There’s still time to partake in an architecture-based Holiday Tour this season. Want the chance to see some of Michigan’s most celebrated homes or historic villages dressed up in their holiday finest? Sign up for one of this year’s upcoming holiday tours around the state. You will have the chance to see some of Michigan’s most coveted residential architecture – much of it historic – and enjoy the festive holiday spirit and unique experiences offered via these tours.
Note the close dates on some of the tours listed; many wrap before Christmas.
A Ford House Christmas
Dates: November 29 – December 31, 2024, Times vary depending on Tour selected
Where: 1100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores, MI 48236
Appreciate the beautifully decorated Ford Family House with a festive tour of the historic grounds and home. This home was once occupied by Edsel and Eleanor Ford, son and daughter-in-law of Henry Ford. Designed by Albert Kahn, the 1927 home features stone roofs, lead-pained windows, vine-covered walls, and expansive gardens, all located on the shore of Lake St. Clair. During your visit, please take note of the new and unique Visitor Center and Administration Building. Check out the Must See Michigan Architecture article on this facility in this month’s newsletter. For more information about the Ford House, please visit our previously published Must See Michigan Architecture article on Meadow Brook here – Storybook History: The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House : Michigan Architectural Foundation
Two different types of tours are being offered this year.
Home for the Holidays: Enjoy a new winter experience at Ford House, where visitors can enjoy a beautifully lit evening walk throughout the historic estate, marveling at the glittering white lights and the first floor of the Main Residence.
Home for the Holidays at Ford House – Ford House
Holiday Main Residence Tour: Travel back in time and spend the holiday season with the Ford family! Enjoy festive holiday decorations and learn about Ford family traditions during a tour of their historic home. This tour requires climbing up and down multiple flights of stairs, and because of these constraints, it is not wheelchair accessible.
Holiday Main Residence Tour – Ford House
Felt Mansion Holiday Tour
Date: December 1 – December 22, 2024
Where: The Felt Estate, 6597 138th Ave., Holland, MI 49423
Travel back in time and explore the history and architecture of the majestic Felt Mansion. The holiday season is full of splendor as the historic Felt Estate is transformed into a holiday wonderland. The mansion is filled with over 40 Christmas trees; the mantles, staircases, and doors are adorned with garlands and wreaths; and over 5000 Christmas lights and candles illuminate the mansion and grounds.
Holidays at The Felt Estate — The Felt Estate
The Felt Estate — The Felt Estate
Greenfield Village Holiday Nights
Date: December 5 – December 28, 2024
Where: 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn, MI 48124
One of the country’s premier holiday celebrations, Holiday Nights has been an annual tradition since 2004. Explore more than 80 acres of Greenfield Village in this glimmering after-hours celebration of a beloved, heartwarming holiday. Stroll down Main Street — brimming with holiday goods, food and warm beverages — or take a ride on a historic Model T, carousel or horse-drawn wagon. From the finest tinseled detail to the fireworks-filled sky that marks each evening’s finale, make this holiday story a cherished part of your own. If you missed it, check out the previously published Must See Michigan Architecture article on Greenfield Village – America’s History Told Through Architecture: Dearborn’s Greenfield Village : Michigan Architectural Foundation
Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village – Events – The Henry Ford
Historical Village in Detroit | Greenfield Village
Hackley and Hume Houses Holiday Tour
Date: November 25 – December 28, 2024
Where: Hackley and Hume Historic Site courtyard, 484 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon, MI 49440
Experience the spirit of the holiday season, learn the history of Victorian holiday traditions, at this year’s Holiday Tours of the Hackley and Hume Houses. The Queen Anne-style Victorian homes, once belonging to Muskegon lumber barons Charles Hackley and Thomas Hume, are a landmark in Muskegon. They are located along West Webster Avenue. Perry’s Pines will be selling trees and wreaths in the courtyard during tour hours throughout the holiday season.
Holiday Tours 2024 – Lakeshore Museum Center
Historic Trinity Lutheran Church – Christmas Tours
Date: November 15 – December 22, 2024
Where: 1345 Gratiot Avenue, Detroit, MI 48207
This is the place to be for Christmas in the city. Historic Trinity features 42 Christmas trees, including the magnificent 25′ sanctuary tree with 18,935 lights; more than 700 nativities from all over the world, including a glorious sanctuary nativity from 1888; and the historic Dau Library/Nutcracker Central. Garland, bows, wreaths, and a Christmas forest await your arrival. Don’t miss the 13-piece life-sized Nativity on display on the stage in the Huegli Auditorium… a must-see this year… and a wonderful photo op to have you and/or your children stand with the holy family.
Christmas Tours @Historic Trinity – Historic Trinity
Architecture & Art of The Historic Trinity Lutheran Church
Meadow Brook Hall Holiday Walk
Date: November 29 – December 23, 2024
Where: Meadow Brook Hall, 350 Estate Drive, Rochester Hills, MI, 48309-4481
Meadow Brook Hall’s annual Holiday Walk is a self-guided indoor tour featuring incomparable holiday sights and decorations inside Meadow Brook Hall, the historic mansion and National Historic Landmark located in Rochester on the campus of Oakland University. The tour transports visitors through the historic 110-room Matilda Dodge Wilson mansion, with more than 50 magnificent trees, flickering fireplaces, and lights galore. For more information about Meadow Brook Hall, please visit our previously published Must See Michigan Architecture article on Meadow Brook here – Stately Estate: Meadow Brook Hall : Michigan Architectural Foundation
Holiday Walk – Meadow Brook Hall
Alden B. Dow House Holiday Tour
Date: December 1-31, 2024
Where: 315 Post Street, Midland, MI 48640
Alden and Vada Dow made Christmas a joyous and playful, family celebration for their family in this home. During this holiday season, experience the beauty and fun of their zooming scale trains, playful mechanical toys, shimmering Christmas tree decorations, joyous holiday music and the warm and inviting atmosphere the Dows created for family, friends, and holiday guests in this architectural masterpiece. If you are interested, please see our previously published Must See Michigan Architecture article on the Alden B. Dow House – Building with the Natural Environment:Alden B. Dow Home and Studio : Michigan Architectural Foundation
Alden B. Dow Home & Studio Holiday Tours – Alden B. Dow (abdow.org)
Crossroads Village – Christmas Holiday Magic
Date: December 1-29, 2024
Where: 6140 N. Bray Rd., Flint, MI 48505
Celebrate the spirit of the season at Crossroads Village, where a historic village comes alive with holiday magic for an unforgettable experience. Indulge in the enchantment of twinkling lights, artisan crafting, and timeless holiday activities for the whole family. Enjoy an evening ride on the historical 1800s Huckleberry Railroad, or walk through the streets filled with classic decorations capturing Christmas past with Santa waiting to say hello.