Looking for a place to spot Santa this season? Metro Detroit families have plenty of options, from cozy storytimes and holiday walks to festive meals and evening light displays. Whether your kids want milk and cookies, a carriage ride or a special photo with the big guy himself, these local events offer memorable ways to celebrate, many of which require advance registration.
Updated Nov. 17, 2025: This article was reviewed and updated by the Metro Parent editorial team to reflect new event dates, refreshed links and the latest information available for families.
Best Santa events in metro Detroit
Santa Experience at Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill
Dates and times for 2025 have not yet been posted. Check back on the official website for updates.
Families can meet Santa, take photos and enjoy holiday treats like cider, donuts and hot chocolate. Kids can do make-and-take crafts, write letters to Santa and leave wish lists in his mailbox. Registration is required when tickets open.
- Address: 17985 Armada Center Road, Armada
- Cost: Pricing for 2025 not yet posted. In 2024, tickets included a Santa visit and photo opportunities, one donut, cider or hot chocolate, crafts, a letter to Santa and a toy from Santa’s basket.
- Area: Macomb County
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
- Stroller-friendly options: Stroller-friendly; spacious indoor area
- Parking: Free on-site lot
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; ramps and accessible entrances available; no sensory hours listed.
- Family of four cost: Pricing TBD. In 2024, about $60 for four people. No hidden fees reported.
Birmingham Santa Walk
9:30–10:30 a.m. Nov. 29, 2025
Families can join this short walk through downtown Birmingham to welcome Santa, with stops at local shops before ending at Santa’s home in Shain Park. Kids can enjoy the festive atmosphere along with free carriage rides and hot chocolate as part of Small Business Saturday. Advanced registration is required.
- Address: Downtown Birmingham, starting at Shain Park, 151 Martin St., Birmingham
- Cost: Free; registration required starting at 8 a.m. Nov. 1
- Area: Oakland County
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor
- Stroller-friendly options: Stroller-friendly; sidewalks and park paths throughout downtown
- Parking: Free parking in city structures all day
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; sidewalks and park are wheelchair accessible; no sensory hours listed
- Family of four cost: Free. No hidden costs.
Home for the Holidays at Ford House
5:30–8 p.m. Nov. 29, 2025; Thursdays–Sundays, Nov. 30–Dec. 21, 2025
Families can enjoy a one-mile lighted walk through gardens and historic grounds, then tour the decorated Main Residence and stop for a Santa photo. The evening also features festive music, a holiday train display and concessions along the route. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and guests should dress for outdoor winter weather.
- Address: 1100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores
- Cost: Public adult $22, public child (ages 3–17) $12, ages 0–2 free; Friend adult $18, Friend child $10
- Area: Wayne County
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: One-mile outdoor walking experience plus indoor Main Residence tour
- Stroller-friendly options: Limited; uneven terrain (pavement, gravel, wood chips, grass) may be challenging for strollers
- Parking: Free on-site parking in Visitor Center lot; enter Main Gate, exit North Gate
- Accessibility: Some terrain may be difficult for wheelchairs and strollers; ADA access available in some areas; no shuttles; no sensory hours listed
- Family of four cost: $68 for two adults and two kids. Hidden costs: outdoor concessions not included.
Snacks with Santa at Kensington
10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 13-14 and Dec. 20, 2025
Families can enjoy a holiday hayride with blankets and jingle bells, sing along to Christmas songs and snack on fruit, cookies, cocoa and coffee. The visit ends with kids meeting Santa by the Christmas tree. Registration is required by 4 p.m. three days before the program.
- Address: Farm Center, Kensington Metropark, 4570 Huron River Parkway, Milford
- Cost: $12 per child, $12 per adult (all attendees must be registered)
- Area: Oakland County
- Age fit: All ages; children must be accompanied by a registered adult
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor activities with horse-drawn hayride outdoors
- Stroller-friendly options: Limited; hayrides and farm areas may be difficult with strollers
- Parking: Metropark vehicle entry fee required; free parking at Farm Center lot with entry
- Accessibility: Some uneven terrain for hayrides; indoor portions ADA accessible; no sensory hours listed
- Family of four cost: $48 for four people, plus Metropark vehicle entry fee.
Holiday Lights at the Farm
6-9 p.m. Dec. 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 2025
Families can stroll through the Farm Center decorated with thousands of holiday lights, make crafts and visit vendors for gifts. Kids can meet Santa and enjoy a festive evening outdoors. Registration is required by 4 p.m. the day of the program.
- Address: Farm Center, Wolcott Mill Metropark, 65775 Wolcott Road, Ray
- Cost: $8 per child, $8 per adult; children under 2 free
- Area: Macomb County
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor, 1.5-hour walking experience
- Stroller-friendly options: Path is gravel and mostly flat; manageable for strollers but may be bumpy
- Parking: Metropark vehicle entry fee required; free parking near Farm Center with entry
- Accessibility: Path is flat but gravel; can be challenging for some mobility devices; ADA restrooms available; sensory-friendly night offered Dec. 14
- Family of four cost: $32 for four people, plus Metropark vehicle entry fee. Hidden costs: vendor items not included.
Cookies with Santa at Ford House
Noon-3 p.m. Dec. 3, 6, 13 and 20, 2025; 4-7 p.m. Dec. 10 and 17, 2025
Children can enjoy a private five-minute visit with Santa in a cozy holiday setting, followed by a freshly baked cookie. Parents are encouraged to bring their own camera to capture the moment. Advanced registration is required, with both standard and sensory-friendly sessions available.
- Address: St. Clair Room, Administration Building, 1100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores
- Cost: Ticket pricing not yet posted; on sale Oct. 28 for Friends of Ford House, Nov. 4 for the public
- Area: Wayne County
- Age fit: All ages; one session required per child
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor, festive setting
- Stroller-friendly options: Stroller-friendly indoors
- Parking: Free on-site parking in Visitor Center lot
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; sensory-friendly session offered with reduced lighting, smaller capacity, and extended time with Santa
- Family of four cost: Pricing TBD. Hidden costs: tickets sold per child; photos must be taken by parents.
Santa Saturdays at Meadow Brook Hall
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 29, Dec. 6, Dec. 13 and Dec. 20, 2025
Families can tour the historic Meadow Brook mansion decorated in holiday splendor and stop to see Santa along the way. Tickets must be purchased online in advance, and time slots are expected to sell out quickly.
- Address: 350 Estate Drive, Rochester
- Cost: Adults (13+) $23.50; youth (3-12) $11; children (0-2) free; members half price; military and veterans $18.50; OU students free
- Area: Oakland County
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor, mansion tour with Santa visit
- Stroller-friendly options: Large strollers not permitted; small umbrella strollers allowed only on main and lower levels
- Parking: Free on-site parking available
- Accessibility: ADA accessible in parts of the mansion; some upper levels may have limited access; no sensory hours listed
- Family of four cost: $69.50 for two adults and two kids.
Santa Sighting at Cranbrook House
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 6-7, 2025
Families can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy a scavenger hunt and children will receive a special favor. Admission includes a complimentary digital photo with Santa, and families can also shop for gifts at the Cranbrook House store. Reservations are required by Nov. 30, 2025, and space is limited to eight families per time slot.
- Address: 380 Lone Pine Road, Bloomfield Hills
- Cost: $65 per family; includes digital family photo with Santa
- Area: Oakland County
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor, held inside the historic Cranbrook House Library
- Stroller-friendly options: Strollers not recommended inside the historic house
- Parking: On-site lot available; additional parking on Lone Pine Road; accessible parking near Cranbrook House Courtyard
- Accessibility: Historic facility with limited accessibility; restrooms available on lower level; no sensory hours listed
- Family of four cost: $65 flat fee. Hidden costs: gift shop items not included.
Snacks with Santa at Lake Erie Metropark
10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. Dec. 6, 2025
Families can enjoy snacks, crafts, games and music from the Mrs. Claus Jam Band before visiting with Santa. This two-hour indoor program is designed for all ages. Registration is required by 4 p.m. the day before the program.
- Address: Golf Course Starter Building, Lake Erie Metropark, 32481 W. Jefferson Ave., Brownstown
- Cost: $6 per child, $6 per adult; children under 2 free
- Area: Wayne County
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor
- Stroller-friendly options: Stroller-friendly indoors
- Parking: Metropark vehicle entry fee required; free parking near the Golf Course Starter Building with entry
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; ramps and restrooms available; no sensory hours listed
- Family of four cost: $24 for four people, plus Metropark vehicle entry fee.
Bedtime Stories with Santa at The War Memorial
4-5 p.m., 5:30-6:30 p.m., and 7-8 p.m. Dec. 11, 2025
Kids can wear pajamas, bring a favorite stuffed toy and listen to Santa read holiday stories by the fireplace. Each child will have a chance for a personal visit with Santa, milk and cookies and a professional family photo. Tickets must be purchased in advance, with keepsake book and plush add-ons available.
- Address: Alger House, The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive, Grosse Pointe Farms
- Cost: Children $28; adults $5 (limit two adults per child); optional add-ons: hardcover copy of “The Little Reindeer” $20, plush toy $12
- Area: Wayne County
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor, cozy setting by the fireplace
- Stroller-friendly options: Stroller-friendly but limited space indoors
- Parking: Free on-site parking at The War Memorial
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; ramps and restrooms available; no sensory hours listed
- Family of four cost: $66 for one child and two adults; additional kids raise cost. Hidden costs: keepsake book and plush toy sold separately.
Brunch with Santa at Ford House
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 2-3:30 p.m. Dec. 7 and Dec. 21, 2025
Families can enjoy a festive hot breakfast buffet with cocoa and pancakes while Santa visits each table to hear holiday wishes. Parents are encouraged to bring cameras to capture candid moments during this cozy holiday gathering. Advanced reservations are required, with tickets sold by table.
- Address: Lake Shore Room, Visitor Center, 1100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores
- Cost: Friends: Table for 4, $240; table for 6, $360; table for 8, $480; table for 12, $720; Public: Table for 4, $300; table for 6, $450; table for 8, $600; table for 12, $900
- Area: Wayne County
- Age fit: All ages
- Indoor/outdoor: Indoor brunch buffet
- Stroller-friendly options: Stroller-friendly indoors, but space may be limited in dining room
- Parking: Free on-site parking in Visitor Center lot
- Accessibility: ADA accessible; ramps and accessible restrooms available; no sensory hours listed
- Family of four cost: $300 minimum (public table of four). Hidden costs: tickets sold by table only.
Before You Go: Quick Answers for Parents
- Do I need to register in advance? Yes, most events require advance registration and several sell out quickly.
- Is parking free? Some events offer free parking, while Metroparks require a vehicle entry fee. Always check the event’s details before heading out.
- What’s included in the ticket price? Some events include snacks, crafts or photos, while others charge separately for food, keepsakes or activities.
- Are strollers allowed? Most locations are stroller-friendly, though some historic houses and hayrides limit larger strollers.
- Accessibility notes? ADA accessibility is noted, but terrain like gravel paths or mansion stairs may be challenging at certain sites.
We fact-checked these event details using official websites as of September 2025.
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