Ford House Family Events & Holiday Magic
Celebrate fall and holiday traditions with Harvest Day, Little Goblins, and Home for the Holidays.
Your Fall & Winter Family Activities Guide
Bring your family to Ford House and experience the joy of the seasons together. Our Ford House family events are designed with children and parents in mind—whether you’re exploring the festive fun of Harvest Day, dressing up for Little Goblins, or making holiday memories during Cookies with Santa, Holiday Tea & Tour, and Brunch with Santa. These beloved traditions create lasting moments you’ll treasure year after year.
Are Discounts Available?
Yes! By joining Friends of Ford House, you not only get discounts on tickets to public events but also early access to purchase them before they go on sale to the public. Plus, enjoy discounts on dining, shopping, and more!
Saturday, September 27 from noon to 5 p.m.
Celebrate the season at one of the most beloved Ford House family events. Harvest Day transforms the estate into a fall festival filled with crisp air, colorful leaves, and activities for all ages. Families can browse local vendors, sip cider, enjoy kid-friendly games, and take part in classic autumn traditions. With pony rides, a petting zoo, and plenty of seasonal treats, it’s the perfect way to make fall memories together.
Saturday, October 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Little Goblins is a favorite among parents of young children looking for a safe, festive way to celebrate Halloween. Designed especially for kids 10 and under, this Ford House family event features a playful trick-or-treat trail, costumed characters, and hands-on crafts. Children are encouraged to dress up, collect treats, and explore the beautiful Ford House grounds with their families. With plenty of photo opportunities and a friendly, not-too-spooky atmosphere, it’s a tradition that keeps little ones smiling year after year.
SAVE THE DATE
- Tickets go on sale to Friends of Ford House: Tuesday, September 16 at 10 a.m.
- Tickets go on sale the Public: Tuesday, September 23 at 10 a.m.
Saturday, November 29 — Sunday, December 21 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Experience Ford House aglow with festive lights and seasonal décor on an outdoor evening walk designed for families. Stroll illuminated pathways, enjoy charming photo moments, and make cozy memories together—an annual favorite among Ford House family events.
SAVE THE DATE
- Tickets go on sale to Friends of Ford House: Tuesday, September 16 at 10 a.m.
- Tickets go on sale the Public: Tuesday, September 23 at 10 a.m.
Cookies with Santa
Select Wednesdays and Saturdays in December
Step into the season’s magic with Cookies with Santa—a heartwarming holiday tradition where every child gets their special moment with the jolly man in red. Tucked into a cozy, festive setting, your little ones will delight in a private five-minute visit with Santa Claus, sharing their wishes, laughter, and holiday dreams without the rush of a mall line.
The first hour of each Cookies with Santa date is reserved for children with autism or other sensory processing needs, providing a calmer, more supportive environment.
On Sale for Friends of Ford House: Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 10 a.m.
On Sale for the Public: Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 10 a.m.
Holiday Tea & Tour
Sunday, December 14 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Celebrate the season with a tea experience steeped in holiday magic. Guests will enjoy a three-tiered service featuring festive finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, decadent desserts, and a curated selection of teas designed to delight the senses. Adding to the ambiance, Michigan Harpist Chanah Ambuter will perform live harp music throughout the service.
After tea, take a leisurely stroll through the enchanting Main Residence, where history and holiday splendor come alive in every room. Relax, savor, and make cherished memories surrounded by the timeless elegance of Ford House. Don’t wait to embrace the joy of the season—reserve your tickets early for this holiday tradition filled with flavor, charm, and celebration.
On Sale for Friends of Ford House: Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 10 a.m.
On Sale for the Public: Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 10 a.m.
Brunch with Santa
Sunday, December 7 and 21 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Start a cherished family tradition with Brunch with Santa, one of the standout Ford House family events this holiday season. Enjoy a hearty hot breakfast buffet—including fluffy pancakes and warm cocoa—while Santa and Mrs. Claus make their way to each table to hear children’s wishes in person. Capture giggles, grins, and timeless family moments during this festive morning gathering.
On Sale for Friends of Ford House: Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 10 a.m.
On Sale for the Public: Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 10 a.m.
Our Mission
At Ford House, we are building a sustainable, inclusive future by connecting people to the Ford family legacy—and to each other—through history, culture, and love.
Our Core Values
Ford House is guided by four values that reflect Eleanor and Edsel Ford’s way of life and continue to shape our work today:
Love
Ford House was a family home filled with love, joy, and stories. Telling those stories, and those of our visitors, is the core of what we do. Whether their love is nature, art, history, design, or giving back, there’s a place for them here, a path that fits their passion.
Equity
Ford House is a welcoming, warm, and accessible place for all people to come together, both formally and informally. We intentionally prioritize equity in our stories, the audiences we serve, and the partnerships we build.
Playfulness
Though a woman of significant influence, Eleanor was lots of fun. This was a family home where young children grew up, and play was a massive part of their experience here. Though we discuss important subjects, we refuse to take ourselves too seriously. This estate bears witness to generations of play. Visitors should laugh here, and our team should laugh here.
Philanthropy
The Fords shared and continue to share their love through philanthropic giving and service at the local and national levels. We ask ourselves and our visitors to give back and provide opportunities for them to do so.
Our Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility
Guided by Eleanor’s and Edsel’s shared love of Detroit and its people, art, culture, and the greater good, Ford House is committed to serving the public. Everyone is welcome. We believe that inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility are essential to honoring that legacy and ensuring Ford House remains a place where all people feel seen, heard, and valued.
Visitor Questions
We want your experience at Ford House to be easy, memorable, and meaningful. Here are answers to some of the most common questions prospective guests ask:
What can I do when I visit Ford House?
Guests can explore the beautifully preserved Main Residence, stroll the lush gardens and lakeside grounds, enjoy exhibits in the Visitor Center, dine at The Continental, shop at our museum store, or attend one of our many seasonal and signature events.
How do I buy tickets or become a Friend of Ford House?
Tickets can be purchased online or at the Visitor Center. Friends of Ford House enjoy early access to ticket sales, discounts, and exclusive member events.
Is Ford House family-friendly?
Yes! We offer programming for all ages—from storytime for toddlers and STEAM-focused learning for kids to walking tours, concerts, teas, and trivia nights. Children are welcome at most events unless otherwise noted.
Is the estate accessible?
We strive to make Ford House welcoming to all. The Visitor Center and many paths are wheelchair accessible, and we offer limited mobility parking and rest areas. For specific accommodations, please visit our Accessibility page or contact Guest Services.
Why does the Ford family matter today?
Eleanor and Edsel Ford shaped the culture of Detroit, not just through industry, but through their deep support for the arts, design, and community wellbeing. Their legacy continues through the estate’s mission of connection, creativity, and care.
Explore our FAQs or reach out with any questions you may have!
A Brief History of Gaukler Pointe
Ford House recognizes the indigenous people who once made this land home.
Awards & Recognition
Ford House is incredibly proud of the awards and recognition we’ve received over the last several years.
Contact
Have a question. Reach out to our staff.
Employment
Join our team!
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility
In honoring the directives Eleanor Ford provided in her will while working to meet the needs of contemporary audiences, Ford House upholds and inspires the institutional values of equity, playfulness, and philanthropy.
Material Culture
At Ford House, Material Culture preserves and maintains the tangible history of the estate. Focused on the artifacts and art within the house and other buildings, Material Culture undertakes a range of responsibilities to ensure the ongoing care of the family’s collections and historic spaces.
Moss the Goose Dog
Get to know Moss. On any given day, you’ll see Moss chasing away the Canada geese, ensuring our grounds are pristine for visitors.
Sustainability
Ford House actively works to ensure the environment is protected and operates using sustainable efforts. Learn more!
Friends of Ford House
Joining Has Its Perks!
An annual Friends of Ford House membership is a great way to enjoy all that Ford House has to offer! Enjoy discounted tickets, pre-sale access, exclusive events, discounts on dining and shopping, and more.
