Holiday magic awaits in Forest Hills! Dive into our guide for all the must-see events and fun. Whether you're a Forest Hills veteran or a rookie, this guide ensures you don't miss a moment of holiday magic.
Popular events make this season special, starting with the enchanting Grand Rapids Ballet's The Nutcracker, where classic choreography meets festive spirit in a delightful performance. Featuring stunning light displays and holiday traditions, Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas & Holiday Traditions invites guests to stroll through a beautifully decorated landscape. And the Coopersville Santa Train is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering a whimsical train ride with Santa himself. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Forest Hills
- Grand Rapids Ballet's The Nutcracker (Grand Rapids)
- Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas & Holiday Traditions (Grand Rapids)
- North Pole Express (Polar Express Train Ride) (Owosso)
- Coopersville Santa Train (Coopersville)
- Peacock Express Christmas Train (Laingsburg)
- Campus Martius Park Tree Lighting (Detroit)
- Holly Dickens Festival (Holly)
- Northville Lighted Parade and Downtown Northville Tree Lighting (Northville)
- Auburn Hills Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony (Auburn Hills)
See these and even more events listed below!
Forest Hills Holiday Light Displays
Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas & Holiday Traditions
What to Expect:
46 unique cultural displays and 350,000 lights.
Description:
Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas & Holiday Traditions features 46 unique displays honoring global holiday traditions, including stunning winter plantings, adorned Christmas trees, and the beloved Railway Garden. The event showcases 350,000 lights and offers wintertime walks amidst beautiful natural settings.
Where: Grand Rapids | More Info: Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas & Holiday Traditions
Campus Martius Park Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Spectacular live entertainment and lighting attractions.
Description:
The 21st Annual Detroit Tree Lighting at Campus Martius Park features live entertainment, Olympic figure skaters, award-winning local performers, and skating clubs. The event includes amazing lighting attractions, holiday shopping, hot chocolate giveaways, food trucks, and visits with Santa.
Where: Detroit | More Info: Campus Martius Park Tree Lighting
Northville Lighted Parade and Downtown Northville Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Annual downtown tradition with live performances and festive lighting.
Description:
The Northville Lighted Parade and Downtown Northville Tree Lighting feature bands, dancers, floats, and Santa Claus, culminating in a festive tree lighting ceremony in Town Square.
Where: Northville | More Info: Northville Lighted Parade and Downtown Northville Tree Lighting
Auburn Hills Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Community celebration with various activities for all ages.
Description:
The Auburn Hills Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony is a community event featuring the lighting of a giant Christmas tree, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday crafts, s'mores, train rides, and live music and storytelling performances.
Where: Auburn Hills | More Info: Auburn Hills Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Forest Hills Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Grand Rapids Ballet's The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
Elaborate sets and costumes in a classic holiday ballet.
Description:
Grand Rapids Ballet presents The Nutcracker, a holiday performance featuring Tchaikovsky's renowned score, live accompaniment by the Grand Rapids Symphony, and immersive sets designed by Chris Van Allsburg and Eugene Lee. The ballet follows Clara as she receives a magical nutcracker doll and embarks on a journey through the Land of the Sweets, guided by the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.
Where: Grand Rapids | More Info: Grand Rapids Ballet's The Nutcracker
Holly Dickens Festival
What to Expect:
Victorian-themed holiday celebration with character meet-and-greets.
Description:
The Holly Dickens Festival is a historic celebration in downtown Holly, Michigan, featuring street performers, live music, and local vendors, all set in a Victorian England-inspired atmosphere.
Where: Holly | More Info: Holly Dickens Festival
Forest Hills Other Holiday Activities
Coopersville Santa Train
What to Expect:
Vintage train ride with Santa Claus and special gifts for children.
Description:
The Coopersville Santa Train is a festive event where families can meet Santa Claus and enjoy a vintage train ride. The train features heated coaches with restrooms, and each child receives a special gift from Santa. Premium Class offers table seating with Biggby Hot Cocoa and cookies from the local Delly Belly bakery.
Where: Coopersville | More Info: Coopersville Santa Train
North Pole Express (Polar Express Train Ride)
What to Expect:
Historic steam locomotive ride with various seating options.
Description:
The North Pole Express is a nostalgic holiday train ride from the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso, Michigan, featuring a round trip excursion to the Village of Ashley’s Country Christmas. Upon arrival, participants can enjoy a two-hour Christmas party with live entertainment, photo opportunities, and meeting Santa Claus. The event offers various seating classes, including vintage coaches and historic cabooses, each providing different levels of comfort and Christmas ambiance.
Where: Owosso | More Info: North Pole Express (Polar Express Train Ride)
Peacock Express Christmas Train
What to Expect:
Private train car rides with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Description:
Ride the Peacock Express to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at their cabin, enjoying hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows along the way. The train travels past the Animal Park, over a river, and through the woods to reach Santa's cabin.
Where: Laingsburg | More Info: Peacock Express Christmas Train
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Grand Rapids (9 miles)
- Kentwood (10 miles)
- Wyoming (11 miles)
- Walker (14 miles)
- Holland (34 miles)
- Norton Shores (42 miles)
- Muskegon (43 miles)