When you visit Grand Rapids, Michigan, during the holiday season, you and your family and friends have great options for Christmas outings. If your group has kids, check out this list of family things to do in Grand Rapids for Christmas 2023.
Christmas at the Commons
Located on Chicago Drive in Grandville
One day only Dec. 2, 2023
5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Free
The excitement of a Christmas parade lasts for three hours at this “stationary parade” where the marching band, musicians, floats, and North Pole houses set up in one spot so you don’t have to worry about missing a thing.
It’s like a one-night Christmas village where you can wander, shop vendors’ stalls, and buy food and drinks. Spend the evening taking the kids to see animals or go ice skating.
The City of Grandville Christmas tree lighting will take place there at 5:30 p.m.
This is a free event, but the organizers warn that lines will be long for activities and food.
Christkindl Markt
Located at the Downtown Grand Rapids Market, 435 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Open Wednesday through Sunday from November 17 through December 23, 2023
Free entry, but activities and food cost money
Whether you’ve got kids or a group of adults, Christkindl Markt will delight everybody. Enjoy live entertainment and shopping for unique gifts from over 35 vendors.
Yes, Santa Claus will be there.
Your group can even reserve a chalet for a small party.
If you want to try curling, reserve a curling sheet and show off your stone sliding and broom skills.
Christkindl Markt represents a modern version of a traditional European holiday market. As such, you’ll enter a beautifully decorated outdoor space lit with Christmas lights. You may bring leashed pets to the outdoor venue but not the indoor venues.
The market is next to an indoor dining space designed in the Bavarian style where you can buy beverages and share them with your family and friends at tables.
Drive Thru Christmas Lite Show
Located at the LMCU Ballpark, 4500 West River Dr., NE Comstock Park, MI 49321
Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 22 to Dec. 31, 2023
Tickets start at $30 for a family vehicle, buy tickets at the website
The drive thru show is a great choice for nights when it’s too cold and windy to enjoy an outdoor venue. Pack everyone into the car and stay cozy with the heat on as you enter a dazzling lite show.
You will cruise through nearly two miles of road decorated with over one million lights and digital holiday animated shows. The dark winter nights will recede as you pass through lighted tunnels that engulf you with holiday magic.
This Grand Rapids area family Christmas event goes on through New Year’s Eve.
Keep it in mind when everyone is looking for something to do after you’ve celebrated Christmas but still have some time off with your family.
Frederick Meijer Gardens Christmas Holiday Events 2023
Located at 1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Variety of holiday events held Nov. 22 through Jan. 7, 2024
Holiday hours are extended until 9 p.m. for the week before and after Christmas
Admission fees start at $20 for non-member adults
You can always count on something interesting or festive going on at Frederick Meijer Gardens. In addition to its art museum, you can explore its 158-acre botanical gardens with many of the gardens decorated for the winter holidays.
Recurring events
- Starting Dec. 2, weekly viewing of Santa’s reindeer
- Starting Dec. 5, weekly visits with Santa Claus
- Staring Dec. 5, weekly concerts by Dickens carolers
- Dec. 18 to 22 and Dec. 26 to 29, Winter Glow, an immersive light show in the DeVos Van Andel Piazza
Museum exhibits at Meijer Gardens present a worldwide cultural experience featuring decorations and holiday traditions from different societies.
Train enthusiasts will consider the Railway Garden an essential stop. It’s located in the Grace Jarecki Seasonal Display Greenhouse, where toy trains travel through miniature displays of West Michigan landmarks.
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