Home for the Holidays at Ford House Returns With Quiet Elegance, New Route, and Mistletoe Market

Guests will begin their journey at Jingle Junction, enjoy live carolers on select nights, and experience Eleanor Ford’s timeless holiday style inside the historic Main Residence

Home for the Holidays at Ford House returns this season with an expanded schedule, a new walking route, live carolers, and festive experiences that capture the spirit of the season with warmth and sophistication. The beloved tradition runs Thursdays through Sundays, December 4–21, with a special Friends of Ford House and Media Preview Night on Saturday, November 29, and a public opening on Sunday, November 30.

The evening offers families a chance to slow down together, reconnect, and experience the simple joys of the season surrounded by beauty, history, and tradition. With limited ticket capacity and timed entry, each evening feels calm and unhurried, allowing guests to fully savor the atmosphere without crowds. Many guests make Home for the Holidays a cherished annual tradition, returning year after year to experience the magic of the season at Ford House.

Your Journey

Guests begin their evening by walking from the Visitor Center to Jingle Junction at Josephine’s Playhouse, with whimsical gingerbread figures and colorful lights that make for a delightful photo opportunity. From there, the walk transforms into a serene experience of soft white lights and uplifting instrumental holiday music as guests continue through the Formal and Rose Gardens, past the Pool and Lagoon, and toward the Main Residence.

For many guests, entering the Main Residence is the highlight of the evening, a chance to step inside one of Michigan’s most beautiful historic homes, warmly decorated in Eleanor Ford’s signature style of understated elegance. Inspired by her personal taste and sense of refinement, the décor embodies a gentle, sophisticated celebration of the season. Each room reflects beauty through simplicity, creating an atmosphere that is festive, graceful, and timeless.

“Eleanor Ford’s style reflected a quiet kind of elegance and beauty. Her approach to design was rooted in simplicity and intention, and that spirit continues in Home for the Holidays. We want guests to slow down, take in the atmosphere, and enjoy the season through her timeless sense of style.”

Tommy Karr, Director of Communications & Engagement

For Ford House leadership, Home for the Holidays reflects not only the joy of the season but also Eleanor Ford’s enduring legacy of generosity and community.

“At its heart, Ford House has always been a home, a place of connection between people, nature, and beauty. Eleanor Ford gifted this estate to the community with the hope that it would enrich the lives of future generations. That sense of welcome is especially meaningful at Christmastime, when families gather, lights glow, and the season fills the estate with comfort and joy.”

Mark Heppner, President & CEO

After exploring the Main Residence, guests can choose one of two festive experiences. The first is Mistletoe Market, located in the historic Drying Yard, where guests can gather around fire pits, enjoy holiday snacks and beverages—including adult beverages—from the Concessions Tent, and shop for unique gifts at The Shop’s Pop-Up, featuring items available only during the event. Alternatively, guests looking for that extra moment of Christmas magic can stop by Santa’s Candy & Sweets Shoppe, a bright and whimsical corner of the Main Residence, for a brief meet and greet and photo opportunity with Santa before exiting to the market.

Every paid ticket includes a complimentary cup of hot cocoa, the perfect companion for a winter stroll. Adults can also purchase a shot to add to their cocoa for a cozy, spirited twist.

Working with Detroit Goodfellows

Ford House is also proud to partner with the Detroit Goodfellows to help brighten the holidays for local children. Guests are invited to donate new, unwrapped toys for children ages 5–15 as part of the Goodfellows’ annual holiday package distribution, which supports more than 13,000 families across metro Detroit, including Harper Woods. Toy collection boxes will be in the Visitor Center Lobby and the Administration Building from November 1 through December 10.

More Seasonal Cheer

This year’s Home for the Holidays at Ford House will be filled with even more seasonal cheer, featuring live carolers performing festive favorites on select nights—each bringing their own special sound to the holiday magic.

Caroling Schedule

Nov 29: Good Tidings Caroling
Dec 4: Grosse Pointe North High School
Dec 7: North Broadway Church of Christ
Dec 12: U of D Jesuit High School
Dec 13: North Broadway Church of Christ
Dec 18: Regina High School Girls’ Choir
Dec 20: Community Chorus of Detroit

Good to Know

The one-mile outdoor walk is designed to be comfortable and family-friendly, with timed entry to keep crowds light and parking conveniently located near the Visitor Center. Complimentary on-site parking is included with every ticket, and all guests enter and exit through the Visitor Center. The route includes pavement, gravel, wood chips, and grass, and portions may be uneven. Guests are encouraged to wear warm clothing and comfortable shoes suitable for winter conditions.

New for 2025

Home for the Holidays will now be open Thursday through Sunday evenings to meet growing audience demand. Admission is timed every 30 minutes between 5:30 and 8 p.m., and advance purchase is strongly recommended, as space is limited. The event takes place in rain, snow, or shine.

Admissions

Public: Adults $22, Children (3–12) $12
Friends of Ford House: Adults $18, Children (3–12) $10
Children ages 2 and under are free

Tickets are available now at www.fordhouse.org/events/home-for-the-holidays-at-ford-house.

Timed-entry tickets often sell out, so guests are encouraged to reserve early for their preferred date and time. For more information, call the Ford House Admissions Desk at (313) 884-4222.

More Ways to Celebrate the Holidays at Ford House

Home for the Holidays is just one of several ways to celebrate the season at Ford House. Guests can also enjoy a variety of festive programs throughout November and December, including:

Holiday Main Residence Guided Tour

November 28–December 31

Offered Tuesdays through Sundays at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., and 3 p.m., this tour invites guests to explore the Ford family’s home beautifully decorated in Eleanor Ford’s understated holiday style.

Accessible Main Residence Holiday Guided Tour

December 10, 17, and 31

Held on Wednesdays at 11 a.m., this inclusive experience provides an accessible way for all visitors to enjoy the Main Residence.

Cookies With Santa

Wednesdays and Saturdays, December 3–20

Families can meet Santa and enjoy fresh-baked cookies on Wednesdays from 4–7 p.m. and Saturdays from 12–3 p.m.

NEW: Sensory-Friendly Cookies with Santa

Wednesdays and Saturdays, December 3–20

Designed for guests who prefer a quieter experience, these sessions run Wednesdays from 2–3 p.m. and Saturdays from 10–11 a.m.

Brunch With Santa

Sundays, December 7 and 21

Guests can share a holiday meal and photos with Santa at seatings at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Holiday Tea and Tour

Sunday, December 14

Guests can share a holiday meal and photos with Santa at seatings at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Christmas Concert Over the Cove featuring Vanessa Carr

Friday, December 19

Celebrate the holidays in style at Christmas Concert Over the Cove at 7 p.m., featuring powerhouse vocalist Vanessa Carr in an intimate 21+ evening filled with beloved Christmas songs, spirited performances, and seasonal sparkle. Each ticket includes one drink ticket and access to the dessert buffet.

Each program offers a distinct way to experience the holidays at Ford House, surrounded by the estate’s timeless beauty and traditions.

Dining

Guests are encouraged to make a reservation at The Continental, Ford House’s lakefront restaurant located inside the Visitor Center, to enjoy a modern American meal overlooking Ford Cove. Lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch reservations can be made online at www.fordhouse.org/dining.

Home for the Holidays at Ford House Returns With Quiet Elegance, New Route, and Mistletoe Market