Table for One

By

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November 19, 2017

Holidays are my favorite time of year. I love a good party, a good theme, good food, and most of all . . . I love family. My vision for my life was one of family dinners surrounded by the ones I love: my handsome husband and my rambunctious children. Beautiful chaos.

Fast forward to my current state of reality. These days, I get to enjoy that beautiful chaos (minus the husband) every other holiday. The next eighteen years of holidays have been solidified into a court-mandated schedule. One year off, one year on.

This is my first year “off.” I will be celebrating Thanksgiving all by my lonesome, while my daughter will be celebrating with her father. For some reason, this reality struck me in June. I will be alone for the holiday. Cue the emotional breakdown. I was grief-stricken; heartbroken all over again, devastated, depressed, and distraught. I wanted to scream and cry. The rest of my family is scattered throughout different cities and the one person who I want to be with, my incredible child with a beautiful heart, will be gone.

Poor, sad, Candice. I threw myself a pity party and complained in a buzzed stupor to anyone who would listen. The invitations came rolling in. While I appreciate the well-intentioned friends and family offering to feed me, I know that if I can’t be with the one I want to be with, I really don’t want to be with anyone.

Then another thought hit me and I got a bit excited . . . Zingerman’s caters Thanksgiving. Even for one person. I don’t have to cook. I don’t have to clean. I don’t have to share stuffing with anyone. I can have a mini pecan pie, all by myself. I can buy a new outfit and go to church, all by myself. I can splurge on a bottle of Duckhorn and enjoy it, all by myself. I will light pumpkin spice and vanilla candles all around until it smells like I spent the weekend baking. I will Christmas shop from my couch. I will dig out the Elf on the Shelf and Christmas decorations.

But most of all . . . I will GIVE THANKS.

To all of the friends and family who have supported me through the past two hellish years; for surprising me with gift cards, dinners, wine; for loving me when I felt I was at my absolute worst. And on Saturday morning? I will pick up my greatest gift and blessing. And together we will cook and bake and craft and slip into our Christmas pajamas early. We will decorate our tree and we will celebrate our own Thanksgiving. Our love and thanks and joy are not dictated by a silly calendar, they are alive every single day. And since our time together is split, I make sure that we show love, thanks, and joy any chance we can.

Working Mom Probs

By

sherenebuffa

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November 17, 2017

Tuesday night and my husband does the cooking since he beats me home. It’s a race against the clock to get everyone fed, always. The kids are hungry and whiny. I just walked in the door from my one-hour commute and feel like I could collapse at any second. My toddler is at my side, clenched to my hip the second I take my shoes off.

There is often bickering, sometimes laughter. Always hugs and kisses, and the sweet “Mama, I missed you.”

I feel the heaviness of emotions; from both my family and me. I squeeze my babies tight. The days always seem too long. Too long away from them.

I carry the weight of my day and can feel the weight of theirs as well. It’s a vicious circle, our weeks. The little, very little downtime I have is spent in the hour after I put both girls down to sleep. I have a mental checklist of things I need to do, things I want to do, and things that get pushed further off into the distance.

Cooking is one of those things. I often say to myself, “this weekend I will make . . . ” but the weekend comes quick and we rush to eat. The time to prepare anything is scarce and I come to accept I will never have the time I really want to cook the meals I truly want. At least not while they are this little.

I want to do so many things with them while they are this little. Like crafts. On social media, I see stay-at-home-moms doing awesome seasonal decorations with their kids and feelings of jealousy emerge. Why not me? The weekends are always a time to do laundry, grocery shopping, parties, running errands. When will I have the time to craft with my girls?

Baking, crafting, volunteering at school, joining the PTO, having playdates: these are all things I never have the time for. And it sucks. It sucks to know I will never get the chance to be the mother I could be. Just in bits and pieces. I always give my children attention, but it’s in-between the living of life.

“Hurry up” is spoken on the daily. I don’t always want to be in a rush from morning till night but it’s the only way it seems to be for us. I want to savior the moments, I want to lay on the couch after dinner and watch television, with them nestled in my arms with no worries in sight. But I can’t. Least not during the race of the week. Because the dishes need washing, the floor needs sweeping and possibly washing, and the girls need baths. And then I need to bathe as well. Oh, and sleep. Sleep is a must. Which is another time suck.

Not all working mothers choose to be “working mothers.” For some of us there is no choice in the matter. And while I wish life could be a slower pace – I have learned to adjust to the pace we’re in. It’s not easy, but it’s not horrible either.

Will I ever get to fully be the mother I truly want? The mother who has time for everything? No. Not while I am a working mother. And I know I am not alone, I know there are other working mothers who feel the same. Because time is something you need more of to do the things you want to do, the things that require time. And time is something you can’t get back. Time is something that stops still for no one. And time is something I never have enough of.

And energy. There is only so much energy you have to give and kids eat up a lot of it.

I do my best, I try my hardest. I make the most of the time I have. And while I never know how I am going to get it all done, I somehow get the necessary things done . . . which I guess, is all that matters.

Festivities and Parades

By

Danielle S

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November 16, 2017

The holiday season is not complete without bundling up to watch a parade or peruse through a local festival. Hot chocolate in hand, jolly music, and festive lights: all things that get us in the spirit! If you are looking for a festival or parade near you, look no further! We’ve got the details below, and as always, if we missed one, let us know so we can add them in!

Oakland County

Merrily We Stroll | Downtown Berkley

Downtown Berkly
Holiday gifts galore, plus beverages and tasty treats to warm your spirits!
December 1 | 5:00pm-9:00pm

MerriHometown | Downtown Berkley

Downtown Berkly
Merchants all day long, kid’s petting zoo , holiday parade, and more!

December 2 | Check website for times of events

Winter Market |Birmingham

Shain Park, Birmingham
Shain Park will come alive with activity during the City of Birmingham’s eighth annual Birmingham Winter Markt event. Attendees will enjoy European food and drinks, gift items, holiday greens, crafts, ice carving demonstrations, live reindeer, warming stations, a Kinderhaus children’s activity area, the popular Santa House, horse-drawn carriage rides and live entertainment.

Friday, December 1st 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. |Saturday, December 2nd 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. |Sunday, December 3rd 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Carriage Rides | Birmingham

Downtown Birmingham

Enjoy the beauty of downtown Birmingham aglow for the holidays on a quaint carriage ride through town. The complimentary carriages are first-come first-served; carriages load at the corner of Henrietta & Merrill.

Friday December 1 | Saturday and Sunday in December | check website for times

Holiday Splendor | Bloomfield Hills

Cranbrook House and Gardens , 380 Lone Pine Road, Bloomfield Hills

Cranbrook House will become as magical as the season itself during this annual fundraiser featuring wonderfully decorated trees, trains, and other holiday settings that are sure to inspire!

December 1st 10:00am-4:00pm | December 2nd and 3rd 12:00pm-4:00pm

Holiday Parade | Brandon/ Ortonville

Downtown Ortonville

Enjoy activities and shopping throughout the day and visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus after the parade. It is also the season of giving! You can make a difference to those less fortunate. Bring a canned food item for OCEF, an unwrapped toy for Brandon Community Christmas Store or children’s clothing for Brandon Community Clothing Closet

December 2 | 3:00 pm

Holly Days | Farmington

Downtown Farmington

A wonderful day of shopping at the downtown stores and the Farmers Market – Greens, Gifts and Giving. Victorian carolers, hot cocoa and chili will keep the shoppers warm along with the heat from wood burning fire pits dotted around Riley Park and the Sunquist Pavilion. The Elves Workshop will host a holiday craft for children and stories with Mrs. Claus. Light Up the Grand Parade is a community favorite which concludes at the Warner Mansion for the annual Tree Lighting

December 2 |11:00am-8:00pm

Holiday Shopping Expo | Farmington

Costick Center, 28600 Eleven Mile Road

Shop and visit over 50 vendors, crafters and area businesses to purchase toys, jewelry, candles, clothing, holiday displays,greeting cards, makeup and so much more!

December 9 |10:00am-4:00pm

Holiday Ice Festival |Ferndale

Downtown Ferndale

Come for plenty of traditional holiday-time activities for the whole family to enjoy. Come experience downtown as it transforms into a winter wonderland with nearly 50 magnificent ice creations lining streets! Watch the ice carvers as they chain-saw, chisel and shape blocks of ice into masterpieces

December 9 | 10:00am-4:00pm

Candy Cane Hunt | Huron Valley

Apollo Center, 2029 N Milford Rd, Highland

The Candy Cane Hunt brings together Huron Valley families for a fun-filled morning of Holiday Cheer! Search for candy canes in an outdoor snowy course, make festive crafts, enjoy Holiday stories, receive special treats, and more! Be sure to go to the website to register.

December 7 | ages 0-12

Holly Dickens Festival | Holly

300 East Street, Holly

The official oldest, longest running Dickens themed event in the United States! Set in Historic downtown Holly, Michigan USA, the annual festival spans three weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

November 25-26th | December 2-3| December 9-10| Check here for hours

Christmas Lighted Parade | Lake Orion

Downtown Lake Orion

Since 1989, the downtown streets of the Village of Lake Orion, Michigan have glowed with festive holiday lights the first Saturday of December. The Orion Lighted Parade has become a tradition for this community in northern Oakland County.

December 2 | 6:00pm

25th Annual Craft Show | Lake Orion

St. Joseph Catholic School

Over 100 crafters for a full day of shopping. You can find lots of unique, hand-crafted and personalized items.

November 18th 10:00am-4:00pm | November 19th 10:00am-3:000m | $2 entry fee

The Big Reveal | Milford

Downtown Milford

On the Thursday before Thanksgiving, Main Street businesses package the exterior of their window displays as beautiful Christmas presents. When the clock strikes half-past 6 p.m., the countdown begins! At the count, kids get to tear down the storefront gift wrap, revealing elaborately decorated holiday displays.

November 16 | 6:30pm

Pop Up Holiday Market | Milford

Corner of Main and Commerce, Milford

Christmas Trees, Holiday Greens, Cookies & Breads, Jams, Spices, Wreaths, Artisan Coffee, and more.

November 25 | 9:00am-1:00pm

Christmas Parade | Milford

Downtown Milford

A home-town favorite with all the ingredients: local dance studios offer up their festive holiday choreography, local school bands march down Main Street, and Santa closes the parade.

November 25 | 10:00am

Christmas Open House | Milford

Downtown Milford

Get in the spirit of the season. Enjoy the hospitality of the downtown merchants, the strolling entertainment and the special promotions and refreshments

November 30 | 6:00-9:00pm

Christmas Parade | Oxford

This year’s theme is “Christmas on the big screen”.

December 2 | 2:00pm

Holiday Extravaganza| Pontiac

Festival : Crofoot 1 S Saginaw St, Pontiac | Parade: Downtown Pontiac

Lots of fun to be had at this event! There is a winter festival with petting farm, live riendeer and more. There will also be a parade, with characters and floats. Be sure too check out the website for more information.

December 2 | Festival 8:00am-10:30pm | Parade 11:00am-1:00pm

Kris Kringle Market | Rochester

W. Fourth Street (between Walnut and Main), Rochester

The event will feature one-of-a-kind shopping, specialty foods, fresh greens & wreaths and handcrafted gifts for the holiday.

December 1 4:00-10:00 | December 2 12:00-10:00

Christmas Parade | Rochester

Downtown Rochester

Join us for the 66th annual Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade! This year’s theme, Vintage Christmas, is honoring the Rochester bicentennial.

December 3 | 2:00pm

Festival of Trees | Rochester

Downtown Rochester

Enjoy the amazing holiday decorations, kids craft station. All proceeds benefit The Big, Bright Light Show.

November 18 10:00am-9:00pm | November 19 10:00am-5:00pm

Holiday Walk Tours | Rochester

Meadowbrook Hall, 350 Estate Drive

Stroll through the elegant decor and sparkling lights of the Great Estate and experience the holiday magic of Meadow Brook. After the holiday tour, follow candy cane lane to the Land of Santa and Sweets.

November 24- December 23 | Check website for times and prices

Holiday Magic Market Place | Royal Oak

316 E 11 Mile Road, Royal Oak

November 30 | 4:00pm-9:00pm

Arts and Craft Marketplace | Royal Oak

1500 Lexington Boulevard, Royal Oak

Fun, food and holiday shopping. The market will feature over 100 local artisans and crafters.

November 18 | 10:00am-4:00pm | Adults $2 | Children 12 and under free

Cool Yule | South Lyon

Organizations across South Lyon host events on the 1st Saturday in December and the day culminates with a lighted parade through downtown and festivities at the Historic Village and Witch’s Hat Depot in McHattie Park.

December 2 | Check here for times of all the events

Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt |South Lyon

Village Schoolhouse, South Lyon

Bring your flashlights and little ones out to grab as many candy canes as they can find! Find the multi-color ones and get a prize. Children will be broken into age groups to ensure each child has a chance to grab a bunch of candy canes. Bring your own bag to fill up. Hunts will start after the Cool Yule Parade and after the tree lighting ceremony.

December 2 | Starts after Yule Parade

Christmas in the Village | Troy

Troy Historic Village, 60 West Wattles Road, Troy

Stories, actors, mulled cider and more! Be sure to purchase tickets.

December 2 | 1:00-3:00 |Adults $5/$7 |children under 4 free

Christmas Shopping | Troy

Troy Historic Village, 60 West Wattles Road, Troy

This event is free to attend. A great place to get that special gift or stocking stuffer.

December 2 | 10:00am-3:30pm

Festival Art and Craft Show | Troy

Troy Athens High School, 4333 John R.

A one of a of a kind holiday shopping experience. Features artisans selling handcrafted art and craft items.

December 9 | 9:00am-4:00pm |

Elf Shelf Arts and Crafts| Troy

Troy High School, 4777 Northfield Parkway

Elf Shelf is Troy Women’s Association main fund raising project. This annual event has become one of the largest and most popular of its kind in southeastern Michigan.

November 25 | 9:00am-4:00pm| $3 donation

Holiday Market | Wixom

Sibley Square Park, 48900 Pontiac Trail

Features all the sights, smells and sounds of an old world European Market. Be sure to check the website for the specific times of the events.

December 1st 5:00pm-10:00pm | December 2nd 12:00pm-10:00pm

Annual Wassail and Open House | Wixom

Gibson House, 49805 Pontiac Trail

Celebrate the holidays with an old fashion get together.

December 4 | 4:00-7:00

Macomb County

Christmas in the Village | Clinton

Downtown Clinton

December 9 | 7:00-9:00pm

Christmas in Fraser | Fraser

Fraser City Hall

Join us as we ring in the Holidays by lighting up City Hall

December 2 | Caroling 5:30 | Ceremony 6:00

Life-Size Gingerbread House Making | Fraser

Families and Children under 13 are invited to test out their design skills with our very first life-size gingerbread house event! We will have large boxes for each registration group and some basic supplies to decorate a gingerbread house! You are welcome to bring your own box or decorations if you wish. Participants will have 90 minutes to decorate their box with their group and then we will set up houses so we can tour our gingerbread neighborhood!

December 16 | 11:00am | $5/person 2 and older | register by Friday December 8th

Santa Claus Parade | Mt. Clemens

Mt. Clemens

Join the Grand Marshal Andrew Humphrey, as he ushers Santa Claus into the heart of Macomb with their annual parade, a tradition since 1975.

November 18 | 10:00am

Christmas Parade | Romeo

Main St. Romeo

Help bring Santa to Romeo Village Park. Visits with Santa will be held in the Gazebo

November 30 | 7:00pm

Swim with Santa | Romeo

Romeo High School

Come and swim with Santa!

December 8 | 6:30-8:00pm | $3 at the door

A Pioneer Christmas | Shelby

Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center, 4101 River Bends Drive

December 9 & 10| 12:00pm-4:00pm

Christmas Bird Count | Shelby

Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center, 4101 River Bends Drive

December 16 | 10:00am

Holiday Puppet Show | Shelby

Shelby Township Library, 51680 Van Dyke Ave.

December 16th | 2:00pm

Holidays around the World | Shelby

5200 Cheery Creek Drive, Shelby

Join us to celebrate cultures from around the world. There will be multiple food stations with favorites from other cultures.

December 3| reserved times from 10:30am-1:00pm| Adults $22.99+ Children (3-12) $12.95+ Children under two free

A Christmas Carol Affair| Shelby

5200 Cheery Creek Drive, Shelby

Bering the family to Cherry Creek and enjoy caroers with some tasty food in your belly. Performance will begin 30 minutes after seating.

December 10 | Reserved times 10:30| Adults $23.95+ Children (3-12) $12.95 Children 2 and under free

Craft and Vendor Show | Sterling Heights

14100 Heritage Rd., Sterling Heights

We’ll have raffles with items from the crafters and vendors plus a 50-50 raffle. All proceeds (rent and raffle money, NOT the money made from sales by crafters and vendors) benefit the students at Black Elementary.

December 9 | 10:00am-2:00pm

Washtenaw County

Annual KimdleFest | Sterling Heights

Free | Kerrytown District’s annual outdoor holiday market featuring local and regional artists and farmers. Selling hand-crafted holiday goods and unique holiday gifts. Enjoy live music and fire pits to keep you warm. Along with a warming tent, s’more roasting and a Lantern Parade in the Kerrytown neighborhood. Stores also feature Midnight Madness, open from 10 am to midnight! Bring your own lantern, or purchase one for $10 to have your child participate in illuminating the neighborhood.

Wayne County

Festivities

Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village | Dearborn

Friday – Sunday, December 1 – 3, 6:30 – 10:00 p.m. | Friday – Sunday, December 8 – 10, 6:30 – 10:00 p.m. | Friday – Sunday, December 15 – 17, 6:30 – 10:00 p.m. | Tuesday – Saturday, December 19 – 23, 6:30-10:00 p.m. |Tuesday – Wednesday, December 26 – 27, 6:30-10:00 p.m. | Friday-Saturday, December 29 – 30, 6:30 – 10:00 p.m.

Greenfield Village, 20900 Oakwood Blvd.

Cost – $22-$26/adults – 12+, $16.50-$19.50/kids ages 3 -11, free/ages 4 and under |Take a night to walk the lantern-lit paths, admire costumed presenters, and watch a spectacular fireworks display that will leave you in the Christmas spirit. Step into the past with everything from the sound of carolers, the scent of roasting chestnuts to the jingle jangle of sleigh bells. What child doesn’t love watching/horse-drawn wagons and Model T cars? Come enjoy an event voted the Top Holiday Event by USA Today and Reader’s Digest.

Gibraltar Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting + Kids Christmas Party | Rockwood

Saturday, December 2, Parade starting at 5:30 p.m.

Starting at City Hall and ending at the Community Center

The Beautification and Recreation Commission will be hosting their annual Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting and Christmas Party party for the kids.

Parade

Hometown Holiday Light Parade | Chelsea

Saturday, December 2, 6:00 p.m.

Free | The annual parade, featuring dozens of lighted floats and vehicles, marching bands & Santa!

ROUTE: Parade starts at Chelsea State Bank’s south-end lot (corner of M52 and Old US12) and proceeds down Main St. to Jackson Street. **The parade will end South of the Rail Road tracks at Jackson Street.

Guide to Christmas Tree Farms

By

allysondunn

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November 16, 2017

Taking a trip to cut pick out and (have Dad) cut down the perfect tree plays a fond role in many of our Christmas memories. Why not share that experience with your kids and enjoy that fresh evergreen scent throughout the holiday season. Below is a list of tree farms in the metro area. If we missed your favorite farm, comment below so we can add it to our list!

Braun’s Tree Farm | Ann Arbor | 796 Warren Road | F-Sun – 10 a.m. – dark *Opens Nov. 24th*

Lodi Farms | Ann Arbor | 2880 South Wagner Road | M-F 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m.- 4 p.m.

Blake Farms Orchard + Cider Mill | Armada | 17985 Armada Center Road | 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (daily)

Urquhart’s Tree Farm | Chelsea | 10050 Jerusalem Road | Opens Friday Nov. 24, Saturday Nov. 25 & Sunday Nov. 26 – 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

*Starting Nov. 27, Wed. and Thur. 3:00 p.m -5:00 p.m., Fri. Noon-5:00 p.m., Sat. and Sun. 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. *Season closes Dec. 16 at 5:00 p.m.)

Hodgson Tree Farm | Clarkston | 5461 Whipple Lake Road | Weekdays by appointment, Weekends 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Rattalee Lake Tree Farm | Clarkston | 7650 Ratalee Lake Road | Friday 3:30-6pm, Saturdays and Sundays 10am-6pm

Runyan’s Tree Farm | Clio | 10235 N. Webster Road | Weds – Fri – 9 a.m. – dark

Westman’s Tree Farm | Dexter | 8000 Chamberlin Road | Mon-Thurs – 3:30 – dark, Fri – Sun – 9 a.m. – dark

Top Hill Farms | Goodrich | 5767 Fox Lake Road | Weekdays – 1 – 5 p.m., Weekends – 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Arend Tree Farms | Grass Lake (village) | 3512 Notten Road | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (daily)

Middle Road Tree Farm | Highland | 4235 Middle Road | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (daily)

Broadview Christmas Tree Farm | Highland | 4380 N. Hickory Ridge Road | Daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Stanczyk Tree Farm | Holly | 7355 Fish Lake Road | Sat. + Sun. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Trim Pines Farm | Holly | 4357 E. Baldwin Road | Check website

Cohoctah Meadow Tree Farms | Howell | 11450 Durand Road | Sat. + Sun. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Huron Christmas Farm & Nursery | Huron Township | 32120 King Road | 9:30 a.m. – dark

Matthes Evergreen Farm | Ida | 13416 Lulu Road | 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (daily)

Ryan’s Nursery | Ida | 7258 Jackmen Road | Weekdays – 3:30 p.m. – dark, Weekends – 9 a.m. – dark *Opens Nov. 24th*

Huron Christmas Tree Farm | New Boston | 32120 King Road | Daily 9 a.m. – dark *Opens Nov. 18th*

Addison Oaks Christmas Tree Farm | Oakland | 355 Lake George Road | Weekdays noon – 5 p.m., Weekends 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. *Opens Nov. 18th*

Candy Cane Christmas Tree Farm | Oxford | 4780 Seymour Lake Road | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. *Opens Nov. 21st*

Hillside Christmas Tree Farm | Tipton | 4714 Michigan Ave | Sat – Sun – 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. *Opens Nov. 24th*

Where do you go to get your Christmas Tree? If it’s not on this list let us know so we can add it!

Guide to Tree Lightings & Holiday Light Displays {In + Around Detroit}

By

KatieBeth

-

November 16, 2017

Looking to share the magic of Holiday Lights with your little ones this season? We’ve rounded up the events closest to you, click below on your county and then scroll through to see all the places you can take in spectacular displays and get into the holiday spirit a little more each time. Did we miss an event? Comment below so we can add it to our list!

Oakland County

Auburn Hills Tree Lighting | Auburn Hills

Friday, December 1, 6:00 p.m.
At the corner of Auburn and Squirrel roads, downtown Auburn Hills.

Free | This Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony is sure to dazzle the downtown area of Auburn Hills. Enjoy a joyous festival centered around the arrival of Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and lighting an enormous Christmas tree. Your child can write a letter to Santa and send it to the North Pole by dropping it into Santa’s mailbox. Bundle up and take a ride through downtown on a horse drawn carriage. Take the time to send a special note to a soldier and donate hats, scarves and gloves to local charities in need.

Birmingham Tree Lighting | Birmingham

Friday, December 1, 6:00 pm
In Shain Park

Free | This tree lighting with over 40,000 LED lights will start the festivities. Santa’s home in Shain Park will open for the season and kids can get photos taken for $5 donations to Leader Dogs for the Blind. There will also be free carriage rides during the event.

Tree Lighting | Farmington

Saturday, December 5, Immediately following the parade

Governor Warner’s Mansion, 33805 Grand River Ave

During Holly Days at the Governor Warner Mansion you’ll enjoy watching the tree-lighting celebration to kick off the holiday season in Farmington. Enjoy listening to carolers and sampling freshly baked cookies while sipping hot chocolate, yum!!!

Holiday Tree Lighting | Madison Heights

Monday, November 27, 6:30 p.m.
Civic Center Plaza, City Hall, 300 W. 13 Mile Road, Madison Heights

Free | The Mayor will welcome Santa and present him with the key to the city. Watch as Santa and Mrs. Claus turn on the holiday lights for city to see. Come enjoy cookies + cocoa while listening to your favorite holiday music.

Light Up the Night | Novi

Friday, December 1, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Novi Civic Center, 45175 Ten Mile Road

Free | Come enjoy an evening of fun roasting marshmallows, ice sculptures, live reindeer, train rides (behind the Civic Center) and FREE refreshments. Don’t miss an appearance by our favorite {jolly} guy, Santa and the main tree lighting event happening at 6:15 p.m.

The Big, Bright Light Show | Rochester

November 21st – January 7th, every evening 5pm to midnight
Debut on November 21st at 7:00pm

You are invited to brighten your holidays in downtown Rochester with The Big, Bright Light Show, celebrating its 10th Anniversary! The buildings in downtown Rochester will be covered with more than 1 million points of glimmering holiday light. As a BONUS, the lights will continue through all weekends in January, through the Fire & Ice Festival.

Tree Lighting Ceremony | Royal Oak

Thursday, November 30, 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Outside of the Farmer’s Market

Free | Royal Oak’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will include caroling, refreshments, and a special visit from Santa! Hot dogs, hot chocolate & coffee are complimentary. The Farmer’s Market will be also be hosting the Holiday Magic Marketplace, featuring over 60 local artisans and crafters, starting at 4:00 p.m.

Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo | Royal Oak

November 18-19, 24-26; December 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 20-23, 26-31| 5:30 – 9 p.m.

Experience the magic of the Detroit Zoo lit up with more than five million LED lights illuminating trees, buildings and more than 100 animal sculptures. There will be live entertainment, arts and crafts, ice craving, holiday train displays and an exhibit featuring the Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Advance purchase per person/$10-$16, $16 at the gate. Parking $7/car

City of Troy Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony | Troy

Friday, December 8, 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

City Hall

Free | The FREE campus-wide event returns this year, with new special features! Start the night at the south entrance of City Hall for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting at 6:30 pm. Throughout the evening, move on to the Library and Community Center for activities for the whole family. Special this year, activities geared for ages 5 and under will take place at the Library and activities for 5 and above will take place at the Community Center.

Waterford Tree Lighting + Santa Celebration | Waterford

Tuesday, November 28, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Waterford Town Hall

5200 Civic Center Drive, Waterford

Free | Grab a non-perishable food item or unwrapped toy and head down to Waterford Township Hall. Get ready for cookie decorating, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, children’s crafts and performances by Waterford Mott Jazz band and Pontiac-Waterford Big Chief Chorus. Refreshments will be sold.

Macomb County

Christmas Aglow | Clinton Township

Saturday, December 3, 6:00 p.m.
Clinton Township Parks and Recreation, Township Gazebo, 40700 Romeo Plank Rd

Free | Kick off the holiday season with this long standing tradition in Clinton Township. Santa will be present to hear what boys and girls have on their Christmas list. You and your family can enjoy music, ice sculptures, horse drawn trolley rides, and light refreshments. While this is a free event, they are accepting donations of nonperishable foods to be given to local families in need.

Tree Lighting | Fraser

Saturday, December 3rd, 5:30 p.m.

Free | This event will kick off the holiday season with caroling and your favorite Christmas music, a visit from Santa, holiday treats, and the iconic tree lighting ceremony.

Tree Lighting + Afterglow | Macomb Township

November 29, 7:00 p.m., 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Steps of Town Hall, 54111 Broughton Rd.

Free | Join in on caroling, watch the arrival of Santa, and the lighting of the tree. Refreshments and children’s crafts and activities will be inside the recreation center as well as visits with Santa.

Heritage Holidays | Ray Township

Friday and Saturday evenings, December 2 & 3, 9 & 10, 16 & 17, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Wolcott Mill Metropark Historic Center, 64000 Knustman Road, Ray 48096

This special celebration is something the whole family is sure to love. You can enjoy a stroll through the park admiring all of the holiday decorations and twinkling lights. Stop by and visit Santa in the mill and make a festive holiday craft. Don’t forget your blankets to snuggle up with while riding a horse-drawn wagon. Warm up with a delicious cup of hot chocolate by the bonfire. Ready to make a holiday memory with your loved ones?

Tree Lighting + Holiday Party | Romeo

Friday, December 4, 7:00 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Main Street to Romeo Village Park

Free |Kick off the official Christmas Season with the annual tree lighting at Romeo Village Park. Immediately following, the Washington Lions invite you to attend a Christmas party including visits with Santa, hot dogs, refreshments and entertainment.

Christmas Aglow Tree Lighting | Shelby Township

Thursday, December 1, 7:00 p.m.

Shelby Township Municipal Grounds

Free | Christmas Aglow is one of the oldest and largest events in Shelby Township. Santa will light the town tree, and then make his way to the historic Hope Chapel where he will join Mrs. Claus to hear the children’s holiday wish lists. There will be arts & crafts for the kids and horse-drawn carriage rides. The Shelby Township Lions Club will provide coffee & cookies. Don’t forget to stop by the campfire to warm up and roast marshmallows. The Eisenhower High School Choir will perform.

A Sterling Christmas | Sterling Heights

Saturday, December 3, 5:45 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Recreation Center/Dodge Park, 40620 Utica Road, Sterling Heights

Free | This family fun holiday event – in its 39th year – is filled with caroling and holiday music, horse-drawn carriage rides, wagon + pony rides, a petting farm, campfires, the annual tree lighting ceremony, refreshments and more!

Tree Lighting Ceremony | Warren

Saturday, December 3, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

City Square

Free | You’ll enjoy a day of ice skating absolutely free! If you don’t have skates, don’t worry – rent them for $3. Stop by the petting zoo to see your favorite animals. Photos with Santa and see live reindeer with your own two eyes. Other activities include an ornament give-a-way, caroling, horse-drawn carriage rides, stage entertainment and hot chocolate to warm up. If you’re stopping to see Santa, please support the Salvation Army and bring a canned food item.

Washtenaw County

Tree Lighting Ceremony | Chelsea

Friday, December 1, 6:00 p.m.

Free | The Chelsea Area Girl Scouts will kick off this event with a dedication of a new holiday tree. The sounds of the holiday season will be performed by members of the Chelsea High School Choir followed by the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Santa will arrive on the Chelsea Fire Authority Ladder truck at approximately 6:00pm.

Saline Tree Lighting Ceremony | Saline

Tuesday, November 28th, 6:30 p.m.

KeyBank corner of Downtown N. Ann Arbor St. and Michigan St.

Free | This tree lighting ceremony will bring joy to all with a Christmas Carol sing-a-long, hot chocolate to warm your soul, and delicious cookies.

Wayne County

Annual Tree Lighting Celebration | Canton

Wednesday, December 6th, 6:00 – 8:30 pm

Summit Park, 46000 Summit Pkwy

Free | Along with a visit from Santa the Tree Lighting Festivities include seasonal entertainment, holiday themed crafts and activities! The actual tree lighting will begin at 6:30pm. Located at Summit on the Park

Tree Lighting + Sing-Along | Dearborn

Monday, November 20th, 5:45 pm- 9:00pm

Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave.

Free | This annual Christmas tree lighting and sing-along event will feature visits with Santa and the lighting of the City Christmas tree!

Menorah in the D | Detroit

Tuesday, December 12th, 5:30 pm

Campus Martius, Detroit

Free | Menorah in the D is a community-wide menorah lighting event in downtown Detroit taking place this Chanukah. This event is full of inspiration and pride for our entire community and local Jewish families throughout Metro-Detroit. The 26 ft Menorah was designed and built by artists Erik & Israel Nordin of the Detroit Design Center in Corktown. Enjoy a concert with the Soul Farm Band along with lots of family fun including strolling jugglers and acrobats, roasting marshmallows, pose with the Detroit Mascot Paws, as well as a free food court serving traditional Chanukah doughnuts called sufganiot, hot soup bar, hot apple cider, snacks and lots more!

Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting | Livonia

December 3, 4:00 p.m.

Located at the Livonia City Hall and Civic Center Library.

The parade is scheduled to start at 4:00pm and should last about an hour. The parade ends at at City Hall and the Livonia Civic Center Library, just in time for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Main Street Tree Lighting | Downtown Plymouth

November 10 – January 1 | 6:30 pm- 7:30 pm

Kellogg Park, Plymouth

Free | Join the community Friday, November 10th in Kellogg Park as the downtown lights and Salvation Army kicks off their Red Kettle Campaign. Free hot chocolate and cookies provided by community partnerships.

Winterfest Parade and Tree Lighting | Taylor

Saturday, November 25, 2017, 4:00 pm- 7:00pm

12111 Pardee Road, next to Heritage Park Petting Farm

Free | Part of the Winterfest fun, that includes a 5K run/walk and the opening of Santa’s Magic Forest. You’ll love this old-fashioned Christmas tree light ceremony that will light up a 20-foot Christmas Tree under the conservatory dome. Enjoy singing your favorite Christmas songs inside the Petting Farm Visitors center while sipping on hot cocoa and cider.

Holiday Fest + Mill Lighting | Westland

Saturday, December 9, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

$3/adults, $6/children, 3 & under Free | This 30th annual Annual Mill Lighting will add more lights to the already beautiful and festive Hines Drive. From 4:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. children can make holiday crafts and play games with prizes. Families can participate in holiday games such as “Fruitcake Bowling”, “Candy Cane Scavenger Hunt”, and “Reindeer Antler Wreath Toss”. You can visit Santa Claus. during the Nankin Mills Traditional Mill Lighting and Sing-A-Long.

33175 Ann Arbor Trail, Westland

**No Strollers Please**

*Registration required! Call 734.261.1990 for more information. Limited spots available.

Wayne County Lightfest | Westland

November 16th – December 31st (closed December 25th!) | 7 – 10:00 pm (Monday thru Thursday) 6:00 – 10:00 pm (Friday thru Sunday)

$5 a vehicle. Enjoy this drive through an animated holiday lighting display along Hines Drive, featuring more than 1 million lights! Visit Santa’s Workshop at the end of Warrendale Park starting November 19th until December 23rd. Don’t forget to bring your letter to Santa, you can drop it in the giant mailbox!

Where to See Santa {In + Around Detroit}

By

Danielle S

-

November 16, 2017

Whether you want to the traditional experience of going to the mall to sit on Santa’s lap and read him your Christmas list or you want to expand on that and have a meal with him, we’ve got you covered! Click on each county to see what is available near you. To make it easier to find what you are looking for, each county has events divided into two sections “Visit with Santa” and “Dining with Santa” so you can quickly find the type of experience you are looking for. Did we miss an event or a location? Comment below so we can add it to our list!

Oakland County

Visit with Santa

Santa’s Wonderland| Bass Pro Shops, Great Lakes Crossing | Auburn Hills

Besides visiting with Santa there are games, crafts, and more. Be sure to head to the store to pick up a Bass Pass which is required to visit with Santa

4500 Baldwin Road, Auburn Hills

November 13– December 24, see schedule here.

FREE but photo packages available

Birmingham Santa House | Downtown Birmingham

Pavilion of Shain Park, West of Birmingham City Hall, 151 Martin Street

November 23 – December 24 | Weekends, see hours online

$5 donation

Canterbury Village | Lake Orion

2369 Joslyn Ct, Lake Orion, MI 48360

Come visit Santa at Aldridge’s Always Christmas, where it is always Christmas.

November 24- December 23 | Saturdays and Sundays 12:00-5:00pm

Village Center Mall | Milford

Santa will arrive on November 24th during the parade. To keep your time personal, there will be no photographer, so remember to bring your camera!

Village Center Mall | 400 N. Main, Milford

Thursdays 6pm to 8pm, and every Saturdays from 11am to 1pm

FREE

Twelve Oaks Mall | Novi

27500 Novi Road, Novi

Thru December 24, Holiday Mall Hours check website for Santa break times

Photo packages range from $26-$52

Twelve Oaks Mall | Novi

Do you have a child with sensory needs? You can sign up and visit with Santa in a sensory friendly environment. Be sure to sign up, as space is limited.

27500 Novi Road, Novi

November 26th 8am-11am

Photo packages range from $26-$52

The Village | Downtown Rochester Hills

Come visit Santa without all the hype. Don’t forget your camera! You can get your own picture absolutely FREE!

104 N Adams Rd, Rochester Hills

View Santa’s Schedule here

FREE

Oakland Mall | Troy

Lower Level JCPenney, Oakland Mall, 412 W. 14 Mile Road, Troy

Thru December 24 | Check times and break times here.

Packages range from $24.99-$39.99

The Somerset Collection | Troy

2800 W. Big Beaver, Troy

Santa arrives on November 18th. The Michigan Scottish Pipes and Drums will be welcoming him, along with a parade from Somerset South to North. If you plan on visiting with Santa there are three options, $30 for a flash drive with six photos, $10 donation to SAY Detorit (the 2017 children’s charity) to take your own picture, or a free visit.

November 18th- December 24 | Check website for hours

$30 for a flash drive | $10 donation to take your own photo | just a visit is free

Dining with Santa

Hunter Community Center | Lunch with Santa| Clawson

The GFWC Women’s Club will once again host this festive event. Tickets may be purchased at Hunter Community Center and include lunch, a visit with Santa and a small gift! Remember to bring your camera for pictures!

Saturday, December 9 | 11:30am

$6 per person

Hart Community Center | Lunch with Santa| Davisburg

Santa is visiting Davisburg and bringing lunch! Lunch will begin at noon, with Santa visits happening before and after. Be sure to get your tickets before, as they will not be sold at the door.

Saturday, December 10th | 11am-1pm

$5 Adults| Children under 12 $10/12

Longacre House | Breakfast with Santa| Farmington Hills

24705 Farmington Rd, Farmington Hills

Join Santa for lunch at the Longacre house. Each child will have the opprotunity to get a picture with Santa and receive a small gift.

December 9th and 10th | 9am

All ages $13/$18

Longacre House | Cookies with Santa | Farmington Hills

24705 Farmington Rd, Farmington Hills

Enjoy cookies and milk with Santa! Don’t forget your camera to take pictures!

December 6th | 4:oo-5:30pm & 6:30-8:00pm

All ages $8/ $13

Kings Court Castle | Breakfast with Santa | Lake Orion

2325 Joslyn Rd, Lake Orion

Fun for the whole family!

November 26, December 2, 19, 17

Call (248)391-1900 for more information

Kensington Metro Park | S’more n’ Santa | Milford

Highridge Dr, Milford

Visit with Santa, make s’mores around the campfire, drink hot chocolate, hear a story, and create some crafts. Be sure to pre-register.

December 9th 5:00pm-7:00pm

$5 a person. A Metroparks vehicle entry permit is required to enter any Metropark and is only $35 annually for regular admission, $21 annually for seniors or $10 daily.

Kensington Metro Park | Snacks with Santa| Milford

Highridge Dr, Milford

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! You need to buy tickets in advance.

December 10th, 16th, 17th | 10:30am, 12:00pm, 2pm

$10 a person. A Metroparks vehicle entry permit is required to enter any Metropark and is only $35 annually for regular admission, $21 annually for seniors or $10 daily.

Civic Center | Breakfast with Santa | Novi

45175 W 10 Mile Rd

Join Santa for a pancake breakfast!

December 16th 9:00am-11:00am

$5/person (children under 2 free) Register here

Detroit Zoo | Breakfast with Santa | Royal Oak

8450 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak

Buffet style breakfast with Santa and a few of his animal friends

Saturdays, December 2, 9, 16 | 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

$35/40 Adult | $30/35 Children 15 and under

Dinner with Santa at Wild Lights | Royal Oak

8450 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak

December 15, 16, 17| 5:30-7:30 p.m. |

Celebrate the season with a feast in the Wildlife Interpretive Gallery. The buffet-style dinner includes a special gift for each child, arts & crafts, storytime and a visit from Santa. Admission to Wild Lights included as well. Tickets required, seating limited.

$39/44 adults , $34/39 children 15 and under

Macy’s {Somerset Collection} | Breakfast with Santa| Troy

December 3, 10, 17 and 23 | 9:00 a.m.

2750 W. Big Beaver Road

Adults $22.95 | Kids (under 10) $14.95 | under 1 Free

Macy’s {Twelve Oaks Mall} | Breakfast with Santa| Novi

December 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 | 9 a.m.

27550 Novi Road

Adults $22.95 | Kids (under 10) $14.95 | under 1 Free

Macy’s {Twelve Oaks Mall} |Dinner with Santa | Novi

27550 Novi Road

December 14, 6 p.m.

Adults $24.95 | Kids (under 10) $15.95 | under 1 Free

Macy’s {Oakland Mall}| Breakfast with Santa | Troy

500 West 14 Mile Rd

December 10, 9:00 a.m.

Adults $22.95 | Kids (under 10) $14.95 | under 1 Free

Maggiano’s | Breakfast with Santa|Troy

2089 West Big Beaver Road, Troy

You and your family are welcome to enjoy a breakfast buffet, hot cocoa bar and cookie decorating at your leisure. You little one can also share their list with Santa, so be sure to bring a camera.

December 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd | 8:30-10:45

$15/child $20/adult

Indian Springs Metro Park | Snacks with Santa | White Lake

5175 Indian Trail, White Lake

Children can visit with Santa and will also decorate a delicious cookie and have fun making holiday craft. Be sure to pre-register!

December 9th | 10am and 1pm

$5 per child

Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church | Snacks with Santa| Wolverine Lake

2905 S. Commerce Road

Come have fun and snacks with Santa! You also get to do a craft.

December 9th| 1-3pm

In advance: $5/ child $2/adults | at the door $7/ child $3/adult

Macomb County

Visit with Santa

Heritage Days at Wolcott Mill Historic Center | Ray Township

Wolcott Mill Metropark Historic Center, 64000 Knustman Road, Ray

Friday and Saturday evenings | December 2 & 3, 9 & 10, 16 & 17 | 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

$5 Per Person *A Metroparks vehicle entry permit is required to enter any Metropark and is only $35 annually for regular admission, $21 annually for seniors or $10 daily.

Dick’s Sporting Goods | Macomb Mall| Roseville

32385 Gratiot Avenue

Santa is arriving November 17th. From the 19th – December 23rd be sure to use a FastPast to pre -order your pictures.

Prices vary based on photo package

Macomb Mall | Roseville

32233 Gratiot Ave

A sensory-friendly opportunity for children with special needs to enjoy the tradition of the Santa Photo Experience with their family in a calming environment prior to public hours. Please RSVP in advance by reserving one ticket per group. Photo packages are available for purchase during the event.

December 3 | 9:00am-11:00am

Seeing Santa is free. Photo prices vary based on packages

Lakeside Mall | Sterling Heights

Lower Level in Center Court, 14000 Lakeside Circle, Sterling Heights

November 11- December 23rd | Check website for times and click here for a fast pass

Prices vary based on photo packages

Stoney Creek Nature Center | Celebrate and Santa | Washington

Stony Creek Nature Center, Washington

Bring your list and visit Santa. There will be story time, seasonal crafts, guest musicians and goodies to eat.

December 9th | 11am and 1pm December 10th | 1pm

$6/child, $3/adult *A Metroparks vehicle entry permit is required to enter any Metropark and is only $35 annually for regular admission, $21 annually for seniors or $10 daily.

Dining With Santa

Marvin Blank Senior Center | Santa’s Jingle Bell Brunch | Macomb

51210 Alma Dr

Join Santa for this fun continental breakfast which offers up pastries, fruit and juice. There will also be 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. Pictures are not provided so please remember to bring your camera. Be sure to register.

December 9 | 9:00am and 11:00am

Residents $6/ non residents $11

Wolcott Mill Historic Center | Lunch with Santa| Ray Township

20505 29 Mile Rd, Ray Township

Enjoy lunch and a visit with Santa. Make a holiday craft to take home. Go for a horse drawn wagon ride

December 3 | 11am and 1pm

$7/child $4/adult *A Metroparks vehicle entry permit is required to enter any Metropark and is only $35 annually for regular admission, $21 annually for seniors or $10 daily.

Cherry Creek Banquet Center| Dinner & Dancing with Santa| Shelby Township

52000 Cherry Creek Blvd

Join the fun in a yummy buffet dinner at 6:30 with dancing to festive music. Visits from Santa Claus, Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman. Be sure to bring your camera.

December 14 | 6:00-8:30pm

Call 586-731-0300 for reservations by November 30

Four and under $7 | Ages 5 and up $20 | Non residents add $10 per family

Cherry Creek Banquet Center | Signature Santa Brunch | Shelby Township

52000 Cherry Creek Blvd

Enjoy your holiday favorites and take a picture with Santa himself! Mrs. Claus and her helpers will also be there to do face painting.

November 26th| 10:30am and 1:00pm

Reserved seating times call (586)254-7700 ex. 4

Adults $26.95+ | Children (3-12) $13.95+ | 2 and under free

Cherry Creek Banquet Center | Classic Christmas Brunch | Shelby Township

52000 Cherry Creek Blvd

One week before the big day! Join us for brunch that will have all of your favorites. Plus Cherry Creek’s own Santa will be there to take last minute gift requests.

Decemver 17| 10:30am-1:00

Reserved seating times call (586)254-7700 ex. 4

Adults $22.95+ | Kids $12.95+ | 2 and under free

Shelby Community Center| Breakfast with Santa | Shelby

51670 Van Dyke Ave.

Enjoy a family style breakfast of pancakes, sausage and a drink. Bring a camera to take pictures.

December 9th | 9:30am & 11:30pm

Reservations are required (no tickets will be sold at the door), call 586-731-0300

Resident $7/ Non resident $14

Masonic Temple| Breakfast with Santa| Washington Township

231 North Main

Feast on a delicious breakfast of pancakes, eggs & sausage while enjoying a visit with Santa Claus!! Take your time in this relaxed, no rush environment

December 2 | 9:ooam, 10:15am, 11:30am

Adults $9/12 Children (2-12) $6/$9

Washtenaw County

Visit with Santa

Santa Visits Kerrytown | Ann Arbor

Saturday December 3rd, 10th and 17th

10:00am until 2:00pm

Sundays, December 4th, 11th and 18th

1:00pm until 3:00pm

407 N. Fifth Ave, Ann Arbor

Visit Santa, enjoy festive music throughout the day inside the shops. Susan K. (Humans of Ann Arbor) will be snapping photos on SATURDAYS.

Santa is working with Food Gatherers this year to help feed our neighbors in need. Consider bringing a non-perishable food item with you when you visit Santa! All items will benefit Food Gatherers, the food rescue and food bank program serving Washtenaw County, and will be distributed to local meal programs and food pantries this holiday season.

Briarwood Mall | Ann Arbor

11/10/16-12/24/16 See description for details on time.

100 Briarwood Circle, Ann Arbor

It’s time for holiday photos with Santa. Santa breaks to feed his reindeer each day from 1-2 pm and 5-6 pm Monday – Saturday, and Sundays 1-2 pm. Santa Hours are 11-8 Monday – Thursday and 10-8 Saturday and Sunday and 11-6 pm on Sunday through Thanksgiving; after Thanksgiving, Santa hours are 10-8 pm Monday – Saturday and 11-6 pm on Sunday (not including special events for Caring Santa and Pet Photo nights. Please see event posting for each program for details.)

Briarwood Mall | Ann Arbor

100 Briarwood Circle, Ann Arbor

A sensory-friendly opportunity for children with special needs to enjoy the tradition of the Santa Photo Experience with their family in a calming environment prior to public hours. Please RSVP in advance by reserving one ticket per group. Photo packages are available for purchase during the event.

Novmeber 19th 9:30-11:00 | December 3 9:00-10:30

Hudson Mills Metropark | Dexter

8801 N Territorial Rd, Dexter

Santa, go on a hay ride, and make seasonal crafts. Make sure to bring a camera to take your own pictures!

December 10th | 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.

$5 per person *A Metroparks vehicle entry permit is required to enter any Metropark and is only $35 annually for regular admission, $21 annually for seniors or $10 daily.

Dining with Santa

Comfort Inn + Village Conference Center| Breakfast with Santa | Chelsea

Great opportunity to sit with Santa and let him know what is on your list this year. Parents, feel free to bring your camera for a photo. Children enjoy a FREE pancake breakfast with lots of other goodies.

ChelseaUpdate.com will also be on-site taking pictures of children with Santa, free will donation to local news site is truly appreciated.

December 2

8:30 am – 10:30 am

FREE

Wayne County

Visit with Santa

Fairlane Mall | Dearborn

November 17 – December 24, Santa’s hours online!

18900 Michigan Ave., Dearborn

Packages vary from $24.00 to $49.99

Eastland Center | Harper Woods

18000 Vernier Rd.

Come visit Santa at Eastland Center. Fast passes are available.

November 18- December 23 | Monday – Saturday 11am – 8pm | Sundays noon – 5pm

Prices vary

Eastland Center | Harper Woods

18000 Vernier Rd.

A sensory-friendly opportunity for children with special needs to enjoy the tradition of the Santa Photo Experience with their family in a calming environment prior to public hours. Please RSVP in advance by reserving one ticket per group. Photo packages are available for purchase during the event.

November 26th | 9:00-10:30

Prices vary based on photo package.

Laurel Park Place | Livonia

37700 Six Mile Rd., Livonia

Come visit Santa, and get your picture taken. If you want to bypass the line, then be sure to get a fast pass.

Now Thru December 24 | Monday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Sunday: Noon – 6:00p.m.

Check the website for scheduled breaks

Three Cedars| Northville

7897 Six Mile Road, Northville

Get yourself in the Holiday spirit by spending an afternoon at Three Cedars! With Christmas trees, wreaths, hot cocoa and of course Santa Claus, you can be certain that there will something for everyone!

Opens November 24th, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sunday in December

$15 per picture

Mayburry Farms | Northville

50165 8 Mile Rd, Northivlle

The halls of the Welcome Center will be decked out in Christmas cheer! Don’t forget to bring you camera!

December 9,10, 16, 17 | Noon-3pm

Town Square| Northville

150 East Main Street, Norhville

November 25th, 26th, Saturdays and Sundays in December Noon-4pm

Southland Center | Taylor

23000 Eureka Road Taylor

Come to the Southland mall to take pictures with Santa.

November 18th-December 24 | Check here for hours

Prices vary from $24.99-$49.99

Southland Center | Taylor

23000 Eureka Road Taylor

A sensory-friendly opportunity for children with special needs to enjoy the tradition of the Santa Photo Experience with their family in a calming environment prior to public hours. Please RSVP in advance by reserving one ticket per group. Photo packages are available for purchase during the event.

December 3 | 8:00-10:00am

Heritage Park | Taylor

12803 Pardee

Have the chance to meet Santa and some reindeer

December 9 and 10 | 11am-4:00pm

Check website for price

Westland Shopping Center | Westland

Arrival on November 11th

One hour after the mall open to one hour before the mall closes.

Mall hours here

Check out the Santa Fast pass here!

Dining with Santa

Antonio’s |9th Annual Lunch with Santa| Canton & Dearborn

2220 N. Canton Center Rd. or 26356 Ford Rd., Dearborn Heights

The event includes a delicious buffet lunch with healthy food choices plus Antonio’s specialties, fun crafts for all ages, picture with Santa and live Reindeer!

December 9th(Canton), December 10th (Dearborn Heights) | Two seatings: 11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.

Call (734) 981-9805 for reservation

$21 per person, 3 and under free

We are happy to support Sheriff Benny Napoleon and the Wayne County Good Fellows, delivering toys to children without a Christmas. We invite all of our Antonio’s family of friends to bring an unwrapped toy to any restaurant location from November 28- December 10th.

Fairlane TownCenter | Dearborn

18900 Michigan Ave., Dearborn

Enjoy a hot breakfast, live entertainment, balloon twisting, giveaways, and, of course, Santa himself! To register your family for Breakfast with Santa, please call 313-593-1370 during weekday business hours, or stop by the Customer Service Desk.

November 19 | 9:00-10:30

Consider bringing mittens or gloves to donate

Holiday Nights Supper with Santa Package at Greenfield Village | Dearborn

20900 Oakwood Boulevard, Dearborn

Following your horse-drawn wagon ride to a A Taste of History Restaurant, enjoy a festive family buffet with a visit from Santa. Followed by Holiday Nights through the Village.

December 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 19-23 |4:45 – 6:30 pm dinner | 6:30 – 10 pm event

Starting at $49.95 adults | $34.45 ages 5-12 | $15, 4 and under

The Whitney | Breakfast or Tea with Santa | Detroit

4421 Woodward Ave, Detroit

December 16th and 23rd | Breakfast seating 9:30 and 11:30 | Tea seating 1:30

Four course meal – $50 adults, $30 children 10 and under $10 children in high chairs

Genitti’s | Pancakes and Pajamas | Northville

108 East Main Street

Rise and shine with pancakes with Santa! Crafts and a sing-a-long also included!

December 2 | 9:00am-Noon

All ages $10

Grosse Pointe War Memorial | Breakfast with Santa | Grosse Pointe

32 Lakeshore Drive

A special event that concludes with the opportunity to take a portrait of your child with Santa! After breakfast, head to The War Memorial Theater for a lively holiday-themed performance.

December 10 and 16 | Two seatings: Morning and afternoon. See site for details

Per person $22

Registration necessary!

Being a Gentleman Will Never Go Out of Style

By

aubreymoon

-

November 15, 2017

Dear World,

Let me preface this by saying that I’m not an expert on parenting, nor do I have all the answers. I just simply want the world to be a better place. In an effort to do so, I promise you today that I will do my very best to raise respectable young men.

A few months ago, I officially became a #boymom. My three year old was thrilled to learn that he had a new little brother that would be his best buddy for life. My husband was excited to learn that he had another built-in golf partner. And I quickly realized that my life would forever be filled with Matchbox cars, superheroes, and poop jokes. There are so many other fun things about being a #boymom: knowing that you’ll always be the apple of his eye, cheering him on as he learns to play baseball and the mother/son bond that no one can replicate.

With all of those amazing feelings also comes great pressure to make sure I raise someone that I’m proud of in five, 10, or even 25 years. It’s easy to take a step back from parenting these days with technology replacing interaction, and the oversharing of what some people consider “news” from the latest celebrity, whom, by the way, isn’t the best role model, cashing in on their 15 minutes of fame.

I digress . . .

I’m here today to take responsibility for the men my sons will become. Without my guidance, how will they learn right from wrong? That laundry should be separated into lights and darks? That women should be paid as much as men because they are qualified and hard-working, too?

Today I promise you that:

My sons will treat others, especially females, with kindness and respect, and they will have compassion. They will understand that the only way to make the generations that follow them better than theirs, is to treat everyone as equals. That no one person is more valued than another. They will say “please” and “thank you,” and attempt to put themselves in others’ shoes when faced with difficult decisions. They will learn that the choices they make will impact their future, and understand that they are not the most important person in the world. They will lead with their kind hearts and look out for those they love most.

My sons will understand how to perform household chores and will not rely on a woman to do it for them. They will learn to clean the dishes and empty the dishwasher. Their beds will be made every morning before school and will know how to properly scrub a toilet. They will learn to appreciate a clean home and work to leave the places they stay better than when they entered. Their cooking skills will be better than basic and will understand there are more delicious things in life than a frozen pizza or macaroni and cheese. They will help clear the table at Thanksgiving before getting back to watching the Lions game, and they will carry this knowledge with them when they’re guests in other people’s homes.

My sons will value family gatherings and understand the importance of spending time with loved ones. They will turn off electronics at dinner and carry on a conversation about how their day was and what they learned at school. Technology will be used to keep up with family and friends that live far away. They’ll understand that sometimes you have to turn down an outing with friends in order to attend a not-so-fun family birthday party knowing that in the end, being surrounded by those you love most is what really matters.

My sons will be charitable. They will recognize that sometimes the best thing you can give to someone is your time. They’ll help those in need and appreciate the things they have. They’ll surround themselves with like-minded people and work to make the world a happier, safer, and more caring place.

While I recognize that some of these promises may get broken from time to time, we will work to see that we rebuild stronger and learn from our mistakes. As a family, we’ll understand that every day may not be great, but we will seek to find something great in every day.

With hope & love,
Aubrey

It’s The Most Wonderful Time of The Year

By

Danielle S

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November 14, 2017

No, I am not talking about Christmas (although that’s a pretty great time too), I’m talking Fall. The best season of them all, hands down. If you disagree, you can just take that negativity elsewhere, I don’t need it around . . .just kidding! But really, if you think about it, Fall is amazing. I get so giddy when I start seeing all the fall themed decor and recipes in stores and on Pinterest.

First of all, your face doesn’t feel like it’s melting off in the Summer heat, you don’t turn into an ice cube just thinking of going grocery shopping in the Winter chill, and you’re not worried about the constant rain like in the Spring. You know how in Miss Congeniality, Cheryl says the perfect date is April 25th? Friends, she had that way wrong. I’d say it’s September 25th. Not too hot, not too cold. All you need is jeans and a hoodie (my favorite outfit ever).

As if the great weather wasn’t enough, here are a few more reasons why Fall is #1.

Going to the Apple Orchard

One of the activities I look most forward to is apple picking. I have been going to the same apple orchard for as long as I can remember, and now that I am a mom, I have passed that love on to my girls. Really though, my love of the apple orchard runs deep. I went when I was 36 weeks pregnant with number 2 since I knew getting to the orchard after would be a bit difficult.

Plus, if you are local to Michigan, there are sooo many Orchards (and Cider Mills) you can check out. My goal is to visit as many as I can (last year I made it to five, I’m hoping for 6-7 this season).

Football
I never understand when people tell me they don’t watch football. College or professional, we are a football loving family. On Saturdays we cheer on our Spartans, then on Sundays we watch the Lions ~~dominate~~ hopefully pull off some victories. This is the year they go to the Superbowl . . . I can feel it! Both my husband and I are in a Fantasy league, so we also like to watch some of the our players from other teams. Plus, my girls already know that they always shout “Go Green” and never ever “Go Blue”.

Foliage
Fall in Michigan is so beautiful! When those leaves start changing colors it really is a sight to see. There are certain spots around town that I love driving by, just to see how pretty the leaves are. Plus, how much fun is it to jump in the leaves when they start to fall?

Food
Fall is my favorite time of the year food-wise too. I bust out my crock pot again, and make all sorts of stews and soups. The crock pot is my best friend in the fall! Making homemade spaghetti sauce that requires a few hours of cooking on the stove doesn’t happen when the weather is warm, but once the temperature drops, you better believe that’s one of the first meals on my list to make.

Now, I have a confession. Some of you may notice that something is missing from my list of what is awesome about Fall. Pumpkin Spice Lattes. I’m going to say something that some may say is blasphemy: I do not like them. I want to like them, I really do, since they are the embodiment of Fall in drink form. But every year I buy one, and every year I hate it. So if you do like them, have one for me!

What about you! Does your love of Fall run deep like mine? What is your favorite thing to do in the Fall?

Rep the Lions with Rep the Squad

By

Elizabeth Lewis

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November 14, 2017

Go to RepTheSquad.com right now and use the promotional code “DETROITMOM” and get 50% off your first month!

Last week my husband and I were invited to a football party supporting our very own Lions. Yay, right?! As we excitedly responded yes, we both realized we needed to show our love for our team with some Lion’s gear. We’re not talking a t-shirt from a sporting store, we’re talking a jersey. Those ones that look cool but cost a fortune. We couldn’t justify spending an astronomical amount when it’s possible our favorite player could get hurt or worse, traded. Or what if one of our kids has a major growth spurt and we’re stuck with an overpriced jersey they can’t wear. Nothing about that sounds exciting!

Enter the new subscription-based sports jersey club called Rep the Squad. Rep the Squad is a start-up out of Seattle that allows fans – and moms like all of us – to rent officially licensed jerseys from our favorite teams & players for a flat monthly rate. The club has a great selection of jerseys for the Oakland Raiders, Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, and – yes – our Detroit Lions and even the Pistons!

A Rep the Squad subscription lets anyone wear, or ‘rep’, different jerseys for their favorite team. You can wear Stafford in white one week and Golden Tate in blue the next! It’s a great way to show support for your favorite team. It’s kind of like Rent-the-Runway for Jerseys. For our Detroit sport loving family that sounds simply wonderful! So let us break down the process for you and you can decide if Rep the Squad is right for your family!

Here’s how it works:

1) Simply sign-up on RepTheSquad.com and rank your favorite jerseys – creating a ‘digital locker.’

2) Rep the Squad will send your first jersey in just a few days and include a pre-paid return envelope.

3) Wear the jersey as much as you want.

4) Once you’re done with the jersey just throw it back in the mail and your next one is on the way.

And as a mom of 3 and a husband, I was even more thrilled to learn that we didn’t need to wash the jerseys before sending them back. We took them off and threw them right into a pre-paid return envelope. That’s a win in this house. Now let’s say your husband decides he wants to keep the jersey, that’s totally okay too. Rep the Squad will sell you the jersey at a discount rate. Let’s call it an early Christmas present!

Something we loved about Rep the Squad was that it offers over 30 jerseys for the Lions alone! We could wear a current player, or, if we wanted to, we can go with a classic like Barry Sanders or future Hall of Famer – Calvin Johnson! Don’t forget great Pistons stars of old like Isiah Thomas and Grant Hill. And we get to choose the colors! The best part about it all – you don’t even have to choose one! For just $19.95 a month, you can get access to all 30+ jerseys.

Queue my excitement mamas because this may be my favorite part. What kid doesn’t look adorable in a jersey? Like I said before many of us have a hard time justifying the price knowing our kids will quickly grow out of that pricey team spirit? The worst, right?! What I love about this subscription club is they grow with your children and allow you to get the size your child needs at the time they need it. By using Rep The Squad’s youth subscription ($16.95 a month), our kids can be sporting the newest and shiniest Lions jerseys. At the end of the day/week, we can just throw the jersey in the mail and get a new one. They carry youth small, medium and large so you can adjust size as needed with a single click. If your kids are anything like mine their favorite player changes weekly, if not daily at times. Rep the Squad allows them to favor Matthew Stafford one week and move onto Marvin Jones the next.

Sounds pretty reasonable, right?! Now you can be that cute family with matching Lions jersey at your next football party or even better, the actual game. So, what are you waiting for? Go to RepTheSquad.com right now and use the promotional code “DETROITMOM” and get 50% off your first month. Plus, there’s no monthly commitment so you aren’t obligated to continue if you don’t love it. You’re

Mama vs. the Scale

By

Meredith Weston-Backaitis

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November 14, 2017

One of the first things I do every morning is look at myself in the mirror. What I should see is a mid-thirties mom of three ready to take on the day. But what I often see is my post c-section tummy. My undefined cheekbones and what I consider a double chin.

Then I walk over to the scale. It makes or break time. Sadly this stupid scale can start my day off with a bang or take the joy out of my morning.

I used to weigh myself several times a day. Before and after I went to the bathroom. In the middle of the night. Right after dinner. All to make sure the scale is going in the right direction. Although I don’t do that anymore I have always had somewhat of an obsession with my weight.

While I’m not obese, I do not have that ‘perfect body’ and am still trying to accept that. For the past twenty-five years or so I have had a narrative in my head on a loop telling myself that I am not enough because I’m not a size small.

And it is exhausting.

For the first time ever I am saying this out loud. I am finally putting my thoughts into words and wonder am I the only one who feels this way? I can’t be, right? I really try to accept my body and be healthy and happy. But as long as I can remember it has always been at the forefront of my mind.

My closet has clothes from a size eight to a fourteen. I am constantly buying clothes. Constantly in the search for the perfect top that skims over my c-section belly pooch. My closet is broken up into three categories: what fits me, what is too big, and my ‘goal’ clothes.

I hate that I look back at my wedding pictures and I don’t like what I see. I hate that instead of just enjoying the afternoon at the pool with my kids I am constantly comparing myself to other women. I hate that I get mad at myself for eating a piece of cake during a family birthday party. I hate that my flaws can take the joy out of a moment for me.

Recently I had a baby girl and realized that I need to break myself of these habits. I want to be a positive influence on my daughter and her self-esteem. I know that if I cut myself down in front of her she will probably do the same to herself. She is beautiful and ‘perfect’ just the way she is. Why don’t I think the same way about myself?

So I’ve decided I can’t keep this up or it will drain every ounce of happiness out of me. I know I can’t change a lifetime of thinking in one minute, but I can make small changes that will hopefully let me accept myself fully. Is that to eat more mindfully and live a healthy lifestyle? Yes, of course, I constantly work on that, but there is more to that in the grand scheme of things.

So I’m making tiny steps to change my narrative one thought at a time. I need to keep telling myself that my husband and children think I am beautiful the way I look right now. They don’t care if my abs aren’t rock solid. Just because I’m not a size two doesn’t mean I’m any less worthy of happiness than anyone else.

Do you want to know what my major epiphany from writing this is? Being skinny does not guarantee happiness. Life is so short that I need to find my happy right where I am at this moment. Life is so good, but I seem to be missing some of it because I’m wrapped up in my own head.

So, while I can’t promise you I’m going to throw out my scale tomorrow, I can promise that I am going to consciously make an effort to remember these things on a daily basis. And that in doing so my happiness won’t revolve around a number on a scale.