The holiday season arrives early in Grosse Pointe, where five charming lakeside communities transform into winter wonderlands each December. From the moment the first tree lighting ceremony kicks off, families gather to celebrate traditions that make this corner of Michigan truly special.
Magical Moments at Ford House
The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House becomes a holiday destination throughout December. Home for the Holidays offers visitors a chance to walk through a mile-long path of twinkling lights illuminating the historic property. This Thursday through Sunday evening event runs from late November through December, allowing families to tour the elegantly decorated Main Residence while experiencing the magic of the season.
Ford House also hosts multiple opportunities for children to visit Santa, including Cookies with Santa sessions and Brunch with Santa events on select weekends. These intimate gatherings give kids special one-on-one time with Santa to share their holiday wishes without the chaos of crowded mall visits.
The Polar Express Comes to Life
One of the most beloved traditions in Grosse Pointe Woods is the Polar Express experience. Residents and their guests board heated park buses for a tour of the most beautifully decorated homes throughout all five Grosse Pointes. As the bus winds through neighborhoods glowing with holiday lights, passengers listen to the beloved story as they make their way to the North Pole, which is actually the Cook School House.
Upon arrival, children enjoy hot cocoa, sweet treats, and a special visit with Santa himself. Kids are encouraged to wear their pajamas to recreate the story’s magic, making this an experience families look forward to year after year.
Ice Skating and Winter Recreation
For those who want to enjoy outdoor winter activities, Grosse Pointe Woods maintains ice rinks at several parks, including Ghesquiere Park, Lake Front Park, and Sweeney Park. These neighborhood rinks provide free skating throughout the winter months when weather permits, giving families easy access to old-fashioned winter fun.
Grosse Pointe Park’s Patterson Park features the Hutton Ice Rink, which typically opens around Thanksgiving and offers skating from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the season.
Season of Giving
The holiday spirit in the Grosse Pointes extends beyond celebrations to giving back. Community foundations like the Grosse Pointe Park Foundation and Grosse Pointe Woods Foundation continue their year-round work to improve recreational and cultural spaces throughout the communities. These organizations accept donations that directly benefit residents through park improvements, community programs, and quality-of-life enhancements.
Experience the Holiday Magic
December in the Grosse Pointes offers something for everyone, whether you’re watching lights sparkle at a tree ceremony, gliding across ice at a neighborhood rink, or taking in the grandeur of Ford House decorated for the holidays. These traditions create memories that last long after the decorations come down.
Ready to experience the magic? Visit Grosse Pointe Woods or Ford House to find event schedules and plan your holiday adventure in these five lakeside communities where the season truly comes alive.
Sources: fordhouse.org, gpwmi.us, grossepointeparkfoundation.org, gpwfoundation.org
Header Image Source: Alexandr K on Unsplash
