Christmas Parades & Santa Parades
Kicking off the holiday season with a Christmas parade is one of the most festive Christmas Events of the season.
Santa Parades are a wonderful way to usher in the holiday season and see the big guy in action!
Communities across West Michigan host holiday Christmas parades, many featuring Santa Claus.
For an extra treat, look for Santa parades on the 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.
2022 CHristmas Parades
Friday, Nov 18, 2022
Sparta
Saturday, Nov 19, 2022
Grand Rapids & Hudsonville
Monday, Nov 28, 2022
Zeeland
Tuesday, Nov 29, 2022
Holland
Thursday, Dec 1, 2022
Kentwood
Friday, Dec 2, 2022
Coopersville & Greenville
Saturday, Dec 3, 2022
Cedar Springs, Ada, Rockford, Grandville, Fennville & Grand Haven, Lowell, Caledonia
FRIDAY
Nov 18, 2022
1 Parade
Light Up Sparta Parade & Fireworks!
Fri Nov 19, 2022 – 5 – 8 pm
Kick off Christmas at the Shop Sparta Event.
In Sparta Town Square, from 5-8 pm, enjoy
– S’mores roasting hosted by Tom’s Hometown Bakery
– Free hot cocoa with Scout Troop 704
– Food Trucks & Roasted Chestnuts
Watch a light-up parade through downtown Sparta at 6 pm, then see Santa light the Grand Tree after the parade. 
6-8 pm in the Civic Center:
Make-and-take wreath ($10), live holiday music, and doll display with West Michigan Arts Council and Howard Christensen Nature Center
A fireworks finale is scheduled for 7:30 pm!
*Fireworks viewing from Sparta Town Square at 201 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!
November 18 – January 31, 2022
80 N Union St, Sparta
Saturday
Nov 19, 2022
2 Parades
Grand Rapids Santa Parade
Sat Nov 19, 2022 – 10:00am
Santa Claus is coming to downtown Grand Rapids on Saturday, November 19th!
Previously known as the Art Van Santa Parade, this event was rebranded into the Grand Rapids Santa Parade.
Santa Claus will cruise down Monroe Avenue with his iconic red sleigh as the parade route will stay mostly the same, except for a few minor changes due to the construction on Fulton Street.
Floats and entrants will start at Michigan Street, travel down Monroe Avenue, and turn onto Louis Street, before finishing on Ottawa Avenue.
Parade-goers can expect to see new activities this year, including food trucks lining Monroe Center, a Winter Coffee/Hot Cocoa station, and more!
The parade schedule is below (subject to change):
09:00 a.m. – VIP Area Open
10:00 a.m. – Parade Starts!
11:00 a.m. – Winter Coffee/ Hot Cocoa
11:45 a.m. – Photos with Santa and Meet & Greet with the entertainer (TBD) and Miss Michigan
Hudsonville Nighttime Holiday Parade
Sat Nov 19, 2022
6:00 PM
Downtown Hudsonville, Harvey St, Hudsonville, MI 49426
The Hudsonville Area Chamber of Commerce and Hudsonville Family Dentistry invite you to the Annual Hudsonville Holiday Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting.
This year’s parade will be extra special as the parade has changed to a nighttime parade! Bring your holiday glow lights to help celebrate.
The parade route runs along Harvey Street, starting on Cherry Ave.
The parade route ends at Allen Street, but the fun doesn’t end there.
The Christmas Tree Lighting happens immediately following the parade, at the Fountain in Gemmen’s parking lot.
Monday
Nov 28, 2022
1 Parade
Zeeland’s Magical Christmas Parade
Mon Nov 28, 2022
6:30pm
Downtown Zeeland, Main Ave, Zeeland, MI 49464
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 Street. It will then proceed west down Main Ave to Elm Street. It will then turn south on Elm Street to Central Ave. Turning left (east) onto Central St. down to the finish at Central and Maple Street.
Tuesday
Nov 29, 2022
1 Parade
Holland Christmas Parade of Lights
Tue, Nov 29, 2022
6:30 pm
Downtown Holland 150 W 8th St, Holland, MI 49423
Santa Claus arrives in Downtown Holland during the annual Parade of Lights on Tuesday, November 29 at 6:30 pm.
He’ll be escorted by 75 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.
*Look into the Magic at the Mill light show, which is new in Holland this year.
thursday
dec 1, 2022
1 Parade
Kentwood Tree Lighting & Holiday Light Parade
Thu Dec 1, 2022
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Kent District Library – Kentwood Branch, 4950 Breton Rd SE, Kentwood, MI 49508
Join Kentwood for their annual Tree Lighting Ceremony!
The event takes place in front of the Kentwood Library starting with the holiday light parade.
There will also be:
– carriage rides
– kid’s crafts
– holiday music,
– and of course a visit from Santa!
They will be accepting non-perishable food donations for our Little Free Pantry to help through the winter season.
The Holiday Light Parade will begin at 6pm.
The parade route will start at Kentwood Public Works parking lot at 5068 Breton SE. Parade will exit out the driveway on Breton and travel north and end at Kentwood Justice Center.
Friday
Dec 2, 2022
2 Parades
Coopersville Christmas Parade
Fri Dec 2, 2022
6:00 pm
Downtown Coopersville, Main St, Coopersville, MI 49404
Coopersville’s favorite winter event is almost here! This year marks the 42nd Annual Christmas Parade. The theme is Christmas Stories.
Start the evening at Pocket Park as the Community Christmas Tree is lit up to kick off the Holiday Season before the parade heads through town.
The parade Line up will be on Main Street, West of Eastmanville. Floats will head East toward the school and unload children and passengers at pre-designated meeting spots.
After the parade, head to the Community Service Building for Hot Chocolate, Coffee, Cookies and SANTA CLAUS!
Greenville Christmas Parade
Fri Dec 2, 2022
5:30pm – 8:00pm
Greenville Downtown Historic District, Greenville, MI 48838
Head to downtown Greenville, to Tivoli Square, for a fun and festive holiday event!
SCHEDULE
5:30-7:00p
Santa & Mrs. Claus will be on-hand for pictures.
Deer Tracks Junction is bringing some furry friends.
Free hot cocoa bar
Photo opportunities
Christmas carols
7:00-7:30p
Christmas parade down Lafayette St. (Cass to Grove)
7:45p Christmas Tree lighting at Tivoli Square
Saturday
Dec 3, 2022
8 Parades
Cedar Springs Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting & Kris Kringle Mingle
Sat Dec 3, 2022
9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Cedar Springs Public Library, 107 N Main St NE, Cedar Springs, MI 49319
The first Saturday in December the CSACoC and friends host A Cedar Springs Christmas “Mingle with Kris Kringle.”
Spend the Day Celebrating Christmas in Cedar Springs
It’s an all-day event starting with:
– events at the Cedar Springs Public Library
– going to Story Time with Mrs. Claus at Perry’s Place
– Christmas Parade
– Christmas Tree Lighting
– ending with Mingling with Kris Kringle (and pictures) by the fireplace in the Cedar Springs Public Library.
Holiday Magic in Downtown Fennville
Sat Dec 3, 2022
9:00 am – 6:30pm
Downtown Fennville, Fennville, MI 49408
Spend all day celebrating Christmas in Fennville.
The celebration begins at 9 AM with a pancake breakfast at the Fennville Fire Station.
Visit different locations around town for festivities including live reindeer, cookie decorating, crafts, and a magician.
The Holiday Lights Parade begins at 5:30 PM on Main Street and wraps up with the Tree Lighting Ceremony and Community Sing at Hutchinson Garden next to the post office.
Other events on the agenda include:
– Hobby Train Show
– Book Sale
– Holiday Market & Movies,
– Santa Snaps
Ada Christmas Parade
Sat Dec 3, 2022
11 am
Downtown Ada, Michigan
Ada Firefighters are again welcoming Santa to town on Saturday, December 3.
The parade kicks off at 11 am with lineup along River Street starting at 10 am. No registration is required to participate in the parade. (The parade route leaves River Street, then 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 Santa Parade
Sat Dec 3, 2022
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Downtown Rockford, 25 Squires Street Square NE, Rockford, MI 49341
The Annual Santa Parade in Downtown Rockford will be Saturday, December 3rd at 11 am.
The parade winds through downtown Rockford. More than 60 floats line the downtown streets to welcome Santa Claus. He always arrives in style in a gorgeous white carriage.
Following the parade, you will find Santa in the Rotary Pavilion along with free carriage rides through downtown Rockford.
Grandville Stationary Christmas Parade, Market & Tree Lighting
Sat Dec 3, 2022
5:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Downtown Grandville, Grandville, MI
The City of Grandville is hosting a Stationary Christmas Parade again this year.
Parade viewers can stroll along Chicago Drive and view all of the “floats.” There will also be holiday animals, 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 GHS 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 5-8:30 pm.
All activities (except skate rental) are free. Bring your own skates or rent for $5.00. All lines will be long. The parade and Christmas market will end at 8:30 pm. The Rudolph train ride and synthetic ice rink will run until 9:00 pm. Food vendors will set their own prices.
Rock Urban’s praise band will be performing throughout the night, and they have other fun surprises planned, so mark your calendar and plan to visit them in downtown Grandville on December 3.
Grand Haven Jingle Bell Parade & Central Park Tree Lighting
Sat Dec 3, 2022
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Downtown Grand Haven, Grand Haven, MI
Ring in the holidays with the 30th Annual Grand Haven Jingle Bell Parade on December 3, 2022 starting at 6pm through the streets of Grand Haven.
This family-friendly event features lighted floats, music, costumes, and a whole lot of good cheer. People of all ages enjoy this tradition year after year and the best part is Santa and Mrs. Claus join in on the celebration.
The parade is followed by the lighting of the community Christmas tree and caroling in Central Park.
Parade Route: Starts 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.
Lowell’s Annual Night-Time Santa Parade
Sat Dec 3, 2022
6:00 pm
Downtown Lowell, Main Street, Lowell, MI
Christmas lights, light up the night at Annual Night-Time Santa Parade.
The parade wraps up a day of holiday activities on December 3 in Lowell that include:
– an art and craft holiday sale
– a pancake supper
– a book sale
– a live nativity
– Rudolph’s Craft Workshop
– Santa visits on the Lowell Showboat VI
– Hot Chocolate and Cookies in the Chamber.
The parade is the highlight of the day-long festivities, and the holiday entries light up the darkness with this year’s theme of “Christmas Toyland.”
The parade begins on Riverside Drive heading east on Main Street and ends at the Lowell United Methodist Church.
Christmas in Caledonia Parade, Santa, Tree Lighting & More
Sat Dec 3, 2022
3:00 pm
Downtown Caledonia, Caledonia, MI 49316
The Event starts at 3 p.m. on Main St. of Caledonia on Saturday, December 3rd.
Bring your family, friends, and neighbors for an evening of celebration in Downtown Caledonia for
an evening of food, warm fires, and festivities!
The parade of lights starts at 6 pm, with Santa leading the parade.
Caledonia Dance & Music Center will perform immediately following the parade, allowing Santa to
return to the Village Christmas Tree for the ceremonial lighting.
