Celebrate with the Grand Rapids community this holiday season! Our guide will connect you with all the festive happenings. Whether you're deeply rooted in Grand Rapids or just passing through, this guide ensures unforgettable holidays.
Experience the enchanting displays at Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas & Holiday Traditions, where vibrant light shows and seasonal decorations bring holiday cheer. For those who enjoy orchestral music, the Grand Rapids Symphony Holiday Pops features festive favorites performed by talented musicians. And you definitely don't want to miss the Grand Rapids Ballet's The Nutcracker, a classic holiday performance that captivates audiences with its beautiful choreography and storytelling. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Grand Rapids
- Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas & Holiday Traditions
- Grand Rapids Ballet's The Nutcracker
- Grand Rapids Symphony Holiday Pops
- Trans Siberian Orchestra
- Christmas Lite Show (West Michigan)
- Grand Rapids Public Museum Holiday Classics Organ Concert
- Grand Rapids Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Christkindl Markt
- 12 Bars of Christmas Crawl
- Cirque Dreams Holidaze
See these and even more events listed below!
Grand Rapids Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Lite Show
What to Expect:
Over a million lights and animated displays along a two-mile route.
Description:
The Christmas Lite Show at LMCU Ballpark features nearly two miles of over a million lights, animated displays, and lighted tunnels, creating a spectacular holiday display.
Where: West Michigan | More Info: Christmas Lite Show
Grand Rapids Tree Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Dynamic attractions and live entertainment.
Description:
The Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Rosa Parks Circle in Grand Rapids features dynamic attractions, resource tables, Santa, a photo booth, and the Salvation Army Brass band, officially kicking off the holiday season.
Where: Grand Rapids | More Info: Grand Rapids Tree Lighting Ceremony
Zeeland’s Magical Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Lighted parade with creative entries and Santa Claus.
Description:
Zeeland’s Magical Christmas Parade is a festive holiday event featuring a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at 6:15 PM, followed by a lighted parade through downtown Zeeland, showcasing creative entries, marching bands, and Santa Claus.
Where: Zeeland | More Info: Zeeland’s Magical Christmas Parade
Kentwood Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Holiday light parade with ballet performance and Santa visit.
Description:
The Kentwood Christmas Parade features a holiday light parade, ballet performance, snow globe photos, take-home kids' crafts, caroling, and a visit from Santa. Food and beverages are available for purchase, including coffee and hot chocolate.
Where: Kentwood | More Info: Kentwood Christmas Parade
Grand Rapids Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christkindl Markt
What to Expect:
Heated Alpenglobe rentals for a private holiday experience.
Description:
The Christkindl Markt in Grand Rapids is a traditional European-style Christmas village featuring artisan food and gift vendors, live holiday entertainment, and festive family activities.
Where: Grand Rapids | More Info: Christkindl Markt
Grand Rapids Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Grand Rapids Symphony Holiday Pops
What to Expect:
Seasonal favorites performed by renowned ensembles.
Description:
The Grand Rapids Symphony Holiday Pops features a long-standing holiday tradition with Bob Bernhardt conducting the Grand Rapids Symphony, Chorus, and Youth Chorus, along with the Embellish Handbell Ensemble. The event includes seasonal favorites like "Joy to the World," "O Come All Ye Faithful," and John Williams selections from "Home Alone," as well as a Christmas Sing-Along and the Hallelujah Chorus from "Messiah." A surprise visit from the North Pole adds to the festive atmosphere.
Where: Grand Rapids | More Info: Grand Rapids Symphony Holiday Pops
Grand Rapids Ballet's The Nutcracker
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
Grand Rapids Ballet's The Nutcracker features Tchaikovsky's renowned score, live accompaniment by the Grand Rapids Symphony, and immersive sets designed by Chris Van Allsburg and Eugene Lee. The performance follows Clara as she receives a magical nutcracker doll from her mysterious godfather, Herr Drosselmeyer, and embarks on a journey through a grand battle against an army of mice and a festive celebration in the Land of the Sweets.
Where: Grand Rapids | More Info: Grand Rapids Ballet's The Nutcracker
Trans Siberian Orchestra
What to Expect:
Dazzling pyrotechnics and lasers enhance the storytelling.
Description:
Trans-Siberian Orchestra brings their "The Lost Christmas Eve" tour to Van Andel Arena with an all-new, dazzling spectacle featuring pyrotechnics, lasers, and incredible storytelling. The plot follows a bitter old businessman who, after a chance encounter, reunites with his long-lost son in a heartwarming tale of redemption.
Where: Grand Rapids | More Info: Trans Siberian Orchestra
Grand Rapids Public Museum Holiday Classics Organ Concert
What to Expect:
Iconic organist Lance Luce performs holiday classics on the historic 1928 Mighty Wurlitzer.
Description:
The Grand Rapids Public Museum presents the Holiday Classics Organ Concert featuring Lance Luce on the 1928 Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ. Enjoy cheerful holiday songs and classics like Jingle Bells, Silent Night, and The First Noel.
Where: Grand Rapids | More Info: Grand Rapids Public Museum Holiday Classics Organ Concert
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
What to Expect:
World-class circus arts with holiday-themed performances.
Description:
Cirque Dreams Holidaze is a Broadway-style production infused with contemporary circus arts, featuring a world-renowned cast of performers in aerial circus acts, sleight-of-hand jugglers, and breath-catching acrobatics. The show includes new twists on seasonal favorites like "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" and "Carol of the Bells," with singers, dancers, penguins, toy soldiers, and reindeer bringing holiday storybook characters to life.
Where: Grand Rapids | More Info: Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Grand Rapids Other Holiday Activities
Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas & Holiday Traditions
What to Expect:
Diverse cultural displays and 350,000 lights.
Description:
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park presents an extensive exhibition honoring cultures and holiday traditions from around the world. The event features 46 unique displays depicting fact and folklore, past and present. The grounds are adorned with stunning winter plantings, artistry, and 350,000 lights. The beloved Railway Garden adds to the festive atmosphere.
Where: Grand Rapids | More Info: Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas & Holiday Traditions
12 Bars of Christmas Crawl
What to Expect:
Outrageous costumes and festive drink specials.
Description:
Join the 12 Bars of Christmas Crawl in Grand Rapids for a day of outrageous costumes, festive drinks, and holiday cheer. Enjoy a 16oz Santa Stadium cup for all your drinks, a commemorative Santa hat, and a Christmas light necklace. Participating bars offer special deals, making this event a fun and memorable holiday experience.
Where: Grand Rapids | More Info: 12 Bars of Christmas Crawl
Coopersville Santa Train
What to Expect:
Meet Santa Claus on a vintage train with personalized visits and gifts.
Description:
The Coopersville Santa Train offers a historic and memorable experience where children can meet Santa Claus and receive a special gift. The train ride includes comfortably heated coaches with restrooms, and Santa makes extra stops to ensure each child has a personalized visit.
Where: Coopersville | More Info: Coopersville Santa Train
Christmas at CrossRoads Village – Train Ride & Village Experience
What to Expect:
Historic village with holiday activities and train ride.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Crossroads Village, where a historic village comes alive with twinkling lights, artisan crafting, and timeless holiday activities. Enjoy an evening ride on the historical 1800s Huckleberry Railroad or walk through streets filled with classic decorations capturing Christmas past. Santa is waiting to say hello, and you're sure to find gifts for everyone on your holiday list.
Where: Flint | More Info: Christmas at CrossRoads Village – Train Ride & Village Experience
North Pole Express (Polar Express Train Ride)
What to Expect:
Historic steam locomotive-powered holiday train ride with festive activities.
Description:
Embark on a nostalgic journey to Christmas past aboard the North Pole Express, pulled by the historic Pere Marquette 1225 steam locomotive. Enjoy a round trip excursion to the Village of Ashley’s Country Christmas, featuring live entertainment, photo opportunities, and a visit with Santa Claus. Each class offers unique accommodations and amenities, including complimentary admission to the village and hot cocoa.
Where: Owosso | More Info: North Pole Express (Polar Express Train Ride)
The Peacock Express Christmas Train
What to Expect:
Private train cars for groups and a party wagon for larger groups.
Description:
Take a scenic train ride on the Peacock Express to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at their cabin in the woods. Enjoy hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows while traveling past the Animal Park and over the river.
Where: Laingsburg | More Info: The Peacock Express Christmas Train
Grand Rapids Gentex Santa Parade
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with festive floats and character meet-and-greets.
Description:
The Grand Rapids Gentex Santa Parade is a 102-year tradition featuring festive floats, marching bands, and the iconic appearance of Santa Claus. The parade travels through downtown Grand Rapids, offering activities and photo opportunities with holiday characters. It concludes with a party at First United Methodist Church, where families can meet Santa and enjoy activities from the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum and Family Promise of West Michigan.
Where: Grand Rapids | More Info: Grand Rapids Gentex Santa Parade
Lowell’s Annual Nighttime Santa Parade
What to Expect:
Santa visits and parade in downtown Lowell.
Description:
Join Lowell for a festive celebration featuring Santa's visits to the Lowell Showboat VI from 2 PM to 4 PM, followed by the Annual Night-time Santa Parade starting at 6 PM. Enjoy activities throughout the day, including Santa visits, roasted chestnuts, and carriage rides.
Where: Lowell | More Info: Lowell’s Annual Nighttime Santa Parade
Grandville Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Stationary parade with diverse holiday activities.
Description:
The Grandville Christmas Parade features a stationary parade with floats, holiday animals, Dickens Carolers, and North Pole houses. The event includes train rides, food vendors, a mini Christmas market, a mega tree, and a synthetic ice rink. The tree lighting ceremony, hosted by the Grandville City Council, will take place at 5:30 PM.
Where: Grandville | More Info: Grandville Christmas Parade
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Wyoming (4 miles)
- Walker (6 miles)
- Kentwood (7 miles)
- Forest Hills (9 miles)
- Holland (25 miles)
- Norton Shores (33 miles)
- Muskegon (35 miles)