Fun Things to Do Thanksgiving Weekend in West MI
If you’re looking for something fun to do (besides eating, of course) for the 2024 Thanksgiving weekend around greater Grand Rapids, it’s a great time to kick off your family’s Christmas activities.
Things to Do Thanksgiving Weekend 2024 – Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Slide these fun activities into your weekend plans where they fit best. The venues are open all weekend and are ready to serve you. (Reservations may be required.)
Festive Holiday Activities
Cut Down a Christmas Tree
Many Christmas Tree Farms open for the season this weekend, some with Santa visits, wagon rides, and other special experiences. Church’s Tree Farm – 182 W 136th Street, Grant, MI 49327 – opens Wednesday, Nov 20, 2024
Visit the Railway Garden at Meijer Gardens
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, 1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
42 unique displays depicting fact and folklore, past and present, plus model trains running through a village of Grand Rapids buildings made of natural materials. Make it extra special and be amazed at ENLIGHTENED, Meijer Garden’s newest light show. (Not included with general admission)
Go to the Christmas Lite Show
4500 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, MI 49321 – The Christmas Lite Show is the largest, animated drive-through light show in West Michigan. From the comfort of your car, experience nearly two miles of Christmas magic including animated displays, lighted tunnels, and over 1 million lights.
Holiday In The Park
Enjoy the marvelous holiday lights of downtown South Haven, meet Santa & Mrs. Claus and live reindeer, savor sweet treats, and embrace the holiday spirit. Friday, 2 PM – 6:30 PM. Details.
More Drive-Through Christmas Lights
Take a road trip to one of the many Michigan Drive Through Christmas Light Shows or the Walk Through Christmas Light Shows.
Holiday Markets
GR’s Christkindl Markt at Downtown Market is open this weekend – and it’s twice as big. Stop by to shop the 60+ outdoor vendor booths and be dazzled by 15,000 lights and half a mile of garland.
Holland’s Kerstmarkt 2024 will be in full swing on Friday and Saturday, giving you the perfect opportunity to experience an outdoor European-style market. It’s stocked with holiday items, delicious food, and artisan demonstrations.
Holland Kerstmarkt – 8th Street Market Place, 150 W. 8th Street, Holland, MI 49423
Christmas at Countryside 2024 Farmgirl Flea Market
Countryside Greenhouse, 9050 Lake Michigan Dr, Allendale, MI 49401 – Friday and Saturday
Find amazing vintage & handmade goods at this amazing Holiday 2-day event. Shop from 250+ vendors from all across the USA! All vendors are carefully juried to bring you the best shopping experience. Christmas will surround you at this fantastic venue! Parking is free and tickets are $5 cash at the door. Kids 12 and under are free.
For the Kids
Visit Santa
Thanksgiving weekend is also a popular time to pick a place from this list and go to one of the many places to see Santa and get some pictures with Santa. Cabela’s is a Santa photo hotspot because they have a great display and will send you a free Santa picture. Just be sure to make a reservation.
Visit the Santa Cabin at Bosch’s Tree Farm (Bosch’s Tree Farm – 10785 84th Ave, Allendale, MI 49401) on Thanksgiving weekend. For $12/person, you can ride a horse/tractor-drawn wagon out into the woods, warmed by hot chocolate, to their log Santa cabin. At the cabin, visit Santa and toast s’mores over the cabin campfire.
Ride a Christmas Train – Coopersville & Marne Railway, 306 Main St, Coopersville, MI 49404
Elves escort the children to sit with Santa on this 90-minute Christmas Train ride. Every child passenger gets a present, even the shy ones!
On Stage
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
East Grand Rapids Performing Arts Center, 2211 Lake Dr SE, East Grand Rapids, MI 49506 – This original ballet, based on Clement C. Moore’s familiar poem and set to traditional holiday music, has become a Thanksgiving Weekend tradition in Grand Rapids. Mischievous mice, dancing stockings, magical toys and Santa with his prancing reindeer combine to create a wonderful hour of family entertainment. Even the youngest members of your family will enjoy this show! The audience is welcome to join Santa and the cast on stage after the performance so don’t forget your camera!
Cats
Grand Rapids Civic Theater, 30 Division Ave N, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
November 15 – December 15, 2024 – One of the world’s best-known and meow-velous musicals! The Jellicle Cats come out to play on one special night of the year – the night of the Jellicle Ball. One by one they tell their stories for the amusement of Old Deuteronomy, their wise and benevolent leader, who must choose one of the Cats to ascend to The Heaviside Layer and be reborn into a whole new Jellicle life.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Holland Community Theatre, 50 W 9th St, Holland, MI 49423
November 29 – December 14, 2024 – When the unruly Herdman children join the annual Christmas pageant, their antics bring chaos and unexpected heartwarming moments. This hilarious and touching story shows the true spirit of Christmas in the most unexpected ways.
That Sounds Fun!
Pottery Painting, Potter’s Wheel & Wood Signs at The Mud Room The Mud Room, 1971 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525. Today is a great day to unleash your creativity and paint a gift at The Mud Room. All supplies are included but bring your imagination
Go Ice Skating – 135 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids MI 49503
Weather-permitting, Rosa Parks Circle Ice Rink is back in action. (Date TBA) Reserve your skating session online or just show up. Ice skate rentals are included with admission and are $4 for adults and $2 for kids.
Visit Blandford – FREE – 1715 Hillburn Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
These fall days are perfect to get out in nature and reset your heart & mind before the busy holiday season. Explore 264 acres of forests, meadows, and wetlands, eight miles of trails including one mile of ADA accessible trail, two outdoor playscapes, the Blandford Farm and Children’s Garden, and the Wildlife Education Center with over 30 rehabilitated Wildlife Ambassadors. FREE through Nov 30, 2024.
Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, November 28, 2024
Black Friday – November 29, 2024
Saturday, November 30, 2024
Sunday, December 1, 2024
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