We all have different views on what makes a great Santa visit! For some it's perfect photos with a professional backdrop. For others, it's a Santa with rosy cheeks and a real beard. Here are our Macaroni Kid awards for the magical, Christmas experiences with the Big Guy in Birmingham, Troy, and Clawson, MI.
Best Intimate Holiday Experience
Shain Park- 270 W. Merrill St, Birmingham, MI
Do you want to walk through a snowy winter wonderland to Santa’s Birmingham House? Your kids will feel like they are visiting Santa in the North Pole, and the sweet Santa inside will talk with your child and take a picture for a $5 donation. Parents are also welcome to take photos with their own cameras.
The Santa Haus is located under the pavilion in Shain Park. The 2017 Santa Haus schedule is as follows:
Friday, December 1, ~ 6:30* p.m. - 8:30 p.m. (*after tree lighting)
Saturday, December 2 ~ 10 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 3 ~ 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 9 ~ 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 10 ~ 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 16 ~ 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 17 ~ 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 23 ~ 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 24 ~ 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Best Photos and Ambiance
Somerset Collection- 2800 W. Big Beaver Rd, Troy, MI
Get the VIP experience by getting your Santa Pass and coming at your appointed time, and have a magical experience with the Big Man! Your children will be announced like royalty, and Santa is warm and welcoming. You’ll get gorgeous photos and extra treasures too. This one is our favorite year after year!
Visits begin daily at 8AM. Monday through Friday, 8AM – 9PM, please visit the Santa Castle to receive your SAME DAY Santa Pass. Santa Passes can be selected beginning at 8AM and will continue until the final daily visit is fulfilled. Saturday, 8AM – 9PM, and Sunday, 8AM – 6PM, join us in a traditional line to visit with Santa. November 18, 2017 10 a.m. through December 24, 2017 2 p.m.
Packages- Professional Photos – Six different poses taken by our professional photographer on a keepsake flash drive for $30. Take Your Own – Guests may take their own photos or video for a $10 Donation to our 2017 Children’s Charity, SAY Detroit. Just Visiting – Everyone is welcomed to visit with Santa and receive a special treasure.
Best “Show Up and See Santa” Traditional Experience
Oakland Mall- 412 W. 14 Mile Rd, Troy, MI
Do you want a traditional photo and visit to Santa? Oakland Mall may be right for you. They have packages ranging from $24.99 to $49.99, with a $20 promotional Shutterfly card with every package. No need to make reservations, just show up and line up to tell Santa your wishes!
Santa Hours- November 8, 2017 – December 11, 2017 - Monday – Friday 12 noon - 8pm (Breaks 3pm – 4pm) Saturday 10am – 8 pm (Breaks 12 noon – 12:45pm and 3:45pm – 4:30pm) Sunday 12 noon – 6pm
December 11, 2017 – December 24, 2017 -Monday – Saturday 10am – 9pm (Breaks 12 noon – 12:45pm and 3:45pm – 4:30pm), Sunday 11 am – 8pm (Breaks 2 pm – 2:30pm-and 4:30pm- 5pm)
Christmas Eve 9am – 5pm (Breaks 1pm – 1:45pm)
Most “Fun and Active” Experience
BounceU of Troy- 1101 Rochester Rd, Troy, MI
Do you want your day with Santa to be one full of fun and excitement? Then BounceU is the right place for your visit. Choose from 2 days—Breakfast with Santa on December 16, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. or Cookies with Santa on December 22, 2017 at 2 p.m. Advanced registration is recommended, as these events will sell out. https://www.bounceu.com/troy-mi/calendar/
Best Free Santa & Family Experience
Zion Church- 3668 Livernois Rd, Troy, MI
For an intimate experience with crafts, hot cocoa, and family activities, Zion Church is right for you. All families are invited to come take a free photo with Santa Claus! While you wait, we will have crafts and games in our Winter Wonderland for you to enjoy. In addition, all the children who pre-register will have a personalized gift bag!
December 8-9 and 15-16, 2017- Fridays 5 p.m.-8 p.m. & Saturdays 11 a.m.-3 p.m
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