at 1001 Woodward Ave. for FREE photos in a sensory friendly setting. In partnership with UMAISE, this inclusive experience will incorporate sensory adaptations and a wheelchair-accessible layout. Families must pre-register through the link above.
Saturday, December 2@ Downtown Farmington
Enjoy strolling carolers, live music, wreaths, greens, holiday gifts, artisanal food, warming tent, holiday train in Riley Park, Santa and Mrs. Claus, free movies, and Light Up the Grand Parade!
Saturdays, December 9, 16, 23@ Downtown Northville
This family friendly event features holiday music, Santa visits, free horse and wagon rides, Arbor Consort Choir, Northville Chorale, bagpipers, stand vendors, and more!
Saturday, December 2 @ Downtown Pontiac
The WinterFUN Festival is a great opportunity for families to come together to participate in several activities. There is a Gallery of Ice with live ice carving competition, a petting farm with adorable animals, live Santa reindeer, s’mores and much, much more. There is also a children’s WinterART Center that allows kids to participate in several different craft projects, get their face painted and much, much more.
November 20 – January 21 @ Downtown Rochester
You are invited to brighten your holidays in Downtown Rochester with The Big, Bright Light Show! The buildings in downtown Rochester will be covered with more than 1 million points of glimmering holiday light.The display will be lit every evening (5 pm – Midnight) through January.
Thursday, November 30 @ Shelby Township Municipal Grounds
Santa Claus makes his first stop to greet the township. After lighting the 34-foot tree, visitors can head into the library for free photos with Santa Claus. Also included: hot chocolate stand, kids’ crafts, marshmallow roasting, horse-drawn carriage rides, the “Holiday Express” train display, and a live reindeer! Pre-Registration required, call (586) 731-0300
Saturday, December 2 @ Dodge Park, Sterling Heights
Celebrate with a tree lighting, holiday music with caroling, visits with Santa, a petting farm, refreshments, pony rides, horse-drawn wagon rides, train rides, ice skating, warming fires and much more! Free to attend, but non-perishable food donations will be accepted.
CITY OF WARREN ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING
Saturday, December 2@ Warren City Square
Enjoy an evening full of festive fun including: tree lighting, live music from Warren Civic Theater, Crown of Life Church Children’s Choir, and the Santa Band (Featuring members of Warren Concert Band, Directed by Jeremy Duby), parade, wagon rides, photos with Santa, ice skating, and more!
HOLIDAY HOOPLA & TREE LIGHTING
Saturday, December 9@ Waterford Township Hall
Celebrate the season with various FREE holiday activities including a visit and photo opportunity with Santa, a reindeer visit, crafts, cookie decorating, and more! This event is held outdoors, please dress for the weather.
