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Visit with Santa in West Michigan

November-December 2026

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 visit this year:

November 2026

28th – 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.
28th – 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.

Here's a list of places Santa generally visits:

November

TBA – Visit with Santa from 10am-3pm at Onekama Consolidated School- 5016 Main St., Onekama.
TBA – Visit with Santa at the Hart Commons after the Home for the Holidays Parade & Tree Lighting (6:30pm)
TBA – An Afternoon with Santa from 2-4pm at The Mitten Bar- 109 W. Ludington Ave.
TBA – 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.

December

TBA – Holiday Parade at 6pm beginning on West Beryl Street followed by visits with Santa in Scottville’s downtown pocket park on South Main Street.
TBA – Crafts & Cocoa with Santa at the Avenue Event Center- 4147 S. First St., New Era.
TBA – Breakfast with Santa from 10am-12pm at The Jolly Plate- 2516 N. US-31, Scottville.
TBA – Visit/photo with Santa & Mrs. Claus from 11am-1pm at Farr Center- 5283 Main St., Onekama
TBA – Selfies with Santa from 11am-1pm at Family Fare- 5539 W. US-10, Ludington.
TBA – Santa’s Workshop will be open from 12-4pm at Manistee Municipal Marina, 480 River St., Manistee.
TBA – Santa & Mrs. Claus Return from 1-3pm. Event also includes story time, crafts, cookie decorating, and caroling. Storybook Village- 560 S. Hancock St., Pentwater.
TBA – 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.
TBA – Visit with Santa from 5-7pm at Krave- 103 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
TBA – Photos, cocoa, & cookies with Santa from 6:15-7pm at the Shelby Area District Library-
189 Maple St., Shelby.
TBA – 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).
TBA – Photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus from 2-4pm 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.
TBA – Breakfast with Santa from 10am-12pm at Corner Cafe- 5474 US-10, Ludington.
TBA – Visit with Santa from 1-2pm at Ludington Meat Company- 3815 US-1o, Ludington.
TBA – Visit with Santa from 2-3pm at Sandcastles Children’s Museum– 129 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
TBA – The Wellston Community Kids Christmas Party will be held from 6-8pm at the Norman Township Hall– 1273 Seaman Rd., Wellston. The event includes food, games, and photos with Santa. Each child will receive a gift bag from Santa.
TBA – 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.
TBA – 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.
TBA – 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.
TBA – Visit with Santa from 11am-6pm at Vendor Row- 5762 US-10, Ludington.
TBA – Visit with Santa from 3-5pm at Safe Harbor Credit Union- 5511 US-10, Ludington.
TBA – Cookie, Cocoa & Clause from 9am-1pm at The Pier- 222 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington. Free cookie decorating, cocoa, and photos with Santa.
TBA – Selfies with Santa from 11am-1pm at Family Fare- 5539 W. US-10, Ludington.
TBA – 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.
TBA – Visit with Santa at 6pm at Brethren Fire Barn- 14270 N. Coates Hwy, Brethren. Event also includes snacks and crafts.
TBA – Visit with Santa from 10am-2pm at Stix- 1963 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington.
TBA – Visit with Santa from 2-4pm at the SS Badger Pop-Up Shop- 404 S. James St., Ludington.