MIDLAND, MI — You don’t have to travel all the way to the North Pole to visit Santa this holiday season, as St. Nick returns to Midland on Dec. 2 for a nearly month-long residency.
The Midland Area Santa House, located at the corner of M-20 and Main Street in downtown Midland, is gearing up for three full weeks of free Santa visits and train rides ahead of Christmas.
Open for holiday fun since its construction in 1987, the Santa House is a seasonal endeavor staffed each year by local volunteers and funded through an endowment from the Midland Area Community Foundation.
“The Midland Area Santa House is one example of what makes our community so special,” Sharon Mortensen, president and CEO of the community foundation, said in a statement. “It brings people together in the heart of Downtown Midland to celebrate generosity, connection, and joy, all things that make our community shine during the holiday season.”
To kick off this year’s schedule, Mr. and Mrs. Claus will arrive at Midland’s Tridge at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2, and make their way down Main Street to the Midland County Courthouse, 301 W. Main St., a neighboring property to the Santa House. The Claus duo will lead a lighting ceremony for both buildings at 6:30 p.m. Once everything is aglow and Santa has secured the keys to his Midland residence, the Santa House will be open each day through Dec. 23.
Season schedule
Tuesday, Dec. 2: The Santa House opens to visitors for the season following the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Claus at 6 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 3 – Friday, Dec. 5: 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. (Sensory-friendly nights)
Season-long Saturday hours (Dec. 6, Dec. 13 and Dec. 20): 9 a.m.-noon; 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.; 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
Season-long Sunday hours (Dec. 7, Dec. 14 and Dec. 21): 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.; 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 8 – Friday, Dec. 12: 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 15 – Friday, Dec. 19: 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.; 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 22 and Tuesday, Dec. 23 (Santa’s last day): 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.; 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 26: 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.
What to know before you go
There is no charge to visit the Santa House, whether you want to read Santa your wish list, ride the Northern Star Train, or simply enjoy the festive vibes.
The Northern Star Train takes riders on a tour of a decorated downtown Midland. The train schedule is more limited than the overall Santa House schedule, offering rides starting at 6 p.m. on Dec. 5. After that, the train runs from 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Dec. 8 through Dec. 12 and Dec. 15 through Dec. 19. On weekends and during Santa’s last two days – Dec. 22 and 23 – the train will run during the same schedule as the Santa House.
Visitors are asked to arrive at least 45 minutes before the Santa House closes for the best experience, though visits are not guaranteed, according to organizers.
Following the opening night activities on Dec. 2, the next three evenings at the Santa House include a sensory-friendly option for those with sensitivities. To request these accommodations, call 989-839-9661.
The Santa House is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but reopens sans Santa from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Dec. 26. There are also no train rides offered during this final evening of the season, perhaps making it a good time for visitors who are interested in touring the decorative building without participating in activities.
More information about The Santa House and any possible schedule changes, can be found at midlandfdn.org/santahouse. Questions can be sent to info@midlandfoundation.org.
More to do in Midland
While you’re in the Midland area, you can appreciate the beauty of winter 40 feet off the ground at Midland’s Dow Gardens and Canopy Walk at Whiting Forest.
And Midland’s Chippewa Nature Center has 19 miles of trails free to all from dawn to dark, 365 days a year.
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