Halloween is over and it’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas in Grand Rapids, but before you get to decking your halls, there’s still one more holiday to celebrate before we welcome Santa season. Thanksgiving is the perfect time of year to reflect and be thankful for the people and things you have in your life. And what a better way to do that then with a fun day out as a family?
Grand Rapids knows how to celebrate turkey day with style and here, you’ll find a list of 10 great Grand Rapids Thanksgiving events, and a couple seasonal events that happen to fall near Thanksgiving, for you and your family to enjoy.
Annie at the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
Nov. 17-Dec. 17, 2017
- Address: Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, 30 N. Division, Grand Rapids
- Phone: 616-222-6650
- Time: 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays
- Cost: $18-$37
Catch a stage performance of this hit musical, which tells the story of a little orphan who gets adopted by a millionaire.
2017 Art Van Santa Parade
Nov. 18, 2017
- Address: Downtown Grand Rapids area
- Time: 9-10 a.m.
- Cost: Free
Kick off the holidays with this annual procession, which features marching bands, dance performances and festive floats, including the iconic Santa display.
Bear Says Thanks at Barnes & Noble
Nov. 18, 2017
- Address: Barnes & Noble, 3195 28th St., Suite B116, Grand Rapids
- Phone: 616-940-0820
- Time: 11 a.m.
- Cost: Free
Sit in on a reading of this Thanksgiving story about a bear that has all of his friends over for a potluck feast but has no food to contribute.
Pioneer Thanksgiving at the Blandford Nature Center
Nov. 18, 2017
- Address: Blandford Nature Center, 1715 Hillburn Ave., Grand Rapids
- Phone: 616-735-6240
- Time: 2-3:30 p.m.
- Cost: $3/members, $6/non-members
Learn how people in the 1800s might have celebrated Thanksgiving and experience some of the hard work they put in on a daily basis. Registration required.
Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Nov. 21, 2017-Jan. 7, 2018
- Address: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, 1000 E. Beltline Ave., Grand Rapids
- Phone: 616-957-1580
- Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
- Cost: $14.50/ages 14-plus, $7/kids 5-13, $4/kids 3-4, free/under 2
Explore 42 holiday displays that showcase how other cultures celebrate the holiday.
Thanksgiving Eve Party at Flanagan’s Irish Pub
Nov. 22, 2017
- Address: Flanagan’s Irish Pub, 139 Pearl St., Grand Rapids
- Phone: 616-980-0705
- Time: 2-5 p.m.
- Cost: fees apply based on what you order
Have a drink and a bite to eat as you celebrate the holiday and the city with this Irish dive.
Grand Rapids Turkey Trot
Nov. 23, 2017
- Address: Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids
- Time: 8 a.m.
- Cost: $30
Jump start your metabolism before you pig out the rest of the day with a Mini Trot or a 5K race. Advance registration required. Registration closes Nov. 19.
Thanksgiving Brunch at Aryana Restaurant and Bar
Nov. 23, 2017
- Address: Aryana Restaurant and Bar, 5700 28th St., Grand Rapids
- Phone: 616-957-1775
- Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Cost: $27.95/adults, $12.95/kids 4-12, free/kids 4 and under
Bring some of the people you won’t see for Thanksgiving dinner for an earlier meal together.
Gazelle Sports Gobble Wobble at East Grand Rapids Middle School
Nov. 23, 2017
- Address: East Grand Rapids Middle School, 2425 Lake Drive, Grand Rapids
- Phone: 616-957-1070, ext. 312
- Time: 8 a.m.
- Cost: $30
Celebrate Thanksgiving with a kids mile run or a 4.3-mile fun run. Registration required.
Rooftop Reindeer at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Nov. 25-Dec. 23, 2017 (Saturdays)
- Address: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, 1000 E. Beltline Ave., Grand Rapids
- Phone: 616-957-1580
- Time: 1-4 p.m. Saturdays
- Cost: $14.50/ages 14-plus, $7/kids 5-13, $4/kids 3-4, free/under 2
Santa parked his reindeer at the exit of the children’s garden. Swing by to pet and play with them.
