Santa Claus Is Near: Area Places To Meet Up With Saint Nick

While the man in red can't be everywhere, he can be almost everywhere in metro Detroit. From holiday ice carving in Ferndale, to Ol' Saint Nick's "sighting" at Cranbrook, to the special sensory-friendly experience at Twelve Oaks Mall, our area will see that jolly fat man from Grosse Pointe to Utica, Berkley to Bloomfield Hills, and many points north as he makes his way across Michigan through the final stretch of the holiday season.

While the manner of visit varies from snacks with Santa, to seeing him arrive via sleigh just in time for hometown tree lightings, they joy for little ones promises to make any interaction with the beloved bearded bringer of toys something special for the whole family to remember always.

Here's a rundown of some very special area events, all featuring Santa:

Novi: Sensory Santa at Twelve Oaks Mall
Twelve Oaks Mall, 27500 Novi Rd., Novi
Sunday, Nov 26. 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 am
This private event for families with special needs welcomes area families to bring their special-needs children to interact with Santa in a safe, supportive environment. Reservations are required, and are free, and only one is needed per family. Though sponsors don't permit personal photos with Santa himself, although you're welcome to snap pix "within the experience," event package photographs are available and range from $26-$52.
Grosse Pointe: Santa in the Village
The Village, 16845 Kercheval Ave, Grosse Pointe Park (next to Sanders Ice Cream)
Saturdays Nov. 25, Dec. 2, Dec. 9, Dec. 16 and Dec. 23, 9 a.m. - noon.
Four a lovely outdoor experience, bring your child to the Village where they can visit Santa and tell him what they've been really, really good for all year long. The event, sponsored by St. John Hospital, is free. Parents are encouraged to take all the (free) pictures their hearts' desire.
Chelsea: Tree Lighting Ceremony & Santa Arrives
Pierce Park, 851 S Main St, Chelsea
Friday, Dec 1, 6:00 pm
One and all are invited to hear beloved holiday songs performed by members of the Chelsea Choir. While it's almost too much to bear waiting for, the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony follows the performance, and then comes Santa to really let the kids know the holidays are truly, really here. Not only is Jolly Old Saint Nick coming - he's coming in high style on a Chelsea Fire Authority Ladder truck. His arrival will be very close to that 6 pm hour, so come early for the music, and then enjoy the smiles and delighted screams of kids seeing their hero arrive with our own hometown heroes - local firefighters.
Bloomfield Hills: Cranbrook Santa Sighting
Cranbrook House and Gardens, 380 Lone Pine, Road
Saturday, Dec 2, 9 a.m. - noon.
Take in one of the area's great architectural and cultural treasures when Santa Claus visits the Cranbrook Ho Ho House. Kids can ask Santa for their fondest Christmas desires, and parents can show their little ones a panoply of holiday trees in complex's manor home. Tickets are $10 for children and $15 for adults, and you'll need to register for the event before noon on Nov 30 - due to Santa's "busty time of year." Call 248-645-3149 to reserve, or visit the Santa Sighting website to register online.
Dexter: Santa Central
Hudson Mills Metropark, 8801 N Territorial Rd, Dexter
Sunday, Dec 10, 10:00 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
In addition to the excitement only a visit with Santa Claus can offer, this annual event in Dexter features a hay ride and craft-making. Call (734) 426-8211 to pre-register.
Shelby Township's Christmas Aglow
Shelby Township Municipal Grounds, Van Dyke Ave.
Thursday, Dec 7, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Shelby Township: Celebrate & Santa at the Stony Creek Metropark
Stony Creek Metropark, 4300 Main Park Rd, Shelby TownshipSaturday, Dec 9, 11 a.m and 1:00 pm; Sunday, Dec 10, 1:00 pmStony Creek has a full two-hour experience in store for area kiddos, including story time, holiday crafting, live musicians and plenty of yummy holiday treats. Kids can bring their lists, and ask Saint Nick to check them (perhaps even twice). The event is $6 for adults, $3 for children. Call (586) 781-9113 to pre-register.
Shelby Township's Christmas Aglow does Santa's visit the old-school way, with a holiday tree lighting and plenty of hot cocoa and cookies, courtesy of Santa's Snack Shop. This blow-out occasion will also feature horse-drawn wagon rides.
Chesterfield Township Tree Lighting Ceremony
Chesterfield Township Municipal Offices, 47275 Sugarbush Rd.
Friday, Dec 1, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 pm
Chesterfield has a festive time planned, asking area residents to join them for a tree lighting, and for Santa's official welcome to the Township grounds, where officials will present the man in red with the key to the township. Fun activities for the kiddos include craft projects, a coloring contest, and individual time with Santa. The event offers a free shuttle service, to make parking a whole lot more convenience. Park at Green Elementary School (47260 Sugarbush Rd) and let the shuttle get you to see Saint Nick in style.

Photo via Lance Cpl. Samantha Torres.