Santa Claus is coming to town! Visiting with Saint Nick is one of our favorite holiday activities, and this season, we are thrilled to have the chance to catch him at local spots around the Ann Arbor area. He and his reindeer will be hosting pancake breakfasts, holiday events and plenty of photo opportunities up until Christmas Eve this year.

We found the best places to find Santa in the Ann Arbor area this year, so round up your little elves, make your Christmas wish list and get ready to meet everyone’s holiday hero in person!

 

Briarwood Mall | Ann Arbor

Where: 100 Briarwood Circle

When: November 15-December 24, Times Vary

From mid-November through Christmas Eve, Santa and his shop will be set up in Briarwood Mall every single day. Hours vary each day and there are FastPass options to skip the line. For more information, click here.
 

KBK Garden Center | Saline

Where: 6400 East Michigan Avenue

When November 22, 5-8 p.m.

You won’t want to miss Santa’s first stop of the season! Head over to the KBK Garden Center in Saline for their annual Christmas Carnival and enjoy a bonfire, caroling, s’mores, crafts and an ornament hunt. Santa, along with a crop of his reindeer, will also be in attendance and available for pictures.

 

Three Cedars Farm | Northville

Where: 897 Six Mile Road

When: November 29, Fri & Sat 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun 1-5 p.m.

The farm fun at Three Cedars doesn’t stop after Halloween. Country Christmas turns the farm into a winter wonderland complete with Christmas trees, wreaths, hot cocoa, roping and photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Click here for hours.

 

The Santa Train | Clinton

Where: 301 West Bartlett Street

When: November 30-December 1, 7-8 & 14-15, Times Vary

Southern Michigan Railroad keeps this event small and inexpensive so the community’s kids can have a spectacular holiday experience. This December, hop on the train and enjoy a ride to meet Santa himself. From there, the train will take you back to your car for a 30-minute round trip. Book online today before tickets sell out and be sure to bring a toy for Toys for Tots!

 

Pierce Lake Golf Course | Chelsea

Where: 1175 South Main Street

When: December 7 & 14, 9 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Pancakes AND Santa? Count us in! This first-ever holiday brunch event at Pierce Lake Golf Course allows you and your family to mingle with Santa and his friends over fresh pancakes. Photos with the big guy will be available after breakfast—just don’t forget your camera! Pre-registration is required.

 

Kerrytown Market & Shops | Ann Arbor

Where: 407 North 5th Avenue

When: December 7-8, 14-15, & 21-22, Times Vary

In Kerrytown, you can visit Santa for free on December 7th and 8th! They’re also hosting a Food Gatherers Can Drive so bring a can of food to donate in addition to your holiday wish list.

 

Downtown Home & Garden | Ann Arbor

Where: 210 South Ashley

When: December 7, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Top off Midnight Madness weekend with an annual neighborhood Christmas party! You can expect smoked turkeys, Grandma Mooberry’s cranberry salad, hot cider and eggnog along with farm animals and live entertainment. But that’s not all—Santa will be hanging out as well!

 

Maybury Farm | Northville

Where: 50165 8 Mile Road

When: December 7-8 & 14-15, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Situated on 85 acres, this Northville farm has been a landmark in the community for more than 100 years. Here, children and families can experience the joy of animals, agriculture, farmland and forests year-round. Each December, the farm celebrates the season with Santa Visits. Available two weekends in December, families can come to the Holiday Open House to enjoy delicious treats like hot cocoa and cider, shop in the General Store, see the farm in the snow and meet Santa. There is no admission charge for this event but donations are appreciated.

 

Gene Butman Ford | Ypsilanti

Where: 2105 Washtenaw Avenue 

When: December 7, 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Children of all ages are invited to come talk to Santa at the Gene Butman Ford in Ypsilanti this holiday season! Completely free, this event will also feature cookies, hot cocoa, coloring pages and more. The MotorCity Greyhound Rescue will also be on-site with dogs available for adoption.

 

Saline Recreation Center | Saline

Where: 1866 Woodland Drive

When: December 12, 4:30-8:30 p.m.

Don your favorite pajamas and get cozy as one of the Saline District Library’s storytellers reads some holiday stories. In addition to a festive tale, there will also be a sing-along, crafts, milk and cookies, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa!

 

Kensington Hotel | Ann Arbor

Where: 3500 South State Street

When: December 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

This year, Brunch with Santa is happening at Kensington Hotel on December 14th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Past events have included omelet stations, vegetarian options like the Michigan Apple Cherry Salad, potatoes, a dessert bar, and the always popular waffle and pancake topping bar.

 

Matthaei Botanical Gardens | Ann Arbor

Where: 1800 North Dixboro Road

When: December 14, 12-2 p.m.

Each year, Father Christmas himself comes to Matthaei Botanical Gardens for one day. A Visit with Father Christmas allows parents, kids, individuals and families to come to the gardens for free and get a great, festive photo with Santa!

 

Dixboro Village Green | Ann Arbor

Where: 5221 Church Road

When: December 14, 6-7 p.m.

This year, Dixboro Village Green will host a Holiday Celebration complete with a tree lighting, carols and a visit from Santa. In addition to this event, the Dixboro United Methodist Church has scheduled a Cookie Walk at the church (adjacent to the Village Green). So come out and enjoy the opportunity to buy a wide variety of delicious, homemade holiday cookies!

 

The Polo Fields Golf & Country Club | Ann Arbor

Where: 5200 Polo Fields Drive

When: December 15, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on December 15th, guests to Polo Fields Country Club can eat, drink, visit and take photos with Santa! Prices are $36 for adults, $16 for children between ages 3 and 12, and free for children two years and younger. To see the menu, click here, and call (734) 998-1555 to make reservations.

 

Huron-Clinton Metroparks | Dexter

Where: 8801 North Territorial Road

When: December 15, 1-2:30 p.m.

The Santa Central events at Hudson Mills Metropark on December 15th allow you and your family to meet Santa and take photos with your own camera. Then, you can all enjoy a hayride and make seasonal crafts to take home. For pre-registration information, click here.

 

Yankee Air Museum | Belleville

Where: 47884 D Street

When: December 21, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Yankee Air Museum

Santa does love to make a grand entrance; that’s why he’ll be arriving by helicopter to this unique holiday event in Belleville! The museum is offering free admission all day and the Ann Arbor Hands-on Museum and Leslie Science & Nature Center will be providing animals and activities.

 

Merry Christmas!

What’s on your wish list this year? Share with us in the comments!