It’s time to don your children in their dress attire and get those adorable photos with Santa. Here are some locations we have been told Santa and his elves will be visiting this year. We hope you and your family have a most magical Christmas season.
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Photos with Santa in Macomb County
Looking to capture some holiday magic with Santa in Macomb County? From festive mall setups to rustic farm backdrops, there are plenty of wonderful places to take photos with Santa this season. Whether you’re after a classic indoor experience or an outdoor holiday adventure, here are some top spots in Macomb County to make unforgettable memories with the jolly man in red!
CHESTERFIELD TOWNSHIP
Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops
- Dates: November 8 until December 24, 2026
- Address: 45959 Town Center BLVD Chesterfield Township
- Description: Every child receives a FREE 4×6 photo with Santa, plus a free shareable video. Reservations are free and recommended, but not required — walk-ins are always welcome on a first-come, first-served basis. Popular times fill up quickly, so booking ahead is a good idea.
FREE PHOTOS WITH SANTA NEAR CLINTON TOWNSHIP
Photos with Santa at English Gardens
- Date: November 8, November 28 and December 5 (Pet Day), 2026
- Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Nov 8; 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on the other dates
- Location: Clinton Township – 44855 Hayes Rd., Clinton Twp., MI 48038
- Description: Santa is here! Visit the Christmas wonderlands at English Gardens and get your free annual photo with Santa. This is a FREE event, making it the perfect outing for families looking to enjoy some festive cheer without breaking the bank.
Bring your camera to capture this festive memory—don’t miss out on this jolly tradition! Whether you’re starting a new holiday tradition or continuing an old one, this is a great opportunity to embrace the spirit of the season in Metro Detroit.
Remember, the magic of Christmas is just a photo away!
CLINTON TOWNSHIP
The Mall at Partridge Creek
- Dates: November 12 until December 24, 2026
- Address: 17420 Hall Rd., Clinton Twp., MI 48038
- Phone: (586) 416-3839
- Description: Guests are invited to capture memories of a lifetime with professional-quality photos with Santa. Advance reservations and appointments to visit Santa are strongly encouraged.
Grosse Pointe Shores
Ford House
- Dates & Times: November 27 – December 27, 2026, 5:30–8:00 PM (11 select evenings; Santa through December 20)
- Location: 1100 Lake Shore Rd, Grosse Pointe Shores, MI 48236
- Price Range: $24 per adult / $12 per child for Home for the Holidays (members $18 / $10)
- Description: Step back in time and explore the historic Ford House decorated in all its holiday splendor during Home for the Holidays — festive lights, beautifully adorned rooms, and cozy fireplaces. Ford House also offers a separate ticketed Photos with Santa experience (Nov 29, Dec 2, 6, 9, 13 and 16, 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m.), a private timed visit with Santa. Advance reservations are required and it sells out each season. Photos with Santa tickets are $35 per child ($25 for members).
ROSEVILLE
Macomb Mall
- Dates: Nov 27th – December 24th, 2026 (hours vary by date — see the booking site)
- Description: Visit Santa at his magical chalet in Macomb Mall for a special holiday experience. South Court next to Diamond Gallery. Reservations are strongly encouraged; walk-up visits available as space allows.
Photos with Santa in Oakland County
Discover the best places in Oakland County for magical photos with Santa this holiday season! From cozy indoor setups at local malls to festive events at farms and outdoor spaces, Oakland County offers a variety of Santa photo opportunities for families, kids, and even pets. With plenty of holiday-themed backdrops, you can find the perfect spot to capture joyful moments and create lasting memories with Santa. Check out our top recommendations to make your holiday season extra special!
AUBURN HILLS
Photos With Santa at Great Lakes Crossing
- Dates: November 14 until December 24, 2026
- Address: 4000 Baldwin Rd., Auburn Hills, MI 48326
- Phone: (248) 454-5000
- Description: The Santa Photo Experience brings Santa to District 7 for keepsake photos. Visits are free, and photo packages are available for purchase. Reservations are encouraged, and walk-ups are welcome.
AUBURN HILLS
Magic of Christmas with Santa at Bass Pro Shops
- Dates: November 8 until December 24, 2026
- Address: 4500 Baldwin Rd., Auburn Hills, MI 48326
- Phone: (248) 209-4200
- Description: Every child receives a FREE 4×6 photo with Santa, plus a free shareable video. Reservations are free and recommended, but not required — walk-ins are always welcome on a first-come, first-served basis. Popular times fill up quickly, so booking ahead is a good idea.
BIRMINGHAM
FREE Santa House in Shain Park
- Location: Shain Park, Downtown Birmingham
- Dates: November 28 until December 24, 2026 (select dates — full schedule at the link below)
- Description: Enjoy a visit with Santa at his quaint home in Shain Park this holiday season. While you’re here, hop aboard a horse-drawn carriage for a short tour of the beautifully decorated park. Santa House visits and carriage rides are free, thanks to the support of Shain Park Realtors.
- Registration: Mostly first-come, first-served. Appointments are required only for the 10 a.m.–1 p.m. window on Nov 29, Dec 12, 13, 19 and 20.
LIVONIA
Laurel Park Place
- Dates: November 13 until December 24, 2026
- Description: Meet Santa at Santa’s Workshop. Photo packages start at $42. Reservations are highly recommended; walk-ins are accepted as space allows.
NOVI
Twelve Oaks Mall Santa Photo Experience
- Dates: November 7 – December 24, 2026
- Description: Santa is set up in the North Court for the Santa Photo Experience. Visits are free, and photo packages are available for purchase. Reservations are recommended; walk-ups are welcome.
FREE PHOTOS WITH SANTA NEAR ROCHESTER HILLS
The Village Of Rochester Hills
- Dates: November 20 until December 24, 2026 (select dates — full schedule at the link below). Special Needs Santa on Nov 21 and Pet Day on Nov 22.
- Address: 104 N. Adams Rd., Rochester Hills, MI 48309
- Phone: (248) 375-9451
- Description: Free visit with Santa; bring your camera for photos. Photography packages are not available, so make sure to have your own camera ready to capture those special moments. This way, you can take as many pictures as you like and create lasting memories of your visit. Whether you’re using a smartphone or a professional camera, you’ll have the chance to snap candid shots and posed portraits alike.
- Reservations: No reservations required. Enjoy the magic of meeting Santa without the hassle of booking in advance.
ROCHESTER HILLS
a Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Van Hoosen Farm
- Date: December 5th, 2026
- Time: 9 am until 4 pm
- Address: 1005 Van Hoosen Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48306
- Description: Santa and Mrs. Claus are making a special visit to the Museum this holiday season, creating a magical experience for the children of the community. Families can enjoy a festive farm wagon ride to the 1840s Farmhouse, where Santa will be waiting by the cozy fireplace. Guests can also savor a tasty treat in the farmhouse kitchen. Don’t forget to bring your Christmas list and a camera to capture a memorable photo with Santa! Tickets are $7 for museum members and $10 for non-members, and advance registration is required — register at rochesterhills.org/musprograms or call 248-656-4663.
FREE PHOTOS WITH SANTA NEAR ROYAL OAK
Photos with Santa at English Gardens
- Date: November 8 and November 28, 2026
- Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Nov 8; 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on the other dates
- Location: Royal Oak – 4901 Coolidge Hwy, Royal Oak, MI 48073
- Description:Santa is here! Visit the Christmas wonderlands at English Gardens and get your free annual photo with Santa. This is a FREE event, making it the perfect outing for families looking to enjoy some festive cheer without breaking the bank.
Bring your camera to capture this festive memory—don’t miss out on this jolly tradition! Whether you’re starting a new holiday tradition or continuing an old one, this is a great opportunity to embrace the spirit of the season in Metro Detroit.
Remember, the magic of Christmas is just a photo away!
TROY
Visit Santa at Somerset Collection
- Dates: 2026 schedule not yet announced — see the Somerset Santa page for dates and booking
- Time: In past years, Santa has run from mid-November through December 23.
- Address: 2800 West Big Beaver Road, Troy, MI 48084
- Description: Capture your special Santa moment with a photo at Somerset. The mall had not yet posted its 2026 Santa schedule when this guide was updated — check the link for the announcement. Reservations sell out quickly once booking opens.
FREE PHOTO WITH SANTA NEAR WEST BLOOMFIELD
Photos with Santa at English Gardens
- Date: November 8, November 28 and December 5 (Pet Day), 2026
- Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Nov 8; 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on the other dates
- Location: West Bloomfield – 6370 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield, MI 48322
- Description: Santa is here! Visit the Christmas wonderlands at English Gardens and get your free annual photo with Santa. Bring your camera to capture this festive memory—don’t miss out on this jolly tradition!
WHITE LAKE
Santa’s Candy Cane Trail at Indian Springs Metropark
- Date: 2026 date to be announced — see the Metroparks event page
- Time: Registered timeslots between 1:00 and 2:45 p.m.
- Address: 5200 Indian Trail, White Lake, MI 48386
- Phone: 248-625-6640
- Description: Walk a half-mile indoor/outdoor trail at the Environmental Discovery Center, meet winter characters along the way, and spot Santa at the end. Cost is $6 per child and $6 per adult; children under 2 are free.
- Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. the day before — register online or call 248-625-7280. A Metroparks vehicle pass is required for park entry.
PHOTOS WITH SANTA OAKLAND MALL
Photos with Santa at Oakland Mall
- Date: 2026 dates not yet announced
- Location: Oakland Mall, Center Court.
- Description: Oakland Mall had not announced 2026 Santa dates when this guide was updated. In past years, Santa arrived in late November and stayed through Christmas Eve — watch the mall’s website for this year’s announcement.
LAKE ORION
Breakfast with Santa at Canterbury Village
- Dates: Saturday, December 19, 2026 — two seatings: 9:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
- Price: $26.99 per person, plus tax, gratuity and fees.
- Location: Canterbury Castle, King Richard Ballroom, Lake Orion
- Description: A festive breakfast buffet with Santa — French toast, bacon, sausage, eggs, hash browns, fruit and a parfait bar, with coffee, hot cocoa and juice included. Advance reservations are required and seating is limited, so book early.
Photos with Santa in Wayne County
Find the best spots in Wayne County to capture holiday photos with Santa this season! From traditional mall visits to unique settings like The Henry Ford Museum, there are plenty of festive options. Whether you’re looking for a classic North Court Santa setup at Fairlane Town Center in Dearborn, a cozy sleigh scene at Maybury Farm in Northville, or a free photo opportunity at English Gardens in Plymouth, Wayne County has something for everyone. Be sure to check each location’s dates and times to make your holiday photo experience merry and memorable!
DEARBORN
Fairlane Town Center
- Dates: November 27th until December 24, 2026
- Address: 18900 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, MI 48126
- Phone: (800) 992-9500
- Description: Visit Santa for professional photos. Reservations encouraged — the mall announced the November 27 start on its Facebook page.
DEARBORN
The Henry Ford Museum
- Dates: November 27, 28, 29 and December 4, 5, 6, 2026 (members only November 20–22)
- Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 – 4:00 p.m.
- Address: 20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI 48124
- Phone: (313) 982-6001
- Description: Create holiday memories with Santa at The Henry Ford Museum. Enjoy a traditional visit in a unique historic setting, perfect for festive photos and family fun. Santa visits are included with museum admission, and no reservation is needed — join the walk-in line in the Heroes of the Sky exhibit.
NORTHVILLE
Maybury Farm
- Dates: Saturdays and Sundays, December 5, 6, 12, 13, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Address: 50165 Eight Mile Rd., Northville, MI 48167
- Description: Visit Santa in his antique sleigh, enjoy holiday activities, and warm up by the bonfire.
Step into a winter wonderland at Maybury Farm, where families can immerse themselves in the magic of the holiday season. Children can share their wish lists and capture the moment with a photo alongside Santa in a beautifully preserved century-old barn. Santa’s Elf will be on hand to assist in snapping the perfect family photo.
Enjoy festive holiday music and decorations that set the scene for an unforgettable day. Little ones will delight in craft activities and the chance to meet farm animals, while parents can browse for unique gifts at the General Store.
Don’t miss dropping your letter to Santa in the special North Pole Mailbox. Afterward, gather around the bonfire to warm up with a cozy cup of hot chocolate. - Entry Fee: $10 per person
- Note: Reservations are recommended but not required; walk-ups are admitted as space allows.
TAYLOR
Southland Center
- Dates: November 25th until December 24, 2026. Pet photos (Paws & Claus) on Mondays, November 30 – December 14.
- Address: 23000 Eureka Road, Taylor, MI 48180
- Phone: (734) 374-2800
- Description: Capture festive photos with Santa outside Macys at the West Court.
WESTLAND
Westland Shopping Center
- Dates: November 27th until December 24, 2026. Reservations are strongly recommended — book through the mall’s event page.
- Address: 35000 W. Warren Westland, MI 48185
- Phone: (734) 425-5001
Pet Photos with Santa 2026
Pet photos with Santa are a beloved holiday tradition in Metro Detroit, giving families a chance to include their furry friends in the festive fun. Many local pet stores, shelters, and community centers host events where pets can pose with Santa for a holiday keepsake. These events often feature a cozy, pet-friendly setup and may include additional activities like treats for your pets, holiday shopping, or donations to local animal shelters. Whether you have a playful pup or a curious cat, these events are the perfect way to create cherished holiday memories with your pets.
| Location | Address | Date(s) | Time(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Gardens | Clinton Twp: 44855 Hayes Rd; West Bloomfield: 6370 Orchard Lake Rd | Sat, Dec 5, 2026 (Pet Day) | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Bring your own camera for pet photos with Santa. |
| The Village of Rochester Hills | 104 N. Adams Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48309 | Sun, Nov 22, 2026 (Pet Day) | 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. | Free. Bring your own camera. |
| Southland Center | 23000 Eureka Road, Taylor, MI 48180 | Mondays, Nov 30 – Dec 14, 2026 | See mall events page | Paws & Claus pet photos with Santa. |
| Premier Pet Supply | 31215 Five Mile Rd, Livonia, MI 48154 | Sunday, Nov 29, 2026 | 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. | $10 donation for one print, benefits local rescues. |
| Bass Pro Shops | 4500 Baldwin Rd, Auburn Hills; 45959 Town Center Blvd, Chesterfield | Nov 8 – Dec 24, 2026 (Daily) | Varies by day | Free 4×6″ photo. Contact your store to confirm pet-photo days and rules. |
All PetSmart locations are hosting free pet photo events with Santa on select weekends each December — visit petsmart.com for this year’s dates and times.
More Ways to See Santa in 2026
Breakfasts, brunches and farm visits with Santa around Metro Detroit this season:
- Brunch with Santa at Ford House (Grosse Pointe Shores) — Sunday, December 20, 9:00–10:30 a.m. A hot breakfast buffet with Santa in the Lake Shore Room. Advance tickets at fordhouse.org — it sells out.
- Snacks with Santa at Kensington Metropark (Milford) — $12 per person, with a hayride or sleigh ride, a sing-along and snacks at the Farm Center. Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. three days before each program; select dates in late November and December — confirm your date when you register at metroparks.com. A Metroparks vehicle pass is also required.
- Santa Sighting at Cranbrook (Bloomfield Hills) — December 5 and 6, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at Cranbrook House. This one is already sold out for 2026 — join the waitlist at cranbrook.edu.
- Holiday at the Farm at MSU Tollgate Farm (Novi) — Sunday, December 6. Santa, wagon rides and crafts at the farm’s third annual holiday celebration — see the Tollgate Farm page for times and ticket details.