Whether you want to have 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!
Visit with Santa
November 9-December 24
Santa Flight School
Twelve Oaks Mall, Novi
Hours: see holiday hours here and be sure to check the website for Santa break times
Cost: Photo packages range from $26-$52
Become an official member of the flight crew and enjoy a special visit with Santa. Plus, receive a personalized Cadet Badge, try on a virtual flight suit, learn how to operate the sleigh, dance under magical lights and snowfall, and more!
November 13-December 24
Santa’s Wonderland
Bass Pro Shops, Great Lakes Crossing, Auburn Hills
Hours: see schedule here
Cost: free but photo packages available
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.
November 16-December 24
Visit Santa
Oakland Mall, Troy
Hours: see hours here
Cost: packages range from $35-$50
Fast passes available here
Come tell Santa what is on your wish list!
November 17-December 24
Santa Visits
The Somerset Collection, Troy
Hours: Santa begins visiting at 8:00 a.m.
Santa arrives November 17 at 9:00 a.m. He will come with the Michigan Scottish Pipes and Drums.
November 23-December 24 | Weekends
Birmingham Santa House
Pavilion of Shain Park, Downtown Birmingham
Hours: see hours here
Canterbury Village
Aldridge’s Always Christmas, Lake Orion
Come visit Santa at Aldridge’s Always Christmas where it is always Christmas.
November 24-December 24 | Thursdays and Saturdays
Village Center Mall
Village Center Mall, Milford
Hours: Thursdays 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. and Saturdays 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Cost: free
Santa will arrive on November 24th during the parade. To keep your time personal, there will not be a photographer, so remember to bring your camera!
The Village
The Village, Downtown Rochester Hills
Hours: see hours here
Cost: free
Come visit Santa without all the hype. Don’t forget your camera! You can get your own picture absolutely FREE!
Dining with Santa
November 24
Breakfast with Santa
Maggiano’s, Troy
Time: 10:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Cost: $20/child, $25/adult
Come and get your Christmas picture early with Santa! Enjoy a lavish breakfast buffet featuring bacon and eggs, French toast, Italian potatoes, assorted muffins, fresh fruit, and more. There will be arts and crafts for the kids and of course a picture with Santa to take home!
November 25, December 1, 9, 16
Breakfast with Santa
Kings Court Castle, Lake Orion
Cost: call (248)-391-1900 for more information
Fun for the whole family!
December 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23
Breakfast with Santa
Macy’s at 12 Oaks Mall, Novi
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Cost: $23.95/adult, $14.95/child
December 5
Cookies with Santa
Longacre House, Farmington Hills
Cost: $12/resident, $18/non-resident
Time: 4:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Enjoy cookies and milk with Santa! Don’t forget your camera to take pictures!
December 8
Lunch with Santa
Clawson Community Center, Clawson
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $6/person
The GFWC Clawson Women’s Club will once again host this festive event. Tickets must be purchased in advance at Hunter Community Center and include lunch, a visit with Santa, and a small gift! Remember to bring your camera for pictures!
December 8
Lunch with Santa
Hart Community Center, Davisburg
Cost: $10/early bird for child 12 and under, $12/regular for child 12 and under, $5/ early bird for 18+, and $7/regular for 18+
Santa is visiting Davisburg with small presents for the girls and boys. This event is run open-house style. Visits with Santa will be a first-come, first-serve basis.
December 8 and 9
Breakfast with Santa
Longacre House, Farmington Hills
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Cost:$15/resident, $20/non-resident
Join Santa for lunch at the Longacre house. Each child will have the opportunity to get a picture with Santa and receive a small gift.
December 8
S’more n’ Santa
Kensington Metro Park, Milford
Time: 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Cost: $5/person. Also, a Metropark vehicle entry permit costs $10 daily.
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 8
Lunch with Santa
Civic Center, Novi
Time: 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Cost: $5/person (just lunch), $14/person (includes ticket to Elf Jr,), and free/2 and under
Join Santa and Mrs. Claus for a lunch. You also have the opportunity to purchase a ticket, which includes a ticket to see Elf Jr. put on by the Novi Youth Theater.
December 8, 15, and 16
Detroit Zoo | Breakfast with Santa
Detroit Zoo, Royal Oak
Time: December 8, 8:15 a.m. and 10:15 a.m., December 15 and 16, 10:15 a.m.
Cost: Detroit Zoological Society Members: $40/adult 15 and older and $35/child 14 and under; non-members: $45/adult 15 and older and $40/child 14 and under
Buffet style breakfast with Santa and a few of his animal friends. It also includes a special gift for each child, arts and crafts, photo opportunities, and a visit from Santa.
December 9, 15 and 16
Snacks with Santa
Kensington Metro Park, Milford
Time: 10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 2 p.m.
Cost: $10/person plus a vehicle entry permit for $10 daily
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 8
Snacks with Santa
Indian Springs Metropark, White Lake
Time: 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Cost: $5/child plus a Metropark vehicle entry permit for $10 daily.
Children can visit with Santa and will also decorate a delicious cookie and have fun making holiday crafts. Be sure to pre-register!
December 8
Snacks with Santa
Richardson Center, Commerce
Time: 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Cost: child $5/advance, $7/at door and adults $2/advance, $3/door
Children can get their picture taken with Santa, do a craft, and have a tasty snack.
December 9, 15, 16, 23
Breakfast with Santa
Macy’s at Lakeside, Sterling Heights
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Cost: $23.95/adult, $14.95/child
December 13
Dinner with Santa
Macy’s at 12 Oaks Mall, Novi
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Cost: $25.95/adult, $15.95/child
December 14, 15, and 16
Dinner with Santa at Wild Lights
Detroit Zoo, Royal Oak
Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Cost: Detroit Zoological Society Members: $45/adult 15 and older, $40/child 14 and under; non-members: $50/adult 15 and older, $45/child 14 and under.
Celebrate the holiday season with a feast at the Detroit Zoo’s Dinner with Santa at Wild Lights. This event takes place in the Wildlife Interpretive Gallery during our spectacular holiday light display. The buffet-style dinner also includes a special gift for each child, arts and crafts, and a visit from Santa, as well as admission to Wild Lights.
December 16 and 23
Breakfast with Santa
Macy’s at Oakland Mall, Troy
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Cost: $23.95/adult, $14.95/child
December 20
Cookies with The Clauses
Detroit Zoo, Royal Oak
Time: 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Cost: $25/Detroit Zoological Society Members, $30/non-members
Bring the little ones for a personal visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus during Wild Lights! Listen to a special story read by Mrs. Claus and warm up with hot chocolate and cookies. You’ll even get to make a special treat to leave for Santa’s reindeer when they visit your home. Photo opportunities with Santa will also be available.
Breakfast with Santa
Macy’s at Oakland Mall, Troy
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Cost: $23.95/adult, $14.95/child
Visit with Santa
November 16-December 24
Lakeside Mall Santa
Lakeside Mall, Sterling Heights
Time: please check website for times and click here for a fast pass
Cost: prices vary based on photo packages
November 22-December 24
Santa’s Arrival
Macomb Mall, Roseville
Time: check the website for times
His magical lodge is located in the South Court near Forever 21
December 6
Heritage Holidays
Wolcott Mill Metropark Farm Center, Ray
Time: 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Cost: $5/person plus a Metropark vehicle entry permit for $10 daily.
Create or continue a wonderful family tradition. Stroll through the park and enjoy the holiday decorations and spectacular lights, visit with Santa, and make holiday crafts. Enjoy a cup of hot cider or cocoa as you watch the blacksmith working in his shop. Cut a log cookie with a two-man saw to make an ornament. Photo vignettes will help you create memories. Visit the Clydesdale horses in their show stalls and enjoy a horse drawn wagon ride. Vote for your favorite decorated tree at the Festival of Trees. Dress for the weather.
Dining with Santa
December 1
Signature Santa Brunch
Cherry Creek Banquet Center, Shelby Township
Time: 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Cost: $37.95+/adult, $17.95+/children (3-12), free/2 and under
To reserve seating times, call (586) 254-7700.
Enjoy your holiday favorites and take a picture with Santa himself! Mrs. Claus and her helpers will also be there to do face painting.
December 7
Breakfast with Santa
Masonic Temple, Washington Township
Time: 9:oo a.m. and 10:15 a.m.
Cost: adults $10/$13 (non-resident) and children (2-12) $7/$9 (non-resident)
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 3
Lunch with Santa
Wolcott Mill Historic Center, Ray Township
Time: 11:00 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Cost: $7/child, $4/adult plus a Metropark vehicle entry permit for $10 daily
Enjoy lunch and a visit with Santa. Make a holiday craft to take home. Go for a horse drawn wagon ride.
December 7 and 8
Snacks with Santa
Stony Creek Metropark, Shelby Township
Time: call for times –
Cost: $6/child, $3/adult plus a vehicle entry permit for $10 daily.
December 7
Snacks with Santa
Lake Erie Metropark, Brownstown
Time: call for times – 734-379-5020
Cost: $6/child, $3/adult plus a vehicle entry permit for $10 daily. Preregistration required.
December 13
Swim with Santa
Romeo High School Pool
Time: call for times – 586-752-6543
December 8
Santa’s Jingle Bell Brunch
Township Hall, Macomb
Time: 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Cost: Residents $6/ non residents $11
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 7
Breakfast with Santa
Shelby Community Center, Shelby
Times: 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Cost: $7/resident, $14/non-resident
Reservations are required (no tickets will be sold at the door), call (586)-731-0300
Enjoy a family style breakfast of pancakes, sausage and a drink. Bring a camera to take pictures.
December 15
Classic Christmas Brunch
Cherry Creek Banquet Center, Shelby Township
Time: 10:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Cost: $27.95+/adult, $14.95+/kids, free/2 and under
Reserved seating times call (586) 254-7700, ex. 4
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.
Visit with Santa
November 15-December 24
Briarwood Mall
Briarwood Mall, Ann Arbor
Time: see description below
It’s time for holiday photos with Santa. Santa breaks to feed his reindeer each day from 1-2 p.m. and 5-6 p.m. on Monday-Saturday, and Sundays 1-2 p.m. Santa hours are 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday – Thursday and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday through Thanksgiving; after Thanksgiving, Santa hours are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday – Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday (not including special events for Caring Santa and Pet Photo nights. Please see event posting for each program for details!).
December 1
Briarwood Mall Sensory Santa
Briarwood Circle, Ann Arbor
Time: 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
Cost: see Santa for free but photo packages are available; be sure to reserve your ticket using the link above
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 12
PJ’s and Stories with Santa
Saline Rec Center
Time: 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.; 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.; 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $8/child for registration through 12/1, $10 from 12/2-12/11, and $12 the day of (no walk-ins)
December 15
Santa Central
Hudson Mills Metropark Activity Center, Dexter
Time: 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Cost:$6/ person plus a Metropark vehicle entry permit is required to enter for $10 daily
See Santa, go on a hay ride, and make seasonal crafts. Make sure to bring a camera to take your own pictures!
December 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 + 22
Visit Santa at Kerrytown
Kerrytown Market & Shops
Time: see website for times
Cost: Bring a can to donate to Food Gatherers if you’re able to. Free!
Visit with Santa
November 11-December 24
Picture with Santa
Westland Shopping Center, Westland
Time: one hour after the mall opens to one hour before the mall closes; mall hours can be found here
Cost: prices vary by photo package
Check out the Santa fast pass here!
November 17-December 24
Visit with Santa Dearbron
Fairlane Towncenter, Dearborn
Time: see Santa’s hours here
Cost: packages vary from $24 to $49.99
Come visit Santa and get your pictures taken.
November 16-December 23
Santa in Town Square
Town Square, Northville
Hours: vary, check site for details
Cost: free
November 18-December 23
Photos with Santa
Eastland Center, Harper Woods
Times: Monday-Saturday 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. and Sundays 12:00-5:00 p.m.
Cost: prices vary by photo package
Come visit Santa at Eastland Center. Fast passes are available.
November 24-December 23 (weekends)
Santa’s Magic Forest
Heritage Park, Taylor
Hours: vary, check website for details
Cost: Cash and check; see website for price
Have the chance to meet Santa and some reindeer.
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sunday in December (starting November 24)
Visit with Santa
Three Cedars, Northville
Cost: $15 per picture
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!
November 26
Sensory Friendly Santa
Eastland Center, Harper Woods
Time: 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
Cost: prices vary based on photo package.
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 9, 10, 16, 17
Santa Visits Maybury
Maybury Farms, Northville
Time: 12-3 p.m.
The halls of the Welcome Center will be decked out in Christmas cheer! Don’t forget to bring you camera!
Through December 24
Visit with Santa
Laurel Park Place, Livonia
Times: Monday-Saturday 10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. and Sunday 12:00-6:00 p.m.
Come visit Santa and get your picture taken. If you want to bypass the line, then be sure to get a fast pass.
Dining with Santa
November 16
Milk and Cookies with Santa
Fairlane Town Center, Dearborn
Time: 4:00 p.m-5:00 p.m.
Cost: free
Milk & Sugar Cookies will be provided; this special event kicks off the Holiday Season at Fairlane Town Center.
November 30 -December 2, 7-9, 13-16, 18-23, and 26-27
Holiday Nights Supper with Santa Package
Greenfield Village, Dearborn
Hours: 4:45 p.m.-6:30 p.m. dinner and 6:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m. event
Cost: Starting at $47.50/adult, $32.70/ages 3-11, $14.95 ages/18 mo -2 years
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 8 (Canton) and December 9 (Dearborn Heights)
10th Annual Lunch with Santa
Antonio’s, Canton or Dearborn Heights
Hours: Two seatings: 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Cost: $21 per person, children 3 and under $5. Gratuity (20%) will be added.
Each guest is required to bring an unwrapped toy or make a donation, and toys will be purchased to Benefit Wayne County Good Fellow. This event includes a delicious buffet lunch with healthy food choices with Antonio’s specialties, fun crafts for all ages, picture with Santa, and live Reindeer!
Call (734)-981-9805 for reservation.
December 11 and 12
Bedtime Stories with Santa
Grosse Pointe War Memorial
Hours: 7:00 p.m.
Cost: $12/person
Dress your kids in their comfiest pajamas and snuggle up for an evening with jolly St. Nick! Santa will visit the children around a festive tree as he reads some of his beloved holiday tales. Everyone will get a chance to share their wish list with Santa while indulging on a bedtime snack of milk and cookies!
December 10 and 17
Supper with Santa
Bring the kids to spend some special one-on-one time with “The Big Guy.”
Reservations for this event are limited and must be completed over the phone by calling (313)-832-5700.
December 15 and 16
Breakfast with Santa
Grosse Pointe War Memorial, Grosse Pointe
Time: Two seatings, morning and afternoon. See site for details
Cost: $22 per person; registration necessary!
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 22
Annual Christmas Tea
The Whitney, Detroit
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $75
