If you're the type to hop on the holiday train a smidge early, you'll be happy to know that there are events in the area just waiting for you and your children. Whatever you choose, you'll get a head start on the "most wonderful time of the year." Come December you might actually relax because you hit up the hot spots first, right?
SANTA'S WORKSHOP
Grand Rapids Public Library, Main Library
111 Library St. NE, Grand Rapids
Nov. 19
FREE
grpl.org, (616) 988-5400
Immediately following the Grand Rapids Jaycee's Santa Parade the Grand Rapids Public Library opens its doors to the public for a shot of holiday spirit. Warm up with hot chocolate, holiday treats and look into gift ideas and crafts for kids of all ages. Last year, holiday gifts were made at the event and you can expect a visit from Santa for some photo opportunities. "The whole idea behind the program is to move away from the commercial aspect of the holidays. The idea is to give from your heart and your hands-and we always love it when kids visit the library," says Marketing and Communications Manager Kristen Krueger-Corrado. But there's more. Extend your visit by checking into the library's new exhibit Harry Potter's World: Renaissance Science, Magic and Medicine, which examines important ethical topics such as the desire for knowledge, the effects of prejudice and the responsibility that comes with power.
CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE
Miller Auditorium
2200 Auditorium Drive, Kalamazoo
Nov. 29 & 30, 7:30 p.m.
$55-$25
millerauditorium.com, (269) 387-2300
When it comes to the kids, holidays should be over the top. Kick start the seasonal frenzy with Cirque Dreams Holidaze at Miller Auditorium. The show reimagines the holiday season with an international cast of more than 30 talented costumed artists performing astonishing feats of disbelief. "The holiday backdrop and sets are so creative and give the show an out-of-this-world-type element," says Assistant Director of Marketing Bethany Gauthier. Enter a magical realm where gingerbread men flip through mid air, toy soldiers march on thin wires and snowmen become balancing daredevils all against scenery of gigantic gifts and colossal candy canes. Add an original musical score, classic tunes, spinning penguins, puppetry, soaring reindeer and well, you may have spoiled the kids, but this is the time of year to do it.
NUTCRACKER STORYTIME
Schuler Books & Music
2660 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids
Nov. 19, 11 a.m.
FREE
schulerbooks.com, (616) 942-2561
Story time is always a good time. It's a quiet time where children can (hopefully) settle down and lose themselves in stories rife with imaginative characters and settings. Perfect for the upcoming holiday season, the performers of the Grand Rapids Ballet Company dance their way into Schuler Books & Music for a sweet Nutcracker-themed story time. Ballerinas read the story while costumed dancers interpret the story through dance. Children receive balloons, view a showcase of specific dance moves and chat and interact with dancers after the program. "Children seeing ballerinas up close is the coolest thing for them, at that age some have aspirations of being dancers," said Program Coordinator Emily Stavrou. There's a chance to win tickets to the performance at DeVos Performance Hall. If you can't make this program date, check into the bookstore's Walker location on Nov. 12 at 11 a.m.
THE 50TH ANNUAL KALAMAZOO HOLIDAY PARADE
Parade Route: Lovell to Park, to Michigan, to Pitcher, to Lovell
Nov. 12, 11 a.m.
FREE
downtownkalamazoo.org, (269) 344-0795
Giant helium balloon alert! Head to Downtown Kalamazoo for this annual parade that has become a proud community tradition. View holiday community floats and wave to marching bands and clowns while you wait for Santa's finishing finale. "There are activities after the parade on the Kalamazoo Mall featuring arts and crafts, pictures with Santa-people can stay downtown and have lunch and make a day of it," says Emily Bringer, event coordinator with Downtown Kalamazoo Incorporated. Back to the balloons: gracing the sky for a dazzling performance of flight are some famous characters such as Bob the Builder, Garfield, Felix the Cat, Theodore the Toy Soldier, The Holiday Christmas Tree and The Candy Cane as well. Another great thing about the parade is the food drive. Teach kids about the season of giving by encouraging them to participate in the food drive by donating canned goods for a good cause. It's a great lesson: you come to see the parade and have fun but you don't come empty handed. Fun and the spirit of giving — now that's a holiday tradition.
