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 Macomb Township…

Santa’s Jingle Bell Brunch

Saturday, Dec 9, Santa’s coming for brunch - er, continental breakfast, at the Marvin Blank Senior Center. Old Saint Nick will sing songs and tell tales before taking time for visits with each little boy and girl. Santa comes prepared to delight, with a special holiday present for each child. Tickets are $6 for Township residents and $11 for non-residents, and that continental breakfast includes a nice assortment of pastries, fruit and juice. Frosty the Snowman and Freckle the Frog are totally coming, too. For the early birds, there’s a 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. option, while later risers can join Santa from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. To register, visit the event website.

Santa and Elvin Visit
Sunday, Dec 10, from noon til 4:00 p.m., kids can meet up with Santa and Elvin the Elf at Ray Wiegand's Nursery, 47747 Romeo Plank Road, Macomb. Kids are welcome to enjoy their time with Santa free, photos will be available for $10 each. For more information, visit Ray Wigand’s Nursery online.