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Visit with Santa in West Michigan

November-December 2025

Visiting with Santa during the holidays is a magical tradition that brings the spirit of Christmas to life. Whether at a local business or a festive event, children and families eagerly line up to meet Santa Claus, ready to share their Christmas wishes. The atmosphere is filled with joy and excitement as the jolly man in red listens attentively, offering a warm smile, and sometimes even a gentle laugh. The air is filled with the scent of pine, cinnamon, and holiday treats, creating a nostalgic sense of wonder.

For parents, it’s a heartwarming moment, capturing the innocence and magic of the season, while for kids, it’s a cherished memory that adds to the enchantment of Christmas.

Here's a list of places Santa is scheduled to be in 2025:

November 2025

22nd – Visit with Santa from 10am-3pm at Onekama Consolidated School- 5016 Main St., Onekama.
28th – Visit with Santa at the Hart Commons after the Home for the Holidays Parade & Tree Lighting (6:30pm)
29th – An Afternoon with Santa from 2-4pm at The Mitten Bar- 109 W. Ludington Ave.
29th – Santa Comes to Ludington from 3-5pm – Visit with Santa and Mrs. Clause and get a complimentary photo by Lynsey Baldon. Red Rooster Coffee & Community- 205 S. James St., Ludington.
29th – Santa on the Green – Santa is escorted into Pentwater by the Pentwater Fire Department and visits with kids on the Village Green beginning at 5pm. For more information, visit pentwater.org.
29th – Aglow on the Avenue Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting at 6pm– Parade is followed by caroling, a tree lighting, and a Santa visit in Legacy Plaza. Held in Downtown Ludington.

December 2025

5th – Holiday Parade at 6pm beginning on West Beryl Street followed by visits with Santa in Scottville’s downtown pocket park on South Main Street.
5th – Crafts & Cocoa with Santa at the Avenue Event Center- 4147 S. First St., New Era.
6th – Breakfast with Santa from 10am-12pm at The Jolly Plate- 2516 N. US-31, Scottville.
6th – Visit/photo with Santa & Mrs. Claus from 11am-1pm at Farr Center- 5283 Main St., Onekama
6th – Santa’s Workshop will be open from 12-4pm at Manistee Municipal Marina, 480 River St., Manistee.
6th – Santa & Mrs. Claus Return from 1-3pm. Event also includes story time, crafts, cookie decorating, and caroling. Storybook Village- 560 S. Hancock St., Pentwater
6th – Snapshots with Santa from 2-6pm by Photos by JanelleMarie Photography at West Shore Family Support- 603 E. Tinkham Ave., Ludington. In exchange for a photo, please bring a donation of diapers or wipes to bless families in need. Space is limited and pre-registration is required by clicking here.
6th – Photos, cocoa, & cookies with Santa from 6:15-7pm at the Shelby Area District Library-
189 Maple St., Shelby.
7th – Pet Portraits with Santa from 12-2pm at Patina- 4850 Main St., Onekama. Donations benefit Homeward Bound Animal Shelter. Leave pets in vehicle while you come in and sign in. You’ll receive a text or call you when it’s your turn. Must have a valid email address and photos will be sent via Digital Download (Pixiset).
7th – Photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus at Christmas in the Village at the Free Soil Community Center- 8480 N. Democrat St.- Free Soil. The free event will also include face painting, cookies, hot cocoa, gift bags, free books, and more.
13th – Breakfast with Santa at Corner Cafe- 5474 US-10, Ludington.
13th-14th – Holiday Photo Booth & Community Pet Drive on Saturday from 10am-7pm and Sunday from 10am-5pm at Wags to Wiskers- 4815 W. US-10, Ludington. Create adorable, festive holiday memories at the in-store photo booth. Donations of essential pet items to support local animal welfare partners is appreciated.
13th-14th – Christmas in the Village at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons- 1200 Village Center Dr., Traverse City. Visits with Santa, shopping specials, vintage firetruck rides, musical performances, and more. For more info, visit facebook.com.
14th – Free Christmas Party sponsored by FloraCraft & Sandcastles Children’s Museum. Includes a Craft Project, Bike Raffle, Santa & Mrs. Claus (from 2-4pm), Cookie Decorating (while supplies last), Ella & Kaiden Plummer performing holiday music (from 12-1pm), Free “Pete the Cat Saves Christmas” book (while supplies last), and free access to the museum exhibits. Sandcastles Children’s Museum- 129 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
20th – Visit with Santa from 12-2pm at Gold ‘N Deals- 112 S. Main St., Scottville. Families and pets are invited to meet and get a free picture with Santa courtesy of Gomez Photography. Hot Cocoa and Cookies will also be provided.

Here's a list of places you can typically find Santa during the holidays:

TBA – Visit Santa from 2-4pm at Rosaleen Activewear/House & Harbor Mercantile- 102 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
TBA – Visit with Santa from 9:30-11:30am at North Country Cafe- 110 N. Main St., Scottville. Visit with and get photos with Santa.
TBA – Visit Santa from 2-3:30pm at House of Flavors Restaurant- 402 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
TBA – Visit Santa from 2-4pm at Ludington Hobbies- 210 S. James St., Ludington.
TBA – Grinch Day from 5-7pm at Krave- 103 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington. Visit with the Grinch and get a photo with him.
TBA – Visit with Santa from 5:30-7pm at Ponderosa- 4687 US-10, Ludington.
TBA – Santa Visits from 3-5pm at Safe Harbor Credit Union- 5511 W. US-10, Ludington. Gifts, cookies, goody bags, and visits with Santa.
TBA – Christmas Cookies & Santa from 10am-2pm at The Pier- 222 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington. Hosted by Britter’s Twisted Whisk and Megan Gunia of Five Star Real Estate, this holiday celebration includes cookie decorating and free pictures with Santa.
TBA – Visit Santa from 11am-1pm at Family Fare- 5539 W. US-10, Ludington.
TBA – Hot Cocoa & Pizza with Santa from 2-4pm at Nuvu Fuels- 1578 US-31, Manistee.
TBA – Visit with Santa at 6pm at Brethren Fire Barn- 14270 N. Coates Hwy, Brethren. Meet Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus and enjoy arts & crafts, cookies, & lemonade. Donations for the Lakeview Church of the Brethren Food Pantry will be accepted.