Van Andel Arena
Continue along Monroe Avenue towards Fulton Street. As you approach, you’ll see the lights of Van Andel Arena, and the huge holiday bow that spans the entire front of the building.
Along the way, you’ll see twinkling lights on the trees in front of Plaza Tower Apartments and the Courtyard by Marriott.
Louis Campau Promenade
Head back north on Monroe Avenue to the Louis Street intersection. Just past Louis, look to the left to see lit trees in Louis Campau Promenade, home of the iconic pop art LOVE sculpture. On your right, you’ll pass more lighted trees decorating the lawn in front of Rosa Parks Circle.
Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, South Entrance
Walk west (left) at the Pearl Street intersection to see the Amway Grand Plaza’s entrance draped with hundreds of lights in a display that will make your heart leap. Head inside the hotel to take in the exquisite decorations and towering lobby Christmas tree.
JW Marriott Grand Rapids
Back outside the south entrance of the Amway Grand Plaza, cross Pearl Street at Campau Avenue and head toward the main entrance of the JW Marriott Grand Rapids hotel. Trees lining the entrance are dressed up in dazzling blues.
Grand River Bridges
Head back to Monroe Avenue and turn left (west) to cross the Grand River. As you walk across the Pearl Street Bridge, you’ll see the famous Blue Bridge to your left, which is lit up in festive hues every night of the year. Look right and you’ll see the warm white glow of lights adorning the Gillett Bridge.
River West
Trees at the west end of the Pearl St. Bridge are wrapped in multicolored lights, helping illuminate the façade of the Grand Rapids Public Museum and the entrance to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. Venture onto the Ford Museum grounds and you’ll see a massive wreath over the front door. Walk past the Museum and you’ll encounter the Gerald R. Ford and Betty B. Ford Burial Site, where a sugar maple tree – a gift from the Ford children to their parents – is decorated with lights and garland.
City Skyline
Turn back to the east to see the lights of the city skyline. Red lighting at the top of the Amway Grand Plaza celebrates the season while the signature blue light “stripe” that spans the vertical length of the JW Marriott Grand Rapids seems even more festive at this time of year.
You can head back to the city center the way you came (via Pearl Street) to Monroe Avenue and your original starting point, Ellis Parking.
Heritage Hill Walking Tour
The historic home district adjacent to downtown GR takes on a storybook quality at the holidays, as stately 1800s-era mansions are trimmed with lights and decorations, often evoking their storied pasts. You can stroll neighborhood sidewalks and see the sights at your leisure.
