Can’t Miss Ho-Ho-Holiday Happenings in West Michigan This Christmas Season
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Get ready to bundle up, grab some hot cocoa, and dive into the magic of the season because West Michigan has the holiday spirit dialed up to 11 this year!
From sparkling lights to charming holiday markets and festive parades, there’s no shortage of heartwarming events to keep your holiday calendar full.
Holland: A European-Style Holiday Right Here in Michigan
Thanks to Downtown Holland for partnering with Awesome Mitten this holiday season!
With hundreds of locally owned shops and restaurants, heated sidewalks, decorated streets, and special events all November and December long, Downtown Holland puts the magic back in the holidays!
Here’s what you won’t want to miss:
Shop ‘Til You Drop
Friday, November 15
Kick off the holiday season in style with exclusive discounts at over 45 shops during Downtown Holland’s annual Shop ‘Til You Drop event! It’s the perfect chance to snag unique gifts and get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping.
Holiday Open House
Saturday, November 23
Celebrate the start of the holiday season with a festive open house! Stroll through beautifully decorated streets, enjoy free gift wrapping and holiday refreshments, and meet Santa and his elf. Don’t miss out on carolers, a reindeer petting corral, and more!
Small Business Saturday
Saturday, November 30
Support local businesses on Small Business Saturday! With giveaways, fun promotions, and a selfie contest for a $100 Downtown Holland gift card, it’s a great way to shop small and celebrate community.
Parade of Lights
Tuesday, December 3
Join the community favorite Parade of Lights, where Santa arrives escorted by over 80 illuminated floats and marching bands! Watch as 8th Street sparkles with thousands of lights in this joyful tradition.
Strolling Santa
Saturdays, December 7, 14, & 21
Keep your eyes peeled for Santa as he strolls through downtown! Perfect for families, it’s a chance to say hello, snap photos, and enjoy a little holiday magic during your shopping trip.
Shopping Jam
Saturday, December 14
Set your alarm and head downtown for this early bird sale! Enjoy incredible savings, starting at 30% off from 8:00 – 9:00 AM, then 25% and 20% in the following hours. Wrap up your holiday shopping with deals you won’t find anywhere else!
Holland Kerstmarkt
Fridays & Saturdays, November 23 – December 21
Step into a traditional European-style market and shop for handmade goods, all while savoring authentic Dutch holiday treats. It’s basically the ultimate festive experience.
Grand Rapids: A City That Knows How to Light Up the Holidays
Grand Rapids goes big for the holiday season with jaw-dropping light displays, festive shopping experiences, and concerts that will warm even the chilliest winter evening. You won’t want to miss these top picks!
Grand Rapids Christkindl Markt
Wednesdays – Sundays, November 15 – December 23
Grand Rapids’ Christkindl Markt brings the charm of a traditional European Christmas market, complete with live entertainment and festive vendors. Enjoy handmade gifts, sparkling holiday lights, hot seasonal drinks, and winter fun like caroling and curling sheet rentals.
Christmas Lite Show at LMCU Ballpark
November 22 through January 4
Drive through West Michigan’s largest light display, where over a million twinkling lights and animated exhibits will have you feeling like a kid all over again. Trust me, it’s worth the trip, especially if you’re trying to win “Parent of the Year” or get all the feels from twinkly lights.
Christmas & Holiday Traditions at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
November 26 – January 5
Experience over 45 captivating displays that celebrate holiday traditions from around the world at the University of Michigan Health-West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. From adorned Christmas trees and the enchanting Railway Garden indoors to winter walks through 350,000 sparkling lights outdoors, this event is a feast for the senses.
University of Michigan Health-West Holiday Pops
December 5 – 8
Experience the magic of the season with the Grand Rapids Symphony and special guests, including the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus and Embellish Handbell Ensemble. Enjoy festive favorites like “Joy to the World,” selections from Home Alone, a “Christmas Sing-Along,” and a special visitor from the North Pole!
Ludington: Small-Town Charm Meets Holiday Cheer
In Ludington, the holidays feel extra special with twinkling lights, heartfelt holiday markets, and a welcoming community atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot for some holiday magic with family and friends.
Ludington Area Festival of Lights
Wednesdays – Sundays | November 27 – December 29
Experience holiday magic at the Ludington Area Festival of Lights, a breathtaking drive-thru display at the Mason County Fairgrounds. With a 26-foot Santa, life-sized snow globes, Candy Cane Land, and 600 feet of dazzling illuminated tunnels synchronized to festive music, this enchanting journey is a must-see celebration that supports local non-profits.
Art of Giving Holiday Market
Tuesdays – Saturdays | November 24 – December 16
Shop for one-of-a-kind, artist-made gifts at this holiday market, and maybe pick up something for yourself too (because why not?).
Grand Haven: A Coastal Town with Holiday Spirit
This lakeside town and its surrounding communities light up the season with charming markets and festive events that’ll make your holiday spirit soar. Here’s what to check out in the Grand Haven area this year.
Holiday Light Night
Friday, November 22
The perfect kickoff to the holiday season! Stroll through a beautifully lit downtown, enjoy special promotions, and soak in all the magic.
Spring Lake Sparkle
November 30 – December 25
Epicurean Village will be the heart of the holiday festivities during Sparkle, including a community Christmas tree, Santa’s house, a cozy fireplace, and plenty of seating. As part of the social district, you can sip your favorite cocktail or hot cocoa while soaking in the holiday magic!
Jingle Bell Parade
Saturday, December 7
Kick off the holiday season at the Grand Haven Jingle Bell Parade, a family-friendly event filled with lighted floats, festive music, and cheerful costumes. The celebration continues with the lighting of the community Christmas tree.
Kalamazoo: Where Holiday Magic Comes Alive
Kalamazoo transforms into a winter wonderland, with festive parades and a European-inspired holiday market that will have you feeling all the holiday vibes. Don’t miss these top events!
Kalamazoo Tree Lighting Ceremony at Bronson Park
Friday, November 29
Kick off the holiday season at Kalamazoo’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Enjoy music and dance performances, kids’ crafts, hot chocolate, photos with Santa, and even a chance to meet the Kalamazoo Husky Club. The park lights up at 6 p.m., and the Downtown Kalamazoo Holly Jolly Trolley will offer free rides around downtown from 5 to 9 p.m. for a truly magical evening!
Gull Meadow Farms Walk Through the Lights
Wednesdays – Sundays | November 30 – December 23
Don’t miss the enchanting “Walk through the Lights” experience, a beloved tradition for families and friends across West Michigan! Explore beautifully themed greenhouses filled with dazzling Christmas lights, perfect photo spots, and even friendly goats from the petting farm. Enjoy the magic of outdoor choreographed light shows, and remember to dress warmly as you move between the greenhouses and outdoor displays.
Zeeland: A Town That Does Christmas Right
Zeeland’s Magical Christmas Parade
Monday, December 2
Enjoy creative floats, marching bands, and walking groups, all leading up to the grand finale—an appearance by Santa Claus himself. The parade route begins at Main Ave and Centennial Street, winding through downtown and ending at Central and Maple Street.
Feel the Zeel of Christmas
December 4 – 6
Feel the Zeel of Christmas is a heartwarming three-day celebration in downtown Zeeland, filled with small-town holiday charm. Enjoy horse-drawn trolley rides, visits with Santa, letter-writing for Santa’s mailbox, extended shopping hours, and in-store promotions — all while creating cherished memories with your family.
Sparta: A Festive Community Celebration
Sparta embraces the holiday season with warm and inviting festivities that bring the community together. From lighted parades to holiday markets, here’s what to enjoy:
Shop Sparta
Friday, November 22
Kick off Christmas in the Sparta Town Square with the all-new Stroll of Lights, tree-lighting, vendor shopping, festive performances, and a chance to meet Rudolph and his crew. Enjoy wreath-making, a train display, and more.
Reindeer Night
Friday, December 13
Come downtown to meet Santa and his reindeer! Enjoy holiday hayrides, roast s’mores, and join in Christmas caroling. Don’t miss the Dance with Me Cookie Crawl for tasty treats at 219 E Division, and catch Santa and the hayride at the Chamber office (194 E Division).
Santa’s Mailbox
November 22 – December 20
Drop off your letters for Santa at Sparta’s Santa Mailbox, located at 194 E Division, from November 22 to December 20. Make sure to include a return address — Santa loves to write back!
Candy Cane Lane
November 22 – December 23
Create some Christmas magic for your little ones at Candy Cane Lane! Start at the gazebo at 201 E Division and follow the light-filled, decorated path behind the library. Make it a memorable outing with holiday window shopping at local stores nearby!
Santa & Friends Visits
November 22 – December 23
Santa will be in Sparta a dozen different times this Christmas season, visiting different area businesses and the Sparta Chamber! When Santa’s away, some of his holiday friends will stop by the Chamber to spread extra cheer. Check the schedule here for all the character visit dates and times.
St. Joseph: Lakeside Holiday Magic
St. Joseph transforms into a holiday wonderland each year, with events that capture the joy of the season and light up the lakefront.
Luminary
Friday, November 22
Experience the magic as downtown St. Joseph glows with thousands of luminarias, inviting you to shop, eat, and be merry.
Window Wonderland
November 22 – 24
Stroll through the festively decorated storefronts and vote for your favorite holiday display. It’s a fun way to kick off the season with friends and family!
Reindog Parade
Saturday, December 7
This adorable parade features dogs and their owners dressed in creative holiday costumes. Expect everything from “Santa Paws” to “Reindeer Retrievers”!
South Haven: Cozy & Charming Holiday Festivities
South Haven offers plenty of holiday cheer, from sparkling markets to a memorable New Year’s Eve celebration.
Drive-Thru Holiday Lightshow at Crane Orchards
Wednesdays – Sundays | November 29 – December 29
The orchard will host its second annual holiday drive-through light show, featuring a mile of stunning lights and hundreds of hand-crafted props. Experience the magic of a lit winter wonderland from the comfort of your car.
Holiday in the Park
Friday, November 29
Holiday in the Park returns to downtown South Haven. Kick off the holiday season with a magical evening of twinkling lights, ice skating, festive activities, and free family photos with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their Elves!
Christmas in the Park
Fridays – Sundays | December 1 – 23
Christmas in the Park at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort is a dazzling lighted celebration designed to fill everyone with holiday cheer. Featuring over 60,000 lights along a 1/2 mile drive, visitors can enjoy magical displays, enchanting animated figures, and festive photo opportunities perfect for capturing holiday memories.
Mistletoe Market
Wednesdays – Sundays | November 23 – December 15
Discover unique gifts at this fine art and artisan holiday market, featuring handcrafted items by local artists.
More Holiday Events in West Michigan
Ready to fill your holiday season with joy, magic, and some seriously impressive light displays? These West Michigan towns bring the holiday spirit to life with festive parades, dazzling lights, and memorable markets.
- Hudsonville Tree Lighting & Parade
- East Grand Rapids Tree Lighting
- Kentwood Tree Lighting & Parade
- Greenville Christmas Parade & Celebration
- Ada Tinsel, Treats, & Trolleys
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun or a romantic winter outing, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! So grab your favorite mittens, embrace the holiday spirit, and make some unforgettable memories!