Ford House is celebrating the season with its largest annual event, Home for the Holidays, now welcoming visitors through Dec. 21 for an illuminated walk filled with festive cheer, elegant décor, and sparkling lakeside views. Home for the Holidays welcomes nearly 8,000 visitors each year for its nearly one-mile-long lighted outdoor experience, and this year Ford House expects to welcome even more.
With guests continuing to enjoy this beloved tradition, Ford House is pleased to announce its 2026 public season featuring concerts on the water, family-friendly celebrations, theatrical experiences, and the return of the estate’s most cherished holiday programs. Strong turnout for this year’s program shows how much the community values seasonal traditions at Ford House, making this the perfect moment to share plans for the year ahead.
“Our guests come to Ford House to celebrate, reflect, and make memories together,” said Mark J. Heppner, Ford House’s President & CEO. “Home for the Holidays shows how much people value time on the estate, and our 2026 season builds on that spirit with concerts, family programs, and traditions that welcome the community in every season.”
Ford House welcomes approximately 150,000 visitors annually for tours, programs, dining, and special events. Seasonal programs contribute to local economic activity by supporting dozens of local vendors, artists, and performers throughout the year.
These programs strengthen Ford House’s role as a regional destination for arts, culture, and family experiences and embraces the organization’s values.
2026 Season Highlights
New for 2026 is an expanded concert lineup, the return of the beloved Nutcracker Tea, and additional seasonal enhancements across fall and holiday programming. These updates reflect guest feedback and the continued growth of Ford House as a regional destination for family friendly and arts focused experiences.
- Expanded summer music lineup featuring the nostalgic sounds of Saved by the 90s
- New and returning Concert Over the Cove performances beginning with a Valentine’s concert featuring Detroit vocalist Ben Sharkey
- Beloved fall family programs including Harvest Day and Little Goblins
- Shakespeare Stroll returning as an immersive outdoor theater experience in partnership with Grosse Pointe Theatre
- Home for the Holidays returning with an elegant nighttime walk inspired by Eleanor Ford’s timeless holiday style
Concerts and Live Music: A Year of Performances on the Water
Ford House’s 2026 concert season brings music to the lakeshore with intimate performances set against the backdrop of Lake St. Clair. The 2025 Outdoor Summer Concert Series was a record-breaking year, welcoming more than 4,600 guests to enjoy performances on the water. Strong audience growth across 2024 and 2025 has shown rising demand for live outdoor music and intimate lakeside performances. The 2026 season builds on this momentum by expanding offerings and continuing to highlight regional and national performers.
“There is nothing quite like hearing live music along the water at Ford House,” said Tommy Karr, Director of Communications & Engagement. “People come here because the concerts are not only performances but moments in an environment that feels timeless. Guests tell us they love the way the estate opens up in the summer and how the lakeshore becomes part of the experience. It is a setting that makes every concert feel personal and memorable.”
The season opens with the Valentine’s Concert Over the Cove with Ben Sharkey on Feb. 13 at 7 p.m., followed by the second Concert Over the Cove on May 15 at 7 p.m. (Artist to be announced soon.)
The 2026 Outdoor Summer Concert Series features three evenings of golden hour music on the lakeshore. Saved by the 90s performs July 10 at 7 p.m., followed by additional concerts on Aug. 14 at 7 p.m. and Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. (Artists to be announced soon.)
Autumn brings the Halloween Concert Over the Cove with Kalkaska String Quartet on Oct. 30 at 6 p.m., offering a dramatic, atmospheric evening along the shoreline. The season concludes with the Christmas Concert Over the Cove on Dec. 4 at 6 p.m., with artists to be announced.
Seasonal Celebrations and Family Favorites
Seasonal celebrations return throughout 2026 with programs for all ages.
Photos with the Easter Bunny returns March 28, followed by Easter Brunch on April 5, a spring tradition that brings families together each year. Mother’s Day Brunch on May 10 invites guests to enjoy a seasonal meal in the Lake Shore Room on the second floor of the Visitor Center with views overlooking Ford Cove.
Summer brings Eleanor’s Birthday Tea and Tour on June 14 and the Shakespeare Stroll on Aug. 6 at 6 p.m. Now in its third year, the Shakespeare Stroll is a co-production between Ford House and Grosse Pointe Theatre, guiding guests scene by scene through the estate as actors bring classic works to life among the gardens and grounds.
The Murder Mystery Parties on Friday, Oct. 9 and Saturday, Oct. 10 offer two immersive evenings of clues and characters inside the historic Main Residence. Inspired by the murder mystery parties Eleanor Ford hosted during the family’s years in the house, these events invite guests to explore the estate at night through theatrical storytelling and playful suspense. They typically sell out within hours of going on sale, reflecting the strong interest guests have in experiencing this elegant tradition in its original setting.
Signature Fall Programs
Autumn brings two of Ford House’s most beloved family programs: Harvest Day on Sept. 26 and Little Goblins on Oct. 24.
Harvest Day continues to grow as a major regional draw. The 2025 event welcomed 60 vendors, doubling the number from 2024, and drew 4,562 guests compared to 2,590 the previous year. Little Goblins also experienced a record-breaking year in 2025 with 3,303 guests, an increase from 2,059 in 2024, reflecting strong community demand for seasonal family experiences.
Both events remain cherished fall traditions that invite visitors to celebrate autumn at Ford House through hands-on activities, outdoor play, and festive seasonal treats. These seasonal programs also highlight partnerships with local makers, performers, and community organizations, reflecting Ford House’s ongoing commitment to supporting the region’s creative and small business communities.
Holiday Traditions at Ford House
The holiday season at Ford House brings warm light, festive décor, and cherished traditions across the estate. The season begins with Cookies with Santa, offered on select dates from Nov. 28 through Dec. 19. Families are welcomed into the historic setting for a quiet, personal moment with Santa. Sensory Friendly sessions feature softened lighting and sound and offer a calmer environment before general admission sessions begin.
Holiday Tea and Tour on Dec. 6 invites guests to enjoy refined seasonal décor inside the Main Residence. After many years away, our beloved Nutcracker Tea returns Dec. 12, filling the day with whimsy and joy for children and all who are young at heart as we bring this cherished tradition to life again. Brunch with Santa on Dec. 20 closes the season with a joyful morning inside the Visitor Center.
Home for the Holidays returns for its fourth celebrated year! This evening walk guides guests along illuminated pathways and through festive outdoor displays inspired by Eleanor Ford’s timeless holiday aesthetic. The nearly one-mile-long experience welcomes nearly 8,000 visitors each year and continues to grow as one of southeast Michigan’s favorite seasonal traditions.
“The holidays feel especially joyful at Ford House because the estate creates a sense of belonging,” said Andrea Ozanich, Public Events Specialist. “People want to celebrate here because it feels welcoming and full of heart. Every light, every decorated space, and every visit with Santa adds to the feeling that this is a place where holiday memories are made.”
Ways to Experience Ford House
Visit fordhouse.org to explore the full calendar and additional details about all events, tours, dining reservations, and seasonal programs. Friends of Ford House, the estate’s annual membership program, enjoy early access to ticket sales and receive discounts of 20 to 50 percent on select events, tours, and experiences, including dining and shopping. Early access often means Friends secure tickets before they open to the public, especially for programs that sell out quickly. Friendships begin at just fifty dollars per year and support Ford House’s year-round programming.
Visitors can also spend a full day at Ford House by enjoying lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch at The Continental, relaxing with quick service options at The Speedster, or browsing seasonal gifts and locally made items at The Shop inside the Visitor Center. These amenities are open to all guests and offer additional ways to explore the estate before or after an event or tour. Parking is available on site, and accessibility information can be found at fordhouse.org.
Ford House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to building a sustainable, inclusive future by connecting people to the Ford family legacy and to each other through history, culture, and love. Details about joining Friends of Ford House are available at fordhouse.org.
For more information, visit www.fordhouse.org or call (313) 884-4222. Connect with Ford House on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest as @eefordhouse, and explore our Google Business Profile by searching for “Ford House” on Google.