Where To See Santa In Troy This Christmas Season

TROY, MI — Santa Claus will be back in Troy this holiday season after a couple of years of COVID-19 restrictions that made it difficult for kids to crawl up on his lap and make their case that they’ve been good boys and girls over the last year.

Visits and pictures with Santa are at the heart of many families’ holiday traditions, but the coronavirus pandemic gave them a lump of coal. Malls and other places took social distancing measures in both 2020 and 2021 to help contain the spread of the virus, moving Santa meet-ups largely online.

Virtual visits are still an option in many places, but there’s nothing quite like seeing jolly old St. Nick live and in person. In Troy, kids have several chances:

• Somerset Collection Santa Photos, at the Somerset Collection (2800 West Big Beaver Road) from Nov. 19 to Dec. 23 on Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6:55 p.m. and Sundays from 12p-5:55p (by pre-paid reservations only).
• Santa Claus Pics at Oakland Mall, Oakland Mall (412 W. 14 Mile Rd.) from Nov. 25 through Dec. 24. Professional photo options are available for purchase with different photo package options. No personal cameras allowed. For more info on hours, Santa break times, and prices for professional photo packages, visit oaklandmall.com.
• Cocoa & Crafts with Santa, Troy Historic Village (60 West Wattles Rd.) on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

JC Penney stores, including stores in the Detroit area, are offering professional portraits with Santa through Dec. 18. Here are the opportunities:

• Fairlane Town Center, Dearborn, Dec. 8.
• Westland Shopping Center, Westland, Nov. 28.
• Village Lakes, White Lake Township, Dec. 5.