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‘Tis the Season at Greenfield Village!

The Henry Ford Greenfield Village Holiday Nights is a perfect way to get your family in the Christmas spirit this December.  With various warming and refreshment stations, come hungry and ready for a wintry night of family fun!  Holiday Nights welcomes all ages and as a toddler Mom, I am thankful there is a large bathroom right at the entrance/exit as well as quite a few along the trail.
The crew at Greenfield Village has really thought of everything that could make a December night great.  As you enter, there are carolers to greet you and they bring all the magical feels music can bring.  In fact, carolers of all ages and numbers can be found throughout the cozy village paths. Stop for a family photo in a sleigh to add the perfect touch to your Christmas card this year.

You can begin you journey toward Santa or the Street Food, but don’t worry there is plenty of time to see it all- and even sip some wine while you do!  Historic homes tell of holiday traditions in the days of old in addition to a man-made ice rink and skate rental open from 6:30-9:40pm nightly.

As you travel past the ice rink, check out the street eats with traditional and new favorites on State Street.  Stroll toward the Model T rides and Ford Estate to drive the village in a classic car. While you’re there, don’t forget to drop by Miller School to write your letter to Santa.  A few blocks over on Post Street, you can deliver your letter to the Phoenixville Post Office or catch a horse drawn sleigh

The Activities Center can be found on State Street and houses crafts for all ages to make and take, including a ball and cone game as well as a rocking horse ornament to decorate.  There is a bathroom near here and the Activities Center is heated, so let your littles craft away while you warm up!

Head back out toward Main Street and hop in line to take a ride on the Herschell-Spillman Carousel, celebrating it’s 104th year in action!  I also highly recommend you stop in the Sir John Bennett sweet shop and get the best chocolate chip cookie you’ll ever have! They have been my favorite for 26 years and counting! Still my favorite part of any trip to Greenfield Village.

At the back of the Village down Maple Lane near Burbank, you can find the big man in red, that’s right Mr. Claus and his reindeer too!  Atop of the Robert Frost House, Santa calls out to those who believe singing, dancing and even throwing down some Santa swag from time to time! Across from the house, you can find two of Santa’s elves and they’re listening for the names of those who are on the nice list for Santa to shout out!

Walking back through the village, take a break at one of the open fires with acoustic musicians to play aloud your favorite holiday jingle.  Guests can take a moment to spend with just their group at any one of the many spots with fire and a seat to rest your feet.  Or, if you’d like a little more holiday cheer visit the heated tent near the Street foods for egg nog, beer and wine for those 21+!  At 9:20 Santa boards his sleigh back to the North Pole so that his flight is not interrupted by the firework show at 9:45pm.  From musical merriment to tasty treats, Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village has some holiday cheer for everyone. For dates, times and pricing information visit the Henry Ford website or call 313-982-6001.

Carissa Orr
Author: Carissa Orr

Early Childhood Professional, “Music with Ms. Carissa,” Mama, and now blogger thanks to MDM! Carissa works as an Early Childhood Consultant for Michigan’s state-funded Preschool Program, the Great Start Readiness Program.  In her spare time, she entertains children and families with live music as part of her Music with Ms. Carissa.  Most importantly, she is “Jack’s Mom” and loves adventuring with her young toddler all around Metro Detroit!