Santa Appearances in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor

Santa Claus is coming to your town. He’s a busy guy, but Kris Kringle always makes time to visit the children of southeast Michigan and we’ve got information on some safe places to catch him in Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties in 2020.

Typically you’d find Santa in several spots, including southeast Michigan malls and downtowns and at the many holiday parades and festivals in the region, but since the coronavirus pandemic put a stop to big events this year, he had to get creative.

This year, you can visit with Santa both in-person, from a safe distance, and virtually! Here’s a list of the places and spots to see him safely in 2020 — along with the protocols he’s following at each spot so you can be prepared.

Note: Due to the pandemic, safety protocols are being followed in many of the locations that you’ll find Santa and there is a chance that some visits could be canceled without warning. Be sure to check ahead before you head out. Also, ask about photo package costs, as those are usually an added expense.

Cabelas and Bass Pro Shops 

Nov. 7-Dec. 24, 2020

• Santa hours: By reservation
• Address: Varies by location
• Phone: Varies by location

Pick your nearest Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shop and schedule a time to enjoy a contactless visit with the big guy.

Oakland Mall in Troy

Nov. 28-Dec. 24, 2020

• Santa hours: 11 a.m. opening day. Then, 1-7 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, noon-6 p.m. Sundays and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Christmas Eve
• Address: 412 W. 14 Mile Road, Troy
• Phone: 248-585-6000

Santa is taking reservations at Oakland Mall this year for photos. Face masks are required during your visit. Or, if you prefer, you can also visit him virtually via Zoom ($25). Contactless visits are $15 with that deposit to go toward your photo package. Visits with the Grinch available, too.

Laurel Park Place in Livonia

Nov. 27-Dec. 24, 2020

• Santa hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, noon-6 p.m. Sundays. Note: Santa takes breaks to feed his reindeer daily from 3-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 2:30-3 p.m. Sunday. 
• Address: 37700 W. Six Mile Road, Livonia
• Phone: 734-462-1100

Find Santa at the food court this holiday season — be sure to make a reservation ahead of time for your child (or pet) to see him either in person or virtually. Face masks are required while visiting in-person for kids ages 2 and up.

Briarwood Mall in Ann Arbor

Nov. 27-Dec. 24, 2020

• Santa hours: By appointment; reserve your spot online 
• Address: 100 Briarwood Circle, Ann Arbor
• Phone: 734-769-9610

You can make an appointment to see Santa online at this Ann Arbor mall. Be aware that guests will not sit on Santa’s lap during this visit, but will rather have a magical experience from a distance. Walk-ups will be admitted as space allows. Face masks are required.

Lakeside Mall in Sterling Heights

Nov. 21-Dec. 24, 2020

• Santa hours: By appointment; reserve your spot online 
• Address: 14000 Lakeside Circle, Sterling Heights
• Phone: 586-247-1590

Make an appointment for your 15-minute one-on-one visit with Santa near the mall’s Center Court. Face masks are required.

The Mall at Partridge Creek in Clinton Township

Nov. 21-Dec. 24, 2020

• Santa hours: By appointment; reserve your spot online
• Address: 17420 Hall Road, Clinton Township
• Phone: 586-226-0330

Make a reservation to visit the jolly guy and share those holiday wish lists with him, one-on-one. Face mask are required.

Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi

Nov. 27-Dec. 24, 2020

• Santa hours: All mall hours (see holiday mall hours) with breaks
• Address: 27500 Novi Road, Novi (at the mall’s Center Court)
• Phone: 248-348-9400

Make a reservation to see Santa and the elves from his Flight Academy in a non-contact and socially distanced setting. Masks are required (even during the photoshoot). There are four photo packages to choose from.

Santa House at Shain Park in Downtown Birmingham

Nov. 28-Dec. 24, 2020

• Santa hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, plus Dec. 24. Extended hours from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19 
• Address: Shain Park, Merrill Street, downtown Birmingham area, Birmingham
• Phone: 248-530-1200

While kids can’t walk up and see Santa this year, you can schedule an appointment to see him at his Birmingham home. Families must wear masks while waiting but may remove them fort he photo. Visits with Santa will be socially distanced.

The Santa Experience 

Now-Dec. 24, 2020 

Make an appointment online for a magical elf-guided journey to the North Pole and a live Zoom chat with Santa, himself.

Virtual Visit with Santa 

Now-Dec. 25, 2020

Make an appointment to set up a time to chat with Santa on Zoom Virtual visits on Christmas or Christmas Day available. You can even personalize your message ($24.99)!

This post is updated annually.