The holidays have officially landed in West Michigan, and there’s no shortage of ways to get in the spirit.
Whether you’re hunting for one-of-a-kind gifts at a local artist market, catching a concert full of festive tunes, taking in a beloved holiday show, sharing a special meal, or strolling through a dazzling light display, there’s something merry waiting around every corner.
However you celebrate the season, these are our favorite ways to make it shine.
FUN ALL SEASON LONG
Christkindl Market
Grand Rapids Downtown Market
Nov. 18-Dec. 21
downtownmarketgr.com
The Grand Rapids Downtown Market is hosting its third Christkindl Market, heavily inspired by traditional European Christmas markets. The event features an illuminated winter wonderland with holiday retailers and experiences including more than 60 outdoor vendor booths with handmade gifts, German Style beverage hall, heated Alpenglobes, live entertainment, curling experiences, holiday lights, caroling, Santa, children’s activities, and much more. Head to the market’s website for more details on specific events throughout the season!
Christmas Lite Show Drive Thru
LMCU Ballpark
Nov. 26-Jan. 3
christmasliteshow.com
West Michigan’s largest, animated drive-through light show is back for another year of magic! This season marks their 28th year of entertaining people of all ages, and they’re excited to see you. Enjoy nearly two miles of Christmas magic with over a million lights, animated displays, lighted tunnels, and more—all from the comfort of your car. Or, remove any barriers by taking the hayride-style Memory Lane Train, which seats up to 24 adults.
ENLIGHTEN
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Nov. 24-Jan. 3
meijergardens.org
In addition to its annual Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition with dozens of festive displays, Frederik Meijer Gardens is hosts ENLIGHTEN, a holiday experience on par with the world’s most iconic light displays. Meijer Gardens transforms into a luminous wonderland of glowing pathways, interactive installations, and seasonal soundscapes—designed by local and national artists alike.
Santa Train
Coopersville and Marne Railway
311 Danforth St, Coopersville
Weekends between
Thanksgiving and Christmas
mitrain.net
Does watching The Polar Express make you want to board a festive train? Bring the family out to the Coopersville railway for the Santa Train! This vintage train has a special seat reserved just for Santa and his elves, and all the kids get to meet him and receive a special gift from him. Choose Premium Class for table seating with hot cocoa and a locally baked cookie!
Winter Wonderland Forest
Cannonsburg Ski Area
6800 Cannonsburg Rd NE, Belmont
Nov. 28-Dec. 20
cannonsburg.com
The Winter Forest is a cheerful outdoor experience at Cannonsburg Ski Area. The woods are filled with twinkling lights, holiday scenes and beloved holiday characters such as Snoopy, the Grinch, Santa Claus and more! Be prepared to encounter all of them, as you make your way through the woods and sing (or dance) along to holiday music. The walk is roughly ½ mile long, and takes place on a lit dirt path that winds through the trees.
BYOB Holiday Lights Trolley
Grand Rapids
Multiple dates
holidaylightstrolley.com
This Christmas party on wheels is coming back to Grand Rapids! You’ll meet at a festive neighborhood bar for check-in, to meet your tour guide, and grab a quick snack as prep for a gawker ride through GR’s yuletide lights. Bring your own beverages for the vintage trolley ride.
Holiday Movies On Screen
Wealthy Theatre
grcmc.org
The holidays are all about coming together, and one great way to do that is to head to Wealthy Theatre for a classic holiday movie played up on the big screen. December 2 is How the Grinch Stole Christmas, December 16 The Muppet Christmas Carol, and December 23 is National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
HOLIDAY EVENTS
Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
Miller Auditorium
1341 Theatre Dr, Kalamazoo
Nov. 7-8
millerauditorium.com
Discover the magic of Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale as it comes to life on stage. Featuring the hit songs “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” The Grinch discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic and hit Broadway musical.
Grand Rapids Santa Parade
Downtown Grand Rapids
Nov 22, 5 p.m.
grsantaparade.com
Santa will be traveling from the North Pole to join us for this special event with more than 50 parade entries that will light up the streets of GR for families from all over West Michigan. Santa will be exiting his sleigh at Rosa Park Ice Rink at approximately 6:30 pm and joining the City of Grand Rapids for the annual tree lighting ceremony at 6:45 pm. Plus, free cookies, coffee and hot chocolate!
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Forest Hills Fine Arts Center
600 Forest Hill Ave. SE, Grand Rapids
Nov. 23, 7-9 p.m.
fhfineartscenter.com
Cirque Dreams Holidaze dazzles with a brilliantly breathtaking holiday spectacular for the whole family. As the original cirque holiday theatrical event, this annual tradition wraps a Broadway-style production around awe-inspiring contemporary circus arts. Reimagined for 2025, the show features original music, fresh twists on beloved holiday favorites sung live, new sets, dazzling scenery, and stunning costumes. The show will also visit Miller Auditorium on December 16!
Bela Fleck & the Flecktones: Jingle All the Way
DeVos Performance Hall
303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m.
devosperformancehall.com
This winter, Béla Fleck & The Flecktones return to bring you Jingle All the Way, a reunion tour featuring the group’s beloved tunes—along with reinvented, jazz-infused holiday classics from their GRAMMY-winning album by the same name. Performing this music together for the first time in over 15+ years, the band reunites for a uniquely unforgettable evening of banjo, harmonica, keyboards, percussion, saxophone, throat singing and more.
University of West Michigan Health Holiday Pops
DeVos Performance Hall
Dec. 5-7
grsymphony.org
Join for this long-standing annual holiday tradition that’s a massive artistic collaboration, with Bob Bernhardt conducting the Grand Rapids Symphony, Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, Grand Rapids Youth Chorus, Embellish Handbell Ensemble, and frequent GRS soloist Mela Dailey! Hear a full evening of 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!
Rockford Annual Santa Parade
Downtown Rockford
Dec. 6, 11 a.m.
Join the 79th Annual Santa Parade in Rockford to welcome Santa to town for the holiday. The parade starts at 11 a.m. at Lewis & Main Street, winding through town, with Santa heading afterward to the Rotary Pavilion to visit with children until 2 p.m.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra - The Lost Christmas Eve Tour
Van Andel Arena
Dec. 7, 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
vanandelarena.com
With more than 10 million albums sold, TSO has inspired generations of fans to rediscover the multi-dimensional art form of the rock opera, especially through their annual holiday blowout in Grand Rapids. The “Ghosts Of Christmas Eve: the Best of TSO & More” tour promises to continue TSO’s tradition of captivating audiences nationwide with an unparalleled blend of rock, classical, and theatrical spectacle, complete with dazzling pyrotechnics, lasers, and incredible storytelling.
Cedar Springs Downtown Christmas Mingle
Downtown Cedar Springs
Dec. 11, 4-8 p.m.
facebook.com/CSDDA
Come explore Downtown Cedar Springs for a special Christmas experience including Carriage Rides, extended shopping hours, downtown dining, and more!
Lowell Luminary Walk
Wittenbach Wege Center
11715 Vergennes St., Lowell
Dec. 12-14
facebook.com/wittenbachwegecenter
As you meander through the forest on a candle-lit path, you’ll enjoy the serenity of the forest at night. At the cabin, enjoy a warm fire, and make your way to the wetland observation deck to view for the Geminid Meteor Shower. Back at the Center, warm up with some hot chocolate. Plus, Saturday is family night, offering fun crafts!
Home for the Holidays
Holland Symphony Orchestra
1138 136th Ave., Holland
Dec. 13
hollandsymphony.org
Local favorites Steve and Allison Martin join HSO for festive selections from The Nutcracker, Leroy Anderson’s classic Sleigh Ride, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and some of the Martins’ favorite songs, including “The Prayer,” “O Holy Night,” and “Ave Maria.” Rounding out the family-friendly concert will be the audience favorite “Christmas Singalong,” full of well-known holiday carols! Plus, enjoy fresh-baked goods, candies, and snacks from local bakery Frosted Memories.
Lights On Creston: Shop, Sip & Stroll
Kingma’s Market
2225 Plainfield Ave., Grand Rapids
Dec. 17, 4-8 p.m.
It’s Creston’s favorite holiday tradition! Neighbors and visitors are invited to bundle up, grab a Creston Red Cup, and explore a night full of cheer. From festive lights to artisan shopping and Santa himself—you won’t want to miss this magical evening.
Christmastime with Trisha Yearwood
DeVos Performance Hall
303 Monroe Ave., Grand Rapids
Dec. 17
devosperformancehall.com
Experience the magic of the holiday season with the incomparable Trisha Yearwood with the Grand Rapids Symphony, featuring songs for her brand-new holiday album Christmastime! This promises to be a heartwarming and unforgettable holiday celebration, blending the festive spirit of Christmas with the power and emotion of Trisha Yearwood’s signature sound.
Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings
Wealthy Theatre
1130 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids
Dec. 18 & 27
feverup.com
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before. Get your tickets now to discover the music of Christmas Carols on Strings at Wealthy Theatre under the gentle glow of candlelight, performed by local quartet KalHaven Strings.
Holiday Classics Organ Concert
Grand Rapids Public Museum
272 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids
Dec. 19-20
grpm.org
The GRPM will conclude its 2025 Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ Concert Series with themed Holiday Classics organ concerts performed by iconic Crystal Falls, MI organist, Dave Wickerham. Deck the halls this season by enjoying cheerful holiday songs on the 1928 Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ and classics such as Jingle Bells, Silent Night, The First Noel, and more.
GR Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
DeVos Performance Hall
303 Monroe Ave., Grand Rapids
Dec. 12-21
devosperformancehall.com
Clara and her Nutcracker Prince journey from a festive holiday party to a daring battle with mischievous mice, and finally, to the dazzling Land of Sweets. With choreography by Val Caniparoli, stunning sets designed by Grand Rapids’ own Chris Van Allsburg (The Polar Express) and Tony Award-winner Eugene Lee, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score performed live by the Grand Rapids Symphony, this production is a feast for the senses that captures the magic of the season.
Official Christmas Bar Crawl
Tin Can
Dec. 20, 4 p.m.-midnight
crawlwith.us
Get ready to don your Santa hat and raise a glass at the jolliest crawl of the year! This festive Grand Rapids bar crawl includes two to three drinks or shots with your ticket, plus no cover at any participating venues—from the first stop to the after-party. Participants can look forward to exclusive drink and food specials, a custom Christmas bar crawl badge with vouchers, and a stadium party cup and bottle opener lanyard to keep the fun flowing.
The Enchanted Yule Ball: Magical Masquerade
The LIT
61 Sheldon Blvd SE, Grand Rapids
Dec. 20, 7 p.m.
tinyurl.com/GRYuleBall
Step into a world of wonder and mystery at The Lit for an unforgettable evening of enchantment and spellbinding dancing with elves, fairies, wizards and more! Highlights of the evening include a Grand Waltz lesson and regency dances, impressive aerialist and ballet performances, games, enchanting activities and more.
Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl
Küsterer Brauhaus
Dec. 20, 4 p.m.
pubcrawls.com
Get ready to celebrate National Ugly Sweater Weekend in style with a festive bar crawl! Don your most outrageous, hilarious, or downright hideous ugly sweater and join the ultimate holiday celebration. The crawl includes free entry to all bars, exclusive drink specials, holiday-themed cocktails, food specials, professional photographers/videographers and more.
Drag Queen Christmas
DeVos Performance Hall
303 Monroe Ave., Grand Rapids
Dec. 29, 7:30 p.m.
devosperformancehall.com
Murray & Peter Present “A Drag Queen Christmas” hosted by Nina West. It’s the longest running drag tour in America. Get ready for your favorite queens performing live on stage. Hosted by Nina West with performances by Lexi, Shea Coulee, Jewels Sparkles, Crystal Methyd, Suzie Toot, Lydia B Kollins, and Brooke Lynn Hytes.
HOLIDAY MARKETS
Flat River Gallery Holiday Market
219 West Main, Lowell
Nov. 7-Dec. 23
flatrivergalleryandframing.com
Stop by all season long for unique items and specialty products from Flat River’s member artists including holiday decorations, cards, ornaments and trees, seasonal décor, and much more. With extended hours during Christmas Through Lowell!
KalamaTopia 2025
Kalamazoo Mall
Nov. 7, 5-8 p.m.
facebook.com/kalamatopia
KalamaTopia is an outdoor cold-air shopping makers market that kicks off the holiday season. Hosted on the Kalamazoo Mall, everyone is welcome to come and be a part of the celebration of the rich talent and amazing products made by local people. Vendors selling jewelry, ceramics, soaps, candles, crafts and more will be a part of the celebration of shopping and making. There will also be live DIY exhibits and entertainment!
Bridge St. Makers Market & Bar Hop
Nov. 8, 1-6 p.m.
iheartindiemarkets.com
Community. Art. A good time. Join on Bridge Street in Grand Rapids to shop 25 local vendors with a drink in hand! Products will be a wide variety of handmade goods such as jewelry, knit goods, home decor, metal working, prints, soap, paintings, candles and so much more!
Terra Square Made in Michigan
3380 Chicago Dr., Hudsonville
Nov. 8, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
terrasquare.com
Kick off the holiday season with family and friends for a shopping experience with items exclusively made in Michigan!
Holiday Market at Roeda
Roeda Studio
1615 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
Nov. 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Find unique gifts from local artists and vendors at Roeda Studio, a local store focused on hand-painted metal art magnets! They’ll have 10+ local makers with wonderful items you won’t want to miss, plus special sales in the store.
Holiday Art Market
Northview High School
4365 Hunsberger Ave. NE, Grand Rapids
Nov. 8, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Local artists and artisans from Rogue River Artists Association and juried artists will have handmade gifts, decorations, cards, jewelry, paintings, photography, stained glass, mixed media and much more for sale at this annual Holiday Art Market.
Christmas Through Lowell
Downtown Lowell
Nov. 14-16
discoverlowell.org
Kick off your holiday shopping season in and around Historic Lowell at the 33rd Annual Christmas Through Lowell event. The Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce presents over 70 magically unique homes and businesses. Over 350 artists and crafters will showcase their gifts and creations for three days!
Michigan Makers Market
VanDyk Mortgage Convention Center
460 W Western Ave, Muskegon
Nov. 15, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
michiganmakersmarket.org
The Michigan Makers Market is an indoor shopping event featuring 80+ craft and fine art exhibitors. PLUS giveaways, make & take projects, a cash bar and more! This fall market takes place at the Convention Center in the heart of Downtown Muskegon and is a production of CMF Marketing & Events. Join us for a fun day out and to support talented Michigan artisans!
Bad Idea Social Club Holiday Art Market
City Built Brewing Co.
178 Mason St. NW, Grand Rapids
Nov. 22, 12-4 p.m.
facebook.com/citybuiltbrewing
Our friends at Bad Idea Social Club are hosting a holiday art market! A bunch of our favorite artists and makers are setting up at City Built Brewing Company for an afternoon of art, music, good drinks, and sweet treats. Come hang out, meet the people who make the things, and find something worth gifting—or keeping for yourself. With Jon Bailey from Lantern Coffee Bar serving hot drinks, LIVE holiday music performed by Sabrina Dahlgren, and the rerelease of their West Coast IPA.
Made Market
Goei Center
818 Butterworth St., Grand Rapids
Nov. 22, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
mademkt.com
Get ready for a festive shopping extravaganza as the holiday season approaches! Come explore the ultimate holiday market in Grand Rapids, showcasing over 60 skilled artisans with their one-of-a-kind, handcrafted treasures. From perfect gift finds to special treats for yourself, this is your opportunity to support local talent, savor tasty food and drinks, and soak in the vibrant spirit of our Grand Rapids maker community.
Merchants and Makers
SILVA
975 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
Nov. 28-29
merchantsandmakers.com
This isn’t your average market, SILVA is in a curated lineup of amazing makers and artists, plus SUPER fun live entertainment like performers, magicians, and more surprises to keep the energy high. SILVA will be serving a special menu of appetizers inside the market space, along with two full bars so you can sip while you shop.
Flux Market! Maker’s Market
Pottery Lane
401 Hall St. SW, Grand Rapids
Nov. 29, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Come sip, shop, and create (for free!) at the 6th annual Flux Market! They will have local artists (potters, makers, and more), food, and so many activities for people of all ages. This event is heavily anticipated each year and is looking to be their yet.
2nd Annual Holiday Market
Reeths-Puffer High School
Nov. 29, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
If you’re in Muskegon, start your holiday shopping at the Reeths-Puffer Marching Band’s 2nd Annual Holiday Market, featuring craft and food vendors as well as local businesses.
Annual Uptown Shop Hop
Uptown Grand Rapids
Dec. 4, 3-9 p.m.
facebook.com/uptowngr
Join the 28th annual Uptown Shop Hop, as the district of five thriving neighborhoods comes alive with extra special holiday experiences. FREE Jolly Trolley rides will transport you through Uptown as you holiday shop, eat, drink, and make memories! Merriment includes free trolly rides between districts, streetside entertainment, and surprises guests and goods all night long. Shop Hop is a great way to knock out that shopping list with memorable gifts that will support the livelihoods of local and independent makers and businesses, right here at home.
Woodland Weavers & Spinners Holiday Fiber Arts Market
Aquinas College Donnelly Center
157 Woodward Lane SE, Grand Rapids
Dec. 12, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Dec. 13, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
wwas.info
The Woodland Weavers and Spinner Guild’s Textile Arts Market Holiday Sale offers the public a chance to purchase the beautiful and varied pieces. The creativity of their members is showcased with garments, scarves, hats and many more fashion accessories. There are also towels, rugs, pillows, wall hangings and many other items for the home.
Winter Holiday Market
Fulton Street Market
Dec. 14, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
fultonstreetmarket.org
Complete your holiday shopping list at the Fulton Street Market with handcrafted gifts from dozens of local artisan vendors. More details to come.
Kalamazoo Indoor Flea Market
Kalamazoo County Expo Center
2900 Lake St, Kalamazoo
Dec. 20, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Come check out the market for some great deals and great merchandise, with new and used items, antiques, handcrafted items, and much more across 65 booths!
