Where to See Santa in Metro Detroit

Are you looking for a unique event for your kids to visit Kris Kringle? If so, check out these fun Santa experiences in metro Detroit.

The holidays are always a busy time. Are you wondering how you’re going to squeeze in a photo with the big guy, but still have time for see the holiday lights  and participate in other winter fun? We’ve got you covered with these holiday events where you can see Santa Claus, as well.

Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops

Nov. 4-Dec. 24, 2023

  • Address: Select Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shop locations
  • Cost: Free

Pick your nearest Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shop and schedule a time to enjoy a visit with the big guy. You’ll receive a free 4 x 6 photo.

Blake’s New Santa Experience

Nov. 19-20, 25-27; Dec. 3-4, 10-11, 17-23, 2023

Tickets include a visit and photos with Santa, train ride, one donut and a cup of cider, bonfire at the Santa’s Stop, letter to Santa and a small toy to take home from Santa’s basket. Dress for the weather. Advanced tickets recommended.

Birmingham Santa Walk

Nov. 25, 2023

  • Address: Downtown Birmingham
  • Cost: Free

Welcome Santa to town at this annual event in downtown Birmingham. It takes place on Small Business Saturday, which offers free horse-drawn carriage rides and free hot chocolate. Registration is required.

Holiday Walk: Santa Saturday!

Nov. 25; Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 2023 

Visits with Santa are included in the Holiday Walk, which is Meadow Brook’s daytime holiday experience indoors at the historic mansion. Visitors will take a self-guided walk through the mansion to view its holiday decorations and enjoy seasonal concessions. Advanced online tickets are required.

Cookies with Santa

Nov. 29-30, 2023

Ages 0-10 can enjoy cookie-making and a visit with Santa Claus at Longacre House. Only two adults will be permitted at the event for each family. Advanced online tickets are required.

Holiday Lights at the Farm

Dec. 1-2, 8-9, 15-17, 2023

Visit with Santa and see the traditional holiday decorations and thousands of lights at the farm. Also, take a tractor drawn wagon ride around the farm fields, listen to holiday music, visit the animals and more. Dress for the weather. Pre-registration is required.

Breakfast with Santa

Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 2023

Enjoy a hearty buffet breakfast with Santa Claus in their cozy pub, which will be decorated for the holidays. Advanced online tickets are required.

Cookies with Santa

Dec. 2, 5-6, 9, 12-13, 16, 2023

Bring your own camera to snap a photo with Santa Claus by the fireplace. Kids will bring home one of Santa’s favorite sweet treats. Advanced online tickets are required.

Santa Sighting

Dec. 2-3, 2023

Have your photo taken with Santa inside Cranbrook House, go on a scavenger hunt, enjoy hands-on activities and meet Mrs. Claus at this event. Advanced registration is required. 

Santa Visits at the Farm

Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 2023

Visit with Santa in his antique sleigh and have your photo taken by Santa’s elf. Drop your letter off in their North Pole mailbox, warm up by the bonfire, see the farm animals, shop at the general store and more. Reservations are required.

Breakfast with Santa

Dec. 3, 17, 2023

Santa will be visiting guests during breakfast at the Ford House. There will be multiple breakfast stations and a visit with Santa and get their photos taken with him. Advanced online tickets are required.  

HoliDOG Pictures with Santa

Dec. 3, 2023

Sign up for a time slot to bring your dog to visit with Santa Claus at Longacre House Gazebo. Choose to either take your own photos or use their photographer. Advanced online tickets are required.

Snacks with Santa

Dec. 3, 2023

Visit with Santa Claus and enjoy a holiday snack, crafts, games, music and more. Pre-registration is required.

Oh Deer, Santa’s Here!

Dec. 6-7, 2023

Families can visit with Santa and get their photo taken at their holiday display in the Historic Red Barn. There will be holiday and deer-themed activities, s’more making ($1 each), hot cocoa, campfire, a self-guided winter scavenger hunt and more. Pre-registration is required. Every registrant may bring up to five people with them.

Cookies with Claus

Dec. 8, 2023

Decorate some holiday cookies, write your letter and visit with Santa Claus. For ages 1-8.

Milk and Cookies with Santa

Dec. 8, 2023

Meet and have your picture taken with Santa Claus at RARA. Enjoy cookies, holiday crafts and coloring pages. Registration required.

Santa’s Candy Cane Trail

Dec. 9, 2023 

Meet the winter characters as you take a stroll down candy cane trail and get a chance to see Santa. Bring your cameras. Pre-registration is required.

Snacks with Santa

Dec. 9-10, 16-17, 2023

Visit with Santa by the Christmas Tree and enjoy a holiday sing-a-long, horse-drawn carriage ride or sleigh ride and snacks. Pre-registration is required.

Sunday with Santa

Dec. 10, 2023

Every family will get their own private visit with Santa Claus in the “North Pole Room.” Also, sing Christmas carols, play games, make crafts, hear a story and enjoy cookies and hot cocoa. Pre-registration is required.

Santa’s Candy Cane Trail

Dec. 16, 2023

Meet the winter characters as you take a stroll down candy cane trail and get a chance to see Santa. Also, take a ride on the Holiday Carol Wagon Ride. Bring your cameras. Pre-registration is required.

Santa Visit

Dec. 16, 2023 

Meet Black Santa as he stops to visit the Detroit Public Library – Redford Branch. Bring your own camera. There will also be stories and crafts for children of all ages. Hip Hop Clown will make a special appearance, too. Reservations are required.  

This post is updated annually.


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Kari Zaffarano
Kari Zaffarano
Kari Zaffarano is a mom of one and Metro Parent's Audience Development Coordinator. She tracks down the best events every week and shares the inside scoop with families in print and online. She enjoys reading, traveling and exploring metro Detroit with her son.

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