Visit Santa in West Michigan

‘Tis the season to be merry! As the snowflakes gently descend and the twinkling lights adorn the streets of West Michigan, anticipation builds because… Santa Claus is on his way! We’ve curated a list of the finest spots to catch a glimpse of Santa in the Grand Rapids region. Gather your loved ones, mark your calendars, and be sure to bring along your wish lists for this enchanting encounter with Santa Claus this season.

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Coopersville Santa Train

Hop aboard a holiday-decorated, vintage locomotive for a 90-minute round-trip ride from Coopersville to Marne and back.  While aboard the train, Santa will visit with each family while the children are able to tell him what they are wishing for this holiday season. The experience also features a storytelling princess that will read Christmas-themed books to the children in each train car.

Have little ones? No worries, the train has bathrooms and heat to keep you toasty regardless of how cold it is outside. The Santa train runs on Saturdays and Sundays Nov. 25 through Dec. 23.  Book your tickets early as they tend to sell out fast. For more information on ticket prices and to book your ride, head on over to their website.

Spring Lake Sparkle Photos with Santa Claus

Head to the lakeshore and see Santa in downtown Spring Lake as part of the Spring Lake Sparkle. The Sparkle runs November 25 through January 2, but exact Santa dates have not yet been announced. While downtown in Spring Lake be sure to check out everything else the Spring Lake Sparkle has to offer as well as the local businesses that are staying open late on Fridays and Saturdays. This is a great spot to visit Santa in West Michigan!

Santa Visits on the Lowell Showboat VI

Santa is back in Lowell on the Lowell Showboat VI! The man in red arrives on Saturday, December 3, and will be visiting with children on the showboat from 2 to 4 p.m. Make sure to stick around for the annual nighttime Santa parade starting at 6 p.m. Santa will also be at the showboat on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. until Dec. 20 and Saturdays 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. until Dec.16. All visits include a free online photo, and a $2 donation is recommended. Cookies and hot cocoa are also provided free of charge! Lines are often long and there may be an outside line so be sure to dress accordingly.

If you are looking for more of an experience, check out “A Nite of Christmas Cheer” on Friday, December 8 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for visits with Santa, hot cocoa, cookies, hot dogs, chestnuts, warming fires, and carriage rides.

Santa & Mrs. Claus at Fredrick Meijer Gardens

Fredrick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park is a great place to see Santa in Grand Rapids.  Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in a tropical conservatory on Tuesday evenings from November 21 through December from 5 to 8 p.m. A visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus is included when you purchase a general admission ticket to the gardens. For more information on hours and admission costs check out their website.  All ticket sales are done on-site.

Rockford Santa Parade

Santa arrives in Rockford on December 2 at the Santa Parade! From at 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Santa will be visiting with children immediately after the parade in the Rotary Pavillion. Carriage rides will also be available from the pavilion through downtown Rockford. This Rockford event is a great place to see Santa in West Michigan! Click here for more details on the event.

Sparta Santa Visits

Starting December 5th, Santa and Mrs. Clause will be in Mrs. Clauses’ bakery in Sparta at the Sparta Chamber Office. Santa’s schedule varies and can be found here. Be sure to take your own camera to capture that special moment with Santa as a photographer is not provided. If you are looking to add a little more fun to the day, there are a few dates that will offer a holiday hay ride as well!

The Santa Cabin at Bosch’s Countryview Nursery in Allendale

What’s better than picking out your live Christmas tree with the whole family? Visiting Santa while you’re at it of course! New to Bosch’s Countryview Nursery last year is their Santa Cabin experience. Starting November 18th, on limited dates, grab a cup of hot cocoa as you board your horse/tractor-pulled wagon through the woods out to the Santa cabin where you will get to visit with Santa. You will also get a packet of S’mores to roast on the fire outside of the cabin. How cool is that? The price is $10 per person but hurry the last date for the season is Dec 3! This is a can’t miss spot to see Santa in West Michigan!

Ed Dunneback and Girls Farm Market

Santa will be making his way to the farm! They’ve organized three Saturdays for the jolly man from the North Pole to pay a visit. Gather your friends and family, head over to Santa’s Cabin, and take your turn to share your Christmas wishes! Don’t forget to bring your cameras – there will be ample opportunities for festive photos, perfect for your holiday cards! After your delightful encounter with Santa, return to the barn for some delicious donuts, refreshing cider, and a bit of craft time.

As a special treat, they’ll be providing a reindeer food kit for you to take home, along with a convenient drop-off point for your letters to Santa. For just $12 per child, the package includes a meet-and-greet with Santa, a delectable donut and cider, a reindeer food kit, and a personalized letter from Santa!

To ensure a seamless experience, they are operating on a reservations-only basis. You get to choose your preferred time and secure your spot. Click here to get tickets!

Full-Time Santa’s Visit Locations

If you are looking to visit Santa in West Michigan with a more flexible schedule, make sure to check out some of the full-time Santas around the Grand Rapids area.

• Rivertown Crossings Mall – Santa is available every day until Christmas Eve starting November 24. Take your fluffy friend on starting November 24 as well, and December 5 from 4 to 7 p.m. !  Reservations are encouraged but not required. A great option to see Santa in Grand Rapids.
• Woodland Mall – Santa is available every day starting November 17 until Christmas Eve. Hours are Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday 12 to 6 p.m. with extended hours December 9 through 24. Photos with furry friends start Nov 20 and go through Dec 18. Make sure to check the website for scheduled breaks. Reservations are encouraged but not required.
• Cabela’s– Head to Cabela’s in Grandville to Santa’s Wonderland. THe fun starts now through Dec 24.  All reservations come with one free photo with Santa, but you are also able to buy more if you wish. Reservations are required and can be booked here. After you visit Santa, make sure to check out the freshwater aquarium while you are there!

Looking for more Holiday fun in Grand Rapids? Make sure check out our post of more fun events!

Make it a full weekend of fun in West Michigan! Book a hotel in Grand Rapids or Grand Haven!

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