What You Need to Know About Farmington Area Dec. 1 Holiday Extravaganza

If you don't have the holiday spirit after Saturday, it won't be for lack of opportunities to find it. 

Farmington-Farmington Hills Patch has your guide to a wide range of activities and events happening in Farmington and Farmington Hills on Dec. 1, from Holly Days to a Kwanzaa celebration. And if you see an event we missed, let us know in the comments! 

Breakfast with Santa

Enjoy an all-you-can-eat breakfast and a visit with Santa, then stay for a family craft time. Cost for breakfast is $5, $3 for ages 5-12 and free for kids under age 5. There's a $5 per family fee for craft materials. 8 a.m. Orchard United Methodist Church, 30450 Farmington Rd., Farmington Hills.

St. Lucia Breakfast Celebration

There will be three seatings for this Swedish breakfast, featuring coffee, tea, fruit soup, breads and cookies by candlelight. The Lucia singers will perform a recital sharing traditional Swedish Christmas carols. Young members of the Faith Covenant Church congregation will join in the carols and dance around the Christmas tree as “pepparkokar” or gingerbread cookies, and “tomtar” or Swedish elves. Cost is $15; purchase tickets in advance. 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and noon. Faith Covenant Church, 35415 W. 14 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills.

Salem Church Christmas Craft Show

Fun, fellowship and shopping are on tap during this event. Admission is free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Salem United Church of Christ, 33424 Oakland St., Farmington.

American Legion War Memorial Wreath Laying 

Remember Farmington's fallen heroes and those who are still serving during this holiday season. Miss Farmington 2012 Elena Palavicas, American Legion Post 346, Farmington Mayor Tom Buck, and area Boy and Girl Scout Troops will place wreaths at the War Memorial Monument. 10 a.m. Memorial Park, Grand River Ave & Oakland St., Farmington.

Downtown Farmington Holly Days

Here's a list of activities during this event, held in and around downtown Farmington from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.:

• Greens & Gifts Market at the Walter E. Sundquist Pavilion - 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
  Shop 25 vendors, listen to the Salvation Army band and School of Rock perform. At noon, watch an ice carving demonstration by students from the Oakland Community College Culinary Studies Institute.
• Santa Arrives at the Walter E. Sundquist Pavilion - 12 p.m.-4 p.m.
  Pack your patience as you and your children wait to visit with Santa. Free family photos available, sponsored by Focal Point Studio of Photography.  
• Santa's Workshop at Mike Greer Photography Studio - 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
  Kids Holiday Craft Area, free gift wrapping, refreshments and story time at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. with Mrs. Claus. 
• Free movies at the Farmington Civic Theater - starting at 10 a.m.
  Watch The Polar Express at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., and Shrek the Halls at 10:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 12:15 p.m., and 1:15 p.m. Movie-goers are encouraged to bring non-perishable food, new, unwrapped toys or a donation to the Farmington Area Goodfellows.
• Tree of Wishes at the Walter E. Sundquist Pavilion - 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
  Bring a pair of new socks or mittens to help needy local families. Items will be donated to the Farmington Area Goodfellows. Children can also write their Christmas wish on a paper ornament to hang on the Tree of Wishes.

KickstART Farmington Yule Blog

What is the best gift you’ve ever received? What is the best gift you ever gave? How would you describe Farmington in a word? Share your answers to these questions on old-fashioned typewriters stationed at three downtown Farmington locations. Responses will be published at kickstartfarmington.org after the event. 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Farmington branch library, Mentobe Cafe, and Ginger’s Cafe & Gourmet Shoppe.

Kwanzaa Celebration

The African American Family Network of Farmington and Farmington Hills hosts this annual event, held at the  at 3 p.m. The event will include entertainment and food, and there is no admission charge. For more information, contact Douglas and Ouley Saulsberry at 248-737-3023 or oudr@aol.com. 3 p.m. Farmington Community Library Main Library.

Governor Warner Mansion Holiday Open House

View the magnificent Christmas decorations, complete with greenery and crimson ribbons draped over every doorway, and four Christmas trees beautifully decorated by Mansion volunteers and members of the Farmington Garden Club. Docents in Victorian period costumes will give tours, and local pianist Annika Taylor will perform holiday tunes. 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Governor Warner Mansion, 33805 Grand River, Farmington.

Farmington Area Jaycees Tree Lighting

The School of Rock will perform, local dignitaries will speak and Santa will make an appearance at this annual holiday event. Toys for Tots volunteers will accept gifts of new, unwrapped presents. There's no charge to attend; learn more at FAJC.org, write to fajaycee@gmail.com, or call 877.411.FAJC. 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. Governor Warner Mansion, 33805 Grand River Ave, Farmington.

Crafting for a Warm S.O.U.L.

Learn to crochet a basic scarf to donate, make greeting cards, and mini soul-soothing services like chair massage, reflexology and meditation. Open to anyone over 21, $5 tickets are available in advance or at the door. Bring a donation of warm-weather clothing or non-perishable food items for ticket discounts. Learn more at creativecenterforwellbeing.com or write to creativecenterforwellbeing@gmail.com. 6 p.m. Creative Center for Well-Being, 32580 Grand River Ave., Farmington.