December is here and so is the holiday season! Though the cold weather is upon us, there’s still plenty to do this time of year. Personally, this is my absolute favorite time of the year. My favorite part about the holiday season is going to holiday festivities with friends and family. From Christmas tree lightings to ice skating, my family has always made it a priority to schedule out time to attend some of these events every year. Being away at school, I still carry on the tradition with my friends to get into the holiday spirit! No matter what holiday you’re celebrating this time of year, there are different events for everyone to attend. To get you into the holiday spirit as well, we are sharing some winter and holiday events occurring across West Michigan so you can plan out your holiday season!  

 

Winter-themed events:  

Winter shows:  

• Drive-through light show (Nov. 24-Jan. 1) 

• • In your own car 

• Drive-through light show on the Memory Lane Train (Nov. 24-Jan. 1) 

• • Train/trolly ride 

• Grand Rapids Ballet: The Nutcracker (Dec. 10-12, 17-19)  

Winter events/festivals:  

• Winter Wonderland at Gilmore Car Museum (Nov. 25-Jan. 9) 
• Walker Winter Fest (Dec. 2) 
• Winter Wonderland in Ada Village (Dec. 3) 
• Holidays Around the World at Holland Museum (Dec. 11) 
• Winter Solstice & Candlelight Vigil (Dec. 14) 

Ice skating:  

• Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park 
• Griff’s IceHouse West in Holland 
• Griff’s IceHouse in Grand Rapids 

 

Christmas-themed events: 

Tree lighting ceremonies: 

• Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Hudsonville (Dec. 2)  
• Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Stanton (Dec. 2)  
• Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Kentwood (Dec. 2) 
• Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Grand Rapids (Dec. 3) 
• Holiday and Tree Lighting Ceremony in Portage (Dec. 4)  

Christmas shopping:  

• Kerstmarkt Holiday Market in Holland  
• Mistletoe Market at South Haven Center for the Arts 
• Christmas Craft Show in Kalamazoo 
• Holiday Sip ‘n’ Shop in Grand Rapids 

Christmas parades: 

• Jingle Bell Parade in Grand Haven (Dec. 4) 
• Santa Parade in Lowell (Dec. 4) 
• White Lake Area Christmas Parade in Montague (Dec. 4)  
• Annual Illumination Christmas Parade in Fremont (Dec. 10) 
• Santa Parade in Wyoming/Kentwood (Dec. 11) 

 

Hanukkah-themed events: 

• Hanukkah History & Traditions (Dec. 4) 
• Hanukkah Crafts at Hackley Library in Muskegon (Nov. 22-Dec. 4) 
• Festive Chaunukah Latke Party in Grand Rapids (Dec. 20) 

 

Religious events/shows:  

• Critter Barn Live Christmas Nativity in Zeeland (Dec. 7-23) 
• The Promise is Jesus in Holland (Dec. 10, 11, 17, 18) 

 

If you’re staying in this holiday season, there are still plenty of festivities for you to do at home. Run to the store and buy some sugar cookies to bake and decorate! I like to use royal icing to make holiday-themed cookies. Another activity to tap into your creative side is decorating gingerbread houses. To kick it up a notch, you can have a contest with family and friends and vote for the best-decorated house! If cookie decorating isn’t your thing, put on some comfortable pajamas, make some hot chocolate, and have a cozy movie night in! There are plenty of options for having fun at home. If you want to get out of the house but still don’t want to attend an event, there are drive-through Christmas light shows happening—you can just hop in your car and drive through a winter wonderland of beautiful lights!  

Whatever you choose to do this holiday season, don’t forget the reason for the season. One of the most important parts of the holiday season is spending time with your loved ones. If you set aside the time to spend with them, you’re bound to have a good time.  

For a more in-depth list of winter and holiday festivities occurring in all 13 counties of West Michigan, check out this article.