Christmas Events for Kids in Michigan (2026)

Christmas Events for Kids
Written by Kelsey Cecil

14 min read

Michigan has 14 Christmas events for kids we could confirm for the 2026 season, from Wild Lights in Royal Oak on November 21 to Supper with Santa in Dearborn, which runs through December 28. 7 of them are free, and every listing links straight to the host. It is one stop on our guide to Christmas events for kids in every state.

The short version

  • 14 kids’ Christmas events confirmed in Michigan for 2026, in Detroit and Lansing
  • First: Wild Lights, Royal Oak, November 21. Runs latest: Wild Lights, Royal Oak, through January 3
  • Free: Tree Lighting Ceremony, America's Thanksgiving Parade, Birmingham Santa Walk, Santa House, Family PJ Holiday Storytime, Winter Markt & Tree Lighting and Winter Extravaganza
  • Checked on each host’s own page; each listing links straight to it
Watercolor illustration: Rally the corgi stands on a red train seat looking out at falling snow, a lit Christmas tree and a white dove. Text: Choo choo! The train starting could be heard. Hello cute white bird!
Rally watching the snow and a lit Christmas tree, from the pages of Rally Takes the Train.

Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by city, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (sign-ups, ages, what is included). Looking for a Santa train instead? Those are on our Michigan Christmas train rides page.

Michigan Christmas events for kids at a glance

Kids’ Christmas events
14 confirmed for 2026
Cities
Detroit and Lansing
Season
November 21, 2026 to January 3, 2027
Free events
7
Kinds of events
holiday lights, tree lighting, holiday parade and breakfast with Santa
Last checked

City guides in Michigan

Plan your December

When each Michigan Christmas event for kids happens

The first is Wild Lights in Royal Oak on November 21; the last runs to December 28. Each bar spans an event’s dates, not every hour in them, so check the host’s page for times.

Look inside the book

Story time with Santa in Michigan? Bring Rally home.

Rally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. It makes a cozy bedtime story after a big day with Santa. Turn a few pages here.

Page 1 of 8

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

Like it so far? See the full book

25 hand-painted pages, paperback, $16.99 with fast shipping from Amazon.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Every page is real watercolor on paper, painted by hand by Leslie Dunn. Nothing in this book was made with AI.

Christmas events for kids in Detroit

12 confirmed events for kids in Detroit, including nearby Birmingham, Dearborn, Grosse Pointe Farms, Northville and Royal Oak, soonest first.

Royal Oak: Wild Lights

Holiday lightsDetroit Zoo · Royal Oak

Host
Detroit Zoo (opens in a new tab)
Where
Detroit Zoo, 8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067 (near Detroit)
When
Sat November 21 (5 to 10:30 pm), Sun November 22 (5 to 9 pm), Fri November 27 (5 to 9 pm), Fri December 4 (5 pm), Thu December 10 (5 pm), Sat December 26 (5 pm) and Sat January 2 (5 pm), 2026
Cost
From $17 online; ages 2 and up need a ticket; parking $8
Ages
Ages 2 and up ticketed
Sign-up
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Wild Lights returns to the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak for the 2026 to 2027 season. It opens November 21 and 22, then runs November 27 to 29, December 4 to 6, December 10 to 23, December 26 to 31, and January 2 and 3, 2027. Gates open at 5 pm, with closing at 10:30 pm on most Fridays and Saturdays and 9 pm on other nights.

Tickets start at $17 online and change with date, time and demand. Everyone 2 and older needs a ticket, Detroit Zoo members save 10 percent, and parking is $8 per vehicle. The listing does not mention a Santa visit, so think of this as a family lights walk rather than a Santa outing.

Parent tip: Buy online ahead of time since prices rise with demand, and plan $8 for parking. Hours on Nov 27 and 28 may differ, so check before you go.

See dates and details from Detroit Zoo (opens in a new tab)

Grosse Pointe Farms: Tree Lighting Ceremony

Tree lightingFreeThe War Memorial · Grosse Pointe Farms

Host
The War Memorial (opens in a new tab)
Where
The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Dr, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236 (near Detroit)
When
Sunday, November 22, 2026, 4 to 7 pm
Cost
Free, registration required; Santa visits $5 per child
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The War Memorial opens its season of holiday traditions with a Tree Lighting Ceremony on Sunday, November 22, 2026. A 20-foot decorated tree stands in front of the fountain, and the evening includes hot chocolate, caroling, live ice sculpting, a holiday craft station in the Grosse Pointe Artists Association gallery, gingerbread competition voting and a vintage holiday market in the Alger House.

Doors open at 4 pm and the tree is lit at 5:30 pm. The main event is free, but registration is required. After the ceremony, children can visit Santa in the ballroom for $5 per child, with a small number of pre-registration slots and walk-ups also welcome. Parking is in the onsite lot with overflow on the street.

Parent tip: Register in advance. Parking is limited, so allow extra time or carpool.

See dates and details from The War Memorial (opens in a new tab)

Detroit: America's Thanksgiving Parade

Holiday paradeFreeThe Parade Company · Detroit

Host
The Parade Company (opens in a new tab)
Where
Woodward Avenue parade route, Woodward Ave from Kirby St to Congress St, Detroit, MI 48202
When
Thursday, November 26, 2026, 8:45 am
Cost
Free along most of the route; grandstand tickets sold separately
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

America's Thanksgiving Parade celebrates its 100th edition on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 26, 2026. The parade steps off at 8:45 am at Woodward and Kirby and travels about three miles south along Woodward Avenue, taking roughly an hour and a half to reach the Celebration Zone, and officially ends at Congress and Woodward.

The parade is free and open to the public along most of the route, with grandstand seats available for purchase. Last year's parade featured award-winning floats, high-flying balloons, marching bands and Santa Claus, and The Parade Company promises celebrities, colorful floats and bands for this milestone year. Paid parking is available along the route. The Parade Company notes the parade route covers three miles, so families can choose a viewing spot farther from downtown for more room.

Parent tip: Dress warmly and arrive early for a curbside spot. Parking along the route is paid.

See dates and details from The Parade Company (opens in a new tab)

Birmingham: Birmingham Santa Walk

Holiday paradeFreeBirmingham Shopping District · Birmingham

Host
Birmingham Shopping District (opens in a new tab)
Where
Downtown Birmingham to Shain Park, Birmingham, MI 48009 (near Detroit)
When
Saturday, November 28, 2026, 9:30 to 10:30 am
Cost
Free, registration required
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The annual Birmingham Santa Walk welcomes Santa to town on Saturday, November 28, 2026, at 9:30 am. Families join a short stroll through downtown with stops at local shops, ending at the Santa House in Shain Park.

Afterward, attendees are invited to stay for a visit with Santa and other festivities, including horse-drawn carriage rides. The walk is presented by Crain Homes. Registration is required and opened November 1, 2026, so sign up ahead of time. The walk is short and family paced, so it suits young children as well as older kids. Plan for winter weather and wear comfortable shoes. It makes an easy morning start to a day in downtown Birmingham, especially since Santa House opens at noon that same day.

Parent tip: Register ahead. Santa House opens at noon that day for visits.

See dates and details from Birmingham Shopping District (opens in a new tab)

Birmingham: Santa House

Santa visitFreeBirmingham Shopping District · Birmingham

Host
Birmingham Shopping District (opens in a new tab)
Where
Santa House, Shain Park, Birmingham, MI 48009 (near Detroit)
When
Sat November 28 (noon to 4 pm), Sun November 29 (10 am to 4 pm), Fri December 4 (6:45 to 8 pm), Sat December 5 (10 am to 8 pm), Sun December 6 (10 am to 4 pm), Sat December 12 (10 am to 4 pm), Sun December 13 (10 am to 4 pm), Sat December 19 (10 am to 7 pm), Sun December 20 (10 am to 4 pm) and Thu December 24 (10 am to 4 pm), 2026
Cost
Free
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Recommended
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Santa sets up in his quaint house in Shain Park in downtown Birmingham for the 2026 season. Visits are free and first come, first served, except during appointment-only hours. Dates are Saturday, November 28 (noon to 4 pm), Sunday, November 29, Saturday and Sunday, December 5 and 6, December 12 and 13, December 19 and 20, Friday evening, December 4 (6:45 to 8 pm), and Thursday, December 24.

On several weekend days, the 10 am to 1 pm window requires an appointment, and appointment registration opened November 1, 2026. Families can also hop aboard a free horse-drawn carriage for a short tour of the decorated park. Check the page for each day's hours. Each day has its own hours, so check the schedule before you head out.

Parent tip: Book an appointment for the 10 am to 1 pm windows on Nov 29 and later weekends; walk-ups are welcome at other times.

See dates and details from Birmingham Shopping District (opens in a new tab)

Dearborn: Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village

Holiday eventThe Henry Ford · Dearborn

Host
The Henry Ford (opens in a new tab)
Where
Greenfield Village, The Henry Ford, 20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI 48124 (near Detroit)
When
Thu December 3, Thu December 10, Thu December 17 and Sat December 26, 2026, 6:30 to 10 pm
Cost
$39 to $48 public; youth 5 to 11 save 25 percent; 4 and under free
Ages
All ages; 4 and under free
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village runs December 3 to 6, 10 to 13, 17 to 23 and 26 to 28, 2026, from 6:30 to 10 pm, with guests arriving any time until 9:45 pm. Members get early entry at 6 pm. Families stroll the historic village and enjoy free carousel rides, free ice skating with skate rental, free Model T rides, horse drawn wagon rides and holiday cooking demonstrations, ending with fireworks.

Public tickets run $39 to $48 depending on the night, youth ages 5 to 11 get 25 percent off, and children 4 and under are free. Seniors save 10 percent. December 12 had already sold out as of November 2, so popular nights may go fast.

Parent tip: Buy tickets early because some nights sell out. Skating and skate rental are included, so dress kids warmly.

See dates and details from The Henry Ford (opens in a new tab)

Dearborn: Supper with Santa

Supper with SantaThe Henry Ford · Dearborn

Host
The Henry Ford (opens in a new tab)
Where
A Taste of History Restaurant, Greenfield Village, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn, MI 48124 (near Detroit)
When
Thu December 3, Fri December 4, Sat December 5, Sun December 6, Thu December 10, Fri December 11, Sat December 12, Sun December 13, Thu December 17, Fri December 18, Sat December 19, Sun December 20, Mon December 21, Tue December 22, Wed December 23, Sat December 26, Sun December 27 and Mon December 28, 2026, 5 to 6 pm
Cost
$84 to $93 public, $78.25 to $85.75 members, $5 ages 4 and under
Ages
All ages
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Supper with Santa is a dining package during Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village at The Henry Ford in Dearborn. The village gates open at 4:30 pm and a horse-drawn wagon carries families from the entrance to A Taste of History restaurant, with wagon rides running until 5 pm. Dinner is served from 5 to 6 pm in a decorated dining room, with activities with Santa, live music and themed craft bags. The package also includes admission to Holiday Nights.

It is designed for all ages. Tickets must be bought ahead online or by phone at 313-982-6001; there are no walk-ins and no on-site sales. Many dates were already sold out when checked on Nov 2. The Dec 26 to 28 evenings have modified programming that includes a visit from Santa before he leaves on vacation.

Parent tip: Book ahead online or at 313-982-6001; walk-ins are not accepted and many dates sell out. Arrive by 4:30 pm for the wagon ride, and dress for an outdoor village evening.

See dates and details from The Henry Ford (opens in a new tab)

Birmingham: Winter Markt & Tree Lighting

Tree lightingFreeBirmingham Shopping District · Birmingham

Host
Birmingham Shopping District (opens in a new tab)
Where
Downtown Birmingham, Birmingham, MI 48009 (near Detroit)
When
Fri December 4 (4 to 9 pm), Sat December 5 (10 am to 9 pm) and Sun December 6 (10 am to 4 pm), 2026
Cost
Free admission
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The annual Birmingham Winter Markt runs December 4 to 6, 2026, in downtown Birmingham with local artists and vendors, European food, thousands of holiday lights, ice sculptures and live entertainment. Families will find warming stations, visits with Santa and the Kinderhaus children's activity area.

Opening night, Friday, December 4, includes the annual Birmingham Holiday Tree Lighting at 6 pm, featuring Santa, live caroling and the lighting of a tree decorated with more than 40,000 LED lights. The Winter Markt website has more details, and the market continues Saturday and Sunday. Admission to the market area is free, though food and goods from vendors are sold separately. It is a lively outdoor event, so dress the kids warmly and plan for crowds on opening night.

Parent tip: Plan to arrive before 6 pm on Friday for the tree lighting. The Kinderhaus area is set up for kids.

See dates and details from Birmingham Shopping District (opens in a new tab)

Grosse Pointe Farms: Bedtime Stories with Santa

Story time with SantaThe War Memorial · Grosse Pointe Farms

Host
The War Memorial (opens in a new tab)
Where
The War Memorial (Alger House), 32 Lake Shore Dr, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236 (near Detroit)
When
Sun December 6 and Thu December 10, 2026, 4 to 8 pm
Cost
Children $25, adults $5
Ages
Children with up to two adults
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

At Bedtime Stories with Santa, children come in their comfiest pajamas with a favorite stuffed toy and blanket and settle in by the fireplace in the historic Alger House. Santa reads some of his favorite holiday stories, leads holiday songs and shares milk and cookies, and every child gets a personal visit to share a wish list. An in-house photographer is on hand for family photos.

Sessions are Sunday, December 6 and Thursday, December 10, 2026, with seatings at 4, 5:30 and 7 pm. Tickets are $25 per child and $5 per adult, with a limit of two adults per child. Families can add a signed hardcover copy of the official 2026 keepsake book, Pick a Pine Tree, for $18. A sensory-friendly seating on December 6 can be requested by email.

Parent tip: Capacity is limited and add-ons must be bought with tickets. Email ce@warmemorial.org about the sensory-friendly seating.

See dates and details from The War Memorial (opens in a new tab)

Grosse Pointe Farms: Breakfast with Santa

Breakfast with SantaThe War Memorial · Grosse Pointe Farms

Host
The War Memorial (opens in a new tab)
Where
The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Dr, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236 (near Detroit)
When
Sunday, December 13, 2026, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Cost
Child $50, adult $70; under 2 free
Ages
All ages; under 2 free
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Breakfast with Santa at The War Memorial begins with Santa making a grand entrance by helicopter, weather permitting. Families then enjoy breakfast stations prepared by the in-house culinary team, a make-and-take craft, a chance to share holiday wishes with Santa, a holiday sing-along around the library piano and a make-your-own hot cocoa station. New this year, a professional photographer takes Santa photos and each family gets a QR code to download them.

The event is Sunday, December 13, 2026, with seatings at 9:30 am and 12:30 pm. Tickets are $50 per child and $70 per adult, including gratuity and tax, and children under 2 are free with a complimentary high chair or booster ticket. Families should plan their arrival around their chosen seating time.

Parent tip: Choose the free high chair or booster ticket for children under 2 when ordering. Book your whole group in one transaction to sit together.

See dates and details from The War Memorial (opens in a new tab)

Detroit: Hudson's Holidays Brunch

Breakfast with SantaDetroit Historical Society · Detroit

Host
Detroit Historical Society (opens in a new tab)
Where
Detroit Historical Museum, 5401 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202
When
Sunday, December 13, 2026, 10 am to 1 pm
Cost
General $100; child (3 to 12) $50
Ages
Families; child tickets for ages 3 to 12
Sign-up
Required ahead of time
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

The Detroit Historical Museum hosts Hudson's Holidays Brunch on Sunday, December 13, 2026, from 10 am to 1 pm. The morning includes kid-friendly favorites like chicken and waffles, a juice bar and a hot chocolate bar with festive toppings, along with live performances by the Velvet Carolers.

Children can enjoy storytime and photos with Santa, and families can do some holiday shopping. The ticket also includes the SantaBear exhibition, a chance to revisit the Hudson's department store tradition or discover it for the first time. General admission is $100 and child tickets for ages 3 to 12 are $50. The museum cannot accommodate dietary restrictions for this menu. Tickets are sold in advance, so reserve early.

Parent tip: The set menu cannot be changed for dietary needs. A related Hudson's Holidays Dinner is held Dec 12.

See dates and details from Detroit Historical Society (opens in a new tab)

Northville: Winter Extravaganza

Holiday craftsFreeNorthville District Library · Northville

Host
Northville District Library (opens in a new tab)
Where
Northville District Library, 212 W Cady St, Northville, MI 48167 (near Detroit)
When
Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 5 to 7 pm
Cost
Free, drop in
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Northville District Library celebrates the season with its Winter Extravaganza on Tuesday, December 15, 2026, from 5 to 7 pm. This year's theme borrows from the Gingerbread Man, with the library promising he will be on the run inside the building.

The evening spreads across several spaces, including the Carlo Meeting Room, the fireplace area, the front porch and the Youth Department, with activities, photo ops and music. It is free, open to all ages, and drop-in with no registration needed, so families can come and go as their schedule allows. The library has not listed an age limit or a fee for this event. It makes a relaxed weeknight outing for families with young children who want to enjoy the season close to home.

Parent tip: No registration is needed; drop in anytime between 5 and 7 pm.

See dates and details from Northville District Library (opens in a new tab)

Christmas events for kids in Lansing

2 confirmed events for kids in Lansing, including nearby Williamston, soonest first.

Lansing: Wonderland of Lights

Holiday lightsPotter Park Zoo · Lansing

Host
Potter Park Zoo (opens in a new tab)
Where
Potter Park Zoo, 1301 S Pennsylvania Ave, Lansing, MI 48912
When
Saturday, November 21, 2026 to Wednesday, December 23, 2026 (Thursdays to Sundays plus Mon Dec 22 and Tue Dec 23; closed Thanksgiving evening), 5 to 8 pm
Cost
Ticketed, see zoo site
Ages
All ages
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Wonderland of Lights is a Lansing holiday tradition now in its 34th year. Thousands of shimmering lights turn the paths of Potter Park Zoo into a winter wonderland, and families can stroll the illuminated walkways while festive music plays.

Santa is on site for photos on Fridays and Saturdays, but not on Thursdays or Sundays, so plan the night around that if a visit is the goal. The lights run Thursday through Sunday evenings from 5 to 8 pm, Nov 21 to Dec 23, with extra nights on Monday, Dec 22 and Tuesday, Dec 23, and they are closed on Thanksgiving evening. Some animals may not be visible because of the cold and the time of day.

Parent tip: Come on a Friday or Saturday if you want Santa photos. Dress warmly, since this is an outdoor walk after dark.

See dates and details from Potter Park Zoo (opens in a new tab)

Williamston: Family PJ Holiday Storytime

Holiday story timeFreeCapital Area District Libraries · Williamston

Host
Capital Area District Libraries (opens in a new tab)
Where
CADL Williamston Library, 201 School St, Williamston, MI 48895 (near Lansing)
When
Thursday, December 3, 2026, 6 to 6:40 pm
Cost
Free
Ages
Families
Confirmed
On the host’s page, checked

Capital Area District Libraries invites families to its Williamston branch, east of Lansing, for an evening holiday story time in pajamas. Kids can snuggle in their PJs while library staff share engaging seasonal stories, lead songs and offer activities that build early literacy skills.

The program runs for about 40 minutes in the early evening, which makes it an easy pre-bedtime outing for young children and their grown-ups. It is listed under the library's Holidays and Celebrations and Seasonal Stories categories and is free. CADL runs other holiday story times around the county that month too, including Jingle Bells Storytime at the Mason branch on Dec 8 and the Holt-Delhi branch on Dec 29.

Parent tip: Come dressed for bed so kids can go straight home to sleep afterward.

See dates and details from Capital Area District Libraries (opens in a new tab)

Near a state line? Our guides to Christmas events for kids in Ohio, Christmas events for kids in Indiana and Christmas events for kids in Kentucky list more confirmed events, and the national search sorts every event by distance from your town.

A story for the drive home

A morning with Santa or an evening of holiday stories tends to end the same way: tired kids, a long drive and one more book before bed. Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents, and every page is painted by hand. If your family is spending December missing someone, it was written for that too. For the car, print our free corgi and train coloring pages.

Rally Takes the Train book cover: a watercolor corgi peeking from a red train

A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor by Leslie Dunn. $16.99 on Amazon, ages 0 to 8.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Michigan Christmas events for kids: questions parents ask

What Christmas events for kids are in Michigan in 2026?

We confirmed 14 Christmas events for kids in Michigan for 2026 on each host’s own page: Wild Lights in Royal Oak (November 21), Wonderland of Lights in Lansing (November 21), Tree Lighting Ceremony in Grosse Pointe Farms (November 22), America's Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit (November 26), Birmingham Santa Walk in Birmingham (November 28), Santa House in Birmingham (November 28), Family PJ Holiday Storytime in Williamston (December 3), Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village in Dearborn (December 3), Supper with Santa in Dearborn (December 3), Winter Markt & Tree Lighting in Birmingham (December 4), Bedtime Stories with Santa in Grosse Pointe Farms (December 6), Breakfast with Santa in Grosse Pointe Farms (December 13), Hudson's Holidays Brunch in Detroit (December 13) and Winter Extravaganza in Northville (December 15). Every one is listed below with times, cost and a link to the host.

What Christmas events for kids are in Detroit, Michigan?

For families in and around Detroit, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Wild Lights (in Royal Oak, Select nights, Nov 21, 2026 to Jan 3, 2027, from 5 pm, from $17 online; ages 2 and up need a ticket; parking $8); Tree Lighting Ceremony (in Grosse Pointe Farms, Sun, Nov 22, 4 to 7 pm (lighting at 5:30 pm), free, registration required; santa visits $5 per child); America's Thanksgiving Parade (Thu, Nov 26 (Thanksgiving), steps off 8:45 am, free along most of the route; grandstand tickets sold separately); Birmingham Santa Walk (in Birmingham, Sat, Nov 28, 9:30 to 10:30 am, free, registration required); Santa House (in Birmingham, Select weekends Nov 28 to Dec 20, plus Dec 4 and Dec 24, free); Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village (in Dearborn, Select nights, Dec 3 to 28, 6:30 to 10 pm, $39 to $48 public; youth 5 to 11 save 25 percent; 4 and under free); Supper with Santa (in Dearborn, Select evenings Dec 3 to 28; gates 4:30 pm, dinner 5 to 6 pm, $84 to $93 public, $78.25 to $85.75 members, $5 ages 4 and under); Winter Markt & Tree Lighting (in Birmingham, Fri, Dec 4, 4 to 9 pm (tree lighting 6 pm); market through Dec 6, free admission); Bedtime Stories with Santa (in Grosse Pointe Farms, Sun, Dec 6 and Thu, Dec 10; seatings 4, 5:30 and 7 pm, children $25, adults $5); Breakfast with Santa (in Grosse Pointe Farms, Sun, Dec 13, 9:30 am or 12:30 pm seating, child $50, adult $70; under 2 free); Hudson's Holidays Brunch (Sun, Dec 13, 10 am to 1 pm, general $100; child (3 to 12) $50); Winter Extravaganza (in Northville, Tue, Dec 15, 5 to 7 pm, free, drop in). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Detroit section of this page.

What Christmas events for kids are in Lansing, Michigan?

For families in and around Lansing, the confirmed Christmas events for kids this season are: Wonderland of Lights (Thursdays to Sundays, Nov 21 to Dec 23, 5 to 8 pm, plus Dec 22 and 23, ticketed, see zoo site); Family PJ Holiday Storytime (in Williamston, Thu, Dec 3, 6 to 6:40 pm, free). Details and the host’s link for each are in the Lansing section of this page.

Are there free Christmas events for kids in Michigan?

Yes. 7 of the 14 events here are free: Tree Lighting Ceremony in Grosse Pointe Farms, America's Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit, Birmingham Santa Walk in Birmingham, Santa House in Birmingham, Family PJ Holiday Storytime in Williamston, Winter Markt & Tree Lighting in Birmingham and Winter Extravaganza in Northville. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.

Where can kids see Santa in Michigan this December?

Santa appears at Wonderland of Lights in Lansing (November 21), Tree Lighting Ceremony in Grosse Pointe Farms (November 22), America's Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit (November 26), Birmingham Santa Walk in Birmingham (November 28), Santa House in Birmingham (November 28), Supper with Santa in Dearborn (December 3), Winter Markt & Tree Lighting in Birmingham (December 4), Bedtime Stories with Santa in Grosse Pointe Farms (December 6), Breakfast with Santa in Grosse Pointe Farms (December 13) and Hudson's Holidays Brunch in Detroit (December 13). Times and booking rules are in each event’s listing above.

Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Michigan?

Holiday story times on this page: Family PJ Holiday Storytime in Williamston, Bedtime Stories with Santa in Grosse Pointe Farms and Hudson's Holidays Brunch in Detroit. Library story times are usually free; story times with a meal or show are ticketed.

Where can we have breakfast or a meal with Santa in Michigan?

Meals with Santa confirmed for 2026: Supper with Santa in Dearborn (Select evenings Dec 3 to 28; gates 4:30 pm, dinner 5 to 6 pm), Breakfast with Santa in Grosse Pointe Farms (Sun, Dec 13, 9:30 am or 12:30 pm seating) and Hudson's Holidays Brunch in Detroit (Sun, Dec 13, 10 am to 1 pm). These usually sell out, so book as soon as you pick a date.

Which Michigan Christmas events are best for toddlers?

These are aimed at babies, toddlers and preschoolers: Family PJ Holiday Storytime in Williamston (Families).

Are there kids' Christmas events in Michigan on Christmas Eve or after Christmas?

Yes: Wild Lights in Royal Oak (through January 3), Santa House in Birmingham (through December 24), Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village in Dearborn (through December 28) and Supper with Santa in Dearborn (through December 28).

How much is Wild Lights in Royal Oak?

From $17 online; ages 2 and up need a ticket; parking $8. Wild Lights is on Sat November 21 (5 to 10:30 pm), Sun November 22 (5 to 9 pm), Fri November 27 (5 to 9 pm), Fri December 4 (5 pm), Thu December 10 (5 pm), Sat December 26 (5 pm) and Sat January 2 (5 pm), 2026 at Detroit Zoo. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Wonderland of Lights in Lansing?

Ticketed, see zoo site. Wonderland of Lights is on Saturday, November 21, 2026 to Wednesday, December 23, 2026 (Thursdays to Sundays plus Mon Dec 22 and Tue Dec 23; closed Thanksgiving evening), 5 to 8 pm at Potter Park Zoo. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Tree Lighting Ceremony in Grosse Pointe Farms?

Free, registration required; Santa visits $5 per child. Tree Lighting Ceremony is on Sunday, November 22, 2026, 4 to 7 pm at The War Memorial. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is America's Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit?

Free along most of the route; grandstand tickets sold separately. America's Thanksgiving Parade is on Thursday, November 26, 2026, 8:45 am at Woodward Avenue parade route. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Birmingham Santa Walk in Birmingham?

Free, registration required. Birmingham Santa Walk is on Saturday, November 28, 2026, 9:30 to 10:30 am at Downtown Birmingham to Shain Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Santa House in Birmingham?

Free. Santa House is on Sat November 28 (noon to 4 pm), Sun November 29 (10 am to 4 pm), Fri December 4 (6:45 to 8 pm), Sat December 5 (10 am to 8 pm), Sun December 6 (10 am to 4 pm), Sat December 12 (10 am to 4 pm), Sun December 13 (10 am to 4 pm), Sat December 19 (10 am to 7 pm), Sun December 20 (10 am to 4 pm) and Thu December 24 (10 am to 4 pm), 2026 at Santa House, Shain Park. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Family PJ Holiday Storytime in Williamston?

Free. Family PJ Holiday Storytime is on Thursday, December 3, 2026, 6 to 6:40 pm at CADL Williamston Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village in Dearborn?

$39 to $48 public; youth 5 to 11 save 25 percent; 4 and under free. Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village is on Thu December 3, Thu December 10, Thu December 17 and Sat December 26, 2026, 6:30 to 10 pm at Greenfield Village, The Henry Ford. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Supper with Santa in Dearborn?

$84 to $93 public, $78.25 to $85.75 members, $5 ages 4 and under. Supper with Santa is on Thu December 3, Fri December 4, Sat December 5, Sun December 6, Thu December 10, Fri December 11, Sat December 12, Sun December 13, Thu December 17, Fri December 18, Sat December 19, Sun December 20, Mon December 21, Tue December 22, Wed December 23, Sat December 26, Sun December 27 and Mon December 28, 2026, 5 to 6 pm at A Taste of History Restaurant, Greenfield Village. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Winter Markt & Tree Lighting in Birmingham?

Free admission. Winter Markt & Tree Lighting is on Fri December 4 (4 to 9 pm), Sat December 5 (10 am to 9 pm) and Sun December 6 (10 am to 4 pm), 2026 at Downtown Birmingham. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Bedtime Stories with Santa in Grosse Pointe Farms?

Children $25, adults $5. Bedtime Stories with Santa is on Sun December 6 and Thu December 10, 2026, 4 to 8 pm at The War Memorial (Alger House). Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Breakfast with Santa in Grosse Pointe Farms?

Child $50, adult $70; under 2 free. Breakfast with Santa is on Sunday, December 13, 2026, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm at The War Memorial. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Hudson's Holidays Brunch in Detroit?

General $100; child (3 to 12) $50. Hudson's Holidays Brunch is on Sunday, December 13, 2026, 10 am to 1 pm at Detroit Historical Museum. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

How much is Winter Extravaganza in Northville?

Free, drop in. Winter Extravaganza is on Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 5 to 7 pm at Northville District Library. Confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Are there Christmas train rides for kids in Michigan?

Yes, but they have their own guide. Santa trains and holiday train rides are listed in our Michigan Christmas train rides guide, so this page sticks to story times, Santa visits and other events off the rails.

How do you confirm these events?

We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 2, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.

Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.

Kelsey Cecil
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