Looking for the best ways to celebrate Christmas in Grand Rapids, Michigan? These are some of the most recommended places to visit and things to do in the iconic furniture city.
Planning a trip to Grand Rapids is super exciting! If you’re anything like me, you’re here because you love to research and plan your trip ahead of time. As someone who is born, raised, and currently living in Grand Rapids, I am giving you the best ideas of cheerful ways to celebrate the holidays.
You are going to learn about things to do like holiday shows, special events, markets, where to shop, and where to get delicious sweet treats. After learning about these places, you are going to be ready for your next Michigan travel adventure!
This post is my 19 Cheerful Ways to Celebrate Christmas in Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, Michigan is one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. With a beautiful downtown, unique city neighborhoods, emphasis on the arts, and several parks and trails for outdoor activities, it’s hard not to see why. As a native of Grand Rapids, I’ve been able to experience everything that this beautiful city has to offer and am so excited to share my knowledge with you.
Holiday Shows and Events
Holiday Shows
Grand Rapids has the only professional ballet company in the state of Michigan. Each year, the Grand Rapids Ballet performs Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. A classic ballet that is a popular holiday tradition for many families. I highly recommend going to a Grand Rapids show because you will find unique artwork within the show. The author Chirs Van Allsburg (who wrote Polar Express and Jumanji) was born in Grand Rapids and illustrated the beautiful backdrops!
The Grand Rapids Symphony offers several shows and events throughout the year. During the holiday season, they may have shows like Home Alone, where the symphony accompanies the showing of the movie with live music. Check out their website to see what holiday-themed shows they will have this year!
A Grand Rapids staple holiday show is the Trans-Siberian Orchestra! Our city is fortunate enough to be a regular, annual tour stop for this incredible band. Their concerts are not to be missed! Filled with great music, light shows, and after show meet and greets, it’s a fun way to celebrate Christmas in Grand Rapids.
A unique family-friendly activity is the Friends of Coopersville and Marne Santa Train. This is a really fun event for those who still believe in Christmas magic. Santa will visit each person on the train, the story princess will read a story, and the elves will greet each child as they visit with Santa. Tickets start at $30 per person.
As an arts focused city, we even have our very own theater group that performs at The Grand Rapids Civic Theater. The theater has several shows throughout the year, and typically has a holiday themed show running from November to December. Going to a show is a great way to start an annual tradition to celebrate Christmas in Grand Rapids.
Museums and Exhibits
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is one of the nation’s premier horticultural display gardens and sculpture parks. Beginning in November, their annual Christmas and Holiday Traditions exhibit comes alive. There are several trees throughout the interior of the gardens, displaying beautiful ornaments and decorations from around the world. Learn about different countries and cultures and how they celebrate the holiday season. The exhibit runs November through January.
Blandford Nature Center is a local nature reserve that focuses on enriching the community through experiences in nature. They offer a variety of events throughout the year. In December, there are offerings of critter crafts and blacksmith holiday ornaments.
LMCU Ballpark Christmas Lite Show is a fun holiday tradition in Grand Rapids. The parking lot of the ballpark turns into a light show wonderland! Take the whole family, jump in the car, and drive through the park to see the beautiful lights. The Lite Show opens in late November and runs through the end of December.
Holiday Activities
A modern candle shop in Grand Rapids’ Cherry Hill neighborhood is Sable Candle Co. Throughout the year they offer fun holiday themed workshops. Consider making your own candle with fresh holiday scents for your own home or to give to loved ones. You can make a reservation for their workshop on their website.
The local Happy Cat Cafe is a special place where you can sip on coffee or tea while playing and interacting with cats. All of the cats are available for adoption. I love that the Happy Cat Cafe offers a lot of fun interactive activities throughout the year. Check their website to see a list of holiday and winter themed events offered.
High Tea Grand Rapids is new to Grand Rapids. A traditional tea house offering high tea and treats, you can opt for one of their regular menu items or consider registering for one of their holiday themed teas.
Rosa Parks Circle in downtown Grand Rapids turns into a twinkling ice skating rink from November until February. This is a very affordable, family-friendly activity. Admission is $2-$4 and skate rentals are included in the admission. It’s a great way to see the city lights and soak in the beautiful winter weather.
Holiday Markets & Shopping
Holiday Markets and Small Business Shopping
Fulton Street Farmers Market has been an essential part of Grand Rapids for 100 years! In December, they host the Winter Holiday Market. A variety of vendors will sell their handmade items, crafts, artwork, and more. This is a great one-day shopping event to find unique items for those hard to shop for people in your life.
The Grand Rapids Downtown Market offers a holiday Christkindl Market! The exterior of the market is transformed into a European-style Christmas village. There will be several artisans, food vendors, and entertainment available.
Uptown Shop Hop is an annual small business shopping event to support these curated stores during the holiday season. The event offers free trolley rides to different parts of Uptown. There is also fun holiday themed entertainment and many of the stores on the route will offer special sales and discounts.
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum offers a Holiday Market in November that is for parents only. This is a great way to explore the museum without the kids and do a little Christmas shopping. If you’re interested in seeing what kid-friendly holiday events the museum has to offer, I recommend checking their website and clicking on events.
Sweet Treats
Mokaya is a local artisan and confection boutique. They create incredibly beautiful chocolates and desserts. If you’re looking for that unique, extra special gift, Mokaya will have a great selection.
Sweetlands Candies has been around for decades! A Grand Rapids classic candy shop, you will be sure to find the perfect sweet treat here. Consider buying the turtles, homemade peanut butter cups, or chocolate covered marshmallows to celebrate Christmas in Grand Rapids.
Known for their fudge and ice cream, Kilwin’s is another great option to find something sweet for the holiday season. They always have the most unique treats, like chocolate covered rice krispie treats, or holiday candy apples.
This post is my 19 Cheerful Ways to Celebrate Christmas in Grand Rapids.
For other things to do in Grand Rapids, check out these posts:
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