Where to See Santa Around Grand Rapids
It’s hard to top a Santa visit as one of the best Christmas Events of the season.
Wherever you greet our favorite Christmas elf, our full roundup here will help you locate Santa this season in Grand Rapids.
From meals with Santa to places to take pics with him, there’s an opportunity for everyone to see Santa in Grand Rapids.
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Santa Sightings
Pictures with Santa
WHERE TO TAKE PHOTOS WITH SANTA
Pictures with Santa can be some of the best ways to document and remember each holiday. Taking pictures with Santa is an annual tradition for many West Michigan families.
Whether you want a beautiful memento of that season or a way to thrill your kid with having a few minutes of Santa’s attention, here are places you can make that happen.
Pictures with Santa – Multiple Dates
Pictures with Santa at Frederik Meijer Gardens
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, 1000 East Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Tuesdays, November 26 – December 17, 2024 | 5 – 8 PM
GARDEN ADMISSION REQUIRED. FREE PHOTOS WITH SANTA
Once again this year, the jolly old elf will greet children of all ages next to a picture-perfect, whimsically illuminated Mimi’s Garden, found on the Courtyard Level of the Welcome Center across from the Peter M. Wege Library.
Pictures with Santa at Cabela’s: Santa’s Wonderland
Cabela’s – 3000 44th Street SW, Grandville, MI 49418
November 3 – December 24, 2024
FREE PHOTOS WITH SANTA
Families who visit Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops receive a free 4×6 studio-quality photo, as well as a free shareable video. During your visit, families can drop off their letters to Santa and receive free giveaways while supplies last. Reservations recommended. Pre-book up to seven days in advance.
The Santa Cabin at Bosch’s Countryview Nursery in Allendale
Bosch’s Choose & Cut Tree Farm – 10785 84th Ave Allendale, MI 49401
November 23, 24, 29, 30 and December 1, 7, 8, 2024
PAID PHOTOS WITH SANTA
For $12/person (2024 pricing), you can ride a horse / tractor-drawn wagon out into the woods to their new log cabin.
You will receive a hot cocoa when you purchase your tickets at the refreshment checkout that you can enjoy on the ride. You will enter the cabin for a visit with Santa and receive a s’mores package which you can toast over the campfire pit located by the cabin.
See Santa on the Santa Train in Coopersville
Coopersville & Marne Railway – 306 Main St, Coopersville, MI 49404
Saturday & Sunday, November 30 – December 22, 2024 | Various times
PAID SANTA EVENT
Elves will escort the children to sit with Santa.
All children get a present, even the shy ones! A story-telling Princess will read Christmas-themed books to the children in each of the decorated railcars. All of the cars are comfortably heated and each has a restroom on board. Online tickets must be purchased in advance. 90 minutes.
See Santa on the Lowell Showboat
Lowell Showboat VI – 110 Riverwalk Plaza, Lowell, MI 49331
Wednesday, December 11 & 18, 2024 | 4:30 PM – 7 PM
Saturday, December 14 & 21, 2024 | 10 AM – 1 PM
Plus, a special nite of Christmas cheer with carriage rides and live reindeer on Friday, December 13, 2024, 5:30 – 7:30PM
FREE PICTURES WITH SANTA
Visit with the “real Santa” on his home base at the Lowell Showboat VI throughout December.
Sparta Santa Visits & Pictures with Santa
Sparta Chamber Office – 194 E. Division, Sparta, MI 49345
December 10 – 23, 2024 |Various dates and times
FREE PICTURES WITH SANTA
Santa and Mrs. Claus are coming on down to Sparta!
They will be back at the Sparta Chamber of Commerce where where it will be transformed into Mrs. Claus’s Bakery. There will also be a Holiday Hayride.
See Sinterklaas at Magic at the Mill
Windmill Island Gardens – 1 Lincoln Ave, Holland, MI 49423
Friday & Saturday nights December 6 – 21, 2024
PAID, TICKETED EVENT
The centerpiece of Magic at the Mill is a ‘tulip field’ of 1,000 LED blossoms displaying a synchronized light and music show.
The windmill and park grounds will be lit up and attractions will be open such as the carousel for children, the street organ will play holiday tunes, and the gift shops will be open for last minute holiday shopping.
There will also be an opportunity for kids to greet Sinterklaas (the Dutch predecessor of Santa Claus) along with snacks and beverages.
Hunt for Santa in Downtown Holland
150 W 8th St, Holland, MI 49423
December 7, 14 & 21, 2024 | 1 – 4 PM
FREE PICTURES WITH SANTA
Even Santa Claus knows that Downtown Holland is the place to go for all of your holiday gifts this year! The word from the North Pole is that you can find Santa strolling throughout Downtown Holland every Saturday in December leading up to Christmas!
Santa will be stopping by his favorite Downtown Holland shops and restaurants from 1 – 4 PM each Saturday to greet his fans…young and old alike! If you spot him, be sure to say hello and snap a photo!
Meet Santa at The Spring Lake Sparkle Festival
Epicurean Village – 110 W Savidge St, Spring Lake, MI 49456
Begins November 30, 2024 | 6 PM
PICTURES WITH SANTA – DONATION
Over 400,00 multicolored lights and displays will light up the trees and businesses in Spring Lake’s downtown corridor. Come out and enjoy the Holiday Spirit in all its glory!
Offering meet & greets with Santa, food, drink, & photo-ops.
Have your picture taken with Santa by our Assistant Elf for a small donation to Lilley Cares (501c3).
Epicurean Village will be ground zero for the duration of Sparkle – There you will find a community Christmas tree, Santa’s house with operating hours, fireplace, and seating. This is part of the social district! Grab your favorite cocktail or cocoa and cozy up with us into the New Year.
Special Needs children will receive priority and will be accommodated accordingly. Parents/guardians of these children are welcome to drop off gifts at a predetermined time and have Santa pull them from his big red sack when your child visits. This event is completely customizable based on your child’s needs. Please contact us for special appointment times and needs.
Pictures with Santa at the Mall
Several area malls have scheduled Pictures with Santa:
Rivertown Crossings Mall Pictures with Santa
Rivertown Crossings – Lower level, east wing – 3700 RiverTown Parkway, Grandville, MI 49418
November 22 – December 24, 2024
PAID PICTURES WITH SANTA
Santa’s helpers have been working hard decking the halls, so don’t miss out! Take pictures with Santa and create magical moments for you and your family. Reservations are encouraged.
Sensory Santa on December 8 from 9:30 – 10:30 AM. Surprise gift for each child from Santa’s Workshop.
Woodland Mall Pictures with Santa
Woodland Mall – 3195 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids 49512
November 16 – December 24, 2024
PAID PICTURES WITH SANTA
Santa’s helpers have been working hard decking the halls, so don’t miss out! Take pictures with Santa and create magical moments for you and your family. Reservations are encouraged.
Pet photos every Monday from November 18 – December 16.
Breakfast with Santa? Cookies with Santa?
DINE WITH SANTA
Cookies with Santa, Breakfast with Santa, Dinner with Santa – if you look at the calendar below, you’ll find that your family has several fun options when it comes to sharing a meal or treats with Santa in West Michigan!
Sensory-Friendly Santas & Christmas Events
SEE SANTA IN A LOW-SENSORY ENVIRONMENT
Several West Michigan organizations are putting on sensory-friendly Santa events this year so that all children can have a great Santa experience.
See event details below for signup information, as most require pre-registration.
Special Places to See Santa
ONE-TIME-ONLY EVENTS
Sometimes Santa is in town for just one day. Here’s where you can catch up with Santa to take pictures with Santa at these one-day-only events.
Santa Parades
NIGHTTIME & DAYTIME SANTA PARADES
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 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.
These nighttime parades are filled with lights and bring a whole new element to the holiday parade experience.
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