The Black Santa Experience

“For us, by us” is the mantra that dictates the Black Santa Experience, a holiday gathering created to offer inclusivity and celebrate the city’s Black community.

The event, hosted by Sip Happens, Eleven 11 Events, Sweet Encounter Bakery & Café, Cravings Gourmet Popcorn and Blk Lansing, will take place this Saturday (Nov. 26).

Kids will have the opportunity to take pictures with Santa, played by Melik Brown, host of “Movin’ with Metro Melik” on WQTX Stacks 92.1. “We believe our children should see themselves everywhere, and Santa is no exception,” the website reads. Children will also be able to write letters to Santa, make Christmas tree ornaments and participate in a cupcake decorating workshop (2-4 p.m.).

Parents can take the opportunity to shop at the Black vendor marketplace, which will feature more than 30 local Black-owned businesses. There will also be hourly raffles, with 100% of proceeds going toward answering the requests of the children. Show off your best ugly Christmas sweater for a chance to win the ugly Christmas sweater contest.

The first 100 attendees will receive a free swag bag, so make sure to show up early. 

Noon-6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26

The Venue, Lansing Mall

5660 W. Saginaw Hwy., Lansing