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Santa Sightings Near Ann Arbor - Santa sleeping on sofa in front of tree as two boys peek over him.

All The Best Places to Find Santa in Ann Arbor

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Are your kids counting down the days until Santa arrives? While they have to wait until Christmas for the gift delivery, we’ve got details on all Ann Arbor Santa Appearances that start in early November

We are continuing to add Santa events for 2022. Be sure to check back throughout the season as more events get announced.


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Ann Arbor Santa Meals

There are several Santa Meals around Ann Arbor this holiday season. I love Santa Meals as a relaxed way for the kids to interact with Santa. Many of the Santa meals require advance registration and sell out. Be sure to check our list and make your reservations.

Eat with Santa Near Ann Arbor- Santa holding cookies & milk in front of Christmas Tree

Events from our Sponsors

Lit Jack O'lanerns at Hallowee'en at Greenfield Village. Three across the bottom with the middle one carved to say Hallowe'en at Greenfield Village. A traditional jack o'lantern with a face sits above this pumpkin. To the right is a pumpkin with an owl. THe image to the left the letters OINCE are visible below a honeycomb

Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village

Non-Member Tickets Go on Sale September 6!


Ann Arbor Santa Trains

Have you ever been on a train with Santa? There are a couple holiday trains in our area.

Spicers Orchard

Spicers Orchard in Fenton offers “train’ rides to visit Santa. Trains run Thursday-Sunday from November 25-December 23. Reservations are required and book quickly. Tickets are $15/day time, $18/night (6p & later).

Southern Michigan Railroad

Southern Michigan Railroad offers the closest Santa trains to Ann Arbor. Unfortunately they sold out for the season 5 days after announcing tickets in mid-October.

Date/TimeEvent
💙🎟
11/25/2022
10:00am-2:45pm
Santa Train
at Southern Michigan Railroad (Tecumseh Station), Tecumseh Michigan
💙🎟
11/26/2022
10:00am-2:45pm
Santa Train
at Southern Michigan Railroad (Tecumseh Station), Tecumseh Michigan
💙🎟
11/27/2022
10:00am-2:45pm
Santa Train
at Southern Michigan Railroad (Tecumseh Station), Tecumseh Michigan
💙🎟
12/03/2022
10:00am-2:45pm
Santa Train
at Southern Michigan Railroad (Tecumseh Station), Tecumseh Michigan
💙🎟
12/04/2022
10:00am-2:45pm
Santa Train
at Southern Michigan Railroad (Tecumseh Station), Tecumseh Michigan
💙🎟
12/10/2022
10:00am-2:45pm
Santa Train
at Southern Michigan Railroad (Tecumseh Station), Tecumseh Michigan
💙🎟
12/11/2022
10:00am-2:45pm
Santa Train
at Southern Michigan Railroad (Tecumseh Station), Tecumseh Michigan

North Pole Express

The North Pole Express is a bit further from Ann Arbor in Owosso. They typically run the Pere Marquette 1225 (PM 1225). The blueprints for this train were used to make the train in the Polar Express Book & Movie. Due to the rebuilding of the wheels and running gears, this engine will not be used this year. The train runs November Saturdays and Sundays November 19-December 19 plus Friday, November 25. The train runs at both 10a and 5p except Friday November 25 when there is only a 5p train. The trip includes a 2 hour party at the Christmas Village where you will meet Santa. Unfortunately, there are only single seats available for this year.



Ann Arbor Santa Sets

Briarwood Mall Santa

Santa is arriving at Briarwood Mall much later than pre-pandemic. He will not be at the mall until November 23 – the day before Thanksgiving. He will be available daily through December 24. Reservations are suggested.

Arbor Annie visits Santa at Briarwood Mall
2015 Briarwood Mall Santa

Briarwood Mall traditionally hosts Caring Santa on a Sunday morning for children with sensory sensitivities. They also host a pet photos night on a Sunday evening.

Date/TimeEvent
💙🆓🎟
12/04/2022
9:00am-10:30am
Caring Santa
at Briarwood Mall, Ann Arbor Michigan


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Cabela’s Dundee Santa

Santa arrived in a parade on November 5. Then Santa will greet guests indoors at Cabela’s from November 6-December 24. Reservations are recommended and open 7 days in advance.

Attendees will get a free 4×6 photo. Additional photo packages are available for purchase.

Three Cedars Farm

Visit Santa and Mrs Claus at Three Cedars Farm’s Country Christmas. Santa is available 11a-2p and 4-7p on Fridays and Saturdays and noon-4p on Sundays. They also have trees, wreaths, and roping available. Don’t miss out on their donuts, cider, and hot chocolate.

Kerrytown Santa

Santa Joe was the Kerrytown Santa for years. However, Kerrytown has not brought back their Santa experience since December 2019. Santa Joe can be found on Facebook as the merry Town Santa Claus. In a comment, he stated that he will not be at Kerrytown Market as in the past. But does have a day that he will be at Found in Kerrytown and we’ve found a few other appearances he will be making that are listed below

Date/TimeEvent
💙🆓
11/26/2022
11:00am-6:00pm
South Lyon Kiwanis Club Tree Sale & Pictures with Santa
at McHattie Park, South Lyon Michigan
💙🆓
12/03/2022
10:00am-2:00pm
Faithview Village Christmas
at Faithview Christmas, Saline Michigan
💙🆓🎟
12/07/2022
1:00pm-4:00pm
Santa at Found
at Kerrytown Market & Shops, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙
12/09/2022
5:00pm-7:00pm
Merry Town Santa at Mancino's
at Mancino’s Pizza & Grinders – Saline, Saline Michigan
💙
12/16/2022
6:30pm-8:30pm
Merry Town Santa at Tippin's Market
at Tippins Market, Ann Arbor Michigan

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All Santa Events

The list below will be updated as new events are announced.

Saturday, November 5, 2022

Date/TimeEvent
💙🆓
11/05/2022
5:00pm-7:00pm
Santa Arrives at Cabela's
at Cabela’s, Dundee Michigan

Saturday, November 12, 2022

Date/TimeEvent
💙🆓
11/12/2022
10:00am-4:00pm
Fishville Farms Craft & Vendor Show
at Chelsea Fairgrounds, Chelsea Michigan

Sunday, November 13, 2022

Date/TimeEvent
💙🆓
11/13/2022
12:00pm-4:00pm
Santa & His Reindeer
at KBK Garden Center, Saline Michigan

Sunday, November 20, 2022

Date/TimeEvent
💙
11/20/2022
10:00am-4:00pm
Frosted Flea: The Vintage Market
at Washtenaw Farm Council Fairgrounds, Ann Arbor Michigan

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Friday, November 25, 2022

Date/TimeEvent
💙🎟
11/25/2022
10:00am-2:45pm
Santa Train
at Southern Michigan Railroad (Tecumseh Station), Tecumseh Michigan
💙🆓🎟
11/25/2022
6:00pm-8:00pm
Walk Thru Lights at Hamlett Lavender Farm with Santa & Friends
at Hamlett Lavender Farm, Pinckney Michigan

Saturday, November 26, 2022

Date/TimeEvent
💙🎟
11/26/2022
10:00am-2:45pm
Santa Train
at Southern Michigan Railroad (Tecumseh Station), Tecumseh Michigan
💙🆓
11/26/2022
11:00am-6:00pm
South Lyon Kiwanis Club Tree Sale & Pictures with Santa
at McHattie Park, South Lyon Michigan

Sunday, November 27, 2022

Date/TimeEvent
💙🎟
11/27/2022
10:00am-5:00pm
Private Santa Sessions
at Carousel Acres, South Lyon Michigan
💙🎟
11/27/2022
10:00am-2:45pm
Santa Train
at Southern Michigan Railroad (Tecumseh Station), Tecumseh Michigan
💙🆓
11/27/2022
5:30pm
Depot Town Tree Lighting
at Depot Town, Ypsilanti Michigan

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

Date/TimeEvent
💙
11/29/2022
1:00pm-6:00pm
Visit Santa for Pictures
at Charles Reinhart North Office, Ann Arbor Michigan

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Friday, December 2, 2022

Date/TimeEvent
💙🆓
12/02/2022
5:00pm-6:30pm
Chelsea Tree Lighting
at Pierce Park, Chelsea Michigan
💙🆓
12/02/2022
5:00pm-11:59pm
Midnight Madness
at Main Street Area, Ann Arbor MI
💙🎟
12/02/2022
5:30pm-8:30pm
Christmas Shopping Party - Jump-A-Rama
at Ypsilanti Township Community Center, Ypsilanti Michigan
💙🆓
12/02/2022
5:30pm-7:00pm
Downtown Ypsilanti Tree Lighting
at Ypsilanti District Library – Michigan Ave Branch, Ypsilanti Michigan
💙🆓🎟
12/02/2022
6:00pm-8:00pm
Walk Thru Lights at Hamlett Lavender Farm with Santa & Friends
at Hamlett Lavender Farm, Pinckney Michigan
💙🆓
12/02/2022
6:30pm
Manchester Christmas Parade
at Downtown Manchester, Manchester Michigan
💙🆓
12/02/2022
7:00pm
Tecumseh Christmas Parade
at Downtown Tecumseh, Tecumseh Michigan

Saturday, December 3, 2022

Date/TimeEvent
💙
12/03/2022
9:00am-3:00pm
Christmas at the Mansion - Gingerbread & Santa
at Gordon Hall, Dexter Michigan
💙🆓
12/03/2022
10:00am-2:00pm
Faithview Village Christmas
at Faithview Christmas, Saline Michigan
💙🎟
12/03/2022
10:00am-2:45pm
Santa Train
at Southern Michigan Railroad (Tecumseh Station), Tecumseh Michigan
💙🎟
12/03/2022
11:00am-2:00pm
Cookies with Santa
at Homestead Kitchen, Westland Michigan
💙
12/03/2022
11:00am-4:00pm
Visit with the Grinch, Santa and Mrs. Claus
at Stone Chalet Events, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓
12/03/2022
2:00pm-5:00pm
Robin Hills Holiday Party
at Robin Hills Farm, Chelsea Michigan
💙🆓
12/03/2022
6:00pm-7:00pm
Milan Christmas Parade
at Downtown Milan, Milan Michigan
💙🆓
12/03/2022
6:00pm-7:00pm
Superior Township Christmas Tree Lighting
at Old Township Hall, Ypsilanti Michigan

Sunday, December 4, 2022

Date/TimeEvent
💙🆓🎟
12/04/2022
9:00am-10:30am
Caring Santa
at Briarwood Mall, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🎟
12/04/2022
10:00am-2:45pm
Santa Train
at Southern Michigan Railroad (Tecumseh Station), Tecumseh Michigan
💙🎟
12/04/2022
12:00pm-3:00pm
Photos with Santa
at Mitten’s Pets, Ypsilanti Michigan

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Date/TimeEvent
💙🆓🎟
12/07/2022
1:00pm-4:00pm
Santa at Found
at Kerrytown Market & Shops, Ann Arbor Michigan


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Friday, December 9, 2022

Date/TimeEvent
💙
12/09/2022
5:00pm-7:00pm
Merry Town Santa at Mancino's
at Mancino’s Pizza & Grinders – Saline, Saline Michigan
💙🆓🎟
12/09/2022
6:00pm-8:00pm
Walk Thru Lights at Hamlett Lavender Farm with Santa & Friends
at Hamlett Lavender Farm, Pinckney Michigan

Saturday, December 10, 2022

Date/TimeEvent
💙🆓
12/10/2022
10:00am-12:00pm
Donuts & Selfies with Santa
at Smokehouse 52 BBQ Chelsea, Chelsea Michigan
💙🆓
12/10/2022
10:00am-4:00pm
Fishville Farms Craft & Vendor Show
at Chelsea Fairgrounds, Chelsea Michigan
💙🎟
12/10/2022
10:00am-1:00pm
Santa at My Urban Toddler
at My Urban Toddler Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🎟
12/10/2022
10:00am-2:45pm
Santa Train
at Southern Michigan Railroad (Tecumseh Station), Tecumseh Michigan
💙🆓
12/10/2022
11:00am-1:00pm
Santa Pictures
at Northfield Township Area Library, Whitmore Lake Michigan
💙🆓
12/10/2022
4:00pm-6:00pm
Dixboro Christmas
at Dixboro Farmers Market, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙
12/10/2022
4:00pm-7:00pm
Santa's Visiting the Distillery
at Ugly Dog Distillery, Chelsea Michigan

Sunday, December 11, 2022

Date/TimeEvent
💙🎟
12/11/2022
10:00am-5:00pm
Private Santa Sessions
at Carousel Acres, South Lyon Michigan
💙🎟
12/11/2022
10:00am-2:45pm
Santa Train
at Southern Michigan Railroad (Tecumseh Station), Tecumseh Michigan
💙🆓🎟
12/11/2022
6:00pm-8:00pm
Santa Pet Night
at Briarwood Mall, Ann Arbor Michigan

Monday, December 12, 2022

Date/TimeEvent
💙🆓
12/12/2022
3:00pm-5:00pm
Santa Pictures
at Northfield Township Area Library, Whitmore Lake Michigan
💙🆓
12/12/2022
5:00pm-7:00pm
Free Pictures with Santa
at Gene Butman Ford, Ypsilanti Michigan

Tuesday, December 13, 2022

Date/TimeEvent
💙🎟
12/13/2022
11:00am-1:00pm
Brunch with Santa
at Goldfish Swim School, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓
12/13/2022
5:00pm-7:00pm
Santa Pictures
at Northfield Township Area Library, Whitmore Lake Michigan

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Friday, December 16, 2022

Date/TimeEvent
💙🆓🎟
12/16/2022
3:30pm-5:30pm
Holiday Crafts & Caroling
at Art Learning Center & Gallery, Pinckney Michigan
💙🆓
12/16/2022
6:00pm-7:30pm
Light Up Dexter
at Monument Park, Dexter Michigan
💙🆓🎟
12/16/2022
6:00pm-8:00pm
Walk Thru Lights at Hamlett Lavender Farm with Santa & Friends
at Hamlett Lavender Farm, Pinckney Michigan
💙🎟
12/16/2022
6:30pm-8:30pm
Almost Solstice Night Hike and CampFire
at Independence Lake, Whitmore Lake Michigan
💙
12/16/2022
6:30pm-8:30pm
Merry Town Santa at Tippin's Market
at Tippins Market, Ann Arbor Michigan

Saturday, December 17, 2022

Date/TimeEvent
💙
12/17/2022
11:00am-3:00pm
Santa at the Stables
at Hell Creek Equestrian (formerly Heavenly Horse Stables), Pinckney Michigan
💙🎟
12/17/2022
12:00pm-5:30pm
Private Santa Sessions
at Carousel Acres, South Lyon Michigan
💙🎟
12/17/2022
1:00pm-3:30pm
Santa's Candy Cane Trail
at Hudson Mills Metropark, Dexter Michigan

Sunday, December 18, 2022

Date/TimeEvent
💙🎟
12/18/2022
10:00am-5:30pm
Private Santa Sessions
at Carousel Acres, South Lyon Michigan
💙🎟
12/18/2022
4:00pm
Santa at the Pub
at Connor O’Neills, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🎟
12/18/2022
4:00pm-5:30pm
Sensory Friendly Reindeer Games Holiday Party
at Xtreme Fun Party & Play Center, Ann Arbor Michigan

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Friday, December 23, 2022

Date/TimeEvent
💙
12/23/2022
6:00pm-8:00pm
Visit Santa at BIG
at BIG: Best in Games, Ypsilanti Michigan
💙🆓🎟
12/23/2022
6:00pm-8:00pm
Walk Thru Lights at Hamlett Lavender Farm with Santa & Friends
at Hamlett Lavender Farm, Pinckney Michigan

Saturday, December 24, 2022

Date/TimeEvent
💙
12/24/2022
12:00pm-2:00pm
Visit Santa at BIG
at BIG: Best in Games, Ypsilanti Michigan
💙🆓
12/24/2022
4:00pm-7:00pm
Santa on the Huron - CANCELED
at Argo Nature Area, Ann Arbor MI

Events We Are Watching For

Many events are repeated year after year and we updated our list when we see updates. With covid cancellations in 2020, we are looking back two years. (We have already updated any 2020 events and there were no events left to watch)

2021 Events

Date/TimeEvent
💙🆓
11/28/2021
5:00pm-7:00pm
Palio Tree Lighting Ceremony
at Palio, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🎟
11/30/2021
12:00pm-5:00pm
Photo with Santa
at Waterloo Farm Museum, Grass Lake Michigan
💙🎟
12/01/2021
12:00pm-5:00pm
Photo with Santa
at Waterloo Farm Museum, Grass Lake Michigan
💙🆓🎟🖥
12/02/2021
5:15pm-8:00pm
Zoom with Santa
Virtual Event - Enjoy at Home
💙
12/04/2021
11:00am-3:00pm
Santa Paws
at Huron Pet Supply, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🎟
12/04/2021
1:00pm-3:45pm
Santa's Candy Cane Trail
at Kensington Metropark Nature Center, Milford Michigan
💙
12/05/2021
11:00am-3:00pm
Santa Paws
at Huron Pet Supply, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓🎟
12/07/2021
4:00pm-6:45pm
Santa at the Shop!
at McPherson Local, Saline Michigan
💙🎟
12/07/2021
4:30pm-7:45pm
Jingle Fest with Santa
at Saline Rec Center, Saline MI
💙🆓🎟
12/08/2021
4:00pm-6:45pm
Santa at the Shop!
at McPherson Local, Saline Michigan
💙🆓🎟
12/09/2021
4:00pm-6:45pm
Santa at the Shop!
at McPherson Local, Saline Michigan
💙
12/11/2021
1:00pm-4:00pm
Christmas at Rentschler Farm
at Rentschler Farm, Saline Michigan
💙🆓🎟
12/11/2021
3:00pm-7:00pm
Night of Christmas Joy
at Peace Lutheran Church, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🎟
12/12/2021
10:00am-3:30pm
Sunday with Santa
at Oakwoods Metropark, New Boston Michigan
💙
12/18/2021
9:00am-11:00am
Breakfast with Santa & Mrs Claus
at Alpha Diner, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🎟
12/19/2021
10:00am-2:00pm
Santa Brunch
at Polo Fields Country Club, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓
12/20/2021
4:30pm-6:00pm
Merry Town Santa
at Saline Area Social Services, Saline Michigan

2019 Events

Date/TimeEvent
💙🆓
11/15/2019
7:00pm-9:00pm
Tree Lighting Ceremony
at Briarwood Mall, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓
11/24/2019
1:00pm-3:00pm
Santa visits Kohl's
at Kohl’s, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓
12/01/2019
5:00pm-7:00pm
Annual Tree Lighting Festival
at Kerrytown Market & Shops, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓🎟
12/04/2019
10:00am-11:00am
Santa Storytime
at Northfield Township Area Library, Whitmore Lake Michigan
💙🆓🎟
12/04/2019
4:00pm-7:00pm
Santa Visits the Library
at Northfield Township Area Library, Whitmore Lake Michigan
12/07/2019
8:30am-12:00pm
Breakfast with Santa
at Fox Hills Golf & Banquet Center, Plymouth Michigan
💙🆓
12/07/2019
10:00am-1:00pm
21st Annual Downtown Home & Garden Christmas Party
at Downtown Home & Garden, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓
12/07/2019
12:00pm-4:30pm
Freighthouse Holiday Festival
at Ypsilanti Freighthouse, Ypsilanti Michigan
💙🆓
12/08/2019
12:00pm-3:00pm
Santa Visits
at Kerrytown Market & Shops, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓
12/08/2019
1:00pm-3:00pm
Santa visits Kohl's
at Kohl’s, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙
12/11/2019
6:00pm-8:00pm
Meet Santa
at Dexter’s Pub, Dexter Michigan
💙🆓
12/14/2019
9:00am-10:30am
Breakfast with Santa: Christmas in Space
at Sidetrack, Ypsilanti Michigan
💙🆓
12/14/2019
9:00am-12:00pm
Pictures with Santa
at 2|42 Community Church, Ann Arbor MI
💙
12/14/2019
9:00am-10:30am
Santa Brunch at the Bank
at Bridgewater Bank Tavern, Saline Michigan
💙
12/14/2019
10:00am-2:00pm
Breakfast with Santa
at Kensington Hotel, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙
12/14/2019
10:00am-12:00pm
LHS Bands Holiday Cookie Walk
at Lincoln High School, Ypsilanti Michigan
💙
12/14/2019
12:00pm-2:00pm
A Visit with Father Christmas
at Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🆓
12/14/2019
2:00pm-4:00pm
Photos with Santa
at The Morning Owl, Milan Michigan
💙🎟
12/14/2019
5:00pm-7:00pm
S'mores and Santa
at Kensington Metropark Farm Center, Milford MI
💙🆓
12/15/2019
12:00pm-3:00pm
Santa Visits
at Kerrytown Market & Shops, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙
12/15/2019
1:00pm-4:00pm
Christmas at Rentschler Farm
at Rentschler Farm, Saline Michigan
💙🆓
12/15/2019
1:00pm-3:00pm
Santa visits Kohl's
at Kohl’s, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙
12/17/2019
5:00pm-7:00pm
Santa is Coming to Salt Springs
at Salt Springs Brewery, Saline Michigan
💙
12/18/2019
6:00pm-8:00pm
Santa is Coming to Aubree's!
at Aubree’s Dexter, Dexter Michigan
💙🆓
12/21/2019
10:00am-2:00pm
Santa Visits Yankee Air Museum
at Yankee Air Museum, Belleville Michigan
💙🆓
12/21/2019
11:00am-2:00pm
Santa Clay
at Ypsilanti Food Co-Op, Ypsilanti Michigan
💙
12/21/2019
12:00pm-2:00pm
Santa is Coming to Salt Springs
at Salt Springs Brewery, Saline Michigan
💙🎟
12/22/2019
12:00pm-4:00pm
Family Bowl with Santa
at Station 300, Saline Michigan
💙🆓
12/22/2019
12:00pm-3:00pm
Santa Visits
at Kerrytown Market & Shops, Ann Arbor Michigan
💙🎟
12/22/2019
12:30pm-1:30pm
Winter Wonderland
at Gym America, Ann Arbor Michigan

Ann Arbor Christmas

For more Ann Arbor Christmas fun, be sure to check out our Christmas Guide. It includes Holiday Parades, Holiday Shows, Christmas Tree Farms, and more.

Arbor Annie's Giant Guide to Christmas in Ann Arbor - kids holding presents & in santa hats plus Ann Arbor with Kids logo

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