Grand Rapids’ Santa Parade Sets New December Date
Get ready, Grand Rapids – the beloved GR Santa Parade is making a notable change for 2024!
Breaking from tradition, this year’s celebration is moving from its usual pre-Thanksgiving slot to Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 4:45 PM.
Sponsored by Gentex, the parade continues its legacy of delighting families with festive floats, spirited marching bands, and of course, the star of the show – Santa Claus himself. Since 1919, when the Grand Rapids Junior Chamber (formerly the Jaycees) first organized this Christmas event, it’s been a cornerstone of our community’s holiday traditions.
As one of 18 Christmas parades in West Michigan, this event truly showcases the best of our region. Local businesses, schools, and community groups come together to create an unforgettable evening of holiday magic through the streets of downtown Grand Rapids.
Mark your calendars for December 7, 2024 – this year’s Gentex Santa Parade promises to be a wonderful celebration of the season!
Merry Christmas to US, Grand Rapids!
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What the Grand Rapids Santa Parade Is Like
The parade kicks off at 5 PM on Saturday, December 7, 2024, traveling south on Division St to Crescent.
Parade-goers of all ages show up, hoping for a feast for the eyes with floats, giant balloons, marching bands, and of course, the real Santa Claus.
We all love seeing Santa Claus cruise down Monroe Avenue with his iconic red sleigh.
This year, floats and entrants start at Division Street, traveling south toward Crescent. They’ll make their way to Louis and Monroe, finishing on Campau.
The parade ends around 6:30 PM at Rosa Parks Circle, followed by the annual tree lighting around 6:45 PM.
2024 GR Santa Parade Route
The route for the parade this year is as follows:
The Grand Rapids Santa Parade, sponsored by Gentex, will start at 5 PM and follow this festive route through downtown Grand Rapids:
- Parade begins north of Michigan Street on Division.
- When the parade begins, it will travel south on Division from the starting point.
- Turns west on Crescent to head toward Ionia.
- Heads south on Ionia to Pearl.
- Continues west on Pearl to Ottawa.
- Moves south on Ottawa to Louis.
- Turns west on Louis toward Monroe.
- Proceeds south on Monroe to Campau.
- Finally, turns west/north on Campau to the unloading area.
The Santa Parade is a True Community Event
The city’s special events department has been working tirelessly with organizers and volunteers to make Santa’s sleigh fly again through the streets of downtown.
Our (Santa) hats off to them.
Bonus Activities at the 2024 Santa Parade
Rosa Parks Circle will have activities going on throughout the evening.
Look for:
- Santa letter writing station
- Cookies
- Winter Coffee/Hot Cocoa station
- Ice skating rink opening after the tree lighting
2024 PARADE SCHEDULE
5 PM – Parade Starts!
6:30 PM – Parade concludes at Rosa Parks Circle (135 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503)
6:45 PM – Annual Christmas tree lighting
7 PM & later: Ice skating rink open and other activities
2024 Grand Rapids Santa Parade FAQs
What is the parade route for the 2024 GR Santa Parade?
The Grand Rapids Santa Parade, sponsored by Gentex, will start at 5 PM and follow this festive route through downtown Grand Rapids:
- Parade begins south on Division from the starting point.
- Turns west on Crescent to head toward Ionia.
- Heads south on Ionia to Pearl.
- Continues west on Pearl to Ottawa.
- Moves south on Ottawa to Louis.
- Turns west on Louis toward Monroe.
- Proceeds south on Monroe to Campau.
- Finally, turns west/north on Campau to the unloading area.
How long is the parade?
This parade is on the longer side. The parade starts at 5 PM and is about an hour long, from a spectator’s point of view. The parade is expected to be complete and all streets clear by 6:45 PM.
Where is a good place to park for the Grand Rapids Santa Parade?
There are many parking ramps in downtown Grand Rapids close to the action, but any along the route (like the government ramp on Monroe) are blocked off for the parade.
The Monroe Center parking lot (above Leo’s) has an hour of free parking.
We’ve got the scoop on parking in downtown Grand Rapids if you’d like more info.
Are there restrooms on the parade route?
Plan ahead for any restroom needs you may encounter while in line for the parade. Public restrooms are often available in hotel lobbies. There are also restrooms inside DeVos Hall.
What should we wear/bring to the Santa Parade?
Just like at the North Pole, you need to dress for the weather. Bundle up.
Wear layers. Bring scarves, mittens, and hats.
Warm boots and socks are a great touch, as well as hand and toe warmers.
If you bring a wagon, bed it with blankets. Even if you don’t have a wagon, blankets are still a good idea.
Bring camp chairs to sit on. Bring a bag if you’re hoping to collect candy.
How early do we need to get to the Santa Parade?
If you don’t want front-row seats, you can arrive minutes before the parade starts and still see the action.
If you want to be in the center of the action and (hopefully) get candy, arrive an hour or two before the parade starts to put out your chairs. Spend the extra time getting hot chocolate or visiting the library if you need an indoor warm-up.
Where is the best place to sit on the parade route?
The best place for you depends on your parade goals. Scope out the tips listed here and then look at the parade route to find a good parade viewing spot.
LESS CROWDED
If you want less a crowded experience, station yourself near the Children’s Museum or MeXo. It’s near the end of the parade route.
GET CANDY
If you want candy, sit near the start of the parade route. Sometimes the floats run out of candy.
BEST PICS
For the best pics, find a location on the east side of Monroe. The sun will be at your back and won’t cast Santa or any of the amazing musicians or floats into shadow. Note: this tip is for the usual Saturday morning parade.
How long does the parade usually last?
My company is wanting to be in the parade ? How do we join or is there a phone number I can call to set up something ?
Where photos with Santa take place Disney’s Fancy Nancy star and Santa Parade Grand Marshall Mia Sinclair Jenness and Miss Michigan 2019 Mallory Rivard will be present for a Meet and Greet with fans as well until 12:15pm!
Did the parade EVER take place earlier in November, i.e. the first week of November?
Is there a map of the parade route??
Would you ever consider doing a night parade. So much prettier with the lights. I think you would get more people and easier for the little ones!
Hi Susan, You may enjoy the Holland Parade of Lights! Here’s more information on that fun event: https://grkids.com/events/holland-parade-lights/
would like to know where the route is located? I checked the website and nothing came up. Do you know which route the christmas parade is taking?
HI!
Please check your email. I will send you the info that I found! Thank you!
I am unable to find the route listed anywhere. Plz help! Lol
Here is a link to the parade route from the website.
http://www.santaparadegr.com
There is nothing about the actual parade route on this site
Mary, we had a link to the route, and now we have the route map included in the article. Thanks!
We drive from an hour away and yes we have to get up early but we have always enjoyed the entertainment and exciting floats and entries. We love hopping over to the library afterward.
Love this parade, it is a family tradition and helps us kick off the Christmas season! Thank you for sharing your tips!
Olivia Fitzpatrick
Let me wake my children up before 6 am to feed,dress, and drive to a cold side walk early so they can actually see it said no parent ever! This needs to start around 10 or 11 in my opinion
While our family likes to be at the beginning of the route you should be able to arrive around 10am if you plan to watch from the end of the parade route!
Andrew Engler
Who gets up that early?? 9-am wowzers!
Robert Alber
Angela VanSolkema
Why is the Santa parade before Thanksgiving every year lately? Why can’t it be the Saturday AFTER??!