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 2021.
Here, find out when Santa plans to visit kids at southeast Michigan’s malls and downtowns this year including sensory-friendly options and pet photo opportunities.
Note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, face masks and social distancing may be required. We’ve done our best to note what’s required at each location, but be sure to check ahead.
Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi
Nov. 12-Dec. 24, 2021
- Address: 27500 Novi Road, Novi (at the mall’s Center Court)
- Santa hours: During all mall hours; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday, extended hours closer to Christmas
- Cost: $9.99-plus
Make a reservation to see Santa and the elves from his Flight Academy in a non-contact and socially-distanced setting. Masks are optional during photos with Santa but recommended before and after your visit. There are three photo packages to choose from. Sensory Santa takes place Dec. 5-12.
Great Lakes Crossing in Auburn Hills
Nov. 18-Dec. 24, 2021
- Address: 4000 Baldwin Road, Auburn Hills
- Santa hours: During all mall hours; 10 a.m.- 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday, extended hours closer to Christmas
- Cost: $9.99-plus
Step inside Santa’s 22-foot-tall sleigh to experience your photos with the big guy! Reservations and masks before and after photos are strongly recommended. Sit with Santa or remain social distanced.
The Mall at Partridge Creek in Clinton Township
Nov. 18-Dec. 24, 2021
- Address: 17420 Hall Road, Clinton Township
- Santa hours: During all mall hours; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday, extended hours closer to Christmas
- Cost: Contact for details
The mall encourages pre-booking your Santa Magic photo experience. Walk-up visits are available as space permits at participating locations. Sensory Friendly Santa is on Dec. 5.
Laurel Place in Livonia
Nov. 19-Dec. 24, 2021
- Address: 37700 W. Six Mile Road, Livonia
- Santa hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday -Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday; 10 a.m.-1 p.m., 2 p.m.-5 p.m. Christmas Eve
- Cost: $39.99-$49.99
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. Santa Cares takes place on Dec. 5.
Briarwood Mall in Ann Arbor
Nov. 26-Dec. 24, 2021
- Address: 100 Briarwood Circle, Ann Arbor
- Santa hours: By appointment; reserve your spot online
- Cost: Contact for details
You can make an appointment to see Santa online at this Ann Arbor mall. Walk-ups will be admitted as space allows. Face masks are required.
Oakland Mall in Troy
Nov. 26-Dec. 24, 2021
- Address: 412 W. 14 Mile Road, Troy
- Santa hours: Varies by day
- Cost: Contact for details
Santa is taking reservations at Oakland Mall this year for photos. You can also see live reindeer or visit with the Grinch. Pet night takes place on Dec. 13 and Sensitive Santa is on Dec. 5.
Macomb Mall in Roseville
Nov. 26-Dec. 24, 2021
- Address: 32233 Gratiot Ave., Roseville
- Santa hours: Varies by day
- Cost: Contact for details
Options to sit with Santa or to social distance available. Pet photos and sensory Santa, too. Walk-up visits are welcome.
Somerset Collection in Troy
Nov. 27-Dec. 23, 2021
- Address: 2800 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy
- Visit with Santa hours: 11 a.m.-6:55 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, noon-5:55 p.m. Sunday; Selfies with Santa: 11 a.m.-1:25 p.m. and 4:30-6:55 p.m. Monday-Tuesday
- Cost: Contact for details
Selfies with Santa will take place on the Castle Balcony. Reservations recommended.
Lakeside Mall in Sterling Heights
Nov. 27-Dec. 24, 2021
- Address: 14000 Lakeside Circle, Sterling Heights
- Santa hours: By appointment; reserve your spot online
- Cost: Contact for details
Make an appointment for your 15-minute one-on-one visit with Santa near the mall’s Center Court. Face masks are recommended. Santa’s kids craft day is on Dec. 11 and pet photos are available now until Dec. 20.
Shain Park in Downtown Birmingham
Nov. 27-Dec. 24, 2021
- Address: Shain Park, 270 W. Merrill St., Birmingham
- Santa hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 27-28, Following the tree lighting-8 p.m. Dec. 3, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 5, 11-12, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 18, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 19, 24
- Cost: Free
Visits with Santa in his house are first-come, first-served during the weekend of Dec. 3-5. All other times are by appointment only. Also, take a beautiful, illuminated tour of the holiday lights and downtown Birmingham on a carriage ride.
Fairlane Town Center in Dearborn
Nov. 29-Dec. 24, 2021
- Address: 18900 Michigan Ave., Dearborn
- Santa hours: 2-7 p.m. Monday-Wednesday. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday
- Cost: Contact for details
The mall encourages you to pre-book. Walk ups are permitted but may be limited.
Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops
Nov. 29-Dec. 24, 2021
- Address: Select Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shop locations
- Santa hours: By reservation
- Cost: Free
Pick your nearest Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shop and schedule a time to enjoy a visit with the big guy.
Southland Center in Taylor
Nov. 29-Dec. 24, 2021
- Address: 23000 Eureka Road, Taylor
- Santa hours: Varies by date
- Cost: Contact for details
Get your pic taken with Santa and create magical moments for you and your family. Pet Nights with Santa and Santa Care Days also available.
Santa Saturdays at Meadow Brook
Dec. 4, 11 and 18, 2021
- Address: Meadow Brook Hall, 350 Estate Drive, Rochester
- Santa hours: Noon-4 p.m.
- Cost: $24.50/adults over age of 13, $14.50/ages 3-12 and Oakland University Students, free/members
Meadow Brook welcomes families to visit with Santa and two of his reindeer. Reservations required. Visits with Santa are included with tickets for the Holiday Walk.
Santa Claus is Coming to the Encore
Dec. 18, 2021
- Address: The Encore Musical Theatre Company, 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter
- Santa hours: 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m.
- Cost: Free
Visit and have your picture taken with Old St. Nick, enjoy hot cocoa and cookie and celebrate the spirit of the holiday season.
Looking for even more fun with Santa Claus? Sit down and have a meal with him at one of these breakfast with Santa events.
This post is updated annually.
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