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 which way you choose to celebrate, everyone can feel and enjoy the coziness of. To help you find some cozy, entertaining and memorable holiday activities, we have gathered up some of the best events and activities we could find for West Michigan! Make sure to read the whole thing so you don’t miss out on any holiday fun in West Michigan and share with someone you want to be cozy 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!

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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 11 (ONE NIGHT ONLY Winter Walk Through) and run through December 31, the cost for the show starts at $30 per car (Some events are $12-$20 depending on age and event type).

The Hip Hop Nutcracker at Devos Performance Hall

Kick off your holiday season on Sunday, November 26, at DeVos Performance Hall with The Hip Hop Nutcracker! Experience the ultimate holiday dance fusion that’s perfect for the entire family! Be sure not to miss this electrifying performance featuring a stellar ensemble of twelve top-tier dancers, an on-stage DJ, and a mesmerizing electric violinist who reimagines the cherished Nutcracker score. This reinvigorated adaptation of the timeless tale seamlessly melds hip-hop dance 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. Innovative digital graffiti and visuals revamp E.T.A. Hoffmann’s beloved 19th-century German story into the contemporary tapestry of New York City, brimming with diversity and vibrancy. Through the lens of modern hip-hop culture, the dynamic performers of The Hip Hop Nutcracker invite you to revel in the magic of the entire holiday season, culminating in the most inclusive holiday of all – New Year’s Eve, a time for fresh beginnings. Ticket prices vary from $ 35-$ 65+ and can be purchased here on at the box office.

Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park

Want more Christmas lights in Grand Rapids? Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park begin their spectacular Santa Visits on November 21 and run through January 7. 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! And don’t miss their new reimagining of last year’s light show- now a walk-through experience!

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. Looking to ride another evening? Other days and times are available by appointment only. *Keep in mind that fall rates run through November 30 and Winter rates begin December 1.

Christmas Pub Crawl Event

Join the lucky number 7th annual 12 bars of Christmas crawl! This is an adults-only 21+ celebration you won’t want to miss. Taking place on December 2 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. Explore the following bars and enjoy specials at each location as part of the event; The Bob, Gilly’s, Bobarino’s, Flanagan’s, Tin Can, 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 buddy and get ready to have an amazing evening full of laughter, cheer and adventure.

The Nutcracker

The Grand Rapids Ballet will continue its holiday tradition as The Nutcracker adorns the DeVos Performance Hall stage. Join the classical version of Clara and her crew, as she is guided by the Sugar Plum Fairy through swirling snowflakes and waltzing flowers to find adventure and remembrance for the season. Performances start the weekend of December 8 and run each following weekend through the 17. For tickets and more information or to see sneak peeks of the mesmerizing event visit their website.

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 26, 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. 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 24 and will run daily through December 24. Head over to their website, as reservations are encouraged but not required.

Another date to mark on your calendar is 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 4.

Furry 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.

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. 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. Delight your ears with the Holiday Classics Organ Concert with John Lauter. Listen to cheerful holiday songs on the GRPM’s Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ. To purchase your tickets, take a look at the GRPM website.

While getting your tickets make sure to mark down dates for their Planetarium Show: Let it Snow! Enjoy the holiday light show played to classics from Frank Sinatra and similar artists, and a spectacular finale by the Trans Siberian Orchestra.

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.

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 November 24 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 1 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!