When the icy winds of winter arrive in West Michigan, we all need a good reason to actually leave the house. Lucky for us, Michiganders have a lot of practice going through this season (it happens every year, in fact). Which means we’ve found dozens of ways—at least 50—to have a great time despite the cold.
I remember the first year I attended a World of Winter event. It was still relatively new, and I was still relatively new to being outdoors in the depth of winter for any extended period of time. But, I really wanted to see the Hybycozo installations at Ah-Nab-Awen Park—after dark, when they would be at their peak illumination.
Planning a West Michigan wedding? You’ll want a dream team of local venues, vendors, and creatives to bring your vision to life.
Whether you’re tucking kids into bed by 9pm or dancing your way into the wee hours of Jan. 1 this New Year's Eve, West Michigan has no shortage of ways to send off the old year and welcome the new one.
Get Out is Your Monthly Guide to What’s Great in the Great Outdoors. If you’re like me, you probably caught a bug this season. This put a wrench in my plans to see ENLIGHTEN at Frederik Meijer Gardens, not once, but twice. Two reschedulings later, and with most of my recreation group having already gone, I was faced with a solo trip.
As December 31 approaches, downtown Ludington comes alive in a way that only winter in a small lakeshore town can. The streets, usually quiet this time of year, fill with lights, laughter, and the energy of people coming together for the annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop.
Randy Feltface has never taken the easy route, which is surprising for a purple felt philosopher who occasionally spirals into existential meltdowns. But the unconventionally charismatic comedian—co-created and portrayed by Australian Heath McIvor—has carved out one of the most distinctive careers in modern stand-up.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum is ready to celebrate the 2025-2026 holiday season with a host of exciting events and activities for all ages during the Snowflake Break. The Streets of Old Grand Rapids are fully decorated with life-size Santas, garlands, and ribbons, and several events are on the horizon, with special programs planned for students on winter break.
For over three decades, Tom Papa has built an impressive career as a stand-up comedian, actor, writer, podcaster, and radio host, earning widespread acclaim for his observational humor and relatable storytelling.
It’s Light Night on a Friday in downtown Grand Haven. Taking place this year on November 21 from 5-8 p.m., Light Night marks the official start of the holiday season downtown, a night when shops stay open late, lights twinkle across Washington Avenue, and the community comes together to kick off the most festive time of year.
When you buy something handmade by a local artist or craftsperson, you can be 100% confident no one else at the Secret Santa will have a duplicate. It shows a level of care that goes beyond the shelves of big box stores. There are all kinds of gifts too, and our Holiday Gift Guide explores a wide variety, from cooking and hobby classes to vintage stereos, collector’s items and clothes.
The holidays have officially landed in West Michigan, and there’s no shortage of ways to get in the spirit. Whether you’re hunting for one-of-a-kind gifts at a local artist market, catching a concert full of festive tunes, taking in a beloved holiday show, sharing a special meal, or strolling through a dazzling light display, there’s something merry waiting around every corner.
Get Out is Your Monthly Guide to What’s Great in the Great Outdoors.
I’m not going to tell you that I always choose my group hike locations based on whether they have nice restrooms, but it certainly is a factor.
Our guide to events, goings-on and things to do in Grand Rapids and all around West Michigan for the months of November and December.
