Gather, celebrate, and make memories: Community invited to War Memorial Holiday Traditions
GROSSE POINTE FARMS, Nov. 19, 2025 – The War Memorial invites families and friends to celebrate the warmth and wonder of the season with its beloved Holiday Traditions series, a collection of seasonal events that bring the community together for meaningful holiday moments.
From the dazzling Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 23 to cozy Bedtime Stories with Santa, and the always-popular Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 14, Holiday Traditions offers opportunities for people of all ages to gather, celebrate, and make cherished memories on the historic lakefront campus.
“The holidays are a time to come together, reflect on what matters most, and create lasting memories with those we love,” said Maria Miller, president and CEO of The War Memorial. “Through our Holiday Traditions events, we are proud to offer families and friends meaningful opportunities to connect, celebrate, and experience the magic of the season right here at The War Memorial.”
Holiday Traditions Lineup
Tree Lighting Ceremony & Mingle with Kringle Reception – Nov. 23
The season begins with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, a free community celebration featuring the lighting of a spectacular 20-foot tree, a live ice-carving demonstration, and a vintage holiday marketplace inside the historic Alger House. Guests can also enjoy children’s story time, ornament making, caroling, and a hot chocolate station as they take in this bright and cheerful evening.
For those looking to elevate their night, the Mingle with Kringle reception is a ticketed add-on experience that includes the opportunity to visit with Santa and enjoy cookies, hot cocoa, and a strolling mac and cheese buffet and delicious appetizers.
While the Tree Lighting Ceremony is free with registration, the Mingle with Kringle reception requires a separate ticket purchase for entry into the exclusive experience.
Bedtime Stories with Santa – Dec. 7, 9, and 11
Children are invited to wear their coziest pajamas and bring a favorite blanket or stuffed toy as they gather inside the historic rooms of the Alger House for an evening of stories, cookies and milk, and a professional photo with Santa. Each day offers multiple seating times at 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. A sensory-friendly session will be offered on December 7 at 4 p.m. Capacity is limited and advance registration is required.
Breakfast with Santa – Dec. 14
Families are invited to celebrate the season with Breakfast with Santa at The War Memorial, complete with Santa’s iconic arrival by helicopter. Guests can enjoy a chef-prepared breakfast served across multiple stations and capture memorable holiday moments. Each ticket includes breakfast, a holiday craft activity, a sing-along performance, visit with Santa, and a make-your-own hot cocoa station to round out this joyful experience. Two seatings are available at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Merry & Bright Holiday Dinner with Ben Sharkey – Dec. 18
New this year is a joy-filled evening featuring a three-course holiday dinner curated by The War Memorial’s Executive Chef Joe Paxton. Guests will dine throughout the Alger House then move to the lakefront ballroom for a performance by Ben Sharkey, known for blending vintage cool with contemporary jazz, soul, and pop.
The War Memorial gratefully acknowledges the generous support of our Holiday Traditions sponsors, whose commitment helps make these community celebrations possible. This year’s sponsors include: Northern Trust, Lisa Vallee-Smith & Jeffrey Smith, Changing Perspectives Counseling, Grosse Pointe News, Mathnasium, Donna Hoban, M.D., Charles Schwab Grosse Pointe, Inner Circle Photography, Maria Miller, Corewell Health, Dr. Jodie Rappe & Dr. Brian Dimmer, Councilmember Sierra Donaven, Simply Technology, Part of Your World Princess Co., Grosse Pointe Artists Association, and Pro DJ Services.
For more details and registration links, visit warmemorial.org/holidaytraditions.
About The War Memorial
The War Memorial, located on the shores of Lake St. Clair in Grosse Pointe Farms, is a nonprofit cultural and community center dedicated to honoring veterans, enriching lives, and bringing people together through meaningful experiences. For more than 75 years, The War Memorial has welcomed thousands of guests annually for arts and cultural programming, patriotic observances, educational opportunities, community events, and private gatherings across its historic lakefront property.
As a dynamic and forward-thinking hub for southeast Michigan, The War Memorial remains committed to fostering community engagement through accessible programs that recognize the service and sacrifice of veterans and provide opportunities that spark connection, learning, creativity, and civic engagement. The organization proudly upholds this legacy of service while creating a sense of belonging for everyone from everywhere.
CONTACT:
Alex Szwarc, The War Memorial
Patriotic Programming and Communications Administrator
313.881.7514, aszwarc@warmemorial.org