West Michigan Christmas Events
Twinkling lights, fresh snow, and the excitement in the air – If you are like me, you want to soak in as many of these holiday moments and Christmas events as you can.
We invite you to use this Christmas Events Guide to fill your December with the best Christmas activities: Christmas lights, holiday shopping, Christmas Parades, and lots of holiday cheer and family fun this holiday season.
It’s jam-packed with loads of Christmas things to do and holiday events that will help you create memories that will last for years to come.
Christmas Events & Activities Menu
Featured Holiday Events
Cue the hot cocoa and Christmas carols.
There are sweet Christmas events and things to do on this very nice list!
Holiday Events Guide
Christmas Lite Show
Keeping Spirits Bright in West Michigan!
That’s what kept us coming back for 26 years – the joy and happiness that we see on people’s faces – especially kids – every Christmas season.
Enjoy nearly two miles of Christmas magic with over two million lights, 60 animated displays, larger lighted tunnels, towering trees and more -- all without leaving the comfort and warmth of your car.
New this year: a Hippopotamus girl wearing a tutu jumping out of a present inspired from one of the top Christmas songs played: “ I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas".
We also added a “Glacier Luminere” scene and our Whale has twins!
So come visit us, rekindle some old memories and make some new ones, here at the Christmas Lite Show.
Visit christmasliteshow.com to purchase your discounted tickets or you may pay the on-site fee with cash or card. We proudly support the MVH.
Merry and Bright in 2023! Let the Christmas Lite Show be part of your family tradition. Allow the Memory Lane Train to become part of your work and bestie outings!
(616) 745-9955 |
Email |
Visit Facebook Page
4500 West River DR NE, Comstock Park, MI 49418 | Map It
Christmas Lite Show
Keeping Spirits Bright in West Michigan!
That’s what kept us coming back for 26 years – the joy and happiness that we see on people’s faces – especially kids – every Christmas season.
Enjoy nearly two miles of Christmas magic with over two million lights, 60 animated displays, larger lighted tunnels, towering trees and more -- all without leaving the comfort and warmth of your car.
New this year: a Hippopotamus girl wearing a tutu jumping out of a present inspired from one of the top Christmas songs played: “ I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas".
We also added a “Glacier Luminere” scene and our Whale has twins!
So come visit us, rekindle some old memories and make some new ones, here at the Christmas Lite Show.
Visit christmasliteshow.com to purchase your discounted tickets or you may pay the on-site fee with cash or card. We proudly support the MVH.
4500 West River DR NE, Comstock Park, MI 49418 | Map It
Holiday Events Guide
Grand Rapids Ballet
Share in the classic holiday tradition with Grand Rapids Ballet as they present The Nutcracker at DeVos Performance Hall December 8-10 & 15-17, 2023!
Become a part of the magic as Grand Rapids Ballet Company Dancers grace the stage, performing choreography by Val Caniparoli before an immersive set imagined by Chris Van Allsburg and designed by world-famous Eugene Lee.
Enjoy Tchaikovsky’s renowned score played by the Grand Rapids Symphony as you follow Clara as she receives a magical Nutcracker from her uncle, Herr Drosselmeier, which takes her on an adventure through the land of the sweets.
(616) 454-4771 |
Email |
Visit Facebook Page
341 Ellsworth Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 | Map It
Grand Rapids Ballet
Share in the classic holiday tradition with Grand Rapids Ballet as they present The Nutcracker at DeVos Performance Hall December 8-10 & 15-17, 2023!
Become a part of the magic as Grand Rapids Ballet Company Dancers grace the stage, performing choreography by Val Caniparoli before an immersive set imagined by Chris Van Allsburg and designed by world-famous Eugene Lee.
Enjoy Tchaikovsky’s renowned score played by the Grand Rapids Symphony as you follow Clara as she receives a magical Nutcracker from her uncle, Herr Drosselmeier, which takes her on an adventure through the land of the sweets.
341 Ellsworth Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 | Map It
Holiday Events Guide
Critter Barn Educational Farm
Ever wonder what the first Christmas was like with sheep, cows, and angels?
You are invited to the Critter Barn in Zeeland this December to learn more about the story of Jesus' birth.
Wander with the Wise Men of old as they looked for the Light of Christmas.
Critter Barn's Live Nativity is staged inside our heated Big Red Barn. Visit our friendly farm animals and farm birds as you browse through ten unique barns at our beautiful new facility!
Sidewalks pave the way for a safe, enjoyable time with friends and family.
Open Tuesdays through Saturdays. Check our website for the Nativity Calendar.
“The Live Nativity at The Critter Barn is both magical and down-to-earth. Our family had a fantastic time interacting with the animals all while learning about the very first Christmas."
(616) 748-1110 |
Email |
Visit Facebook Page
2950 80th Avenue, Zeeland, MI 49464 | Map It
Critter Barn Educational Farm
Ever wonder what the first Christmas was like with sheep, cows, and angels?
You are invited to the Critter Barn in Zeeland this December to learn more about the story of Jesus' birth.
Wander with the Wise Men of old as they looked for the Light of Christmas.
Critter Barn's Live Nativity is staged inside our heated Big Red Barn. Visit our friendly farm animals and farm birds as you browse through ten unique barns at our beautiful new facility!
Sidewalks pave the way for a safe, enjoyable time with friends and family.
Open Tuesdays through Saturdays. Check our website for the Nativity Calendar.
2950 80th Avenue, Zeeland, MI 49464 | Map It
Holiday Events Guide
Paint a Pot
Create a memory at Paint a Pot located in Holland!
We offer pottery for all ages. Banks, boxes, platters, plates, mugs, etc.
No appointments are needed, just come on in. Invite family or friends and plan a date!
Check us out on Facebook or our website for more details.
(616) 355-6442 |
Email |
Visit Facebook Page
390 E 8th St Suite 6, Holland, MI 49423 | Map It
Paint a Pot
Create a memory at Paint a Pot located in Holland!
We offer pottery for all ages. Banks, boxes, platters, plates, mugs, etc.
No appointments are needed, just come on in. Invite family or friends and plan a date!
Check us out on Facebook or our website for more details.
390 E 8th St Suite 6, Holland, MI 49423 | Map It
Holiday Events Guide
I'm An Artist Community Studio
We are having nothing but creative fun in the studio this Holiday Season!
The kids will love making creative memories with friends, making memorable art, using their imagination while they learn, and of course...having FUN!
During each of our camps, we read a story & create pieces centered around that day's story using a variety of mediums including slime, paint, building, improv, needlework and so much more.
Check our evening classes for families & friends!
(616) 901-1679 |
Email |
Visit Facebook Page
2166 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506 | Map It
I'm An Artist Community Studio
We are having nothing but creative fun in the studio this Holiday Season!
The kids will love making creative memories with friends, making memorable art, using their imagination while they learn, and of course...having FUN!
During each of our camps, we read a story & create pieces centered around that day's story using a variety of mediums including slime, paint, building, improv, needlework and so much more.
Check our evening classes for families & friends!
2166 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506 | Map It
Santa Events
Visiting Santa Claus
Seeing Santa and taking a photo with Santa is one of the most popular Christmas events!
Santa is, without a doubt, one of the most recognizable figures around the world. And every year he (sometimes it’s Santa and Mrs. Claus!) visits West Michigan children at many area locations.
Check out the Santa Sightings list for all the places you’ll find Grand Rapids Christmas events with Santa.
Nutcrackers, Christmas Plays & Holiday Concerts
Christmas Events that Take the Stage
Get off the screens and experience a live performance. Whether professional or students, there is nothing quite as magical.
Don’t miss the one-night only Hip Hop Nutcracker at DeVos Performance Hall.
Or go traditional and watch the Grand Rapids Ballet’s Nutcracker.
Revisit a tale as old as time when Beauty and the Beast comes to the Civic Theatre.
These and so many more are ready to dazzle us this holiday season.
Christmas Parades
CHRISTMAS PARADES, SANTA PARADES & HOLIDAY PARADES
West Michigan loves holiday parades – including the Grand Rapids Gentex Santa Parade with Lowell’s own real Santa! This year, there are 16 holiday parades on our list!
Nighttime Christmas parades are all over this year. Hudsonville joins up with staples like Zeeland’s Magical Christmas Parade and Lowell’s Annual Nighttime Santa Parade.
Use our list to find a Christmas parade or holiday parade near you.
Holiday Tree Lightings
COMMUNITY TREE LIGHTING EVENTS
There’s nothing quite like standing outside, bundled up in your warmest winter clothes and clutching a mug filled with hot chocolate, eagerly anticipating the very first time the Christmas tree is lit with thousands of lights.
Luckily, there are several places around west Michigan with holiday tree lightings.
While some are stand-alone Christmas tree lightings, others really bring their A Game in conjunction with holiday parades.
You can re-live the magic again and again – all in one season.
Christmas Holiday Trains
CHRISTMAS AND TRAINS GO TOGETHER
There is something magical about trains at Christmas time.
Polar Express look-alikes ride the rails throughout the state all month long – but snag your tickets as early as August to reserve your seats on some of them.
Watch the model train round the bends at Meijer Gardens or find the old “Breton Village train” at its new home at the Ford Museum.
Kids and adults alike look forward to these favorite West Michigan traditions every year.
Live Nativities
WATCH THE CHRISTMAS STORY COME TO LIFE
If you are looking for a fun way to visualize the Nativity scene, check out a live Nativity.
These scenes have real people reenacting the original Christmas scene including live animals. Some places include refreshments, live music, or a narrator retelling the Christmas story.
Is your church or group hosting a Live Nativity as well? Submit your event here to get featured in our events calendar and on this list.
Free Christmas Events & Activities
FUN FOR ANY BUDGET
Cost doesn’t need to hold you back from Christmas fun.
Stroll through Candy Cane Lane in Sparta.
Be amazed by all the wreaths at the Festival of Wreaths in Muskegon.
Check out a downtown lit up and decorated for the holidays.
West Michigan is filled with opportunities for free Christmas fun.
Christmas Markets
FEEL WARM AND COZY AT AN OPEN-AIR MARKET
Christmas markets are Michigan’s best kept secret – and they start well before December.
Head up to Manistee for Old Christmas Weekend.
Live it up in Frankenmuth at ‘ChristKindlMakt’ to get handmade gifts, spiced wine and a magical atmosphere — and all by Bronner’s.
Stay closer to home at Holland’s 26th Kerstmarkt for shopping, food and even dogsled demos.
Bundle up and hit the road to find the best Christmas markets in Michigan.
One of a Kind Christmas Events
Looking for something a little different?
These Christmas events are not your usual celebration and are a fun way to get moving this season.
Frederik Meijer Gardens
AN ANNUAL TRADITION FOR MANY WEST MICHIGAN FAMILIES
Frederik Meijer Gardens is known for their many gorgeous displays and gardens. Their annual Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibit is no exception.
Running just before Thanksgiving until early January, this exhibit showcases over 40 trees decorated in different themes of cultures around the world.
The Holiday Light Show returns for 2023. The 20-minute looping, interactive light show will happen outdoors in the Amphitheater. Catch it December 18-22 and 26-30, with light shows running every half hour, from 6–8 pm.
Tuesdays are really special when Santa visits and Dickens carolers serenade visitors.
Reindeer wait outside on Saturdays for pictures and maybe a nose rub.
No matter what day of the week you visit, awe-inspiring sights await.
I love this fun resource. Thank you for all your hard work, compiling this.