Get in the Festive Mood with Holiday “Grinchmas” Events in Michigan
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When you think of your favorite Christmas characters, Santa Claus, Frosty the Snowman, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer are probably near the top of your list. But what about The Grinch?
The Grinch, the famous green-hued grouch from Dr. Seuss’s 1957 story “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” has also earned his place as a holiday favorite. This once-reviled, now-beloved character has stealthily stolen hearts just as he once tried to steal Christmas.
Across the nation, the Grinch’s popularity is clear, with his image featured in parade floats, as giant inflatables in yards, and in dazzling Christmas light displays. This is especially true in Michigan, where Grinch events are a highlight of the holiday season.
Whether you need a bit of Christmas cheer to boost your spirits, you’re a big fan of the Grinch, or you’re looking for a new holiday event to attend, consider checking out these Grinch-themed celebrations during the Christmas season.
Whoville 5K | Grand Rapids
At first glance, the Whoville 5K is another holiday-themed run/walk, but it’s much more than that. The Whoville 5K is a place more than just a race and it’s filled with all of the wackiest, Grinch-themed fun one could imagine.
Participants can dress in their best Dr. Seuss-themed costumes and see all of their favorite characters along the race route, including The Cat in the Hat, Thing 1 and Thing 2, and the Mean One himself, The Grinch.
Everyone who participates in the race gets a medal and a festive hat and is invited to snack on sweet treats after the race is over in the Who-village.
Proceeds from each race benefit local charities.
Grinchmas Craft and Vendor Show | Lansing
Michiganders and visitors looking to cross friends and loved ones off their Christmas list early can attend this Grinch-themed crafts fair at the Lansing Mall, which features local vendors and crafters selling all sorts of Christmas wares, including food and crafts.
This is a perfect place to check friends and loved ones off your holiday shopping list and the Grinch is there for photo ops.
Pictures with the Grinch and Max | Fraser
Those who love holiday photo ops and contributing to good causes can cross both things off the list at this fun event.
Guests of all ages can come and get their photos taken with the Grinch and his trusty dog Max, thanks to the efforts of Dee Maggio Photography. There is a suggested donation that attendees can make, and proceeds from the event will go to benefit a member of A Rejoyceful Animal Rescue.
Kids and dogs are welcome too, so the event can be fun for the whole family!
Grinch Weekend at Canterbury Village | Lake Orion
Canterbury Village goes all out for celebrations when the holidays arrive including an annual free Grinch Weekend.
Visitors of all ages can make a donation to a local food pantry to get a free selfie with the Grinch (Cindy Lou Who has also made appearances in past years) and also enjoy holiday shopping at village stores, hot cocoa and cider, fire pits, and much more.
Breakfast With Santa or The Grinch at Canterbury Village | Lake Orion
Canterbury Villages looking for a festive way to enjoy breakfast during the holidays can buy tickets for select dates in November and December to have breakfast with either the Grinch or Santa.
The breakfast includes a scrumptious buffet of eggs, bacon, sausage, and other breakfast favorites and this event is a fun way to enjoy breakfast with a beloved holiday character.
Meet the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who | Clarkston
The Fairytale FUN Place is offering youngsters a chance to meet the Grinch and little Cindy Lou Who in December with an evening packed with holiday fun.
Visitors can get their photos taken with this beloved Christmas trio and spend an entire evening basking in holiday fun and making plenty of great memories.
Grinch Movie Screenings at Michigan Theatres
Several Metro Detroit theaters have showtimes during the holiday season for the 2000 live-action version of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” starring Jim Carrey.
DID YOU KNOW: 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of the live-action version of the movie, which premiered in Los Angeles on Nov. 8, 2000, and opened everywhere in the United States on Nov. 17, 2000.
Search “theater showing The Grinch near me” to see if there are screenings of the cult holiday classic or another version of the Grinch story.
Some venues, such as the Great Lakes Center for the Arts, are offering double the holiday fun and will show a double feature of some holiday classics less than two weeks before Christmas.
See a Performance of The Grinch Musical
Dr. Seuss’ classic story of the Grinch, who hates Christmas, resolves to steal it, and then discovers the true meaning of the holiday was first made into a musical in 1994.
Today, it’s a seasonal musical that’s drawn rave reviews and continues to tour all over the nation. In past years, there have been performances at Detroit’s Fox Theatre as well as performances in Midland and Kalamazoo, so keep your eyes peeled during the holidays for upcoming performances.
Grinchmas at Maple Street | Mason
For one whole day, the Maple Street Mall turns into Whoville, where those seeking to get into the holiday spirit can gather for a joyful day.
In addition to photo ops with the Grinch and in Whoville itself, attendees can support local businesses as they participate in the Downtown Whoville Stroll and peruse holiday items for sale. They can also participate in Who-craft workshops, which include ornament making and kindness card crafts. Participants can also donate coats, mittens, and books for local families to the Grow Your Heart 3 Sizes Giving Tree.
Grinch 5K Run | Laingsburg
It’s one thing to dress up in fun costumes in the spirit of the Grinch and enter the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss in a 5K race. It’s another thing entirely to participate in a 5K where the goal is to chase the Grinch through town and catch him.
That’s exactly what racers get to do in this fun Laingsburg race, joining the town’s very own Wolfpack to catch the Grinch. The race begins at Laingsburg Elementary School and follows the Grinch all the way through town and back.
It’s the first event to kick off a whole week-long Winterfest in Laingsburg, so come for the race and stay for other fun events!
Meet the Grinch | Detroit
Anyone, young or old, who has ever wanted to meet the Grinch up close and personal can come to the Detroit Public Library and do just that on an evening packed full of fun.
The festivities include photo ops with the Grinch, a movie screening of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Grinch-themed crafts, and holiday treats.
The event is free and open to the public, so come and celebrate the Grinch (and the spirit of the holidays) with some good, old-fashioned Grinch-themed fun!
Watch The Grinch at Home
Whether you’re able to make it to one of Michigan’s magical Grinch-themed events or not, one of the best ways to get your Grinchy fill is by watching The Grinch at home.
The 1966 animated adaptation of the story starring Boris Karloff is a holiday classic, as is Jim Carrey’s 2000 live-action adaptation. Viewers can also enjoy the 2018 animated version of the story, starring Benedict Cumberbatch.
Movie nights are popular during the holiday season, so grab some of your favorite Michigan snacks, get cozy, and start watching!
Experience the Fun of a Grinch-Themed Holiday Event in Michigan
If you’re like the Whos down in Whoville and you like Christmas a lot, Michigan’s Grinch-themed events are perfect for those looking for a little more holiday cheer.
Whether you dress up in your best Grinch costume and run the Whoville 5K, you binge-watch Grinch shows and movies at home or you snap a selfie with the Mean One at a meet and greet, there are plenty of events during the holidays for people of all ages to have fun with the Grinch!