‘Tis the Season Weekends 2026

‘Tis the Season Weekends is a free outdoor Christmas event at Frankenmuth River Place Shops, running on Saturdays and Sundays from November 28 through December 20, 2026. The event combines Santa visits, live caroling, seasonal decorations, and holiday shopping in Frankenmuth’s Bavarian-themed setting.

Dates and schedule

The 2026 dates are Nov. 28–29, Dec. 5–6, Dec. 12–13, and Dec. 19–20. Santa is scheduled for 11 a.m.–5 p.m. on the Fest Platz stage near Cass River Bar & Grill, with a North Pole-themed backdrop and opportunities for visitors to take photos; strolling carolers perform 1–4 p.m.

What happens

The focus is deliberately traditional: Santa, Christmas music, decorations, and shopping rather than rides or a large ticketed festival. Carolers roam the complex performing classic and newer Christmas favorites, while Santa’s decorated setting serves as the centerpiece for family photos; the published 2026 entertainment schedule includes Fenton Lakes Chorus and several quartets.

Admission and weather

Admission and the advertised holiday activities are free, although tips for the strolling performers are encouraged. Everything takes place outdoors and is weather-dependent, so performance and activity times can change—a meaningful consideration for a late-November or December visit to Michigan.

Setting

River Place Shops turns the event into part of a broader Christmas-shopping outing, rather than a standalone performance with a fixed start and finish. The complex has more than 40 shops and attractions, and its 2026 calendar also places the 12 Days of Christmas Sale and other seasonal programming around the same period, making the weekends particularly oriented toward browsing, gifts, food, and holiday atmosphere.