‘Tis the season to be jolly! With Christmas just around the corner, many of us have pulled out our sparkling decorations and started mapping out merry gatherings. But, if you’d rather embark on a frost-kissed adventure instead of being bundled up near a crackling fireplace with a cup of muddled wine, Michigan is the place to be!
From the whimsical Santa’s Workshop to festively decorated downtowns and twinkling light shows, there are a sleighload of wheelchair-friendly Christmas activities and events that’ll get you into the holiday spirit and make you feel like a kid again.
Top Accessible Christmas Events and Activities
Some places where you can find fun Christmas activities in Michigan include:
Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village, Dearborn, MI
This season, the Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village is back, brighter, and more magical than ever. In this 80-acre open-air museum, you can take a carousel ride with cool winter air nipping at your nose, hop on the vintage Model-T, or ride a horse-drawn wagon.
As you journey through the village, peek into decorated homes and shops that seem straight out of a Dickens novel. If you plan on exploring the event in your wheelchair, don’t forget to stroll through Main Street, where you’ll find plenty of handmade gifts and delicious treats.
Plus, there are plenty of live performances to catch throughout the night. And, just when you think the night could not possibly get any brighter, sky-piercing fireworks appear to light up the night. This is one festival that’s worth braving the cold for!
Christmas Holiday Magic at Crossroads Village, Flint, MI
Looking for an old-fashioned holiday wrapped in twinkling lights? Head to the Crossroads Village in Flint, where you’ll find twinkling fairy lights dangling from every storefront, holly wreaths on every door, and snow-kissed windows painting an idyllic picture of the season.
Over here, you can watch artisans making vintage crafts or board the famous Huckleberry Railroad steam train to take a scenic ride through the village while snacking on hot cocoa and caroling along to holiday tunes.
If you prefer to enjoy all that from the comfort of your own car, the drive-through nights offer a perfect four-hour window of Christmas bliss! Drive-through-only nights are from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm (December 4, 11, 18, and 24) with an entry fee of $10 per vehicle.
Michigan Theater Foundation, Ann Arbor, MI
For those who want to immerse themselves in the magic of the silver screen this holiday season, the Michigan Theater Foundation has you covered. This famous cinema will be featuring free Sunday afternoon screenings of iconic holiday favorites such as The Grinch, The Muppets Christmas Carol, The Polar Express, and Home Alone.
The facility offers numerous accessible parking spaces, crosswalk ramps for easy access, and escalators and elevators to transport visitors between levels comfortably. When planning your visit, request wheelchair seating locations so that you can enjoy the movie from an optimal vantage point.
Accessible Santa Claus Experience
What’s a Christmas celebration without a rendezvous with Santa Claus and his magical world? Below are some of the best accessible events in Michigan that’ll make your dream come true.
Olde World Canterbury Village, Orion Township, MI
Running from November 17th right up to Christmas Eve, the Olde World Canterbury Village transforms into a storybook scene straight from a holiday tale.
During these joyous days, you’ll be able to enjoy a stunning tree light show, choreographed masterfully to classic holiday tunes, devour a scrumptious breakfast shared with none other than the Grinch and Santa Claus – a quirky combination that’s sure to have you grinning, and indulge in some delicious homemade cookies whose smell is enough to make you drool.
The highlight of the event is an Elf-themed scavenger hunt that’ll give you a perfect chance to snag some trinkets and treats from Mr. Claus himself. During all the revelry, don’t miss the chance to whisper your wildest Christmas wishes to Santa or take some pictures with the reindeer and elves. The best part? The grounds have clear pathways, so you won’t have any difficulty while strolling around.
Blake’s Holiday Extravaganza, Armada, MI
As the holiday season unfurls its festive wings, Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill in Armada finds its place high on the itinerary of must-see experiences. Scheduled to delight young and old over multiple dates — November 18-19 and 24-26 — the event promises an abundance of holiday treats.
The Holiday Extravaganza includes a Santa Meet and Greet, where children can pen a letter to Santa with all their wishes while enjoying Blake’s famous donuts and a cup of cider or hot chocolate. If you’ve got more Grinch than Elf in your veins, don’t worry! You can mingle with fellow grinches at the Grinch Ornament Make N’ Take Workshop.
Beyond the Santa greetings and Grinchly gatherings, Blake’s Holiday Extravaganza offers wagon rides out to the expansive 100+ acre tree farm so you can pick out the perfect Christmas tree. There’s even cozy igloo dining where you can feast on delightful meals and sip steaming hot beverages while enjoying the holiday music.
If hands-on creativity is more your style, the Holiday Cookie Decorating Class and DIY Holiday Wreath Making Class promise festive fun. For an exhilarating experience, put on your detective caps and use your sleuthing skills in the mysterious 2-hour interactive murder mystery show that will have you on the edge of your seat. Now, that’s what we call the perfect holiday adventure!
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Accessible Dining and Shopping Options for Christmas in Michigan
Whether you’re looking for some last-minute stocking stuffers or just can’t have enough of those roasted chestnuts and warm cinnamon-infused ciders, check out some of Michigan’s accessible Christmas dining and shopping experiences:
Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland, Frankenmuth, MI
Sprawling across 90,000 square feet, Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland is your one-stop shop for all things festive. This retail store carries around 50,000 trims, gifts, and collectibles, so you can find quirky ornaments for your Christmas tree or a heartfelt handcrafted gift for a loved one.
But Bronner’s offers more than a shopping experience. Every holiday season, the shop is beautifully decorated with over 350 Christmas trees, each glistening under the soft glow of approximately 100,000 outdoor lights for a truly magical experience.
When you’re in Frankenmuth, you can enjoy mouth-watering holiday treats, embark on charming horse-drawn Christmas carriage tours that last for about 20 to 40 minutes, or simply take a driving tour to see the town’s picturesque Christmas lights.
ChristKindl Markt Downtown Market, Grand Rapids, MI
ChristKindl Markt is an annual open-air European Christmas village taking place from the 17th of November to the 23rd of December in 2023. At ChristKindl Markt, you can enjoy everything from enticing live performances and friendly curling matches to enchanting Santa meetups.
There are 20 indoor food merchants, a full-service restaurant, and a beer hall serving up mugs of steaming Glühwein alongside other hot beverages to keep you warm while racing against the cold.
For those who want to enjoy the winter wonderland under the starlit sky, there are 30+ outdoor stalls, each offering its own treasures. You can savor Belgian waffles, devour warming soups and candied nuts, and get unique ceramic pieces and festive apparel under your tree.
Navigate the Holiday Season with Clock Mobility
Whether you want to catch festive light shows, experience enchanting holiday carnivals, or visit grandma across the state for her famous gingerbread cookies and heartwarming stories, let Clock Mobility be your sleigh!
We have a range of wheelchair-accessible vehicles with all the latest accessibility and safety features, so you can comfortably zip through snow-dusted lanes for holiday adventures. We also offer flexible rental options to suit your needs. Need a wheelchair-accessible vehicle for a week of holiday shopping? We’ve got it. Want a van for a month to attend all the festive events? No problem!
For more information, call us at (866) 380-3326 or visit one of our locations in Michigan.