Children's Holiday Fun This Weekend

With just over two weeks until the big night, kids all over Metro Detroit still have lists they need to go over with the man in red. Some Detroit events are special, and worth a trip into the city, but there’s also something sweet about staying a little more local.

There are also a wide array of Christmas lights, holiday programs and beautiful wintry sites to enjoy now that the weather really feels like December. Here are a few great options for you and your little ones this weekend.

In Detroit...

Free Santa Photo Op at Eastern Market, Sat, Dec 9, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

The 3rd annual Black Santa Photo Experience takes place at Eastern Market this Saturday. Not only is this a great opportunity for parents and kiddos alike. This free event, presented by BLAC Detroit and Metro Parent is aimed at “celebrating diversity and making spirits bright for metro Detroit kids.” Parents are encouraged to take as many pictures of the magic moment as their cell phones can hold. And Eastern Market is still a-go this time of year - you can check out the hot chocolate at Germack, or pick up farm fresh meat, eggs and other holiday feast necessities. Event location: Eastern Market, Shed 5, 2934 Russell Street, Detroit.

Campus Martius Santa (and rink skating)

Friday, December 8, 2017 from 4p.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 9, 2017 from noon - 7 p.m.
Sunday, December 10, 2017 from noon - 7 p.m.

Santa, pictured above, is going downtown this year, for visits at photos in the toasty-warm atrium at One Campus Martius near the park’s wintertime Ice Skating Rink. Take the little ones skating and then inside for a quick confab with St Nick. Parents are welcome to take pictures themselves, and there’s also a photographer there for those who prefer purchasing professional set of images. The visits are free. If you go the skating/Santa route, tickets are $8 (adult) and $7 for kids 12 and under and seniors 65 and older. Skates are $4 to rent.

Cadillac Square Holiday Carriage Rides

Thursdays 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Fridays & Saturdays 6 p.m. - Midnight

Now through the Dec 30, Cadillac Square is featuring horse-drawn carriage rides. There may be a more delightful way to see the glittering lights downtown, but if there is, we haven’t heard of it. For $40, you can nab a private ride ($10 per person otherwise). There are no advance reservations.

Closer to home in Grosse Pointe…

Santa Claus in the Village

Grosse Pointe Park offers kids a very convenient option when it comes to spending a little quality time with Santa. Saturdays, from 9 a.m. - noon, at 16845 Kercheval Ave, kids can talk to their annual benefactor and parents are welcome to take all the pictures and video they like. Santa doesn’t ask for anything other than a warm thank you. His Grosse Pointe digs are conveniently right nextdoor to Sanders, where they have every candy imaginable, so your little one could eat a chocolate Santa while asking live Santa for more chocolate Santas.

Grosse Pointe Woods Polar Express Tour

Dec 8 and 9,and again next weekend, Grosse Pointe Woods residents and their guests can enjoy the town’s version of the Polar Express. For $5, guests enjoy listening to a reading of the storybook, The Polar Express, while the train takes them through the Pointes to gaze and all the beautiful holiday lights and decorations. Kids can wear Pjs to recreate the story, and at the end of the ride, there are carols, cocoa and other treats awaiting at the North Pole (the community center banquet room). The trains leave on the half hour from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Reservations are required, and must be made by a Grosse Pointe Woods resident. For more information, including registration details, check out the event flier online. The departure point is the community center at City Hall, 20025 Mack Plaza Dr. Call 313-343-2408 or email parks@gpwmi.us for more info.