Christmas Day arrives this December 25th, bringing communities together across Grosse Pointes in ways that make these cities truly special. From shared meals to quiet moments with family, this year’s celebration offers countless ways to connect with neighbors and create memories that last well beyond the season.
Where the Community Comes Together
The spirit of togetherness runs deep throughout Grosse Pointe Park, Grosse Pointe Farms, Grosse Pointe Woods, Grosse Pointe Shores, and the City of Grosse Pointe. While many holiday celebrations have already filled December with joy, Christmas Day itself brings a different kind of magic. Families who attended the annual Santa Claus Parade and enjoyed tree lighting ceremonies now prepare to celebrate the main event.
This Thursday gives families an extended opportunity to slow down and appreciate what matters most. Whether you caught the final showing of Ford House’s Home for the Holidays (which wrapped December 21st) or enjoyed caroling performances throughout the month, Christmas morning brings its own distinct rhythm to these lakeside communities.
Acts of Kindness That Define the Season
Volunteering opportunities on Christmas Day transform the holiday into something bigger than any single celebration. The Detroit Area Agency on Aging coordinates Holiday Meals on Wheels on December 25th, with volunteers packaging meals at 6:00 a.m. and delivering them starting at 8:00 a.m. This program ensures no older adult spends the holiday alone or without a warm meal.
Local churches maintain year-round service commitments that intensify during Christmas. Christ Church Grosse Pointe partners with Crossroads Soup Kitchen and supports literacy initiatives throughout the year. At the same time, Our Lady Star of the Sea organizes ongoing food drives and seasonal giving programs. The Grosse Pointes have built decades-long traditions of holiday giving that bring families together through simple acts of neighborly kindness.
My team and I see this community spirit every day in the neighborhoods we serve. If you’re looking for a place where family and togetherness matter, we can help you discover homes in communities that celebrate these values year-round.
Where to Dine on Christmas Day
Planning to skip the kitchen this year? Several local and chain restaurants will be open on Christmas Day to accommodate families looking for dining options. Metro Detroit restaurants serving on Christmas include both national chains and regional favorites. Denny’s, IHOP, and Bob Evans will serve breakfast through dinner, while Benihana, Morton’s The Steakhouse, and Ruth’s Chris offer upscale dining experiences that require reservations.
OpenTable lists 45 restaurants taking reservations for Christmas Day in the Grosse Pointe area. Local spots like La Dolce Vita in Detroit and Joe Muer in Bloomfield Hills offer festive meals without the kitchen cleanup. If you haven’t booked yet, call soon as tables fill quickly for holiday dining.
Creating Memories Worth Keeping
Christmas Day photo opportunities abound throughout the five cities, from decorated historic homes to family gatherings around neighborhood light displays. The memories created on Christmas morning, whether opening presents or taking walks through decorated streets, become the stories families share for generations to come.
Consider starting a tradition of documenting your Christmas Day through photos that capture genuine moments rather than staged perfection. Candid shots of kids examining new gifts, grandparents sharing stories, or neighbors stopping by create the authentic record of how your family celebrates this special Thursday.
Making Grosse Pointe Your Home
The way communities celebrate Christmas reveals what they value the rest of the year. The Grosse Pointes prioritize connection, service, and tradition in ways both large and small. From volunteer efforts that feed seniors to neighborhood celebrations that bring generations together, these five cities understand what makes a house become a home.
Ready to join a community that celebrates togetherness every day, not just during the holidays? Explore the directory to find local resources, events, and everything that makes the Grosse Pointes a wonderful place to call home.
Sources: christchurchgp.org, olsos.org, davepetrouleasrealestategroup.com, patch.com, warmemorial.org, discoverthegrossepointes.townsites.org
Header Image Source: Mike Cox on Unsplash
