Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays! Here's our list of holiday-related events happening around Grand Rapids this November and December, 2011:
Share
Theatre, Ballet, Symphony & Live Music
A Holiday Irish Concert - On November 26, Fenian's Irish Pub in Conklin presents Stephen's Green out of Dublin, Ireland for a night of music, ballads, humor and songs. Tickets are $17; ages 21+ welcome.
The Nutcracker - For more than 3 decades, the Grand Rapids Ballet Company has brought the Christmas classic to life with dazzling choreography, sets and costumes, along with 100 dancers, including children and celebrities from the community. The Ballet returns to DeVos Performance Hall accompanied by the Grand Rapids Symphony November 25-27 & December 9-11. Tickets: $20-$53.
'Twas the Night Before Christmas - Performed by the C.A.R.E. Ballet, the beloved traditional story comes alive on stage through dance at St. Cecilia's Music Center November 25-27. After the performances, visit with Santa and the cast. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for students.
Mona Shores Singing Christmas Tree - The 67-foot tall tree on stage at the Frauenthal Center in Muskegon is America's tallest and features 25,000 lights and 300 singers accompanied by the award-winning 50-piece orchestra from Mona Shores High School. Performances on December 1-3 at 7:30 p.m.; tickets: $13 for reserved seating.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever play - The Wyoming Park Theatre Company presents the heartwarming and delightful Christmas adventure December 1-3 at Wyoming Park High School. Admission is $8.
The 1940's Radio Hour - Take a trip down memory lane with the Cornerstone University Theatre as they perform the Christmas musical filled with dancing, laughter and some of the greatest 1940s songs ever written, including 'Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy' and 'Merry Little Christmas'. Runs December 1-4 and 8-11.
Hark Up - Hark Up Ministries is back with an all-new production at the DeVos Center for Arts & Worship at GR Christian High School. The heartwarming tale that takes place at the Heavenly Grounds Coffee Shop features talented local actors and music from contemporary Christian artists like TobyMac and Kirk Franklin. Runs December 2-4.
Gaither Homecoming Christmas Special - Multi Grammy Award-winning Bill Gaither will present the holiday music spectacular at Van Andel Arena December 9 at 7 p.m. Tickets are priced at $29 and $39.
Bells are Ringing - The Grand Rapids Symphonic Band welcomes band handbell choir Embellish to perform favorites from Charlie Brown Christmas, along with Sleigh Ride and the traditional sing-along.
Lessons and Carols - Now in its 22nd year, the Grand Rapids Choir of Men & Boys will present once again its Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols for Christmas December 10 at All Saints Episcopal Church in Saugatuck. Free.
Schubert Male Chorus Annual Christmas Concert - The choral group celebrates over 128 consecutive years of singing with their annual holiday concert 'Christmas Jubilation' December 10 at the East Grand Rapids High School Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $17 per person.
Jars of Clay Christmas Tour - The multi award-winning band best known for mainstream hit 'Flood' visits Community Reformed Church in Zeeland December 11. Ticket prices range from $12 to $45.
Nestle Gerber Holiday Pops - It wouldn't be Christmas in Grand Rapids without the Symphony performing its favorite holiday music at DeVos Performance Hall. The Symphony will be joined on stage by the Symphony Chorus and Santa will make a special visit. Runs December 15-18; single tickets start at $18.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra - The symphonic rock group best known for progressive interpretations of favorite Christmas carols returns to Van Andel Arena for two performances December 16. Tickets: $32 to $62.
The Promise - The Lakeshore holiday tradition that weaves together ballet, music, scripture, 75 dancers and 260 costumes to tell the Christmas story takes the stage at the Knickerbocker Theatre in Holland December 16-18 & 20.
Edelweiss Christmas Concert - The Edelweiss Choir performs their annual holiday concert with German and Austrian Christmas music and carols at St. Mary's on First St NW December 18.
Luminaire - Daybreak Church in Hudsonville presents the original production that tells the Christmas story with a Broadway approach that's inspired by Disney's The Lion King and Cirque du Soleil. Free; reservations suggested.
Art Van Santa Parade - Presented by the Grand Rapids Jaycees Saturday, November 19 at 9 a.m., the parade has been the traditional holiday season kick-off for the region for more than 100 years. See nearly 100 entries and floats, and a visit from Santa Claus. The route has changed for 2011: it will start at the corner of Michigan and Ottawa, travel south on Ottawa past Calder Plaza and end at Fulton near Van Andel Arena.
Hudsonville Holiday Parade - Celebrate the holiday season with a family friendly parade November 19 at 10 a.m. The route begins at Highland Drive & 32nd Avenue and heads north on 32nd to Central Blvd.
Coopersville Santa Parade - One of Michigan's original nighttime parades returns Friday, December 2 at 7 p.m. (immediately following the tree lighting) in downtown Coopersville. See dozens of professional floats, decorated vehicles, fire trucks and a visit from Santa Claus. Free.
Sinterklaas Eve - In true Dutch folk tradition, the annual parade in downtown Holland welcomes Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas) on his white horse surrounded by his mischievous Zwarte Piet helpers. Beginning December 2 at 7:30 p.m., the route will start at the Eight Street Market Place and proceed to Centennial Park. Everyone then is invited to the Holland Museum to meet Sinterklaas in person. Free.
South Division Santa Claus Parade - The Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce hosts their fifth annual Santa Claus Parade December 3 at 10 a.m. The starting point is 34th Street & South Division, and the parade will continue along Division to 43rd Street.
Rockford Santa Parade - The annual parade in downtown Rockford is scheduled for December 3 at 11 a.m. After the parade children can meet Santa in the Rotary Pavilion and share their Christmas wishlists.
Saugatuck Christmas Parade - The annual parade returns to downtown Saugatuck December 3 at 1 p.m.
Jingle Bell Parade - The annual nighttime parade in downtown Grand Haven steps off at 6 p.m. December 3, and winds along Washington and Harbor Drive before ending at Central Park for the lighting of the community tree.
Lowell Santa Parade - The night-time parade begins at 6 p.m. sharp and travels along Main Street through downtown Lowell. Christmas festivities will be held throughout the day until the parade.
Family Events & Holiday Exhibits
Sleigh Bells and Holly - Through December 23, the Lowell Arts' King Gallery will have more than 35 artists selling fine arts and gift items including pottery, photographs, ornaments, glass work, textiles, baskets and more. Open Tuesdays-Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Santa's Workshop - After the Art Van Santa Parade, head to the Grand Rapids Public Library's main branch for hot chocolate, holiday treats, crafts and a visit from Santa. Free.
Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World - Now an annual holiday tradition itself, Frederik Meijer Gardens is transformed November 22-January 8 by 300,000 lights, strolling carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, the Polar Express-inspired Railway Garden and more than 40 international tree displays. Admission is $12 for adults and $4-$6 for kids; carriage rides are extra.
Holiday Magic Laser Light Show - Dazzling laser lights and special affects accompany favorite Christmas songs at the Public Museum's Chaffee Planetarium. Admission is $3 plus general museum admission; show runs on Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m. and Tuesdays at 6 p.m. November 26-December 16.
'Tis the Season - The laser light show at the Chaffee Planetarium traces winter celebrations and customs back to their roots. Learn about the Star of Bethlehem and the Winter Solstice. Admission: $3 plus museum admission. Runs daily at 2 p.m. through December 31.
The Santa Train - Ride with Santa himself aboard the vintage cars of the Coopersville & Marne Railway Saturdays and Sundays, November 26-December 18. Tickets include a chance to visit with Santa and the elves and kids can hear "The Polar Express" read aloud by the story-telling Princess. Adults $14.50; kids (2-12) $11.50.
Uptown Shop Hop - On December 1, celebrate the season and support local businesses in Grand Rapids' Eastown, East Hills, Wealthy Street and East Fulton neighborhoods from 4-9 p.m. Ride the free trolleys and hop from store to store while enjoying holiday carolers, in-store promotions and entertainment.
HollyJolly - The downtown Grand Rapids-focused event beginning December 2 will feature 47 retail storefronts competing in a window dressing competition, plus children's programming at the Grand Rapids Art Museum and Schuler Books on Monroe Center. Free admission.
UICA Holiday Artists' Market - Stop by the new UICA December 2 & 3 for the 23rd annual holiday sale and find one-of-a-kind works by some of the region's most exciting artists. Take advantage of free admission and parking, plus beverages, snacks and a children's workshop.
GRAM Christmas Tree Lighting - Watch as the giant evergreen placed outside of the Grand Rapids Art Museum is officially lit for the season at 5:15 p.m. Afterwards, enjoy free carriage rides, live music, entertainment and the kickoff of HollyJolly. Free.
Kentwood Community Church Arts & Crafts - On December 3, browse gifts created by more than 90 artisans and crafters and sample baked goodies at the Holly Jolly Cafe.
Christmas for the Animals - Zookeepers from John Ball Zoo invite the community to bring a gift for the animals while visiting Santa and the reindeer. Admission: $5 for adults, $4 for kids.
Outdoor Christmas Market - The European tradition returns once again to St. Mary's Catholic Church on First NW. On December 3 and 4, the outdoor marketplace will have artists, carolers, ethnic foods, imported beers and a visit from St. Nick.
Christmas at the Voigt House - See the Victorian decorations on display at the Grand Rapids Public Museum's Voigt House, located in Heritage Hill. Tours will be available during open hours on December 3-4 & 10-11.
Ford Museum Holiday Open House - The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum will once again open its doors to all from 1-5 p.m. December 4 to celebrate the Christmas season. Santa, Mrs. Claus and a few of their reindeer will visit and holiday music will be sung by local choirs throughout the afternoon. Free admission.
Beerhorst Family Holiday Art Show - Find out what new creations the Beerhorst family has to share for this year's holiday season. Open daily December 9-11 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Handmade Holiday Party - Browse the unique work of six local artists on display and for sale on December 9 at the Artist Studios on Grandville Ave SW.
Urban Lights - On December 9, businesses, galleries and artists along South Division will open their doors to sell unique and one-of-a-kind gifts just in time for Christmas. From 5-10 p.m., enjoy shopping during extended hours, live entertainment, sales, custom luminary displays and more. Free.
GRIF Arts & Crafts Fair - Grand Rapids Int'l Fellowship will host local artists, arts & crafts and free digital photos with Santa.
Hoppy Holidays - Celebrate the story of 'Rabbit's Gift' December 10 with Mrs. Claus at the GRPL's Seymour Branch and make an art project to take home.
Homestead Holiday - Enjoy a peaceful winter's evening at Blandford Nature Center December 11 with horse-drawn wagon rides, carols, make-and-take holiday crafts, treats and plenty of holiday cheer. Open 12-5 p.m.; admission cost is $5 person, kids 3 and under are free.
Holiday Concert featuring Kevin Kammeraad - Enjoy interactive family fun, music, puppetry and more with special guest Kevin Kammeraad at GRPL's Yankee Clipper Branch.
Crafteens: Holiday DIY Special - Teens are invited to the DIY gift-making workshop at GRPL's Van Belkum Branch on Plainfield Ave NE. Free admission.
Breakfast with Santa - Visit Thousand Oaks Golf Club December 17 to have breakfast with Santa, enjoy kids' holiday activities and go for a sleigh ride. $8.95 for adults, $4.95 for children.
Snowflake Break - Between December 17-24 & 26-31, visitors to the Grand Rapids Public Museum can play games, create snowflakes and crafts and check out 'BIG STUFF from the Permanent Collection'. General admission: $3-$8.
Photos with Santa & Live Reindeer
Woodland Mall - Have your photo taken with Santa November 11 through December 24 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
RiverTown Crossings Mall - Have photos taken with Santa at RiverTown Mall in Grandville from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Monday-Saturday and noon-6 p.m. on Sundays until December 24.
Frederik Meijer Gardens - Meet Santa on Tuesday evenings from 5-8 p.m. November 22-December 20. Visits are included in the price of general admission, $12 for adults, $4-$6 for kids.
Nite Lites Christmas Light Display - Returning for a 14th year, see Fifth Third Ball transformed into a lighted mile-long winter wonderland November 19-January 1, 2012. Open daily 6-10 p.m. (including holidays); price per vehicle is $12.
Holiday Road - Ever wondered what 14 homes covered with 200,000 lights synchronized to music might look like? Find out November 26-December 30 in the Water Tower Park neighborhood of Spring Lake. View the show from your car and listen to the music on the radio. Free; donation to local charities optional.
Outdoor Events, Festivals and Ice Skating
Ford Museum Tree Lighting - Join the fun as the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum lights up the Grand River with its annual display of decorated trees and twinkling lights Thursday, November 17 at 7 p.m. Enjoy free admission to both the outdoor event and the museum.
Church Services & Religious Events
Festival of Lights - Calvary Church's annual production returns this year with 'Come to Christmas', about the townspeople of Brampton who are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the King. Tickets: $6-$7.
Dominican Center Living Nativity - The Dominican Center at Marywood presents the living nativity December 11 at 5:30 p.m. with live animals, Christmas songs and Mary, Joseph and the shepherds surrounding baby Jesus in the manger.
Brookside CRC Living Nativity - The church on Kalamazoo and 36th will host their annual living nativity presentation December 16-18 at 7p, 7:30 and 8 each evening.
Meijer Gardens Holiday Gala - The enchanted evening December 1 among the Christmas & Holiday Traditions Around the World exhibit features horse-drawn carriage rides, globally-inspired cuisine and strolling entertainment. Tickets: $125.
GRYP Holiday Unwind & Charity Event - The Grand Rapids Young Professionals will host their annual Christmas event December 8 at The Establishment, beginning at 5:30 p.m. This year, GRYP is supporting DA Blodgett-St. John's.
GRBarcrawl's Santa Crawl - Paint the town red December 17 as the GRBarcrawl's party bus journeys between bars in downtown Grand Rapids from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Cost: $40.
Ugly Sweater Christmas Party - The Establishment (formerly Monte's) hosts local band Valentiger for the Ugly Sweater Party December 21.
Collecting Items for the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans - LinkedUp Grand Rapids is collecting batteries, gift cards, clothing, books, puzzles, health items, snacks and more through December 22 for the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. Dropoff location: CQL, 3344 Grand Ridge Dr NE.
AFresh Christmas Tree Company - Get Michigan grown trees and wreaths delivered to your door from a Grand Rapids-based business.
Bosch's Countryview Nursery - Located just west of Allendale, Bosch's has u-pick and u-cut Christmas Trees and horse-drawn wagon rides and visits from Santa on the weekends. Season starts November 26.
Last Updated 12/09/2011
Published 11/17/2011
