With December’s arrival, you can’t help but feel the spirit of the holidays taking over in full force. As you make plans for memories with loved ones and check items off your shopping list this year, keep these local holiday-centric events top of mind!
Christkindl Market at the Grand Rapids Downtown Market
Now through December 23
In its third year, the Christkindl Market at the Grand Rapids Downtown Market is a hub of festive fun. From roasting your own marshmallow over a warm fire pit, to hosting your own intimate gathering in a private Alpenglobe, to warming up inside the German-style Beverage Hall with commemorative mug, to trying your hand at curling, to shopping local vendors for handmade gifts, and more, there’s plenty to do! Santa and Mrs. Claus also visit each Wednesday while the market is open, so don’t forget to swing by if you’re keen on snagging a photo! After exploring everything Christkindl has to offer, swing inside the Downtown Market itself to shop an additional 21 merchants and restaurants serving even more delicious food and beverage options.
28th Annual Uptown Shop Hop
Thursday, December 4, 3-9 p.m.
Now in its 28th consecutive year, Shop Hop is one of West Michigan’s most beloved holiday traditions. It’s with this event that the community can enjoy a night of shopping, dining, entertainment, and festive exploration across Uptown’s four business districts: Eastown, East Hills, Wealthy Street, and East Fulton. Event-goers will find an estimated 200 participating local businesses, pop-up vendors, buskers, food trucks, and vendors. Shop Hop is heralded as the region’s premier opportunity for the community to kick off the holiday season in a way that directly impacts and supports the local economy! There are even “jolly trolleys” to help shuttle you around!
West Michigan Symphony’s Live Concert Holiday Programming
Multiple dates
Taking place on Friday, December 19 at 7:30 p.m., West Michigan Symphony will present its annual Home for the Holidays concert in the inspiring setting of the beautiful, historic Frauenthal Theater in downtown Muskegon. Enjoy holiday classics including “Sleigh Ride” and “O’ Holy Night.” Plus, new holiday favorites from the movie Frozen. Also worth checking out (located this time at The Block) is A Jazzy Christmas on Saturday, December 13 and Clickity Clack Ho Ho Ho—based on the book by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin which takes the audience on a visit to Farmer Brown’s barn to find out what the animals are up to for Christmas.
Magic at the Mill
Friday and Saturday nights, December 5-20
Returning for its fourth year, Magic at the Mill features a “tulip field” of 1,000 LED blossoms dancing to holiday music, creating a dazzling light and music show! The windmill and park grounds are 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 children to greet Sinterklaas (the Dutch predecessor of Santa Claus), along with additional snacks and beverages available for purchase.
The Holland Friends of Art Kerstmarkt
Fridays and Saturdays, now through December 20
Back for its 28th season, the Holland Friends of Art Kerstmarkt is the perfect way to shop local on the lakeshore! Located at the 8th Street Marketplace on 150 W. 8th St in Holland, this outdoor European-style Christmas market allows visitors to enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season while shopping for unique, locally-produced, handcrafted gifts from various vendors each weekend. In addition, authentic Dutch foods will be available for purchase, with traditional holiday glühwein, or hot mulled wine, available for guests 21 and older.
Also worth making note of:
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ENLIGHTEN and the University of Michigan Health-West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
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Victorian Christmas Tea at High Tea GR
Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for West Michigan Woman.
Photos courtesy of Megan Marshall.
