Santa to visit Packard Proving Grounds, celebrate the holiday season

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Santa Claus is coming to town at the Packard Proving Grounds this month, and everyone is invited to celebrate.

The Packard Proving Grounds wants to put a historic setting into the Christmas season, and visitors from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 10 will have a chance to talk to Santa and Mrs. Claus, participate in several crafts, have refreshments, and receive a small gift from the Clauses. There will be photo opportunities with a historic Packard too.

To ensure a stress-free experience, the Packard Proving Grounds organized this event with timed entry slots. Only 20 spaces are allotted for each half-hour time slot, which is meant to limit wait times and provide ample opportunity to visit with Santa.

Time slots are at 1, 1:30, 2 or 2:30 p.m.

Mary Anne Demo, executive director of the Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site, said the event is sure to be a hit.

“We’re excited to welcome a VIP like Santa to the Packard Proving Grounds! We’re thinking that maybe he heard about Eminem’s daughter’s wedding being held on-site earlier this year (and it) might have helped? Hard to say, but either way we’re really thrilled that he decided to visit us for a Meet & Greet,” she said via email.

Marci Fitch, the volunteer manager of the Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site, said there will be some yummy snacks for the children to enjoy.

“It’s going to be a wonderful day for the kids to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, have cookies, and do crafts at the historic Packard Proving Grounds,” Fitch said.

Admission to the event costs $10 for the general public and $7 for Packard Proving Grounds members.

The Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site is located at 49965 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township,

To reserve a spot and purchase tickets online, visit packardprovinggrounds.org/Greet-Santa-Event