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.
ROYAL OAK LIGHTING OF THE PARK
Friday, November 21
@ Downtown Royal Oak
Enjoy ice-skating at The Rink, shopping at the Holiday Huts featuring gifts and goodies from downtown Royal Oak businesses, Visits with Santa, carnival rides, food trucks, live music and more, culminating with the lighting of Centennial Commons, including the Giant Oak Tree!
VISIT WITH SANTA
November 21-23, 28-30 & December 5-7
@ The Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn
Start your holiday season by visiting history’s greatest toymaker at Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. Say hello and snap your own photo with Santa in front of our towering 25-foot tree.
SANTA EXPERIENCE
Saturday, November 22 – December 21
@ Blake Farms, Armada
Blake’s Santa Experience will be offered Saturdays and Sundays beginning November 22nd thru December 21st. Child admission is $23 and includes a photo with Santa, donut and cider/hot chocolate, take home toy and make and take craft. Adult admission is $9.25 and includes a donut and cider/hot chocolate.
HOLIDAY HOOPLA AND TREE LIGHTING
Saturday, November 22
@ Waterford Township Hall
Dress for the weather, all activities will take place outdoors from 3pm-6pm 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, games, make & take crafts, cookie decorating & more!
WINTER WONDERLAND
November 22
@ Heritage Park, Canton
Kick of the holiday season with Canton Township in Heritage Park with (new this year!) a Lighted parade, visits with characters, live entertainment, Detroit fire performers and winter refreshments for purchase. This event will take place from 5-8pm on November 22nd.
SANTA SATURDAY
November 29, December 6, 13 & 20
@ Meadow Brook Hall, Rochester
Everyone holds a Christmas wish close to their heart, and Santa Claus is ready to hear them all. On Santa Saturdays at Meadow Brook Hall, visits with Santa are included with tickets for Holiday Walk, our daytime, indoor holiday experience that features the historic mansion decorated in shimmering splendor. Tickets must be bought in advance.
BIRMINGHAM SANTA HOUSE
November 29 – December 24
@ Shain Park, Birmingham
Enjoy a visit with Santa at his quaint home in Shain Park this holiday season. Visits with Santa are walk-up*, except as noted below. While you’re here, hop aboard a horse-drawn carriage for short tour of beautifully decorated Shain Park. As always, Santa House and carriage rides are free.
SANTA TRAIN RIDES
November 29 – December 14
@ 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.
SNACKS WITH SANTA
November 29, December 13, 14, 20
@ 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!
HOLIDAY WALK
December 2
@ Flint Cultural Center
Join us at the Flint Cultural Center on Tuesday, December 2nd 2025 at 5:00pm to 8:00pm for the 40th Annual Holiday Walk. Tree lighting at 5:15 in Durant Plaza, between Sloan Museum of Discovery and Whiting Auditorium. Visit Santa Claus and enjoy caroling, festive live music, planetarium shows, arts and crafts, fun holiday
activities, refreshments and more!
VISIT SANTA AT VILLAGE CENTER MALL
Thursday, December 4, 6, 11, 13, 18 & 20
@ Village Center Mall, Milford
Come see Santa downtown at Village Center Mall! (400 N. Main Street) Have a chat about how good you were this year and let him know what your dreams are for Christmas! Parents, make sure to bring your camera for a good pic! Then, grab a hot chocolate and a seat by the fire outside and enjoy downtown! See ya there!
CHRISTMAS AGLOW
Friday, December 5
@ The township municipal campus , Shelby Township
Shelby Township’s biggest Christmas event and tradition, the annual Christmas Aglow and tree lighting, occurs at 6 p.m. Dec. 5 on the township municipal campus at 52700 Van Dyke Ave. In addition to traditional favorites such as a hot chocolate stand, kids crafts at the Kris Kringle Castle, horse-drawn carriage rides, the “Holiday Express” train display and a live reindeer. Photos with Santa Claus will be available in the library until 8:30 p.m.
TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
Friday, December 5
@ Downtown Auburn Hills
There is nothing more magical than watching a Christmas tree lighting up for the first time during the holiday season! The City of Auburn Hills Tree Lighting Ceremony is a time for the community to come together to celebrate the start of the holiday season. They have many activities planned for people of all ages!
FREE HOLIDAYS AT THE Y
December 5
@Downriver Family YMCA, Southgate
Join in the Holiday fun! Holidays at the Y includes a performance of the Wyandotte Academy Youth Choir with sing along, Crafts and Games for parents and kids, Visit with Santa and more. Free to members and community.
PANCAKES AND PAJAMAS
Saturday, December 6
@ 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!
HOLIDAYS ON THE FARM
December 6
@ MSU Tollgate Farm, Novi
Capture the magic of the season by snapping unforgettable holiday pictures on MSU Tollgate Farm’s beautifully decorated grounds. The event also features a variety of engaging activities designed especially for the little ones, making this a perfect outing for families. And don’t miss the chance to meet Santa himself, who will be visiting the farm to greet children and spread holiday cheer. Registration required.
CHRISTMAS AGLOW
Saturday, December 6
@ Clinton Township Civic Center
Clinton Township is officially “Aglow” at this event. This long-standing tradition of the Township will once again mark the opening of our holiday season. Bring your whole family and join neighbors from across Clinton Township at a night full of fun. Boys and girls will have a chance to personally visit Santa and give him their Christmas list. Enjoy the music of the season, holiday lights trail and light refreshments as we usher in the holiday season. This event is free but a non-perishable food donation is requested.
SNACKS WITH SANTA
Saturday, December 6
@ 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. Pre-registration is required.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Saturday, December 6
@ Shelby Township Activities Center
Enjoy a yummy pancake & sausage breakfast while giving your little ones a chance to visit with jolly old St. Nick. Each child will receive a small gift from Santa and have an opportunity to make a simple holiday craft. Reserve your seats today, as this event is expected to sell out quickly.
CHRISTMAS ON THE FRONTIER
Saturday, December 6
@ Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center, Shelby Township
Celebrate the holiday in frontier fashion with historically accurate games and activities such as candle-dipping and crafting rustic ornaments. Learn how early European settlers celebrated Christmas by meeting reenactors, visiting our authentic pioneer cabin, and observing family traditions from that era. Father Christmas will visit from 2-4 p.m. Children will have the opportunity to tell Santa their Christmas wishes and pose for photos with a rustic cabin backdrop. The “Too Happy Voyageurs” will play live music and teach traditional dances.
HOLIDAY FUN & SANTA VISITS
December 6-7 & 13-14
@ Maybury Farm, Northville
Enjoy holiday music & decorations, crafts, farm animals & shopping in our General Store. Visit with Santa in his antique sleigh in our century-old barn where Santa’s Elf will be on hand to help you snap a family photo! Drop your letter to Santa in our North Pole Mailbox, and don’t forget to warm up at the bonfire! Pre-registration is required.
COCOA & CRAFTS WITH SANTA
December 6 & 7
@ Troy Historic Village
Start your season of family fun and holiday tradition at the Troy Historic Village! This program begins with spending time with Santa and Mrs. Clause, then you’ll get to explore the Village and make some holiday memories!
SANTA SIGHTING
December 6 & 7
@ 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!
HOLIDAY MARKET
Sunday, December 7
@ Abraham Ranch, Clarkston
Join us for a fun-filled Holiday Market at our big red barn, a festive indoor and outdoor event perfect for families. Your ticket includes animal experiences and self-guided tours to meet approximately 60 rescue animals, Santa meet and greets from 1–3 p.m., a kids’ craft station with holiday and animal-themed activities inside the heated barn, and hayrides if weather permits. The Holiday Market will also feature a wide variety of vendors offering jewelry, pottery, holistic spa items, kids’ toys, cutting boards, and more for all your holiday gift needs.
CHRISTMAS IN FRASER
Sunday, December 7
@ Fraser City Hall
You’ll be able to catch Kris Kringle at the Baumgartner House Museum Christmas Open House from 1-4 PM on Sunday. December 7. Enjoy not only time with Mr. Claus, get a free photo with Weihnachtsmann – that’s “Christmas Man” in German, a nod to the heritage of the home’s original owners – tour the historic home which will be decorated for the season, and shop the bargains in the Depot Visitor Center just in time Christmas!
SUNDAY WITH SANTA
Sunday, December 7
@ 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.
BRUNCH WITH SANTA
December 7 & 21
@ Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, Grosse Pointe Shores
Gather your loved ones for a magical morning filled with joy and wonder. Indulge in a scrumptious hot breakfast buffet and watch the sparkle in your children’s eyes as they chat with Santa and share their holiday wishes. Capture those precious moments as Santa visits each table, creating unforgettable memories with your family.
COOKIES WITH SANTA
December 8 & 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
Wednesday, December 10
@ 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.
COOKIES & COCOA WITH SANTA
Friday, December 12
@Pleasant Ridge Recreation, Pleasant Ridge
Join in the holiday fun with Santa, cookies, and holiday crafts.
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
December 12 – 14
@ 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!
NIGHT OF LIGHTS
December 13-14 & 20-21
@ Greenmead Historical Park, Livonia
Night of Lights is back with more lights, more activities and more community fun! Formal activities for this regional holiday attraction will take place in December with the lights on display all month long for this walking event.
STORYTIME WITH SANTA
Saturday, December 13
@ 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!
LUNCH WITH SANTA
Saturday, December 13
@ Lakeshore Park Building
Join us for festive afternoon and enjoy a delicious meal with Santa. The afternoon will include Christmas-themed crafts, holiday sing-along with Mrs. Claus, and visits with Santa.
FREE HOLIDAYS AT THE Y
December 13
@ Carls Family YMCA, Milford
Join the Y for their annual Holidays at the Y celebration! We welcome members and the community to join us indoors for holiday crafts, refreshments, a bounce house, visit with Santa, and so much more!
SOULFUL SANTA CELEBRATION
Saturday, December 13
@ Southfield Pavilion
The Southfield Pavilion will be transformed into a winter wonderland for Soulful Santa Celebration on Saturday, December 14 for families to enjoy holiday fun including, photos with Santa, arts and crafts, face paint and more!
SANTA SKATE
Saturday, December 13
@ Kennedy Recreation Center, Trenton
Enjoy an afternoon of skating performed by Recreation Figure Skaters and afterwards join Santa on the ice.
COOKIES, CRAFTS, & SANTA CLAUS
Sunday, December 14
@ Andiamo, Warren
Andiamo Warren welcomes you and your families to enjoy a festival celebration that includes food, holiday fun, and a visit from Santa during their first Cookies, Crafts, & Santa Claus event. Guests of all ages are invited to share in the holiday spirit and bring out their inner child. Crafts include cookie decorating, Christmas ornaments, and stocking decorating.
