The lights are twinkling, the cocoa’s warm, and Santa’s getting ready to make his rounds across Southeast Michigan! If you’ve got little ones at home (or you’re just young at heart), there are plenty of places to where to see Santa in red this season.
Santa’s 2025 Southeast Michigan Schedule
We’ve rounded up confirmed 2025 Santa appearances across southeast Michigan.
Great Lakes Crossing Outlets – Auburn Hills
November 14 – December 24, 2025
Great Lakes Crossing Outlets turns its District 7 concourse into a full holiday adventure with Santa’s Flight Academy, one of the largest and most immersive Santa experiences in Southeast Michigan. Kids receive a personalized Cadet Badge and work through interactive stations where they “power Santa’s sleigh,” try on a virtual elf suit, and help complete a holiday flight mission.
The experience ends with a magical moment inside Santa’s 22-foot sleigh, complete with falling snow and a chance to meet Santa himself. Families can choose from a variety of photo packages. Furthermore, reservations are strongly recommended for the smoothest experience.
- Black Santa dates: November 20–21 and December 13–14.
- Sensory-Friendly Santa: December 7 from 9:00–10:30 AM (appointment required).
- Pet Photos – “Paws & Claus”: November 16 & 23, early morning sessions.
- Location: District 7 near AMC Theatres inside Great Lakes Crossing Outlets.
With more than 185 stores, dining options, and entertainment under one roof, this Santa stop easily becomes a full family outing. It continues to be one of Southeast Michigan’s top holiday destinations for photos, memories, and festive fun.
View full event details at Great Lakes Crossing →
Twelve Oaks Mall – Novi
November 7 – December 24, 2025
Twelve Oaks Mall once again brings the magic with its immersive Santa’s Flight Academy; a fully themed holiday experience located in Center Court. Families can step into a festive North Pole flight hangar where kids receive a special “flight badge,” interact with holiday displays, and prepare for their big mission: meeting Santa himself. Reservations are encouraged, but walk-up visits are welcome throughout the season.
- Immersive Experience: Kids begin their visit by “checking in” and receiving a personalized boarding-style badge as part of the Flight Academy storyline.
- Daily Hours: Typically open from 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (hours may vary by date).
- Sensory-Friendly Santa: Quiet, low-stimulation sessions designed for families needing a calmer environment.
- Pet Photo Days: Bring your furry friends for special “Paws & Claus” photo sessions with Santa.
- Photo Packages: Professional photo sets available, generally ranging from $40–$50 with printed and digital options.
With sparkling décor, interactive elements, and plenty of surrounding dining and shopping options, Twelve Oaks makes Santa visits feel like a full family outing. The Flight Academy theme adds an extra layer of holiday magic that kids absolutely love.
View full event details at Twelve Oaks Mall →
Somerset Collection – Troy
November 17 – December 23, 2025
The Somerset Collection delivers one of the most elegant Santa experiences in Southeast Michigan. Located in the North Grand Court, Santa welcomes families inside a beautifully decorated holiday set designed for picture-perfect moments. With extended hours throughout the week, it’s easy to fit a visit into even the busiest holiday schedules.
- Daily Hours: Monday–Saturday from 10:00 AM – 7:55 PM, and Sundays from 12:00 PM – 5:55 PM.
- Reservations Recommended: Booking ahead helps minimize wait times and ensures a seamless experience.
- Professional Photo Options: A polished, high-quality photo setup ideal for holiday cards and keepsake family portraits.
- Full Outing Potential: With upscale shopping and dining surrounding the Santa set, families can turn their visit into a festive day out.
Whether you’re creating your annual holiday card or just enjoying a classic seasonal tradition, Somerset’s Santa experience remains one of the most photographed—and most memorable—stops in Michigan.
View full event details at The Somerset Collection →
Downtown Detroit – 1001 Winter Wonders
November 13 – December 24, 2025
Located at 1001 Woodward Avenue, 1001 Winter Wonders is a free, indoor holiday experience that brings the magic of the season right into the heart of downtown Detroit. Families can enjoy sparkling décor, cozy photo spots, interactive displays, and festive entertainment during select hours each week.
- Regular Hours: Thursday–Friday from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Saturday from 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM, and Sunday from 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
- Special Holiday Hours: December 22–23 from 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM, and December 24 from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
- Sensory-Friendly Santa: A dedicated low-stimulation session on December 12 from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM, designed for families who prefer a quieter, calmer environment.
- Santa Letters & Photo Moments: Kids can write letters to Santa, explore interactive photo backdrops, and enjoy a festive indoor wonderland protected from the winter weather.
- Plan Ahead: The entry line begins outdoors, so dress warmly for the wait before entering the indoor experience.
With lights, music, cocoa, and downtown Detroit’s holiday charm just steps away, 1001 Winter Wonders is a perfect way for families to celebrate the season—and one of the most memorable Santa stops in Southeast Michigan.
View full event details at 1001 Winter Wonders →
Dearborn – Wanderlights Kickoff
November 20, 2025 • 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Dearborn’s holiday season officially begins with the Wanderlights Kickoff at PEACE Park West (22271 W Village Dr.). This free community celebration combines a classic tree lighting with a modern winter light experience, turning the park into a glowing, walkable wonderland for families.
- Opening Night Fun: Live entertainment, hot cocoa, glitter tattoos, LED performers, and photos with Santa during the kickoff event.
- Immersive Light Art: Wander through large-scale light installations created by international artists—perfect for family photos and evening strolls.
- Long Run Time: The Wanderlights experience continues nightly from November 20, 2025 through February 20, 2026, giving families plenty of chances to visit.
- Free & Family-Friendly: Open to the public with no admission fee, making it an easy add to your holiday outing list.
With lights, music, warm drinks, and Santa all in one place, Wander lights feels like stepping into a holiday movie, right in the heart of Dearborn.
View full event details for Dearborn Wander lights →
Rochester – Meadow Brook Hall “Santa Saturdays”
November 29, December 6, 13 & 20, 2025
Experience one of Michigan’s most breathtaking holiday traditions at Meadow Brook Hall, the historic 110-room mansion on Oakland University’s campus. During the daytime Holiday Walk, families can tour elaborately decorated rooms filled with twinkling lights, stunning themed trees, and classic holiday displays.
- Santa Saturdays: Meet Santa during select Saturdays of the Holiday Walk in a beautifully decorated indoor setting—perfect for capturing timeless holiday photos.
- Lavish Holiday Décor: The mansion features more than 50 Christmas trees, handcrafted displays, and historic rooms transformed for the season.
- Advance Tickets Required: All visits must be booked in advance with assigned time slots to ensure a smooth experience.
- Full-Day Outing Potential: Pair your Santa visit with the estate’s evening outdoor light experience for a complete holiday adventure.
With its spectacular décor, grand architecture, and warm holiday atmosphere, Meadow Brook Hall offers one of the most magical Santa experiences in Southeast Michigan.
View full event details at Meadow Brook Hall →
Make the Season Bright With PDCU’s Holiday Cash Loan
Between photos, gifts, travel, and festive outings, the holiday season can add up fast. If you could use a little extra cheer in your budget this year, our 2025 Holiday Loan is here to help. Whether it’s upgrading your family photo outfits or budgeting for Santa visits across Southeast Michigan, we’ve got your back.
Happy Holidays From Your Friends at PDCU
No matter where you catch Santa this year, Troy, Auburn Hills, Detroit, or beyond, we hope your season is filled with joy, wonder, and plenty of family memories. As always, People Driven Credit Union is proud to support our Michigan communities. We cherish the traditions that bring us all together.
