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 the Metro Detroit area.

 

VISIT WITH SANTA

Friday, November 29 – Monday, December 23

@ The Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn

Take off on a thrilling expedition to the North Pole for a visit with Santa and history’s pioneering aviators. On this holiday adventure, little explorers will travel through our Heroes of the Sky exhibit and land in the workshop of the greatest tinkerer and toy maker of all time. Take your own photo or purchase from the professional photographer on site.  Free with museum admission.

 

SANTA AT THE GMRENCEN

Friday, November 29 – Monday, December 23

@ GM Renaissance Center, Detroit

Get those wish-lists ready because it’s time to bundle up and make your way to the GMRENCEN to visit your favorite jolly, red-suited man when Santa comes to downtown Detroit! Children can get in the holiday spirit and meet Santa in the Jefferson Lobby for complimentary photographs, giveaways and a chance to tell Santa what’s on their wish-list.

 

SANTA ARRIVES IN KELLOGG PARK

Friday, November 29

@ Kellogg Park, Plymouth

Santa is in town to hear what good little boys and girls want for Christmas.

 

VISIT SANTA AT VILLAGE CENTER MALL

Thursdays & Saturdays beginning November 30

@ Village Center Mall, Milford

Every Thursday night until Christmas, he’ll be at Village Center Mall from 6pm to 8pm, and every Saturday from 11am to 1pm. Keeping your time with Santa personal, there won’t be a professional photographer at the mall. You are encouraged to bring your own camera to document your Santa sighting.

 

SANTA’S MAGIC FOREST

Saturday, November 30 – Sunday, December 22

@ Heritage Park, Taylor

Santa’s Magic Forest — Downriver’s finest holiday display — is open weekends from Thanksgiving Weekend through Christmas in the Heritage Park Activity Building. The magical winter wonderland includes hundreds of animated characters, dozens of Christmas scenes and beautiful holiday light displays. Visitors have an opportunity to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

 

HOLIDAY NIGHTS SUPPER WITH SANTA

Weekends In December

@ Greenfield Village, Dearborn

Following your horse-drawn ride to A Taste of History Restaurant, your family will partake in a casual buffet-style holiday turkey dinner perfect for kids! Each family will have the opportunity to meet and take your own photo with Santa*. Children will also be able to make a special holiday keepsake-craft. Then, to get you in the mood for the fun at Holiday Nights, a holiday sing-along and farewell to Santa as he’s whisked away in a special Model T. To end our Supper and begin your Holiday Nights experience, all will be invited to join our singers in a caroling procession to the Village Pavilion to see our impressive holiday model train display.

 

DONUTS WITH SANTA

Sunday, December 1

@ Embassy Suites, Livonia

The 3rd Annual Donuts With Santa with appearances by the Snow Queen and Frozen Princess Anna. Enjoy crafts, holiday music, and a visit with Santa himself!

 

REINDEER AND SANTA VISIT 

Sunday, December 1

@ Ray Weigand’s Nursery & Garden Center, Macomb

Special visitors from the North Pole fly down to visit for the day. Stop by to see the reindeer that pull Santa’s sleigh. Mrs. Claus and Santa will both be here for photos so bring your cameras!

 

COOKIES WITH SANTA

Sunday, December 1 – Tuesday, December 17

@ Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, Grosse Pointe Shores

Listen in as your little ones share their Christmas wishes with the elf himself. Santa will make his annual stop in Josephine Ford’s Playhouse to visit with your children. You can snap your own family photos to cherish this holiday moment. Santa will send each child home with one of his favorite sweet treats! Cookies with Santa is offered Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays, December 1-17.

 

CHILDREN’S HOLIDAY PROGRAM AND SANTA VISIT

Monday, December 2

@ Clarkston Independence District Library

Come celebrate the Holidays with us!  We’ll create some festive decorations, enjoy some treats of the season and maybe, if we are lucky, Santa might be there!

 

WATERFORD TREE LIGHTING

Tuesday, December 3

@ Waterford Township Hall

Celebrate the season with a variety of activities including: crafts, cookie decorating, Pontiac-Waterford Big Chief Chorus, performance by the Waterford Mott Jazz Band, a opportunity to write a soldier a letter, a photo opportunity with Santa Claus and your chance to see a reindeer up close.

 

TREE LIGHTING & VISITS WITH SANTA

Tuesday, December 3

@ Burgh Historical Park, Southfield

Tree Lighting & Visits with Santa

 

27TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY LIGHTS

Tuesday, December 3

@ Farmington Hills City Fire Department

The beautiful trees at City Hall will be illuminated as well as a 20-foot candle that represents our commitment to peace and unity in Farmington Hills. Throughout history, lights have been a universal symbol of hope, wisdom and perseverance; regardless of background, tradition, culture, or belief. Lights represent that we as a people have hope for the present and the future. Please join us for this traditional community event! Santa will make a visit and refreshments will be served after the ceremony

 

ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING

Wednesday, December 4

@ Summit Canton

The ‘official’ tree will be lit in front of the Summit on the Park at 6:30pm and special festivities will take place both indoors and outdoors. Join us for seasonal entertainment, crafts, activities, refreshments, and visits with Santa!

 

COOKIES WITH SANTA

Wednesday, December 4

@ Longacre House, Farmington Hills

‘Twas a few weeks before Christmas, when all through Longacre House, children sat for songs led by Santa in his red blouse. The cookies were decorated by children with care, in hopes that Santa would still be there. They get in line to meet Santa before bed, while visions of Christmas dance in their head.

 

CHRISTMAS AGLOW

Thursday, December 5

@ Shelby Township Municipal Grounds

See Santa Claus, hear Christmas carols and share in the spirit of Christmas as we light the big tree. Visit with Santa after he lights the tree, enjoy kids crafts, cookies, hot chocolate, a marshmallow roast and horse-drawn wagon rides. Don’t forget your wishlist!

 

BIRMINGHAM TREE LIGHTING

Friday, December 6

@ Shain Park, Birmingham

On opening night – Friday, November 30th at 6 p.m., the community will come together with Santa and Birmingham’s Mayor for live caroling and the lighting of a 35-foot holiday tree with more than 40,000 LED lights!

 

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT

Friday, December 6

@ Novi Civic Center

Tree lighting, Fireworks, Santa Visits, Kids Crafts, Craft Show, Petting Farm, Reindeer, S’Mores, Train Rides, and food!

 

25TH ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

Friday, December 6

@ Downtown Auburn Hills

A free family fun event featuring the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the Mayor lighting our enormous Christmas tree on the corner of Squirrel and Auburn Roads. Fabulous activities for the family including photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, s’mores at the bonfire pit, holiday crafts and horse-drawn wagon rides!

 

HERITAGE HOLIDAYS

Friday, December 6 – Saturday, December 21

@ Wolcott Mill Metropark, Ray

Create a new family tradition! Stroll through the park and enjoy the holiday decorations and spectacular lights, visit with Santa in the mill and make crafts in our heated holiday tent.

 

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Saturday, December 7

@ Summit Canton

Breakfast with Santa Bring the entire family to enjoy a wonderful breakfast with Santa Claus! During the breakfast, kids can share their wish list with Santa, create a winter craft, and enjoy a Christmas story time. All children will receive a holiday souvenir, crayons, and placemat. Parents are encouraged to bring cameras.

 

SANTA’S JINGLE BELL BRUNCH

Saturday, December 7

@ Macomb Township Parks & Rec

Santa has a special interactive show planned, singing some of his favorite songs and telling some of his favorite stories.  Afterwards,  you will have a chance to visit with Santa and receive a holiday gift from him. Have breakfast with Santa and stay to meet some of his friends!  Don’t forget your cameras!

 

PANCAKES AND PAJAMAS

Saturday, December 7

@ Northville Community Center

Welcome Santa to town with a rise and shine pancake breakfast. The holly, jolly event will include Pictures with Santa, breakfast, crafts, sing-alongs and goodies. Advanced ticket sales are sold by specific event time.

 

SNACKS WITH SANTA

Saturday, December 7

@ Lake Erie Metropark, Brownstown

Make this Christmas Season special with a visit by ‘ole St. Nick himself and enjoy a holiday snack, games, crafts and more!   Use your own camera to capture the perfect holiday memory! Spaces are limited.

 

COCO & CRAFTS WITH SANTA

Saturday, December 7

@ Troy Historic Village

Families are invited to register for a fun-filled morning of Christmas craft-making, plus holiday matching game, festive story with Cheddar the Mouse, sweet treats, and of course, a special visit with Santa Claus for each child. Space is extremely limited for this year’s program, so advance registration is a must.

 

A VISIT WITH SANTA AND MRS. CLAUS

Saturday, December 7

@ Lake St. Clair Metropark, Harrison Township

Tired of waiting in long lines during the holiday season? No lines here – join us for this unique event where games are played, crafts are made and snacks are served while you get to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Santa’s helpers will take your photos, but you are welcome to bring your own camera and snap as many photos as you please.

 

BOWL WITH SANTA

Saturday, December 7

@ Wonderland Lanes, Walled Lake

Ho-ho-ho, boys and girls, it’s Christmastime! Before Santa has to jet around the world and deliver gifts, spend an afternoon with him and his friends from WB Parks at Wonderland Lanes. See if you can beat Santa in a game, get your picture taken with him, collect a goodie bag and have some great family fun!

 

VISIT SANTA AND MRS. CLAUS

Saturday, December 7

@ Pontiac City Library

Crafts, refreshments and so much more. After the Holiday Extravaganza Parade has finished, enjoy Santa’s favorite refreshments, hot cocoa and candy canes, with the big man himself. Santa is excited to visit with the boys and girls and hear about their holiday wishes!

 

HERITAGE HOLIDAY AT THE HISTORIC CENTER

Saturday, December 7

@ Wolcott Mill Metropark, Ray

Create or continue a wonderful family tradition. Stroll through the park and enjoy the holiday decorations and spectacular lights, visit with Santa and make holiday crafts. Enjoy a cup of hot cider or cocoa as you watch the blacksmith working in his shop. Cut a log cookie with a two man saw to make an ornament. Photo vignettes will help you create memories. Visit the Clydesdale horses in their show stalls and enjoy a horse drawn wagon ride. Vote for your favorite decorated tree at the Festival of Trees. Dress for the weather.

 

NOEL NIGHT

Saturday, December 7

@ Midtown, Detroit

The 46th annual Noel Night is scheduled for Saturday, December 1, 2018, with over 100 participating venues, including the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Michigan Science Center, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the Detroit Historical Museum, the Detroit Public Library, Wayne State University and the College for Creative Studies, along with the area’s historic churches, galleries, unique shops, nonprofit organizations, other arts, cultural and educational institutions, restaurants, bars and breweries, to name just a few. Noel Night is a Cultural Center-wide holiday open house that presents free activities including: horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday shopping, family craft activities and performances by over 200 area music, theatre, and dance groups, and other special performances.

 

CHRISTMAS AGLOW

Saturday, December 7

@ 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 with Santa and give him their Christmas list. Enjoy the music of the season, ice sculptures, horse drawn trolley rides, and light refreshments as we usher in the holiday season.

 

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AROUND THE WORLD

Saturday, December 7

@ Gerry Kulick Community Center, Ferndale

Step into Santa’s sleigh and travel to different countries around the world while you learn what Christmas means to them! As you visit each Country, you will create a themed holiday decoration that represents their tradition to fill your goodie bags and decorate your home.

 

CHRISTMAS IN FRASER

Saturday, December 7

@ Fraser Parks & Recreation

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Saturday, December 7

@ Cherry Creek Golf Club, Shelby Township

Enjoy a catered breakfast buffet of pancakes, sausage and more while giving your little ones a chance to visit with jolly old St. Nick without waiting in line at the mall. Mrs. Claus and some of her friends will also visit with and entertain guests.

 

HOLIDAY SPLENDOR: SANTA SIGHTING

December 7 & December 8

@ Cranbrook House and Gardens, Bloomfield Hills

Bring your family out for a visit with Santa Claus in the enchanted setting of Cranbrook House while it’s decorated for the holidays. Children of all ages will be entertained with a scavenger hunt while waiting for their turn to see Santa. Families will also enjoy viewing a variety of trees, trains, and other holiday displays in the charming manor.

 

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Sunday, December 7

@ Shelby Township Community Center

Enjoy pancakes, sausage and a drink at our family-style breakfast and give children the chance to meet Santa Claus without having to wait in line at the mall. Mrs. Claus and her friends will be there to visit and entertain while guests enjoy crafts.

 

REINDEER DAYS

Saturday, December 7  – Sunday, December 8

@ Heritage Park Petting Farm, Taylor

Santa and his real reindeer come to the Petting Farm at Heritage Park!

 

SANTA VISITS & OPEN HOUSE

Saturday, December 7 – 8, December 14 – 15

@ Maybury Farm, Northville

We wish you and yours all the best and to say thank you for your support of the Farm, we offer free Santa Visits at the Farm along with a  Holiday Open House for everyone of all ages to view the farm in all its winter beauty.  You will be able to walk around the Farm, through the barns, engage with the animals and notice how Nature is preparing them with winter coats for the cold months ahead.  Our General Store will be open and stocked with wonderful gifts and delicious treats including warm cocoa and cider.  We’ll have a bonfire, activities for the kids and a family photo booth.

 

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS FAMILY PARTY

Sunday, December 8

@ Arab American National Museum, Dearborn

It’s time to celebrate! Revel in the spirit and joy of the season at AANM’s FREE Countdown to Christmas Family Party featuring seasonal crafts, cookie decorating, Maples Elementary Arabic Music Ensemble performance and a visit from Santa Claus!

 

WINTERFEST: MULTI-CULTURAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATION IN THE LOG CABIN

Sunday, December 8

@ Palmer Park, Detroit

Bring your whole family for an afternoon of old-fashioned holiday fun at WinterFest, a multi-cultural holiday festival at the historic Log Cabin. Enjoy Christmas magic with Santa and Mrs. Claus, horse and carriage rides through the woods, holiday ornament making and music as well as Hanukkah with the Downtown Synagogue and Kwanzaa with the Wright Museum of African American History.

 

HOLIDAY MAGIC WITH SANTA

Sunday, December 8

@ Meadow Brook Hall, Rochester

Children of all ages will enjoy this wonderfully festive event. Partake in a Holiday Magic show, the big guy is here to spread the holiday cheer. Make your holiday memories at Meadow Brook!

 

SNACKS WITH SANTA

Saturday, December 8 – Sunday, December 9

@ Stony Creek Nature Center, Shelby Township

Bring your list and visit Santa. There will be seasonal crafts, guest musicians and goodies to eat. Photos with Santa are taken on your own device.

 

SUPPER WITH SANTA

Monday, December 9 & 16

@ The Whitney, Detroit

Bring the kids and spend some special one on one time with “The Big Guy”.   Reservations for this event are limited.  We will be serving our regular ala carte and kid’s menus for this event.

 

SANTA VISITS

Wednesday, December 11 & Monday, December 16

@ John F. Kennedy Jr. Library, Dearborn Heights

Christmas is near, and Santa is coming to the libraries! He will read stories especially for the season. All ages are invited. There will be plenty of time at the end of the program for children to meet Santa- feel free to bring a camera if you wish to take photos.

 

DINNER WITH SANTA

Friday, December 12 – Sunday, December 15

@ Detroit Zoo, Royal Oak

Celebrate the holiday season with a feast at the Detroit Zoo’s Dinner with Santa at Wild Lights. This event takes place in the Wildlife Interpretive Gallery during our spectacular holiday light display. The buffet-style dinner also includes a special gift for each child, arts and crafts, and a visit from Santa as well as admission to Wild Lights.

 

LUNCH WITH THE CLAUSES AT THE PETTING FARM

Saturday, December 14

@ Heritage Park Petting Farm, Taylor

Get in the spirit of the holidays by having lunch with Santa and Mrs Claus at the Petting Farm!

 

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Saturday, December 14

@ Orchard Mall, West Bloomfield

Come enjoy Breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus at Orchard Mall. Breakfast will be served buffet style, compliments of Zoes House of Pancakes, located in the mall! Santa & Mrs. Claus will be the guests of honor for pictures!

 

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Saturday, December 14

@ Novi Civic Center

Come out and join us for an enjoyable lunch with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for visits at Santa’s Workshop, delicious pizza lunch will be served, crafts, music and a story by Mrs. Claus.

 

S’MORES AND SANTA

Saturday, December 14

@ Kensington Metropark, Milford

Visit with Santa, make s’mores around the campfire, drink hot chocolate, hear a story and create some crafts. Program is geared toward small children.

 

SNACKS WITH SANTA

Saturday, December 14

@ Indian Springs Metropark, White Lake

It’s Christmastime and we can’t wait for Santa to arrive. He’ll be here to visit with boys and girls who are eager to share their Christmas list with him. Children will also decorate a delicious cookie and have fun making holiday crafts. Use your own camera to capture the perfect holiday memory. This program fills quickly.

 

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Saturday, December 14

@ Williams Recreation Center, Detroit

Join the City of Detroit’s Parks and Recreation Department for Breakfast With Santa 2020, an old school celebration of Christmas. Each child will receive breakfast, provided by Touch of Class Catering, a hand-made picture frame led by Arts and Scraps, a photo with Santa provided by Captured Visuals, a gift from Santa and all of the fun they can imagine.

 

ROYAL OAK JINGLE

Friday, December 14 – Saturday, December 15

@ Downtown Royal Oak

This two day event will feature traditional holiday activities like photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, live reindeer, horse drawn carriage rides and caroling. A large warming tent will house a winter market, hot beverages, cocktails and music. A live ice carving of a life-size Santa’s sleigh will be taking place on Friday evening.

 

SNACKS WITH SANTA

Sunday, December 14 – December 15

@ Kensington Metropark, Milford

A holiday season tradition at the Farm! Each visit includes a horse-drawn hayride or sleigh ride, a holiday sing-a-long, (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!

 

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Saturday, December 14 – Sunday, December 15

@ Detroit Zoo, Royal Oak

The holiday magic is alive and well in the Wildlife Interpretive Gallery at the Detroit Zoo! Join us for a buffet-style waffle breakfast beside hundreds of free-flying butterflies in the Butterfly Garden. This popular annual event includes a special gift for each child, arts and crafts, photo opportunities and a visit from Santa.

 

HOLIDAY EXPRESS

Saturday, December 14 & December 21

@ Joy Park, Clinton Township

The Polar Express story will be read as the train begins its journey, while families feast on hot chocolate & cookies, sing carols and more!  The train boards at Joy Park on 24001 Joy Boulevard, south of Hall Road and east of Gratiot.  Be sure to bring your camera for capturing those special moments with our favorite holiday guests!

 

SANTA CENTRAL

Sunday, December 15

@ Hudson Mills Metropark, Dexter

Join us for Santa’s visit to Hudson Mills! Kids (and adults) can visit with Santa, go on a hay ride, and make seasonal crafts.  Don’t stand in line at the mall- we have small groups, and you can use your own camera for that perfect Holiday moment.

 

SUPPER WITH SANTA

Sunday, December 15

@ Meadow Brook Hall, Rochester

Children of all ages will enjoy this wonderfully festive event. Don’t forget to bring your appetite, your Christmas wish list, and your holiday spirit, because Santa would love to have supper with you.

 

VISIT WITH SANTA AND FAMILY FUN DAY

Sunday, December 15

@ Beacon Park, Detroit

Santa Claus is coming to Beacon Park for this season’s family fun day! Put on your holiday best and enjoy free activities for the whole family. Don’t forget to take a picture with Santa, and capture a few photos of the larger-than-life holiday light installations that transform the park into a winter wonderland!

 

SANTA VISITS THE NATURE CENTER

Sunday, December 15

@ Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center, Shelby Township

Our animals are excited for Santa’s yearly visit to the nature center. Have you sent Santa your wish list yet? Give it to him in person right here. He may even bring Mrs. Claus with him to help give out treats.

 

COOKIES WITH THE CLAUSES

Thursday, December 19

@ Detroit Zoo, Royal Oak

Bring the little ones for a personal visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus during Wild Lights! Listen to a special story read by Mrs. Claus and warm up with hot chocolate and cookies. You’ll even get to make a special treat to leave for Santa’s reindeer when they visit your home. Photo opportunities with Santa will also be available.

 

HOLIDAY FUNTASTIC NIGHT

Friday, December 20

@ Northville Community Center

Tis the season to enjoy a night of cookies, hot chocolate, and a classic holiday movie. Kids will also make crafts and write letters to the North Pole. You never know who may stop by and visit… A guest appearance by Santa!

 

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Friday, December 20 – Sunday, December 22

@ 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!

 

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