Are you looking to make a day trip to Kent County this December? If not, you might want to reconsider. It turns out that the west side of the mitten is packed full of family-friendly events in the wintertime and there’s no reason why some of us southeast Michiganders can’t get in on the fun.
Here, we’ve rounded up some of the coolest Grand Rapids events in December. From massive holiday fests to smaller romps in the snow to stage shows, holiday markets and more, you’ll find a bunch of different options for you and your family this December. Check out what’s going on in Kent County, put on the snow tires and make a trek out there for family fun.
Light Up Downtown
Dec. 1, 2017
- Address: Rosa Parks Circle, 135 Monroe Center St. NW, Grand Rapids
- Phone: 616-456-3696
- Time: 5-7 p.m.
- Cost: Free
Watch in awe as the city lights its 2017 Christmas tree and then turns on the rest of the holiday lights. After, visit with Santa, skate the ice rink, have a bite to eat and more.
Art Hop
Dec. 1, 2017
- Address: Downtown Wayland area
- Phone: 269-525-2323
- Time: 5-9 p.m.
- Cost: Free
This annual transforms the streets of downtown Wayland into a Christmas wonderland full of art demonstrations, art for sale, family-friendly activities, a Christmas tree lighting and more.
37th Annual Christmas Parade
Dec. 1, 2017
- Address: Downtown Coopersville area
- Phone: 616-997-5164
- Time: 7 p.m.
- Cost: Free
Line up down Main Street to take in all of the sites, sounds and holiday displays entered in this annual procession.
Christmas for the Animals
Dec. 2, 2017
- Address: John Ball Zoo, 1300 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids
- Phone: 616-336-4300
- Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Cost: Free
Hang out with the zoo critters, along with Santa’s reindeer – and check out ice carving and other fun demos, too.
Holiday Artists Market
Dec. 2, 2017
- Address: Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, 901 44th St., SE Grand Rapids
- Phone: 616-454-7000
- Time: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Cost: Free; fees apply for items on sale
Shop a variety of handcrafted gifts by local artists, enjoy live music and taste some local eats and drinks.
Noel, Noel, Joyeux Noel: A Celebration of French Music for the Holiday Season
Dec. 4, 2017
- Address: Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St. NE, Grand Rapids
- Phone: 616-459-8386
- Time: 7:30 p.m.
- Cost: Free
No one does Christmas quite like the French. Explore how they decorate for and celebrate the holiday.
Grand Rapids Chorus Holiday Show
Dec. 9, 2017
- Address: Grandville High School Auditorium, 4700 Canal Ave. SW, Grandville
- Phone: 616-896-8669
- Time: 2 and 7 p.m.
- Cost: $15/adults, $12/kids and seniors, free/ages 7 and under
Join the Great Lakes Men’s Chorus and the Grand Rapids Sweet Adelines for fun and festive holiday performance.
Katy Perry
Dec. 7, 2017
- Address: Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids
- Phone: 616-742-6600
- Time: 7 p.m.
- Cost: $50.50-$130.50
This pop princess hits the stage in support of her new album.
The Whoville 5K Run/Walk and Kid’s Run
Dec. 10, 2017
- Address: Riverside Park, 2001 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
- Time: 1 p.m.
- Cost: $41/5K, $15/kids’ run
Join The Grinch, Cindy Lou and all those delightful Whos for a family friendly race. Come in costume and choose from a 5K event or a 200-yard kids’ run.
Shopkins Live! Shop It Up!
Dec. 11, 2017
- Address: DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
- Phone: 616-742-6500
- Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Cost: $20-$100
The popular toy and YouTube sensation, Shopkins, hit the stage for their first-ever live performance.
Wolverine Worldwide Holiday Pops
Dec. 14-17, 2017
- Address: DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW. Grand Rapids
- Phone: 616-454-9451, ext. 4
- Time: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday
- Cost: $18-$90
The Grand Rapids Symphony performs some of your favorite holiday hits including, “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” “The Little Drummer Boy,” “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” and others.
Downtown GR Cardboard Sleigh Race
Dec. 16, 2017
- Address: Iona Avenue area, SW, Grand Rapids
- Time: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Cost: $30/race, free/watch
Grown-ups build a sleigh from cardboard, glue and tape and see who can make it to the bottom of the hill first and win some prizes. Ages 21-plus.
Grand Rapids Symphony: Old National Bank Cirque de Noel
Dec. 21, 2017
- Address: DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
- Phone: 616-454-9451, ext. 4
- Time: 8 p.m.
- Cost: $32-plus
This holiday show will amaze kids and adults of all ages with its aerial, acrobatic, contortion and juggling performances, all set to holiday music.
A Christmas Carol
Dec. 22-23, 2017
Address: Peter Martin Wege Theatre, 341 Ellswork Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
Phone: 616-454-4771
Time: 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $46-$49
The Rapids Ballet performs this beloved holiday classic with special guests, the Grand Rapids Symphony.
New Years Early Celebration
Dec. 31, 2017
- Address: Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, 11 Sheldon Ave. NE, Grand Rapids
- Phone: 616-235-4726
- Time: 6-8 p.m.
- Cost: $12/person, $10/museum members
Ring in 2018 at the museum with noisemakers, dancing games and even a balloon drop at 7:30 p.m.
