Christmas Parades & Santa Parades
Kicking off the holiday season with a Christmas parade is one of the most festive Christmas Events of the season. We’ve pulled together 20 Christmas and Santa Parades that will help you usher in the holiday season.
Showstoppers include the Grand Rapids Santa Parade, Holland and Hudsonville celebrations.
For an extra treat, look for Santa parades on our event list that happen at night, like Zeeland’s Magical Christmas Parade (as seen in the feature image for this article).
These nighttime parades are filled with lights and bring a whole new element to the holiday parade experience – including GR’s Santa Parade.
2025 Christmas Parades
Thursday, Nov 20, 2025
Hudsonville
Friday, Nov 21, 2025
Sparta
Saturday, Nov 22, 2025
Grand Rapids
Friday, Nov 28, 2025
South Haven
Monday, Dec 1, 2025
Zeeland
Tuesday, Dec 2, 2025
Holland
Thursday, Dec 4, 2025
Kentwood
Friday, Dec 5, 2025
Coopersville, Greenville, Fennville
Saturday, Dec 6, 2025
Cedar Springs, Ada, Saugatuck, Rockford, White Lake, Caledonia, Grandville, Grand Haven, Lowell,
Saturday, Dec 13, 2025
South Kent
Thursday
Nov 20, 2025
1 Parade
Hudsonville
Hudsonville Nighttime Holiday Parade
Downtown Hudsonville, Harvey St, Hudsonville, MI 49426
4:30 – 6 PM – Kids Activities, Complimentary Hot Cocoa, Refreshments
6 PM – Tree Lighting
6:30 – 7:30 PM – Nighttime Holiday Parade
Annual Hudsonville Holiday Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting
Hudsonville is excited for an enchanting evening of holiday celebrations!
Santa Photos, Reindeer, Refreshments
Starting at 4:30 PM, visit the Fountain of Honor near Gemmens to take photos with Santa, warm up with hot chocolate, and enjoy free horse and carriage rides. Plus, local businesses have lined up fun-filled (and free!) activities for kids.
6 PM: Tree Lighting Ceremony Mark your calendars for the highlight of the evening – the tree lighting ceremony at 6 PM in Gemmen’s Ace Hardware Parking Lot (3488 Kelly St).
6:30 PM: HOLIDAY PARADE
This nighttime parade promises a magical experience under the shimmering holiday lights.
Friday
Nov 21, 2025
1 Parade
Sparta
Shop Sparta, Stroll of Lights & Fireworks!
Town Square (201 E Division) & Along E Division
5 – 8 PM: Stationary Parade
6 PM: Tree Lighting
7:30 PM: Fireworks at Balyeat Field
Kick off Christmas at the Shop Sparta Event.
2025 Event Details
In Sparta Town Square, from 5 – 8 PM
– Tree Lighting Event with Santa
– Stroll by dozens of lighted parade displays
– Shop at Vendors inside various businesses
– Shopping at local boutiques
– Meet Christmas Mascots
– Restaurants with Social District Drinks & Food
– Food Trucks & more!
This year the Stroll of Lights is a reverse parade! The lighted floats will remain stationary and you’ll stroll up and down the street to view them.
The festive floats will be parked along Division from Elm Street down to State Street.
Watch the dancers from “Dance With Me” and listen for the countdown to begin in downtown Sparta at 6 PM. Santa will light the Grand Tree and then greet visitors in the Chamber building.
6 – 8 PM in the Civic Center:
Make & Take Wreaths at the Civic Center.
7:30 PM Fireworks finale at Balyeat Field.
The best fireworks viewing location is Town Square (177 E Division), and on E. Division (194 E. Division) Downtown Sparta, MI.
Plus, Take a stroll on Candy Cane Lane, a lighted walking path located along Nash Creek from the bridge to behind the library. The Lights, Candy Canes, & inflatable Christmas Characters will help to get you in the spirit!
80 N Union St, Sparta.
Saturday
Nov 22, 2025
1 Parade
Grand Rapids
Gentex Grand Rapids Santa Claus Parade
Downtown Grand Rapids
5 PM: Santa Claus Parade
6:30 PM: Santa at Rosa Parks Circle
6:45 PM Tree lighting ceremony at Rosa Parks Circle
Big news! The Santa Claus Parade is back and it’s back to prior to Thanksgiving!
The beloved Gentex Grand Rapids Santa Claus Parade begins on Division Street, traveling south toward Crescent. They’ll make their way east on Crescent, south on Ionia, east on Pearl, south on Ottawa, and west on Louis, ending at Rosa Parks Circle.
There will be a special station for children to write letters to Santa with First United Methodist Church and free delivery from USPS. Free coffee and hot chocolate will be available and Gentex Corporation will be offering free cookies!
The parade is on the longer side, hoping to wrap up with Santa exiting his sleigh at Rosa Parks Circle by 6:30 PM for the Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:45 PM. Get there early for the best seats!
Friday
Nov 28, 2025
1 Parade
South Haven
Holiday in the Park & Claus & Paws Parade
Dyckman Park, 546 Phoenix Street South Haven, MI
11 AM – 4 PM: Mistletoe Market at South Haven Center for the Arts
5 PM: Claus & Paws Parade
5:30 PM: Tree Lighting at City Hall
5:30 – 7:30 PM: Reindeer Ranch & Photos with Santa in Dyckman Park
Downtown South Haven shines bright for the holidays, with thousands of twinkling lights bringing Dyckman Park and the city streets to life. Celebrate the season at Holiday in the Park, the Claus & Paws Parade, Tree Lighting Ceremony, and plenty of festive fun all evening long.
You’re invited to be a part of the Claus & Paws Holiday Parade competing for a $500 prize for Best Parade Entry! So light up your float, deck out your ride, and show your holiday spirit! The parade begins at 4:30 PM, with lineup at 401 Huron Street at 4:15 PM.
Monday
Dec 1, 2025
1 Parade
Zeeland
Zeeland’s Magical Christmas Parade
Downtown Zeeland, Main Ave, Zeeland, MI 49464
6:15 PM – Christmas Tree Lighting
6:30 PM – Parade
Zeeland’s Annual Christmas parade is a heart-warming, lighted parade, which is guaranteed to bring smiles to thousands of spectators of all ages!
Among all of the creative entries, walking groups & marching bands, the grand finale of the parade will be Santa Claus himself!
The parade beings at the corner of Main Ave and Centennial St and ends at Central and Maple St.
Tuesday
Dec 2, 2025
1 Parade
Holland
Holland Christmas Parade of Lights
Downtown Holland 150 W 8th St, Holland, MI 49423
6:30 PM
Sinterklaas (Santa Claus) arrives in Downtown Holland during the annual Parade of Lights on Tuesday, December 2 at 6:30 PM.
He’ll be escorted by 80 floats, trucks, antique cars, walkers, and marching bands…all decked out from top to bottom in thousands of sparkling lights!
This brightly lit holiday procession is fun for the entire family and a holiday tradition for the entire community.
The Parade of Lights will begin at the corner of 8th Street and Columbia Avenue at 6:30 PM and proceed west down 8th Street until it reaches the Holland Civic Center, home of the Holiday Kerstmarkt.
And don’t miss the Magic at the Mill light show.
Thursday
Dec 4, 2025
1 Parade
Kentwood
Kentwood Tree Lighting & NEW Stationary Holiday Light Parade
Kent District Library – Kentwood Branch, 4950 Breton Rd SE, Kentwood, MI 49508
6 PM – Stationary Holiday Parade
6:30 PM – Tree Lighting & Caroling in front of the library
6:45 – 8 PM – Visit with Santa & kids crafts inside the library
7 PM & 7:30 PM – Two mini performance sof the “Nutcracker” by the Michigan Ballet Academy inside the Community Room.
Join Kentwood for their annual Tree Lighting Ceremony!
The event takes place in front of the Kentwood Library starting with the NEW stationary holiday parade. Walk through the lot and view the floats, vehicles, and parade entries on display. You’ll also get to vote for your favorite entry.
There will also be:
– snow globe photo booth & crafts
– holiday music & caroling
– hot chocolate, food truck on site
– and of course a visit from Santa!
They will be accepting non-perishable food donations for their Little Free Pantry to help through the winter season.
Friday
Dec 5, 2025
3 Parades
Coopersville
Coopersville Christmas Parade of Lights
Downtown Coopersville, Main St, Coopersville, MI 49404
4 PM – 7 PM: Visit Santa & Mrs Claus at Coopersville Farm Museum
6:30 PM: Tree Lighting at Pocket Park
6:45 PM: Parade
Coopersville’s favorite winter event is almost here! This year marks the 45th Annual Christmas Parade. This year’s theme is “Parade of Lights”. We want to light up the sky around Coopersville!
Start the evening with the Community Tree Lighting at Pocket Park at 6:30 PM. After that, the Parade of Lights will kick off the Holiday Season
The parade Line up will be on Main Street, West of Eastmanville. Floats will head East and end on Coopersville Schools Campus.
After the parade, head to the Community Service Building for Hot Chocolate & Cookies, listen to some Christmas Music presented by the Coopersville Community Band and SANTA CLAUS!
Greenville
Greenville Christmas Parade
Greenville Downtown Historic District, Greenville, MI 48838
5:30 – 8 PM
Head to downtown Greenville for a fun and festive holiday event featuring a nighttime parade down Lafayatte Street, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, cocoa, a tree lighting and other fun activities. You might even spot The Grinch!
SCHEDULE
5:30 PM – 7 PM
Santa & Mrs. Claus will be on-hand for pictures at the Chamber
Free hot cocoa bar
7 – 7:30 PM
Christmas parade down Lafayette St. (Cass to Grove)
7:45 – 8 PM
Christmas Tree lighting at Lafayette Park
Fennville
Fennville Holiday Celebration
Downtown Fennville, Fennville, MI 49408
Fri Dec 5, 2025
6 PM: Holiday Lights Parade followed by Tree Lighting Celebration
Sat Dec 6, 2025
All Day: Holiday Activities at the Library and Around Town
Spend Friday night enjoying the Holiday Lights Parade at 6 PM followed by the Tree Lighting Ceremony.
On Saturday Dec 6, Visit Holiday Magic locations throughout downtown Fennville to experience:
– Pancake Breakfast
– Meet & Greet Santa & Mrs Claus
– Live Reindeer
– Train Show
– Cookie Decorating
– Kids Crafts around town
Check the City of Fennville website for updates or changes to the schedule.
Saturday
Dec 6, 2025
8 Parades
Cedar Springs
Cedar Springs Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting & “Mingle with Kris Kringle”
Cedar Springs Public Library, 107 N Main St NE, Cedar Springs, MI 49319
9 AM : A full day of Christmas events
4:30 PM: Christmas Parade
The first Saturday in December the CSACoC and friends host A Cedar Springs Christmas “Mingle with Kris Kringle.” Enjoy a full day of fun with the Christmas Parade, Christmas Tree Lighting, and children’s activities!
Spend the Day Celebrating Christmas in Cedar Springs
2025 Details:
9 AM – 12 PM: Events at Cedar Springs Public Library
2 PM: Story Time with Elf at Perry’s Place
3 PM: A Christmas Story (1983 WB Rated PG) at the historic Kent Theatre
4:30 PM: Christmas Parade between Cherry St. and Maple St.
After the Parade: Christmas Tree Lighting celebration
TBD: Christmas activities at the Cedar Springs Historical Museum
After Tree Lighting: Mingle with Kris Kringle (and pictures) by the fireplace in the Cedar Springs Public Library directly after the tree lighting celebration until all the kids have gone through.
6 PM: Free Holiday Movie: Polar Express (2004 WB Rated G) at the historic Kent Theatre
9 PM: Free Holiday Movie: A Christmas Story (1983 WB Rated PG) at the historic Kent Theatre
Ada
Ada Parade of Lights & Christmas on Main
Downtown Ada, MI
10 AM
The parade begins on River Street, right onto Thornapple River Drive, left onto Ada Drive, then right on Thornapple River Drive, ending at the Fire Station.
After Santa parades through the village, he will make a stop at the Fire Station for some hot chocolate and cookies – and of course, a photo op or two. So bundle up and come on out! The event is free and open to all.
Rockford
Rockford Santa Parade
Downtown Rockford, 25 Squires St Square NE, Rockford, MI 49341
11 AM – 2 PM
Join us at the 81st Annual Santa Parade in Rockford to welcome Santa to town for the Holiday!
Free to attend, and dog friendly; the Parade starts at 11 AM at Lewis & Main Street. They will go South on Main, turn on Courtland, and continue down Monroe Street.
Santa will be in the Rotary Pavilion following the parade to visit with children until 2 PM.
White Lake
White Lake Area Christmas Parade
Whitehall City Hall, 405 E Colby St, Whitehall, MI 49461
2 – 3 PM: Christmas Parade
Santa’s comin’ to town!
Join the White Hall community on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 2 PM for the Annual Christmas Parade in downtown Montague and Whitehall.
With over 50 festive entries, the parade is a very special slice of “small town America” and a great way to celebrate this holiday season with family, friends, and neighbors.
Santa will make his entrance as the grand finale.
Caledonia
Christmas in Caledonia Parade, Santa, Tree Lighting & More
Downtown Caledonia, Caledonia, MI 49316
4 PM
The event starts at 4 PM on Main St. of Caledonia on Saturday, December 6.
Santa will make an appearance and will be available for photos beginning at 4 PM.
The parade of lights starts at 6 PM.
Caledonia Dance & Music Center will perform immediately following the parade, allowing Santa to return to the Village Christmas Tree for the ceremonial lighting.
Grandville
Grandville Stationary Christmas Parade, Market & Tree Lighting
Downtown Grandville, Grandville, MI
5 – 8 PM: Stationary Parade & Activities
5:30 PM: Tree Lighting
In place of a traditional parade, the City of Grandville will be closing Chicago Drive mid-day on Saturday, December 6 and staging a stationary parade.
Parade viewers can stroll along Chicago Drive and view all of the “floats.” There will also be live reaindeer, holiday bunnies, Dickens Carolers, North Pole houses, character photo stops, and stages for Christmas musicians.
In the lots around the stationary parade, they will have train rides, food vendors, a mini Christmas market, the mega tree, a synthetic ice rink, and more.
The tree lighting, hosted by Grandville City Council and accompanied by the Grandville High School marching band, will take place at 5:30 PM by the big tree along Chicago Drive.
Festivities may be enjoyed anytime throughout the evening from 5 – 8 PM.
All activities are free. All lines will be long.
Food vendors will set their own prices.
Saugatuck
Saugatuck Whootville Christmas Parade
Downtown Saugatuck, 102 Butler St. Saugatuck, MI
11 AM – 12 PM
The Annual Whootville Christmas Parade lights up downtown Saugatuck each December with festive fun and holiday spirit. Everyone is invited to join the holiday cheer and encouraged to dress in whimsical Whootville or Christmas-themed attire, adding to the parade’s cheerful atmosphere.
This family-friendly event is a highlight of the holiday season and a tradition locals look forward to year after year.
Grand Haven
Grand Haven Jingle Bell Parade & Central Park Tree Lighting
Downtown, Central Park, Washington Ave & S 5th St, Grand Haven, MI
6 PM – 8 PM
The Jingle Bell Parade returns to downtown Grand Haven on Saturday, December 6, 2025, presented by the Chamber of Commerce Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg. Get into the festive spirit with over 80 entries of sparkling, holiday-themed floats, joyful music, and special appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus!
The parade starts at 6 PM on Franklin Street, goes West to Harbor Drive, North on Harbor to Washington, and East on Washington to Central Park for the lighting of the Christmas Tree.
At Central Park, gather with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and friends for a Christmas carol sing-along. The Salvation Army will be on hand with hot chocolate, and local businesses will be spreading cheer by handing out candy to the crowd.
Lowell
Lowell’s Annual Night-Time Santa Parade
Downtown Lowell, Main St, Lowell, MI
2 – 4 PM: Santa Visits on the Lowell Showboat VI
6 PM: Nightime Santa Parade
Christmas lights, light up the night at Annual Night-Time Santa Parade on Saturday, Dec 6, 2025. The parade is the highlight of the day-long festivities, and the holiday entries light up the darkness with this year’s theme of “A Storybook Christmas.”
The parade begins on Riverside Drive heading east on Main Street and ends at the Lowell United Methodist Church.
2025 Schedule
9 AM – 3 PM: 39th Annual Fine Art & Makers Market (Lowell High School, 11700 Vergennes St SE)
9:30 AM – 5 PM: Book Sale in the Englehardt Library Community
10 AM – 2 PM: Live Nativity at Heidi’s Farmstand (11999 Cascade Rd)
2 PM – 4 PM: Santa Visits on the Lowell Showboat VI (Riverwalk Plaza)
2 PM – 4 PM: Rudolph’s Craft Workshop (113 Riverwalk Plaza)
4 PM- 6 PM: Pancake Supper (865 Lincoln Lake Ave SE)
6 PM: Santa Parade sponsored by Miss P’s Catering “A Storybook Christmas”
Saturday
Dec 13, 2025
1 Parade
South Kent
South Kent Chamber Santa Parade
34th St Mall, Wyoming, MI 49548
10 – 11 AM
Celebrate the magic of the season at the Annual South Kent Santa Parade! This year’s theme, Holiday Traditions from Around the World, brings together the rich traditions, colors, and sounds of global celebrations right here in our community.
The parade starts at 10 AM at the Supermercado Mexico (3375 Division Ave S Suite A, Wyoming, MI 49548), near Division and 32nd St and traveling south down Division Ave to The Stray.
Bring your family, friends, and holiday spirit to celebrate Holiday Traditions From Around the World, support local businesses, and invest in the community that makes South Kent so special.
