The holidays have arrived in West Michigan and there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate.
Whether you’re looking for a local artist market to buy unique gifts for loved ones; concerts putting Christmas music and other holiday hits in the spotlight; spectacular annual shows that are local traditions; meals to enjoy together; brilliant holiday light displays; or just about anything else, we’ve got you covered.
However you love to experience the holidays, here are our top picks.
HOLIDAY EVENTS
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
DeVos Performance Hall
Dec. 3
Devosperformancehall.com
Holidaze conveys the magic of the season with a Broadway-style production infused with contemporary circus arts. As lights dim and the music swells, a fantastical cast of holiday storybook characters come to life, featuring a world-renowned cast of performers accompanied by an ensemble of aerial circus acts, sleight-of-hand jugglers, fun-loving skippers, breath-catching acrobatics, and much more. An original music score includes new twists on seasonal favorites such as “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and “Carol of the Bells.”
University of West Michigan Health Holiday Pops
DeVos Performance Hall
Dec. 5-8
grsymphony.org
Join for this long-standing annual holiday tradition that’s a massive artistic collaboration, with Bob Bernhardt conducting the Grand Rapids Symphony, Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, Grand Rapids Youth Chorus, Embellish Handbell Ensemble, and frequent GRS soloist Mela Dailey! Hear a full evening of your seasonal favorites, including “Joy to the World,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” John Williams’ selections from the movie Home Alone, a “Christmas Sing-Along,” and the “Hallelujah” Chorus from The Messiah. Plus—a surprise visit all the way from the North Pole!
Rockford’s 80th Annual Santa Parade
Downtown Rockford
Dec. 7, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Welcome Santa to town for the holiday! Parade starts at 11 a.m. at Lewis & Main Street. They will go South on Main, turn on Courtland, and continue down Monroe Street. It’s free to attend and dog-friendly. Santa will be in the Rotary Pavilion following the parade to visit with children until 2 p.m.!
Grand Rapids Santa Parade
Downtown Grand Rapids
Dec. 7, 5 p.m.
grsantaparade.com
Santa will be traveling from the North Pole to join us for this special event with more than 50 parade entries that will light up the streets of GR for families from all over West Michigan. Santa will be exiting his sleigh at Rosa Park Ice Rink at approximately 6:30 pm and joining the City of Grand Rapids for the annual tree lighting ceremony at 6:45 pm. Plus, free cookies, coffee and hot chocolate!
Trans-Siberian Orchestra - The Lost Christmas Eve Tour
Van Andel Arena
Dec. 8, 3 & 7:30 p.m.
vanandelarena.com
With more than 10 million albums sold, TSO has inspired generations of fans to rediscover the multi-dimensional art form of the rock opera, especially through their annual holiday blowout in Grand Rapids. On the road, they have become one of the world’s top acts, with Billboard magazine naming TSO as one of the top touring artists of the past decade.
Pentatonix: Evergreen Christmas Tour
Van Andel Arena
Dec. 11, 7 p.m.
vanandelarena.com
Pentatonix may be the most famous a capella group on Earth, and that didn’t happen by accident. Rising to fame in 2011 with The Sing-Off, most of the group has been together ever since, becoming especially well-known for their Christmas music, with 6 holiday albums out so far, and surely more to come. Come see them harmonize, scat, riff, beatbox and more, creating modern renditions of holiday classics.
Mannheim Steamroller
Miller Auditorium
Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m.
millerauditorium.com
Chip Davis, founder and creator of Mannheim Steamroller, will celebrate over 35 years of his annual Christmas concert tour, making it the longest running concert tour in the entertainment industry. A Grammy Award winner, Mannheim Steamroller has sold more than 41 million albums, with over 31.5 million in the Christmas genre, ever since he revolutionized the making and marketing of holiday music in 1984.
Crestkindlmarkt
Coit Avenue
Dec. 12, 4-8 p.m.
facebook.com/crestongr
Join the first ever Crestkindlmarkt during this year’s Lights On Creston, a yearly event along Plainfield that includes magical trolley rides to all of your favorite shops. At the market, enjoy a variety of delicious food, festive drinks, and much more!
Holiday 2024 Expo
Holland Civic Center
Dec. 13-14
hollandciviccenter.com
Over 120 artists, makers and small businesses will be sharing their wares for all your holiday shopping at this juried expo. They will have face painting, Santa and princesses for photo ops, interactive activities throughout the day, food trucks, a bar and concessions, and more! Wrap up your holiday gift shopping season by supporting your small businesses and artisans while shopping local.
Holiday Classics Organ Concert
Grand Rapids Public Museum
Dec. 13-14
grpm.org
The GRPM is concluding its 2024 Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ Concert Series with themed Holiday Classics organ concerts performed by iconic and Detroit Red Wings organist, Lance Luce. Deck the halls this season with cheerful holiday songs on the GRPM’s 1928 Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ and classics such as Jingle Bells, Silent Night, The First Noel, and more.
Holiday Owl Blankets & Brews
Blandford Nature Center
Dec. 14, 3-5 p.m.
blandfordnaturecenter.org
Come out and make a beautiful no-sew owl blanket this holiday season, while enjoying a local brew. Blandford will supply everything needed to make a blanket, no skills required. Wildlife Staff will be showing educational owls up close while participants cut strips and tie knots to make their blanket, all with one drink included. Other holiday events include Dried Flower Wreaths workshop on Dec. 11 and Holiday Enrichment with Animals on Dec. 21.
Home Alone In Concert
Grand Rapids Symphony
Dec. 18-19
grsymphony.org
A true holiday favorite, this beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live to picture. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who’s accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation, and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves. Hilarious and heart-warming, Home Alone is holiday fun for the entire family!
MI Drag Brunch: BRUNCHMAS
Canopy by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown
Dec. 22
midragbrunch.com
Since 2018, MI Drag Brunch has been giving high energy performances in some of the hottest brunch destinations around, and turning up a party with thousands of new and old drag fans alike. Celebrate the holidays with Brunchmas—each ticket includes a meal, welcome drink and 2-hour performance. Plus, this year, you get your choice of sitting in the lavish Portico downstairs or the rooftop Knoop!
University of Michigan Health-West Holiday Pops
DeVos Performance Hall
Dec. 21-23
grsymphony.org
Join us for this long-standing holiday tradition with Bob Bernhardt, the Grand Rapids Symphony, the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, the Grand Rapids Youth Chorus, Embellish Handbell Ensemble, and frequent GRS soloist Shayna Steele! Hear your seasonal favorites including “Joy to the World,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” John Williams’ selections from Home Alone, a “Christmas Sing-Along,” and the “Hallelujah” Chorus from The Messiah.
Grand Menorah Lighting
Calder Plaza
Dec. 29, 5 p.m.
chabadwestmichigan.com
Come celebrate Chanukah together as a community with the lighting of the giant menorah in Calder Plaza. Plus, watch a master ice carver sculpt a beautiful ice menorah, a grand fire juggling show, an epic chocolate Gelt Drop, lively Chanukah music, sufganiot (donuts), hot delicious latkes, crafts and more. Plus, there will be a daily lighting each evening, starting on Dec. 25 and running through Jan. 1.
MARKETS
Annual Uptown Shop Hop
Uptown Grand Rapids
Dec. 5, 3-9 p.m.
facebook.com/uptowngr
Join the 27th annual Uptown Shop Hop, as the district of five thriving neighborhoods comes alive with extra special holiday experiences. FREE Jolly Trolley rides will transport you through Uptown as you holiday shop, eat, drink, and make memories! Merriment includes free trolly rides between districts, streetside entertainment, and surprises guests and goods all night long. Shop Hop is a great way to knock out that shopping list with memorable gifts that will support the livelihoods of local and independent makers and businesses, right here at home.
Tinsels, Treats and Trolleys
Ada Village
Dec. 6, 5:30-9 p.m.
Tinsel, Treats & Trolleys is the Ada Business Association’s signature holiday event featuring the Ada Bridge Lighting, Santa’s Village, trolley rides through town, a Candy Cane Forest, DJ dance party, live reindeer, sled dogs, a Festival Of Trees, and more!
Adventure Point Holiday Market
3213 Walker Ave NW, Grand Rapids
Dec. 6-7
adventurepoint.org
Get in the spirit with a variety of vendors and crafters to get your holiday shopping done! Sip on a hot chocolate and bring your kids to the activity center on Saturday to make fun crafts and decorate cookies. You can top off your experience with a picture with Santa or Rudolph by a professional photographer and backdrop.
33rd Annual Holiday Artists Market
Kendall College of Art & Design
Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
kcad.ferris.edu
The Holiday Artists Market returns to Kendall! Hosted by The Spark at KCAD, this year’s market will showcase more than 50 local artists, designers, and makers, including a number of current KCAD students and alumni.
Oh Hello Co.’s Holiday Market
Dec. 7, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
facebook.com/ohhellogr
Join for a fun-filled day of local shopping and festive cheer at Oh, Hello Co. Paper & Gifts in downtown Grand Rapids. What to expect: Local vendor pop-up shops featuring unique, handmade gifts and goods; free gift wrapping to help you wrap up your holiday shopping; complimentary snacks & beverages to enjoy while you browse.
Outdoor Holiday Market
Saugatuck Center for the Arts
Dec. 7, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
sc4a.org
Come to this market for nearly 40 local Friendors (that’s what they call a vendor who’s also a friend) in SC4A’s Outdoor Plaza & Pavilion featuring high-end crafts, home decor, wearables, jewelry, paper goods, artisan baked goods, greens, and much more. While you shop, enjoy one of the specialty holiday beverages from the bar and just try not to sing along to your favorite holiday numbers being played overhead.
Grand Haven Holiday Artist Trail
Across Grand Haven
Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
All around Grand Haven, stores and studios are opening their doors to holiday shoppers. More than 50 artists working in wood, textiles, jewelry, ceramics, paperwork, painting, printmaking, and more are bringing work in a wide range of prices. Trail maps with artists’ locations are available at participating venues (watch for the blue cones). After shopping, visitors are encouraged to grab a bite to eat and enjoy the city’s Jingle Bell Parade, which starts at 6 pm.
FUN ALL SEASON LONG
Christkindl Market
Grand Rapids Downtown Market
Through Dec. 23
downtownmarketgr.com
This year, the Grand Rapids Downtown Market is hosting its second Christkindl Market, and it’s twice as big as before. Heavily inspired by traditional European Christmas markets, the event features an illuminated winter wonderland with holiday retailers and experiences including more than 60 outdoor vendor booths with handmade gifts, German Style beverage hall, heated Alpenglobes, live entertainment, curling experiences, holiday lights, caroling, Santa, children’s activities, and much more. Head to the market’s website for more details on specific events throughout the season!
Christmas Lite Show Drive Thru
LMCU Ballpark
Daily
christmasliteshow.com
West Michigan’s largest, animated drive-through light show is back for “Another Year of Magic!” This season marks their 27th year of entertaining people of all ages, and they’re excited to see you. Enjoy nearly two miles of Christmas magic with over a million lights, animated displays, lighted tunnels, and more—all from the comfort of your car. Or, remove any barriers by taking the hayride-style Memory Lane Train, which seats up to 24 adults.
ENLIGHTEN
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Through Jan. 4
meijergardens.org
In addition to its annual Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition with dozens of festive displays, Frederik Meijer Gardens is launching its 30th anniversary year with ENLIGHTEN, an immersive outdoor light spectacle. In collaboration with Lightswitch and Upstaging, renowned for acclaimed productions like Illumination at The Morton Arboretum and shows for artists including Hans Zimmer and Paul McCartney, ENLIGHTEN promises a holiday experience on par with the world’s most iconic light displays.
Let It Snow!
Grand Rapids Public Museum Planetarium
Through Jan. 5
grpm.org
“Let it Snow” is a festive light show for the holidays, featuring a variety of classics from Frank Sinatra and Chuck Berry to Burl Ives and Brenda Lee, and includes a stunning finale by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. The soundtrack is visually enhanced with thematic animation, immersive special effects, and full-dome scenery.
BYOB Holiday Lights Trolley
Grand Rapids
Multiple dates
holidaylightstrolley.com
This Christmas party on wheels is coming back to Grand Rapids! You’ll meet at a festive neighborhood bar for check-in, to meet your tour guide, and grab a quick snack as prep for a gawker ride through GR’s yuletide lights. Bring your own beverages for the vintage trolley ride.
Holiday Movies On Screen
Wealthy Theatre
grcmc.org
The holidays are all about coming together, and one great way to do that is to head to Wealthy Theatre for a classic holiday movie played up on the big screen. December 17 National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, and December 22 is White Christmas. And on December 21 is not a movie, but rather the Amaze & Amuse Christmas Spectacular, with comedy magician Trino and the young ventriloquist Brynn Cummings.
Meet Live Reindeer!
Flowerland of Kentwood, Dec. 1
Walker Winterfest, Dec. 5
Reindeer Ranch in Kalamazoo, Through Jan. 4
