2021’s Santa Planner: Where to See Santa in SWMI
Is Santa visiting kids again this year?
Absolutely. The jolly man in the red suit will be in Kalamazoo this year, providing opportunities to visit with local families.
We’ve rounded up spots for your kids (and your pets!) to visit Santa Claus before Christmas to deliver their wish lists and snag some photos.
Santa also makes safety a priority: this may mean purchasing tickets in advance to keep crowds small; but as a bonus, your wait time will be short!
Make a list – and check it twice – as there are many opportunities for the family to enjoy this special part of the holiday season.
Some events require advanced registration. Verify details with the event organizer before you head out.
Mattawan Mechanical Services
Local, family-owned and operated since 1992, “The Comfort Crew” will make you feel comfortable from start to finish.
Whether you need help with air conditioning, furnace repair, filter replacement, or HVAC replacement, you can trust their technicians in your home. They will even leave it cleaner than they found it.
Facebook
Santa Quick Links
Pictures with Santa
Pictures With Santa at Crossroads Mall
The Crossroads
6650 South Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI 49024
November 18 – December 24, 2021
PAID PHOTOS WITH SANTA
Link
Visit us in Center Court to get your professional pics with Santa taken. Reservations required. Select a reservation date before December 10 and receive a $7 discount.
Pictures With Santa at Gull Meadow Farms
Gull Meadow Farms
8544 Gull Rd, Richland, MI 49083
November 27 – December 19, 2021
PAID PHOTOS WITH SANTA
Come visit Santa at Gull Meadow Farms! Guests need to reserve their date and arrival time to see Santa. $5/immediate family.
Pictures With Santa at Santa’s Workshop
Blush Salon at the Radisson Plaza Hotel
100 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
November 27 – December 24, 2021 | Thursday – Sunday
FREE PHOTOS WITH SANTA
Santa’s Workshop, presented by the Radisson Plaza Hotel, is a magical place filled with little animated elves, twinkling lights, and a Jolly old soul!
Come visit Santa downtown Thursday through Sunday. Black Santa also returns this year, visiting on Thursdays and Sundays.
Pictures With Santa at Total Spectrum Care
Total Spectrum Care
1040 N 10th St, Suite 100, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
December 10, 2021 | 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM
FREE PHOTOS WITH SANTA
Photos with Santa at Total Spectrum Care on December 10, 2021. All ages are welcome to this public event, featuring a winter wonderland theme.
Winter-themed activities and treats will be provided. Masks are required for entry.
Pet Pictures with Santa
Pet Pictures With Santa at Crossroads Mall
The Crossroads
6650 South Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI 49024
November 22 – December 20, 2021, Mondays Only
PAID PHOTOS WITH SANTA
Link
Pet photos with Santa are available at Crossroads Mall every Monday, from November 22 – December 20, 2021. Book online and be sure to follow all required procedures.
Pets are not permitted to walk around the mall (exception: service dogs).
Pet Pictures With Santa at Gazelle Sports
Gazelle Sports
214 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
November 26, 2021 | 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
FREE PHOTOS WITH SANTA
Link
Bring your furry friend (and your camera) to Gazelle Sports for Paws with Claus: a fun, holiday photo with Santa Claus.
Pet food donations will be collected during the event to donate to local pet shelters – consider purchasing from Beowoof in downtown Kalamazoo.
Pet Pictures With Santa at Bewoof Provisions for Pets
Beowoof Provisions for Pets
428 S Burdick St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
December 5, 2021 | 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
PAID PHOTOS WITH SANTA
Call Beowoof (269-888-5966 (KZOO)) to schedule your photo with Santa on Sunday, December 5.
Recurring Santa Events
Dear Santa Event at Gull Meadow Farms
Gull Meadow Farms
8544 Gull Rd, Richland, MI 49083
November 27 & 28, December 4 & 5, 2021 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
PAID EVENT WITH SANTA
Link
Children: $15 – this includes, reindeer food, envelope with special postage to the North Pole station (letters must be completed before arriving at the farm), a letter written back to them from Santa, DIY ornament to be completed at home, donut and hot chocolate voucher, Santa visit, treat from Santa, and light displays in greenhouses.
Adults/non participating children (older/younger siblings): $8 includes donut and hot chocolate voucher, Christmas light displays in greenhouse, you will also fill out a special questionnaire ahead of time to help us with special details to include in your child’s letter from Santa to make it extra special.
Christmas Train Ride with Santa on the Christmas Express
Little River Railroad
29 W Park Ave, Coldwater, MI 49036
December 4, 5, 11 & 12, 2021 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
PAID EVENT WITH SANTA
Link
Visit with Santa Claus aboard the train! December 4, 5, 11, & 12 trains depart 11:00AM, 12:30PM, and 2:00PM from Coldwater, MI. Souvenirs and concession will be available. Trains will be sold at half capacity.
Pricing: Adults (Ages 12+): $20.00, Children (3-11): $13.00, 2 and under ride free and do not need a ticket.
Reindeer Ranch Tours with Santa
Reindeer Ranch
2921 North 6th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
December (Weekends Only)
PAID EVENT WITH SANTA
Link
Tour the Reindeer Ranch, learn about reindeer, where they come from and what makes them so special.
Enjoy a cup of Hot cocoa, enjoy a visit with Santa and/or bring letter for Santa.
NEW ADDITION TO TOUR –
Rustic, all natural lighted trail walk in the woods behind the reindeer pens. ( not wheelchair or stroller friendly!)
Be sure to check out our gift shop too.
Advanced purchase required (book your tour online).
Santa Saturdays at The Merry Mile
The Merry Mile Presented by the Calhoun County Fairgrounds
720 Fair St, Marshall, MI 49068
December 4, 11 & 18, 2021
PAID EVENT WITH SANTA
Link
Santa Saturdays at The Merry Mile
Hours: 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Pricing: $10/car, $20/bus
Winter Wonderland at Gilmore Car Museum
Gilmore Car Museum
6865 W Hickory Rd Hickory Corners, MI 49060
November 24, 2021 – January 9, 2022
PAID EVENT WITH SANTA
Link
New for 2021: Winter Wonderland at the Gilmore Car Museum features drive thru lights, the Festival of Trees, 60+ inflatables and a visit with Santa Claus.
Tickets are sold per person, and include access to the museum during that same evening.
Adults: $20 at door / $17.50 online
Kids 5-17: $12 at door / $9.50 online
Kids 4 & under: Free
More Christmas Events Featuring Santa Claus
Free Photos with Santa
Festivities include live music, crafts, hot chocolate, and other holiday fun. Visits with Santa, sponsored by the Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership, will take place 6:20 – 7:30 p.m. The Tree Lighting Ceremony is always free, and everyone is welcome to join the fun.
Special Event with Santa
Santa’s coming to town November 27 – December 24. Santa’s Workshop is scheduled 4-8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturdays, and 12-4 p.m. Sundays through December 24. Visits with Black Santa are available Thursdays and Sundays.
Kids who visit will get a Santa Letter writing kit to take home. The kit includes all materials needed to send a letter to Santa, a holiday craft, wrapped goodies, and more. There will be several Santa mailboxes placed throughout downtown for families to send their letters to Santa.
Free Photos with Santa
Free Photos with Santa
Santa Parade
Free Photos with Santa
Free Photos with Santa
Free Photos with Santa, Santa Parade
Special Event with Santa
Free Photos with Santa
Special Event with Santa
Free Photos with Santa
Free Photos with Santa
Dine with Santa
Special Event with Santa
Special Event with Santa
Dine with Santa
Other Christmas events or Santa Sightings in Southwest Michigan we may have missed? Submit it to our Event Calendar.
Holiday Fun Finder
More to Explore
Kalamazoo’s Ultimate Homeschool Resource Guide- 2022
List of resources for local homeschooling families in Southwest Michigan.
2022 Air Zoo Trip Planner: Favorite Exhibits, Membership Perks, Special Events & Hands-On, Interactive Fun
Families love the Air Zoo – just about every type of flying machine, interactive activities and changing exhibits – fun for all ages. Tips for navigating the Air Zoo with kids and how to make the most of a family membership.
Why Catholic Schools of Greater Kalamazoo Should be on Your Radar: You Don’t Have to be Catholic to Attend + 5 More Enrollment Myths Busted
Think you know what the Catholic Schools of Kalamazoo are all about? Read on for 6 Common Myths about their students.
Get Back to School Ready: The Best Spots for School Supplies + Kids Haircuts in SWMI
Back to School in Kalamazoo: Where to find school supplies, best kids haircuts and shoes.
Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary: A Family Friendly Summer Activity with Bite
Plan your next visit to Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary with our trip guide.
Vote For the Best Doctors in SWMI + WIN $100 Gift Card for Bricks & Minifigs Kalamazoo!
Vote for the Top Doctors and Healthcare Providers in Southwest Michigan.
