Special Events

The Parks and Recreation Department hosts a wide variety of special events each year. Check below to see some of our current offerings!

Santa's mailbox

Santa is coming to town to pick up your letters! Leave your postage-free letter with a return address for Santa in the special mailbox located in the Kirksey Recreation Center any time between Nov. 9-Dec. 4.

Co-sponsored by Livonia Kiwanis Early Risers and Livonia Parks and Recreation.

SANTA Stroll Santa Stroll event flyer Opens in new window(sold out)

Coming to Greenmead Historical Park 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, this outdoor event blends rich history with contemporary celebration. Families will enjoy photos with Santa, take-and-make crafts, outdoor story time, carriage rides, giveaways, and more! To allow for ample social distancing, please register here for a 15-minute arrival time slot. Pre-registration is required and the cost of $5 per family.



Night of Lights

Night Of Lights updated flyer Opens in new windowGreenmead Historical Park will host a new Night of Lights light display 5-8 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays Dec. 5-6, Dec. 12-13 and Dec. 19-20 at the Alexander Blue House. Santa will be visiting and, although parking and admission are both free, pre-registration for a 30-minute arrival time slot is required for the free photos with Santa (less than 10 spots remain as of Dec. 4!). Warm beverages and snacks will be available for purchase (cash only). 

Livonia Parks and Recreation and the Livonia Chamber of Commerce are partnering to provide this new event, with the lights being professionally installed by Livonia-based Zoro’s Christmas Lights.





MERRY & BRIGHT REVERSE HOLIDAY PARADE (canceled due to MDHHS order)Merry and Bright Reverse Holiday Parade event flyer

Taking our traditional annual parade and turning it on its head, the Merry & Bright Reverse Holiday Parade takes place 4-5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6. Instead of parade participants making their way past spectators, the spectators will drive past the parade participants while in their own vehicles. The parade participant groups will be stationary along the shorter route, which takes place along Civic Center Drive from Farmington Road to Five Mile Road.

Co-sponsored by the Livonia Community Foundation and Livonia Parks and Recreation.





Light Up LivoniaLight Up Livonia Flyer

From Dec. 6-20, we’re calling on all homes and businesses to Light Up Livonia as part of the first-ever citywide holiday light contest. Register for free to participate in the contest and show off what you’ve got. Entries will be gathered and put onto a map so the public can drive to see all of the different displays. A panel of judges will determine four winners (three residences, one business), who will be awarded a prize during a visit from the mayor and Santa Claus.

Co-sponsored by the Livonia Chamber of Commerce and Livonia Parks and Recreation.

Light Up Livonia screenshot of mayor and families Opens in new window

Click for a video featuring Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan, Councilmembers Jim Jolly and Brandon McCullough, and their children.





Lunch WITH SANTA (sold out)

Join us for a photo with Santa, lunch, crafts, and story time from Santa and Mrs. Claus from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at the Civic Park Senior Center. Masks will be required for all participants ages 5 and older except while eating. Seating will be assigned by family. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. (Although the event is now sold out, you can sign up for the waiting list at the link provided.)

Pet Photos with SantaPet Photos With Santa event flyer Opens in new window

Family pets can sign up in advance for Pet Photos with Santa, taking place from 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, Dec. 13, and 2-4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15, both at the Livonia Dog Park inside Bicentennial Park.

Photos will not be printed on site, so please bring your own camera. Photos will be taken in an area enclosed by a fence.


Santa's workshop calling

Santa and his elves will make special calls to children (any elementary-aged child who still believes) 6-8 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 14, and Tuesday, Dec. 15. The form can be found below and can be turned into the Kirksey Recreation Center front desk or sent by email to wkeppen@ci.livonia.mi.us, or you can register online.

Santa Calling Form (PDF)

Co-sponsored by Livonia Kiwanis Early Risers and Livonia Parks and Recreation.

winter camp swoosh

Camp Swoosh in the snow! Join us for a winter version of our popular Camp Swoosh program for kids ages 5-12. Our days will be full of group games, swimming, climbing the rock wall, arts and crafts, science experiments, and more!

  • Max capacity of 20 campers per week due to the State of Michigan guidelines
  • Daily symptom/temperature checks are required for staff and campers
  • Cloth face coverings or masks are mandatory for camp staff
  • Cloth face coverings or masks are required for campers
  • Social distancing practices are enforced
  • More frequent cleaning and sanitizing of equipment and toys
  • Camps led by background checked and CPR/First Aid/AED/Water Safety certified staff

Daily options are available during the weeks of Dec. 21-23 and 28-30.

Fees (per day): $36/Members   $41/Residents   $46/Non-Residents