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Coast Guard Festival tops another weekend of major outdoor events and festivals, including Rob Bliss's Grand Rapids Electronic Music Night, Picnic Pops, the all-new Bike 'N' Roll Fest, the Ottawa County Fair and Byron Days in Byron Center.
Weekend Guide: July 30-August 1 2010 Guide to Summer Festivals |
| 2006 Christmas & Winter Holidays Guide |
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2008 Christmas & Winter Holidays Guide The Christmas and Winter Guide is back for a second year, complete with dozens of holiday events including favorites like the Nutcracker, Handel's Messiah and the Nite Lites display at Fifth Third Ball Park. Click on the title of each listing to find dates, times, driving directions and additional information in the events calendar.
Concerts & Symphony Performances
Concerts & Symphony Performances Martina McBride's Joy of Christmas - The country singer's multi-media theatrical holiday stage show visits Van Andel Arena November 25 and arrives complete with a 90-foot backdrop, special effects and dazzling sets and production. Tickets: $41.50+. Clay Aiken - The American Idol star joins the Grand Rapids Symphony on stage at DeVos Hall December 12 for an enchanted evening of holiday music and Christmas favorites. Tickets are $35-$75. Handel's Messiah - The Calvin College Oratorio Society presents the 78th season Handel's Messiah in Grand Rapids at DeVos Hall December 1 & 2. Tickets start at $18. Fifth Third Holiday Pops - The Grand Rapids Symphony performs all the seasonal favorites during the holiday celebration at DeVos Hall December 7-10. The event also features the Symphony chorus and the annual songfest sing-along. Tickets: $17-$56. Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Returning to Van Andel Arena for two performances December 10, the Christmas concert combines symphonic rock and orchestra for an electrifying event. Tickets start at $40. An American Christmas - The Schubert Male Chorus presents its annual Christmas event at Royce Auditorium December 16 with special guest and acapella group "The Voices of Freedom". Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for youth. Grand Rapids Symphonic Band Holiday Celebration - Directed by Barry Martin, the annual concert December 10 at Grand Rapids Christian High School will feature selections like 'Sleigh Ride', 'A Christmas Festival' and 'Praise Jerusalem'. Harmony for the Holidays - The holiday concert at the DeVos Center for Arts and Worship will feature the Grand Rapids Chorus of Sweet Adelines and the Great Lakes Chorus December 1. Tickets are $16. 126 Army Band Annual Holiday Concert - Admission is free to the concert at St. Cecilia's Royce Auditorium December 6 which will salute all Veterans and their families. Edelweiss Christmas Concert - The Edelweiss Choir of Grand Rapids will present their annual Concert of German and Austrian sacred music and carols at St. Mary's on First St NW December 17 with the Ein Prosit Band. Home for the Holidays - Guest conductor Crafton Beck leads the West Shore Symphony and the Grand Haven High School Chamber Choir in a night of traditional holiday songs at the Frauenthal Center in Muskegon December 15 & 16. Ticket prices range from $8 to $41. The
Nutcracker - The Grand Rapids Ballet Company bring this timeless classic to life with a cast of more than 100 dancers at DeVos Hall beginning December 15. The Ballet will be accompanied by the Grand Rapids Symphony for all eleven performances. Tickets start at $15. 'Twas
the Night Before Christmas - Created through dance and set to familiar Christmas carols, the beloved traditional story comes alive on stage at Royce Auditorium to delight the senses of children of all ages. Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $7 for children. A Christmas Story - Beginning November 24, the Holland Civic Theatre performs the classic memoir that follows nine year old Ralphie and his quest to get a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. Uh Oh Here Comes Christmas - The Master Arts Theatre presents the sequel to 'All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten' that takes a funny and poignant look at the struggle to find the spirit of Christmas amid commercialism. $13 for adults; $11 for students. Great Russian Nutcracker - At the Frauenthal Theatre, the Moscow Ballet presents a Broadway level spectacle featuring dazzling costumes, 50 all-star Russian cast members, hand painted sets, puppets and impressive scenic design. Tickets: $22-$65.
Jaycees Santa Claus Parade - The Grand Rapids Jaycees present the annual Christmas parade on Fulton Street downtown November 18 beginning at 10 a.m. Rockford Santa Claus Parade - Takes place December 2nd in downtown Rockford. Coopersville Santa Parade - The 26th annual nighttime parade in downtown Coopersville takes place December 1. Thousands of lights will decorate more than 60 parade entries, buildings and trees, and free hot chocolate will be served. Free admission. Lowell Santa Parade - The 26th annual nighttime parade in downtown Coopersville takes place December 1. Thousands of lights will decorate more than 60 parade entries, buildings and trees, and free hot chocolate will be served. Free admission. Jingle Bell Parade - The nighttime parade in downtown Grand Haven December 2 features lighted entries and Santa and Mrs. Claus. Free admission.
Sinterklaas Eve & European Lantern Parade - The streets of downtown Holland come alive with Dutch tradition December 1 when Sinterklaas and his Zwarte Piet helpers visit Holland followed by hundreds of townsfolk carrying authentic European lanterns. Parade starts at 7 p.m.; free. Christmas
and Holiday Traditions Around the World - Meijer Gardens is transformed
for the holiday season with the glow of 300,000 lights, more than 40 internationally decorated
trees and displays, horse-drawn carriage rides and strolling carolers. In addition, the Gardens Holiday Express train exhibit returns for 2006 and features authentic historical Grand Rapids buildings created out of natural materials. Adults are $12, students and seniors,
$9; and children are $4-$6.
A Nutcracker Christmas - Tour the Voigt House Victorian Museum in Heritage Hill Tuesdays
and Sundays Nov 21 - Jan 16 and view special Nutcracker décor in a lavish Victorian setting. $3 for adults.
Gingerbread House Contest - "Pet Homes" is the theme of this year's contest at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Winning submissions will win receive a gift certificate and all entries will be on display at the museum December 10-29. Participants must pre-register by December 6.
Gingerbread House Display - The Coopersville Farm Museum will host the display of gingerbread houses created by local community members December 1 & 2. Prizes will be awarded for top entries.
Christmas Nostalgia: 20th Century Holiday Ornaments - At the Holland Museum, see a large variety of vintage ornaments, tree toppers and Christmas tree lights November 24- January 8. Free admission.
Photos with
Santa & Live Reindeer
Live Reindeer at Centerpointe
Mall - Rooftop Landing Reindeer Farm will provide a pair of domesticated reindeer in the center court area of Centerpointe Mall Saturday evenings beginning November 18. RiverTown Crossings Mall - Santa visits the upper Level of RiverTown Crossings Monday - Saturday from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. beginning November 18. Live Reindeer @ Meijer
Gardens - Santa's Reindeer pay a visit to Meijer Gardens each Saturday from
1-4 p.m., beginning November 25. The event is included with general admission tickets.
Woodland Mall - Santa arrives at Woodland Mall December 8. Details and hours soon.
Christmas Magic with Santa Visits on the Lowell Showboat - Children and adults can visit with Santa on the Magical Lowell Showboat that features decorated rooms, cocoa and cookies.
Nite Lites Christmas Light Display - Fifth Third Ball Park is transformed into a Winter Wonderland with a mile-long trail of spectacular displays that feature countless lights. Open daily November 18 - January 1; $8/car. Penguin Play: Slide into Winter - Visit penguins in the Grand Rapids Children's Museum's icy village where Kids can dress up like penguins, take part in a feeding frenzy, waddle around the ice castle, and play on the slippery slide until January 15. Admission is $5 per person and children under 2 are free.
Christmas for the Animals - Visit Santa and his reindeer and all the animals at John Ball Zoo December 2 and enjoy free admission from noon - 3 p.m.
Giftworks: Make it. Take it. Give It! - Starting November 24, the Grand Rapids Children's Museum will supply kids with all they need to create their gifts and share them with family and friends. A new gift can be created each week, Tuesdays - Saturdays, and the cost is included with regular admission.
Holiday Magic Laser Light Show - The Chaffee Planetarium at the Public Museum features an all-new laser light show for the 2006 holiday season. $3 with paid museum admission.
Winter Wonderland - Bring the kids to the Van Andel Museum December 26-31 to take part in special pet-related activities during the winter break. Free with general admission.
Lunch with Santa - Kids 12 and under can enjoy lunch with Santa at Craig's Cruisers pizza and pasta buffet December 17. Cost is $5.00.
Gerald R. Ford Museum Holiday Open House - The annual event taking place December 3 will feature a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday music and activities for children. Free admission.
'Tis the Season - The Chaffee Planetarium at the Public Museum explores the customs of the season and their origins long ago in festivals of the winter solstice. Possible explanations for the Star of Bethlehem are also explored. Runs November 24 - December 31.
Santa Train - Ride with Santa himself aboard the Coopersville & Marne Railway. Tickets include a ride on the train and a chance to visit with Santa and the elves. Adults $12; kids $10.
Outdoor Events, Festivals and Ice Skating 1st Annual Art Museum Christmas Tree Lighting - A 35-foot Douglas fir tree will be installed on the Wege Plaza at the Grand Rapids Art Museum's new location adjacent to Rosa Parks Circle December 1 at 5:30 p.m. Free.
Annual Outdoor Tree Lighting Ceremony - On November 16, the Gerald R. Ford Museum lights up the Grand River with its annual holiday display of trees and lights. The evening also includes a sing-along, refreshments and free admission to the museum.
Holiday Artists' Market - Now in its 18th year, the market located in the UICA downtown features artists selling one-of-a-kind works of art and craft, as well as baked goods, live music and a children's workshop. Free.
The Urban Lights Event - The Division Street Business District is holding its annual Urban Light Event along recently renovated Division Street December 8th. Known as the Avenue of the Arts, local business owners will be throwing their doors open and selling unique, personal gifts and the event will be accompanied by live music throughout the evening.
Eastown HollyDay - The unique shops in Eastown will be offering a day of promotions, gift ideas, door prizes and refreshments December 2nd. The HollyDay Marketplace in the East Building will feature the works of local artists, free gift-wrapping and a visit from Santa.
Christmas Through Lowell - More than 200 artists and crafters display and sell their wares throughout downtown Lowell November 17-19. Free admission.
Krestmarkt - Located at the Eighth Street Market Place in Holland, the authentic open-air European Christmas market features vendors offering unique gifts and holiday treats from historically-crafted booths.
Ice Sculpting Competition - Also at the Eight Street Market Place, on December 9 sculptors use everything from chainsaws to blowtorches to transform 150 pound blocks of ice into glistening sculptures. Free admission.
Festival of Trees - The event hosted by the Muskegon Museum of Art features holiday-themed trees, wreathes and decor all available for sale through silent auction. Other attractions include the village food & arts market, the gingerbread village and jingle bell stage.
Of Christmas Past - Celebrate a Victorian-style Christmas December 9 & 10 at the Charlton Park Village in Hastings. More than 20 historic buildings will be traditionally decorated and visitors can make corn husk angels and dip candles. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children.
Ice Skating Downtown at Rosa Parks Circle - Open November 24 through March 11 (except holidays). Cost: $1; skate rentals are free. Church Services
& Religious Events One Christmas Eve - Part of the Festival of Lights at Calvary Church, the performance focuses on the message that unexpected circumstances at Christmas can alter people's thoughts and plans. Tickets: $6-$7.
Afresh Christmas Tree - Delivered Christmas trees and wreaths. Bosch's Countryview Nursery - Open Friday 3-7 p.m. and all day Saturday in Allendale. Hart Tree Farm - Open daily, beginning the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve, from 10am - 5pm Monday through Friday and from 9am - 5pm on Saturday and Sunday. Located at 8778 Young Ave in Rockford; 616.874.1804. Lenderink
Tree Farm - Open to the public the day after Thanksgiving, venture to Belmont
and select and cut your own Christmas tree. Prince Farm Outlet - Open for the season November 1 through Christmas, 8am - 6pm Monday - Saturday (closed Sunday). 10342 Buchanan St., West Olive; 616.842.1099. Red Flannel Christmas Tree Farm - Open Friday after Thanksgiving until December 23. Fridays and Sundays, noon until dark; Saturdays from 9am until dark. 507 Cedar Springs Ave., Cedar Springs; 616.696.7729. Wood View Acres - Opening November 27 until Christmas, 8am until sunset. RR#2 7788 19 mile Rd NE, Sand Lake; 616.696.2238. GRYP Christmas Party - GRYP will celebrate its third annual Christmas event at Monte's December 14 and will also be collecting toys for the Toys for Tots program. Bring an unwrapped toy or make a $5 donation at the door.
Quinn & Tuite's Christmas Party - The party at the Irish Pub December 16 features local band Craic Wisely. $10.
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