Ada Winter Wonderland Has Lights, Trees, Santa, Giveaways and More
Ada’s Winter Wonderland may be one of the most enchanting Christmas Events you can choose in West Michigan this year.
When you visit Ada, you’ll find a festive downtown, decorated holiday windows (and even a contest to vote for the best one!), Santa, trolley rides, reindeer and of course lots of lights.
Events vary from day to day, so be sure to check our calendar before you head to Ada.
Here’s what you can expect throughout the event:
Dates & Times for Ada Winter Wonderland
- December 1, 2024 – January 31, 2025
- Tinsel, Treats & Trolleys: December 6, 2024, 5:30 – 9:00 PM
- Santa Parade: December 7, 2024, 10 AM
- Window Competition December 1, 2024 – January 1, 2025
- Lights come on daily at dusk
Location
- Downtown Ada, MI 49301
- Legacy Park, 7430 River St SE, Ada, MI 49301 for the Festival of Trees
Ada Winter Wonderland Starts with the Bridge Lighting
Tinsel, Treats & Trolleys is the big kick-off to Discover Ada Winter Wonderland.
The event runs on Friday, December 6, 2024 from 5:30 – 9 PM.
In addition to being the official start of Ada’s holiday season, there are also several one-time only happenings during this time: trolley rides, Santa & Mrs. Claus visits, Candy Cane Forest, DJ Dance Party, Storytime and live reindeer at the Ada History Center, Sled Dogs at the Library, family activities, and more to bring the holiday cheer!
The covered bridge lighting begins the festivities at 5:30 PM and the trolley starts at 6 PM.
The trolley takes you on a ride through Ada Village and includes a stop at Santa’s Village. Kids can visit with Santa and deliver their letters. Plus catch Mrs. Claus at the Ada History Center.
Didn’t write your letter yet? Find the “Dear Santa” station within the Candy Cane Forest to write it before you head to see the Big Man in Red.
Be sure to enjoy the holiday storytime and live reindeer at the Ada History Center. See the Sled Dogs at the Library and enjoy the family activities provided.
Come Back for the Santa Parade
Ada Winter Wonderland’s next big event is the annual Santa Parade at 10 AM on December 7.
Hosted by the Ada Firefighters, the parade begins at 10 AM from River Street.
The route proceeds from River Street to Thornapple River, left on Ada Drive, right on Thornapple River and ending at Fire Station #1 (6990 Fulton St E).
Head inside where the firefighters will be serving up hot chocolate and cookies.
Plus Santa will be back for another photo opp and chance to give him your wish list.
The event is free to attend. Parade line-up starts at 9 AM.
Month-Long Festivities
Even though December 1 and 2 are packed-full of fun for the opening days, there are still several events that continue throughout the entire month of December.
Vote for Your Favorite Window
Beginning December 1, 2024, participating businesses will have their windows decked out for the season.
Vote for your favorite window by scanning their window QR code for a chance to win a $500 gift card from the winning window business.
Participating businesses include HMD Boutique, Tip Toes, Pursuit, SkinCoLab, Mudpenny, Brody’s Be Cafe, Ada History Center and more.
The Stars Are the Lights and Trees
After walking the village streets (on heated sidewalks no less!) and voting for your favorite window, head to Legacy Park.
You’ll find over 45 decorated trees for the Festival of Trees, all decorated by local businesses.
Enjoy them all by the twinkle of hundreds of lights.
No matter what evening you head to Ada’s Winter Wonderland, you will have a fabulous time!
