Grosse Pointes know how to celebrate the season. This December has already delivered unforgettable moments, from a golden anniversary parade to a milestone birthday celebration, and there’s still time to experience the magic before the holidays wrap up. Whether you’ve lived here for generations or just discovered these lakeside communities, the traditions across Grosse Pointe reflect what happens when neighbors truly come together.
Half a Century of Santa
The Grosse Pointe Santa Claus Parade reached its 50th anniversary on November 28, bringing 10,000 spectators to Kercheval Avenue for a morning of celebration. The parade featured spectacular floats from the Detroit Parade Company, high school marching bands from Grosse Pointe South, Grosse Pointe North, Harper Woods, Detroit School of Arts, and Chandler Park, plus a special performance by Grosse Pointe Theatre.
What started in 1975 as a small procession has grown into one of the region’s largest holiday events. One city manager captured the spirit perfectly: half the community watches while the other half marches. Families who once attended as children now bring their own kids, and some living along the route continue the longtime tradition of serving coffee and doughnuts to parade attendees.
A City Celebrates 75 Years
Just yesterday, Grosse Pointe Woods marked its 75th anniversary as an incorporated city. The Birthday Cake Reception on December 11 included opening the 50-year time capsule and planting a new 100-year capsule for future generations. This celebration honored the remarkable people who built and continue to shape the community, from the French farmers who owned ribbon farms dating back to 1769 to the families who incorporated the Village of Lochmoor in 1927 before it became Grosse Pointe Woods in 1939.
The city’s journey from farmland cultivated by French, Dutch, and Belgian families to one of Michigan’s most appealing places to live shows how communities grow while retaining their character.
Lakeside Lights Still Shining
There’s still time to experience the season at the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores, where Home for the Holidays continues through December 21. This one-mile outdoor walking experience takes visitors through lighted gardens and the elegantly decorated Main Residence, where Eleanor Ford’s signature understated holiday style creates an atmosphere of warmth and history.
Tonight, the U of D Jesuit High School choir performs, followed by North Broadway Church of Christ on December 13, Regina High School Girls’ Choir on December 18, and Community Chorus of Detroit on December 20. The event runs Thursdays through Sundays from 5:30 to 8:00 pm, offering families a chance to stroll past the Christmas train in the Recreation Building, visit Santa for photos, and wind through towering trees along Maple Lane before the season ends.
Where Community Spirit Lives
The War Memorial in Grosse Pointe Farms has served as a community gathering spot since 1949, hosting tree lighting ceremonies and holiday markets that bring residents together over hot chocolate and caroling. These celebrations, along with similar events hosted by Grosse Pointe Woods, create moments where neighbors become friends and traditions get passed down.
Many residents have memories of watching the Santa parade from their grandparents’ homes along Kercheval, complete with hot chocolate carts shared with friends. This generational connection strengthens the bonds that make these five cities special, ensuring traditions continue to evolve while maintaining their authentic spirit.
Make Your Own Memories
The Grosse Pointes blend historic charm with genuine community warmth during the holidays. From grand estates to neighborhood gatherings, these lakeside cities show that the best traditions are the ones you share. If you’re looking to discover neighborhoods where celebrations bring people together, explore the directory of local businesses and community resources to find everything that makes this season memorable across all five cities.
Sources: candgnews.com, fordhouse.org, gpwmi.us, warmemorial.org, discoverthegrossepointes.townsites.org
Header Image Source: Doriana Popa on Unsplash
