Holiday Fun in Grand Rapids
There are many kinds of holidays to celebrate throughout the year, but there is just something about the winter season that, no matter what way you choose to celebrate, everyone can feel and enjoy the warmth of. Perhaps the warm mood of the season comes with it to counter the cold weather. But, with the cold weather comes many holidays, activities and events that you can’t do any other time of the year! To learn about the most known and new events in West Michigan this holiday season, keep reading below. We have everything from Drive-Thru Christmas Light shows, ballet performances, carriage rides, pictures with Santa and even more.
Make sure to read the whole thing so you don’t miss out on any holiday fun in West Michigan and maybe even share with someone you want to do cozy things with.
Looking for even more winter fun in West Michigan? Check out some of the great winter festivals! Or these Winter Activities in West Michigan!
Disclaimer: Affiliate links are used which means if you purchase via my link I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you! I only recommend products I use and love!
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25th Annual Critter Barn & Nativity
2950 80th Avenue, Zeeland
Bring the whole family to observe the beauty of Jesus’ birth at this annual nativity scene in Zeeland! Before the main event, enjoy a special program “Wander with Wise Men”. Stroll with your favorite types of adorable animals as you walk along the paths to the nativity. NEW this year is their livestock barn, featuring their popular Kitty Corral. So, go celebrate with the family for this special occasion, open Tuesdays through Saturdays. Make sure to check the website for hours!
Christmas Light Show -Lake Michigan Credit Union Ballpark
Enjoy Michigan’s largest light show at Lake Michigan Credit Union Ballpark. With over 50 animated displays the whole family will be entertained for the two-mile route. Worried about taking the family out in the cold for that long? Head over to their website, and learn more about how you view the whole show from the comfort of your car. The different light shows and events start November 23-24 (Winter Walk Through) and run through December 31, the cost for the show starts at $15 per car (Some events are $30+ depending on age and event type).
The Nutcracker at Devos Performance Hall
Enjoy this holiday tradition and classic this year from December 13th-15th at DeVos Performance Hall with The Nutcracker! Experience the ultimate holiday performance that’s perfect for the entire family! Be sure not to miss this electrifying performance featuring a stellar ensemble of twelve top-tier dancers, a live orchestra, and a mesmerizing director who reimagines the cherished Nutcracker score. This reinvigorated adaptation of the timeless tale seamlessly melds the modern take of a classic story with Tchaikovsky’s iconic music, resulting in a heartwarming and inspiring holiday spectacle that transports the audience on a journey celebrating love, community, and the enchantment of the season. True to the original narrative, Maria-Clara and the Nutcracker Prince embark on a dreamlike escapade, facing off against a group of mice, venturing into the land of sweets, and imbibing the holiday’s invaluable lessons.
Ticket prices vary from $35-$65+ and can be purchased here on at the box office.
Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park – Nov 27 2024 – Jan 4th 2025
Want more Christmas lights in Grand Rapids? Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park begin their spectacular Santa Visits on November 27 and run through January 4. Over 350,000 lights illuminate the park, filling 46 exhibits with holiday cheer and helping celebrate the ways different cultures ring in the holidays across the world. New this year is added indoor lighting as well as a new UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN HEALTH-WEST: CHRISTMAS & HOLIDAY TRADITIONS! While there are no updates on the light show, please check back to see if they add one closer to the christmas season.
The new experience, Englighten, can be seen on select evenings now through Jan. 4th!
West Holiday Pops
Join the Grand Rapids Symphony for a performance of pop holiday music you don’t want to miss. 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 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! Performances run December 21 through 23 at Devos Performance Hall. Check out performance times and grab your tickets here, and don’t forget to take the kids along – rumor has it that a special guest from the North Pole will be stopping by!
Carriage Rides
Take in all of the holiday wonders in downtown Grand Rapids with a horse-drawn carriage ride through the city. With your choice of ½ hour or hour rides, you can enjoy the downtown in a new way. Bring your significant other for a romantic stroll or bring your children and watch their eyes light up as they enjoy this unique experience. Rides are available on Friday and Saturday evenings beginning at 7 p.m. for reservation or walk-up. Per their website, walk-up rides are available based on availability and are priced at $50/half hour or $80/hour (Prices go up $10 for Winter Season, starting December 1). Looking to ride another evening? Other days and times are available by appointment, just visit their website or give them a call!
Christmas Pub Crawl Event
Join the lucky number 8th annual 12 Bars of Christmas Grand Rapids Bar Crawl! This is an adults-only 21+ celebration you won’t want to miss. Taking place on December 14 from 12 to 8 p.m., put on your best holiday onesie, Santa suit, or ugly sweater for the most wonderful crawl of the year. Start out at The Tin Can, then explore the following bars and enjoy specials at each location as part of the event; The Bob, Gilly’s, Bobarino’s, Flanagan’s, Uccello’s, and more. Check out their Eventbrite page, for more information and updates on the event. Ticket sales end soon, so make sure to grab your spot. Grab your partner or friends and get ready to have an amazing evening full of laughter, cheer and adventure.
Trans Siberian Orchestra
The feeling one gets listening to TSO is unforgettable and without a doubt one of the best parts of the holiday spirit. With more than 10 million albums sold these rock opera musicians combine holiday music with rock and roll. Incorporating lights, lasers, and fog machines into their elaborate performances, this band is not only ranked one of the highest-selling bands, but also one of the top 25 touring artists in the past decade. Enjoy their yearly visit to Grand Rapids at Van Andel Arena on Sunday, December 8, with only two showtimes, 3:00 pm, and 7:30 pm, make sure to get your tickets early.
Pictures with Santa
Woodland Mall
Take your kids or pets to get photos with Santa at the Woodland Mall. Reservations are encouraged but not required. Stop in between your holiday shopping beginning November 18 and going through December 24 (Pet Family photos stop on December 16th). Hours are Monday- Friday 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.- 8 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m.- 6 p.m. Make sure to check their website here for classic family photos and check here for the pet friendly photo option and to get more information on Santa’s break times and how you can reserve your spot!
Frederik Meijer Gardens
Santa will also be making stops throughout the end of November into December for photos with your kids. Santa will be in the tropical conservatory for a setting like no other. Photo opportunities are limited so head over to their site for more information.
RiverTown Mall
If you are down in the Grandville area you can take your family to the lower level, east wing of the RiverTown Mall to add some magic to their holiday season. Santa will be available for pictures beginning November 22 and will run daily through December 24. Head over to their website, as reservations are encouraged, but not required.
Other dates to mark on your calendar are Santa Cares Day, a day for your sensory-sensitive friends and family to enjoy the time-honored tradition of a visit with Santa. Donations will be collected for Autism Speaks. Mark your calendar for this is only available on Sunday, December 8.
Furry pet friends are welcome on Monday, November 11, and December 5 to capture a photo with the Big Guy and your whole family, fur babies included. Be sure to check their website for availability as times are limited.
What to Expect:
- Professional photography to ensure high-quality keepsakes
- Multiple photo package options to suit every budget
- Friendly elves to assist with the experience and keep the line moving smoothly
- Digital downloads for easy sharing with friends and family
Special Features:
- Sensory-friendly sessions on Sunday, December 8 for children with disabilities
- Surprise gift for every child from Santa’s workshop
Hours of Operation:
- Friday, November 22: 2 pm to 7 pm
- Saturday, November 23: 11 am to 7 pm
- Sunday, November 24: 12 pm to 6 pm
- Monday, November 25: 2 pm to 7 pm
- Tuesday, November 26: 11 am to 7 pm
- Thanksgiving Day November 27: CLOSED
- Friday, November 29: 11 am to 7 pm
- November 30 – December 22
- Mondays – Saturdays: 11 am to 7 pm
- Sundays: 11 am to 6 pm
- Monday, December 23: 10 am to 7 pm
- Christmas Eve December 24: 10 am to 5 pm
*NOTE: Santa does take a cookie break from 3:00 to 4:00 pm each day.
Cabela’s
The magic has already begun at Cabela’s Santa Wonderland. Reservations are required here but are free. Each trip comes with a free 4×6 photo. Each session gets a 15 minute time slot, so be prepared for that!
Additional packages can also be purchased. After visiting with Santa, little ones will enjoy free activities and will be able to mail a letter to the North Pole! Head over to Santa’s Wonderland to capture the holiday magic for you and your family.
Check out the full list of Places to See Santa- here!
Grand Rapids Public Museum
The Grand Rapids Public Museum offers a couple of fun holiday events for your whole family to enjoy. This year, the museum features 5 holiday themed exhibits and events:
- Santa and Elf Hunt
- “Riddles will help visitors find 15 historic Santas from around the world in the Streets of Old Grand Rapids exhibit and learn about the traditions of each culture around Saint Nick. Then, visitors will follow clues to try to find all 12 elves hidden throughout the three floors of the Museum. Each year the elves change their hiding spots. The Santa & Elf Hunt is available in English and Spanish, is included with general admission, and can be picked up in the Museum’s front lobby.”
- Let it Snow Planetarium Show (Nov. 26 – Jan. 2)
- Let it Snow features a new variety of festive classics from Frank Sinatra and Chuck Berry to Burl Ives and Brenda Lee, and includes a stunning multimedia finale by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. The soundtrack is visually enhanced with thematic animation, laser imagery and special effects. Tickets are $4 each with general admission to the Museum, $2 for Museum members and $5 each for planetarium-only tickets. Let it Snow will play November 26 through January 2.
- Historic LEGO® Display
- See historic Grand Rapids like never before, built from LEGO® bricks! The 1925-era display, complete with operating trams, gives an up-close view of old-time Grand Rapids with historic buildings built to scale, along with a fun search-and-find activity for all ages. Viewing of this display is included with general admission. This exhibit is built by the West Michigan LEGO® Train Club.
- December Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ Concert: Holiday Classics
- “Deck the halls this season by enjoying 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. In-person tickets are $20, with a discounted price of $16 for Museum members.
Kent County residents receive reduced admission every day and Kent County children 17 and under enjoy FREE general admission. For pricing and tickets, please visit tickets.grpm.org.”
- Tuba Christmas Performance: Snowflake Break 2024
- December 15th @3pm, free with admission
“Tuba Christmas was conceived in 1974 by Harvey Phillips as a tribute to his teacher and mentor William J. Bell, born on Christmas Day, 1902. Through this event, a collection of musicians from across the country pay homage to the heritage and honor all great artists/teachers whose legacy has given high performance standards.
- December 15th @3pm, free with admission
The concert consists of musicians playing the brass instruments found in the back row of the band: tubas, euphoniums, baritone horns, and sousaphones. Any musician with one of these instruments is welcome to play: home-schoolers, middle & high schoolers, college musicians and community bands. Many players decorate their horns and themselves to create a festive atmosphere.
Don’t miss out on these fantastic Christmas classics, great to lift the spirits of your whole family for this joyous holiday season in West Michigan.
BYOB Holiday Lights Trolley
Tickets are selling fast NOW through December 30, so grab your 21+ friends and family, your beverage of choice, and your holiday spirit. Travel around Grand Rapids on the BYOB trolley and see some of GR’s best holiday spots, including the 47-foot Christmas Tree at Rosa Parks Circle. Also, enjoy a free snack at Founders before departure and a souvenir gift with your purchase of a ticket.
Ticket Includes:
- BYOB for a festive and fun trolley ride to take in some of Grand Rapids’ best holiday spots!
- Complimentary snack before trolley departs
- 3 hour trolley ride with driver and tour guide
- Lights and Holiday Decor on your trolley ride
- Souvenir Gift
- Admission to The Christmas Lite Show at Fifth Third Park
- BYOB, 21+ trolley
Music, Fun, Trivia and Prizes on the Trolley!
*Trolley Tour Route is subject to change based on dates and venue availability. Possible stops or sights on the tour include: The Grand Rapids Christkindl Markt at the Downtown Market, The Christmas Lite Show at LMCU Ballpark, residential displays in surrounding areas, East Grand Rapids Christmas Tree and light displays, Rosa Parks Circle and the Grand Rapids Christmas Tree.
Rosa Park Circle Ice Skating
One of the local’s favorite holiday activities in Grand Rapids is ice skating in Rosa Park Circle. The rink is open for skating from late November (whenever it’s cold enough to keep the ice) through February 26. Adults skate for $4 and under 18 skate for $2 with punch cards also available for the 23/24 season. Skating is weather dependent so be sure to keep an eye on their Facebook or their page on the official Grand Rapids site for updates. This is a classic Grand Rapids Christmas tradition you will want to make sure to add to your list!
Don’t miss the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Rosa Parks Circle on December 2 beginning at 5 p.m.
Make sure to get your Michigan-inspired holiday gifts- here!
Book your holiday stay in Grand Rapids- here!
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Make sure to dress for the weather!
Logan Imber
Logan Imber is a self taught Freelance Digital Marketer & Copywriter currently located in Ohio, but works remotely for clients all over the world. She also dabbles in Graphic Design, Web Design and Music. She doesn't like to pin herself down, as there is always something to learn, a culture to take in or new food to eat. In her free time, Logan likes reading, yoga, and spending time with her beloved cat. She also loves playing and sharing music with others. Essentially, most of her time is either spent writing, contemplating, or creating something - and she wouldn't have it any other way.
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