Looking to add a little Christmas magic to your holiday season…or just looking for a nice holiday photo opportunity with the ‘big guy’? Let your littles tell Santa himself what they are wishing for this Christmas at one of his many different stops around town.
Friday, November 26 – Sunday, November 28
@ The Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn
Start your holiday season by visiting history’s greatest toymaker at Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. For one special weekend only, say hello and snap your own photo with Santa in front of our towering 25-foot tree. We can’t wait to welcome you and this jolly old elf back to the museum for a fun and safe (physically distanced) experience.
VISIT SANTA CLAUSE IN AN IGLOO
Saturday, November 27
@ Downtown Monroe
The Southfield Pavilion will be transformed into a winter wonderland for Soulful Santa Celebration on Saturday, December 11 for families to enjoy holiday fun and more. There are 3 2-hour time slots to choose from: 12 – 2 p.m., 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. & 5 – 7 p.m. Each time slot will be limited to 200 participants and everyone attending must purchase a ticket.
November 27 – December 19
@ Southern Michigan Railroad, Tecumseh
This is a simple, small-town event with a kid-friendly price. We keep the event deliberately small, so it goes smoothly without big lines. (or a big price.) Tickets do tend to sell out. . You’ll have a 30 minute train ride, about an hour seeing Santa, and a 30-minute train ride back.
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.
Tuesday, November 30
@ REMAX, Westland
Come get your FREE pictures with Santa just in enough time to put them on your Holiday cards. Santa will not be wearing a mask- up to you what you choose to do.
December 1 & 2
@ Heritage Park, Canton
Kick of the holiday season with Canton Township in Heritage Park with visits with Santa, Ice carving, entertainment and winter refreshments for purchase. This event will take place from 5-8pm on December 1st and 2nd. Pre-registration is required beginning November 15th.
VISIT SANTA AT VILLAGE CENTER MALL
Thursdays, December 2
@ Village Center Mall, Milford
Santa Claus is coming to town during Milford’s annual Christmas Open House. A community favorite, the seasonal event brings strolling entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday caroling, special promotions and deals at downtown stores and restaurants as well as a highly anticipated visit with Santa Claus in Village Center Mall. The evening begins at 6:00 p.m. when the jolly old man arrives on Main Street aboard a Milford Fire Department fire engine.
Thursday, December 2
@ Hope Chapel, Shelby Township
Shelby Township’s biggest Christmas event and tradition, the annual Christmas Aglow and tree lighting, occurs at 7 p.m. Dec. 2 on the township municipal campus at 52700 Van Dyke Ave. Before the official lighting of the township Christmas tree, there will be carols before the township’s North Pole Ambassadors present Santa with the key to the township and light the tree. Photos with Santa Claus will then be available in Hope Chapel until 8:30 p.m.
December 3 – 5
@ Fuerst Park, Novi
During Fuerst Festive Nights, guests will take part in nature-friendly crafts as they walk the lighted trail, sip hot chocolate and roast marshmallows on the Novi Public Library patio, listen to carolers at the amphitheater, and enjoy a bite to eat from one of the food vendors. Of course, a holiday event wouldn’t be complete without a visit from Santa. Santa will take photos with families inside Township Hall for free.
Friday, December 3
@ Downtown Auburn Hills
Celebrate the holiday season as we light the City’s Christmas tree and Downtown Auburn Hills. After the tree lighting, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, have your picture taken with Santa, make a craft, take a horse-drawn carriage or wagon ride, enjoy our Downtown shops, see performances by our favorite winter princesses, hear interactive children’s music and stories, and meet real reindeer!
December 3 & 4, 10- 12, 17 -19
@ Greenmead Historical Park, Livonia
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be returning for visits on the porch of the Alexander Blue House. New this year will be children’s arts and crafts inside Newburg School, and heated hospitality tent with outside firepits for sales of alcoholic beverages, snacks, warm beverages, and soft drinks for public gatherings on the weekends. Youth choir performances at Newburg Church as well.
Saturday, December 4
@ Summit Canton
Santa Breakfast will be at the Summit on the Park from 9am-11am. Join Santa and Mrs. Claus for a visit, delicious eats, souvenir, craft and story time. Pre-registration is required beginning November 15th.
Saturday, December 4
@ Northville Community Center
Welcome Santa into town with a rise and shine pancake breakfast. This holly, jolly event will include pictures with Santa, breakfast, crafts, sing-alongs and goodies!
Saturday, December 4
@ Troy Historic Village
Start your season of family fun and holiday tradition at the Troy Historic Village! Spend time with Santa, make a simple holiday craft, play holiday games, and sample the sights and smells of the season. Warm up with hot cocoa.
Saturday, December 4
@ Clinton Township Civic Center
This long standing tradition is back for 2021 and will once again mark the opening of our holiday season. Bring the whole family and join neighbors from across Clinton Township at a night full of fun.
Boys and girls will have a chance to visit with Santa, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, ice sculptures, activities and more!
Saturday, December 4
@ Kensington Metropark, Milford
Take a short stroll along the candy cane trail for a chance to meet a variety of winter characters. You’ll even get a magical chance to see Santa before his big night. Stop by Santa’s mailbox to deliver your letters. This ½ mile, relatively flat candy cane trail traverses through the woods on an aggregate path of gravel and grass.
Saturday, December 4
@ Lake St. Clair Metropark
Looking for a unique holiday event to do with your family? Look no further! Join us for crafts, games, and tasty snacks as you wait your turn to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Santa’s helpers are available to take your photo during your visit but bring your camera to capture all the memories too.
Saturday, December 4
@ Lake Erie Metropark, Brownstown
Make this Christmas Season special! Join us for a holiday snacks, games and crafts. The Mrs. Claus Jam Band will be making spirits bright with holiday music. And no event would be complete without a visit from the big guy himself, Santa. The program takes place at the Lake Erie Metropark Golf Course Starter Building.
Saturday, December 4
@ Fraser City Hall
Ring in the holidays at City Hall with Santa, s’mores, music and more!
Saturday, December 4
@ Shelby Township Activities Center
Enjoy a catered breakfast buffet of pancakes and sausage while giving your little ones a chance to visit with jolly old St. Nick. Mrs. Claus and some of her friends will also visit with and entertain guests. Each child will receive a small gift from Santa and have an opportunity to make a simple holiday craft.
Saturday, December 4
@ Greenmead Historic Park, Livonia
Enjoy an afternoon blending rich history with contemporary celebration from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, at Greenmead Historical Park as you take photos with Santa, grab some take-and-make crafts, enjoy storytime, pet live reindeer, nab giveaways and more!
Saturday, December 4
@ Livonia Recreation Center
If you’ve ever wanted to have lunch with an international celebrity, join us for Lunch with Santa 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, at the Civic Park Senior Center. Mrs. Claus will also be in attendance as we make crafts, take photos with Santa, enjoy storytime; and a lunch of pizza, salad, chips and cookies.
December 4 & 5
@ MSU Tollgate Farm, Novi
Santa Claus will be at MSU Tollgate Farm on December 4th and 5th! $10 admission per person includes visiting with Santa, wagon-ride, meet and greet with the goats, and hot chocolate or coffee. Pre-registration is required. Santa will be outdoors under our picnic shelter and visitation will be limited per time slot.
December 4, 5, 11 & 12
@ Maybury Farm, Northville
Join us for Holiday Fun at the Farm! Children may share their wish list and have their photo taken with Santa in the historic barn, visit the farm animals, shop in the General Store, enjoy holiday music and warm up by the bonfire.
December 4, 11 & 18
@ Meadow Brook Hall, Rochester
anta Saturdays will welcome families to visit Santa Claus at Meadow Brook with two of his reindeer to listen to the wishes of all the girls and boys. Share your holiday wishes in his workshop and pay a visit to the reindeer.
December 4 & 5
@ Cranbrook House and Gardens, Bloomfield Hills
Safely visit with Santa Claus and take a family photo outside at Cranbrook House. Your child(ren) will also get to meet Mrs. Claus. After sharing holiday wishes with Mr. & Mrs. Claus, children will receive a gift from Santa and his helpers!
Thursday, December 9
@ Longacre House, Farmington Hills
Enjoy Santa’s favorite snack of milk and cookies while he reads holiday stories to all! Children will get a chance to impress Santa by decorating their own cookies. After story time each child will get an individual visit with Santa. Bring your cameras and make memories with the man in red.
DINNER & DANCING WITH SANTA CLAUS
Thursday, December 9
@ Cherry Creek Golf Club, Shelby Township
Join Santa Claus for a family event at Cherry Creek Golf Club at 52000 Cherry Creek Dr. Doors open at 6 p.m., and dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy a plated meal of garden salad, chicken piccata, chef’s choice vegetable and potato. Children enjoy plated chicken tenders, fries and fruit cups. Ice cream sundae dessert ends the meal, and children receive a gift. After dinner, dance to festive music and visit Santa Claus until the evening concludes at 8:30 p.m.
December 9 & 15
@ Rev’d Up Fun, Woodhaven
Experience the magic of Christmas at Rev’d Up Fun! December 9th from 6pm-9pm. Our Signature Holiday Event features unlimited attractions, Christmas Creations from Santa’s Workshop, Hot Cocoa Bar, sweet treats and of course a chance to bend the ear of the big man himself- Santa! Limited availability.
HOLIDAY HOOPLA AND TREE LIGHTING
Saturday, December 11
@ Waterford Township Hall
Dress for the weather, all activities will take place outdoors from 3:30pm-5:30pm in front of Waterford Town Hall, 5200 Civic Center Drive, Waterford, MI 48329. The tree will be lit at 5:40pm. Free activities include: Photo opportunity with Santa, visit with a reindeer, s’more station, games, make & take crafts, cookie decorating & more!
Saturday, December 11
@ Southfield Pavilion
The Southfield Pavilion will be transformed into a winter wonderland for Soulful Santa Celebration on Saturday, December 11 for families to enjoy holiday fun and more. There are 3 2-hour time slots to choose from: 12 – 2 p.m., 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. & 5 – 7 p.m. Each time slot will be limited to 200 participants and everyone attending must purchase a ticket.
Saturday, December 11
@ Downriver For Veterans, Wyandotte
Have breakfast and a picture with Santa. Non Veterans pay $10 and $5 for kids.
Saturday, December 11
@ Stony Creek Nature Center, Shelby Township
Join us for some holiday fun and a visit with Santa. Don’t wait in line! Keep your little ones active with activities, crafts, and a snack. Your family will be called for your private visit with Santa as he works in his workshop. Your children will get some one-on-one time to talk to Santa, get a socially distanced photo, then drop their letter in his mailbox.
Saturday, December 11
@ Hudson Mills Metropark, Dexter
Take a short stroll along the candy cane trail for a chance to meet a variety of winter characters. You’ll even get a magical chance to see Santa before his big night. Stop by his mailbox to deliver any letters to Santa. Pre-register early to select your Santa start time! This ¼ mile, slightly hilly candy cane trail traverses through woods and field on an aggregate path of gravel and grass.
ROYAL OAK JINGLE & LIGHT PARADE
Saturday, December 11
@ Downtown Royal Oak
The holiday festivities include the Cookie Crawl, Lighted Holiday Parade, Winter Marketplace selling holiday goods, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, horse and carriage rides, live entertainment, holiday cocktails and beer, live reindeer and more!
Saturday, December 11
@ Lakeshore Park Building
Join us for festive afternoon and enjoy a spaghetti meal with Santa. The afternoon will include Christmas-themed crafts, holiday sing-along with Mrs. Claus, and visits with Santa. Lunch will include mostaccioli, salad, a roll, and beverages.
Saturday, December 11
@ Macdonald Public Library, New Baltimore
Santa will be visiting the library to read a story and take gift requests. Kids of all ages are welcome to come and visit with him. It’s a great photo opportunity so don’t forget to bring your camera!
December 11, 12, 18 & 19
@ Kensington Metropark, Milford
A holiday season tradition at the Farm! Enjoy a horse-drawn hayride or sleigh ride, a holiday sing-along, (complete with cozy blankets, song sheets, and jingle bells), snacks, (fruit, cookies, juice, hot cocoa, and coffee), and most importantly, a visit with Santa by the Christmas Tree!
December 12 & 19
@ Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, Grosse Pointe Shores
Have breakfast with Santa this holiday season at Ford House in our new Visitor Center event space! Santa will be visiting with guests during their meal to hear your child share their Christmas wishes. Each ticket includes a delicious selection from multiple breakfast stations, beautiful views of Ford Cove, Lake St. Clair, and a visit from Santa at your table.
Sunday, December 12
@ Oakwoods Metropark, New Boston
Let’s get together and sing Christmas carols, hear a story, play games, make crafts, and enjoy some hot cocoa and cookies. Every family will even get their own private visit with Santa in our very own North Pole room.
Sunday, December 12
@ The Biddle Hall, Wyandotte
Come join us for our Fourth Annual Breakfast with Santa. There will also be juice, coffee, tea and a Hot Cocoa Station available. Each Child will get a Christmas Craft and a free 4×6 with Santa! Other fun activities include Christmas Selfie Stations!
Sunday, December 12
@ Hudson Mills Metropark, Dexter
Take a short stroll along the candy cane trail for a chance to meet a variety of winter characters. You’ll even get a magical chance to see Santa before his big night. Stop by his mailbox to deliver any letters to Santa. Pre-register early to select your Santa start time! This ¼ mile, slightly hilly candy cane trail traverses through woods and field on an aggregate path of gravel and grass.
Friday, December 17
@ South Oakland Family Y, Royal Oak
Visit the YMCA for cookie decorating, games, Zumba, Yoga and a special guest, Santa, will make an appearance for pictures.
Friday, December 17
@ Pleasant Ridge Community Center
Breakfast For Dinner with Santa and get your picture!
December 17 – 19
@ Detroit Symphony Orchestra
Share Detroit’s favorite holiday musical tradition with family and friends and thrill to the spectacle of the season. Lawrence Loh leads a sparkling celebration with carols and classics that sells out year after year – and yes, Virginia, there will be a Santa Claus!
Saturday, December 18
@ Kennedy Recreation Center, Trenton
Enjoy an afternoon of skating performed by Recreation Figure Skaters and afterwards join Santa on the ice.
Saturday, December 18
@ Great Lakes Ace Hardware, St. Clair Shores
Santa has taken time out of his busy schedule to stop by Great Lakes Ace of St. Clair Shores to meet you!
SANTA VISITS THE NATURE CENTER
Sunday, December 19
@ Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center, Shelby Township
Head over to the nature center, lively and quick for our yearly visit from good old St. Nick. The big man himself, dressed in red and so merry, will ask if you’ve been bad, and your parents will say, ‘not very.’ Come with your cameras and wish lists galore. There’s no fee for attending. See what’s in store.
December 19 – 21
@ Notre Dame Hall, Wayne
kids of all ages can make and take crafts to enjoy, give as gifts, or decorate their house. join us on November 19th 20th and 21st for the first-ever Wayne open-air Christmas Market, more than just a Crafters Market it’s a festival of the season.
this year Santa’s workshop will be outside under a heated tent in the center of all the action happening during the Wayne open-air Christmas Market. Santa will be on hand with free photos we will have ice sculptures food and drink and live entertainment,
Tuesday, December 21
@ Carls Family YMCA, Milford
Join the Y outside at the camp pavilions for holiday karaoke, an outdoor movie showing, hot cocoa bar, bonfire with roasted chestnut and s’mores station, holiday arts and crafts, and a special visit from Santa Claus!
Photo credit: Detroit Mom
