Whether you love to play in the snow or you prefer to stay warm and cozy indoors, Grand Rapids is the winter destination of your dreams. From skiing and snowshoeing to stage shows and festivals, Grand Rapids has you covered. Here’s a sneak peek at what to expect this coming winter – we’ll add more as the season draws near.
The Christkindl Markt at the Downtown Market is inspired by the world-famous Christmas street markets that originated in Germany in the late Middle Ages and spread to other countries. The Downtown Market is transforming its outdoor space into a European-style Christmas Village lined with artisan…
Holiday Magic
The Christkindl Markt is doubling in size its second year, bringing 60+ outdoor vendors, holiday food favorites and festive family fun to the Grand Rapids Downtown Market. Nov. 15-Dec. 23.
The annual Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Show, featuring 46 cultural holiday displays and more, runs Nov. 26, 2024-Jan. 5, 2025.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze returns to DeVos Performance Hall with a Broadway-style production infused with contemporary circus arts. Dec. 3.
Looking for a holiday parade? Head to Kentwood Dec. 5, Cedar Springs Dec. 7 and Grandville Dec. 7. Parades in Grand Rapids, Caledonia, Lowell, Rockford and Sparta are still TBA.
Want to get a jump on planning your Holiday Light tour? Make sure these places are on your list.
Stroll the sidewalks of downtown GR and see all the holiday finery with an adult beverage in hand – just make sure you get your beverage from one of 60+ participating restaurants, pubs and entertainment venues, and stay within the three-square-mile boundary of the Downtown Refreshment Area.
The Merchant and Makers Market at Fulton Street Farmers Market on Nov. 3 is the first of many special holiday shopping events. We’ll add them to our Events Calendar as soon as they’re announced.
Indoor and outdoor dining is available throughout the area.
Photo by Experience Grand Rapids
Season’s Eatings (& Drinkings)
It’s such a busy season, be sure to take time to relax and let someone else do the cooking (and brewing and distilling) once in a while. Browse our restaurant,brewery, cidery, coffee shop and distillery lists for something that’s sure to hit the spot.
Enjoy a delicious meal in the Grand Outdoors – or, at least, a heated enclosure offering a clear view of the outdoors. Dozens of local restaurants and breweries have created outdoor dining spaces that will keep you comfortable even in winter.
Share some holiday cheer with friends at eight of 40+ local breweries and earn a FREE Beer City Brewsader® t-shirt. (It makes a great gift, but you’ll probably want to keep it for yourself.) Prefer something lighter (and warmer)? Check out these Warm Drinks for Cold Days in Grand Rapids.
Get the Flights of Flavor pass to find the city’s best food & drink pairings – ideal for sharing with friends and family in this festive season. Check in with the pass to earn t-shirts, caps, cutting boards and more. (They’d make perfect gifts, but you’ll probably want to keep them for yourself).
Visit the Downtown Refreshment Area to view holiday lights and decorations while enjoying drinks and food from participating vendors. Other Refreshment Areas around the region offer similar opportunities.
Need some wine and/or champagne for the holidays (or any day)? Grand Rapids has some great wine shops and wine bars.
Holiday Owl Blankets & Brews walks you through the steps of creating a no-sew owl blanket while enjoying a local beer. Dec 9.
Get a taste of hundreds of Michigan beers at the Winter Beer Festival, also featuring local music and performers, ice sculptures, firepits, food and more. Outdoors in LMCU Ballpark, Feb. 24.
Cheer on the Grand Rapids Griffins hockey team at Van Andel Arena – they play 36 home games from October 11 through April 12.
The Grand Rapids Gold basketball team typically kicks off their season in mid-November and the Grand Rapids Rise women’s volleyball team starts play in January. Precise dates and details to come.
Experience and enjoy winter in a whole new way during the World of Winter Festival in downtown Grand Rapids. See 20+ large-scale outdoor art installations and 50+ amazing ice sculptures, enjoy musical performances, play games, stroll the city and more – all FREE! Jan. 12 - March 10.
A few don’t miss events:
Fire & Ice performance in Rosa Parks Circle, Jan.
Ice Piano Performance at Canal Street park, Jan. 19 & 20
Ice Park + Food Truck Rally at 555 Monroe, Jan. 20
Soundbath – “a spa day for your soul” – Jan. 26 & March 3
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