5 Ways to Celebrate Christmas in Grand Rapids
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! And Grand Rapids is one of the best cities to celebrate the season. While featuring outdoor winter activities, Grand Rapids also has plenty of indoor winter activities too – all which will leave you in the holiday spirit. From ice skating to music performances to live arts and culture events, we have compiled a list of some of the top winter activities to do in Grand Rapids. Read on to discover some of our favorite winter wonderland activities.
Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World
Experience the holiday season like never before. Filled with excitement and intrigue, the Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World showcases nearly 400,000 holiday lights. It is here where you can also stroll by carolers, rooftop reindeer, and more than 40 international holiday displays. On display from November 22 until January 8, this exhibit is located at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. This family-friendly event will certainly inspire those feelings of comfort and joy.
2016 Holiday Shop Hop
Need to finish your holiday shopping? Do it in style at the 2016 Holiday Shop Hop. During this event, you will get to stroll all around town and hop on and off free shuttles for a unique and festive holiday experience. Featuring in-store specials, live entertainment, mouthwatering food, and unique gifts, this festive event is located at Uptown Grand Rapids and starts on the first of December. Here, you can ring in the holiday spirit in style and shopping!
Cirque de Noel
From December 22 to December 23, the Grand Rapids Symphony at DeVos Performance Hall presents one of the most exciting events of the holiday season. Cirque de Noel will let you experience the magic of the season, the wonder of the Cirque, and the beauty of live music. This awe-inspiring experience is filled with performances by aerialists, acrobats, jugglers who have all coordinated their performances to those classical holiday songs. Tickets for this mesmerizing event start at $32.
The Nutcracker
Nothing beats the traditional holiday experience like watching The Nutcracker. With sparkle, soldiers, mice, and dolls, this play will start off your holiday season in just the right way. Performing on December 2, 3, and 4 at the Michigan Ballet Academy, tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for children. For those wanting to meet the ballet dancers, a tea and treat meet on December 4 will allow you take pictures with all your favorite characters.
Light Up Downtown
On December 2, join your fellow neighbors with the annual lighting of the Christmas tree and the opening of Rosa Parks Circle ice rink. Featuring performances and lessons from the Western Michigan University’s synchronized skating team, this festive night will also include pictures with Santa, caroling, and food from local vendors.
While this list could go on, all of Grand Rapids’ winter events and activities will provide you with the gift of magical entertainment while leaving you with lifelong memories.
