Christmas in West Michigan

West Michigan – It’s a Holly Jolly time of year, and West Michigan is the perfect location to get you in that Mistletoe Mood! There’s lots of special events and opportunities for you to get out and join in the Christmas Cheer in the area, so take a look at the ideas below, and get ready for the best Christmas ever!

Battle Creek

• Dress your holiday worst & get weird at Arcadia in Battle Creek at their 2nd Annual Ugly Sweater Party! Enjoy special discounts, prizes, and more. The party takes place onTuesday, December 22nd, and make sure you’re there before 8pm to enter in the Ugly Sweater Contest!
• Help Arcadia Ales celebrate 19 years of brewing, and kick off what is sure to be an outstanding 20th year!  The 19th Anniversary Highland Christmas Party at Arcadia Ales Battle Creek takes place on Saturday, December 5th. They will have live music and food specials, including scotch eggs, haggis, and more. Watch their website for more details!
• Every year, the International Festival of Lights lights up downtown Battle Creek. Enjoy the spirit of the season in the Cereal City with beautiful light displays along the river. You can walk along the Linear Path and sing the 12 days of Christmas, while you see the light displays that match, make your way to Mill Race Park and listen and watch as the Candy Cane Forest dances, and end your night at the warming house and have a visit with Santa! The Festival of Lights runs from November 21st through December 31st.

Bellaire

• Join in the seasonal fun as Shanty Creek celebrates the holiday season at Ivan’s Café during their Tannenbaum Blitzen on December 12th. Enjoy a community buffet, Christmas carols around the tree, a torchlight parade down the face of Schuss Mountain, Christmas cookie decorating and a visit from Santa from 6-10p.
• Shanty Creek’s gift to you this Christmas Day is Ski Free with Santa! Join Santa on the slopes of Schuss Mountain and ski for free from 9am through 4:30pm. Pay it forward with donations of non-perishable food items, gently-used winter clothing and/or household items to benefit local food pantries.

Benton Harbor

• If you’re looking for a location for your business, family, or friends party this holiday season, Vineyard 2121 has great space available! They are now accepting after hours party bookings for anyone who wishes to rent out their space!

Boyne Falls

• Join Boyne Mountain Resort from 5-9 p.m. for the 5th Annual Holiday Open House onDecember 12, as they kick-off the holiday season at Boyne Mountain. Along with taking part in holiday cheer, you can discover great deals and tastes of the season, a tree lighting ceremony, pictures and wishes with Santa Claus, and a family holiday movie.
• Festive, fun, and fast moving – the Holiday Rail Jam at Boyne Mountain Resort onDecember 30 is a judged event open to all skiers and snowboarders with great prizes including swag and BOYNE Gift Cards. Spectators are welcome, so come on out and get ready for a great show. Registration takes place from 2-3:30 p.m. in the Skier Services Center, with the action starting at 4 p.m. Entry fee is just $5. Divisions include boys, girls, skiers and snowboarders.

Cedar Springs

• The Christmas Experience Tour is coming to Deer Tracks Junction! Get ready for another Whooville-ation Christmas Celebration this year, along with Santa and his reindeer. Santa will be at Deer Tracks Junction every Wednesday through Sunday thruDecember 24th. They will also have special times during the week before Christmas, so be sure to check the schedule. Get your picture with Santa, then head out back and check out all of the cool stuff in the “town”. And be sure to say Howdy to the Grinch and all the “Whos” down in Whos-ville! Your Christmas Experience Package includes the Wildlife Safari Tour with the Grinch,  seeing and petting the animals, and visiting with Santa, along with playing on the large outdoor play area. You can warm up with some yummy hot cocoa or coffee at the indoor Plop Plop Ice Cream Shop or enjoy some delicious Farm Fresh Ice Cream.

Charlevoix

• It’s jingle all the rails as Castle Farms of Charlevoix transforms itself into an indoor Holiday Train Display for the entire Christmas season. Snow won’t stop the clickety-clack of the railroad tracks for this interactive train display from Thanksgiving Weekend through Christmas. The Castle’s gallery and rooms will be overflowing with unique Christmas trains and bridges (including a whimsical bridge designed and built by the famed Paul Busse), riding trains for little ones, G-scale and HO-scale models, plus the Castle’s popular Christmas Train Tree and the legendary Polar Express with its miniature village of 70+ houses. The Holiday Train Display is included in admission with Castle tours (Monday–Saturday). Winter tour prices are $7 per person.

Comstock Park

• Christmas Lite Show, West Michigan’s largest animated drive thru light show, is now celebrating its 19th year of entertaining people of all ages. The event is located at Fifth Third Ballpark, home of the West Michigan Whitecaps, exit 91, off US 131. Enjoy nearly two miles, over a million lights, animated displays, lighted tunnels, and more. On select evenings, you can stop at the Santa house, and give him your wish list! This family oriented event, was started by Bill Schrader. With the help of his family, it has grown year after year to become a tradition for many. As a veteran himself, having served 28 years in the Army, Bill is a generous supporter of the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans and contributes a portion of the light show proceeds to this cause. New for this year are an extended trail, the addition of 10,000 lights, a few new and updated displays, and more. The Christmas Lite Show is on display 6pm to 9pm every night of the holiday season (they are open on holidays as well!)

Grand Rapids

• The Grand Rapids Downtown Market will kick off the holiday season with a Winter Wonderland Open House on December 9 with an extra hour of shopping (all merchants are open until 8 p.m.) and free activities to get the whole family in the holiday spirit. The market will provide holiday cooking and gift inspiration. Fun sights and sounds for children and families include visits with Santa, roaming carolers, stations for holiday crafts and pretzel decorating, holiday movies, cooking demos and a bar with craft beer and hot holiday beverages. Stop by the Grand Traverse Distillery tasting Room on site during the Winter Wonderland Open House, where their Spirits Ambassador will be on hand doing festive holiday cocktail demos, and they will offer free gift wrapping on any purchase.
• The Grand Rapids Symphony offers many ways for guests to enjoy the holiday season with music! Whether you are planning on giving a gift to a loved one or attending a concert yourself, the symphony has a trio of concerts that include something for everyone.  Ring in the season with an inspiring night of music featuring one of contemporary Christian music’s biggest superstars, Michael W. Smith, and experience the feelings that make this season so special. Last, on December 22 and 23, the symphony presents the Fifth Third Cirque de Noel. Be thrilled by the stunning displays of Cirque artistry, choreographed to classical and seasonal favorites. This ultimate holiday experience is complete with awe-inspiring jugglers, contortionists, and acrobats.
• A popular holiday movie comes to life as “A Christmas Story, the Musical” makes its West Michigan debut and can only be found at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. This play is filled with the nostalgic moments you cherish: a major award, a tongue-stuck-on-a-flagpole, the Santa slide, the pink bunny suit and of course, the official Red Ryder® Carbine Action Two Hundred Shot Range Air Rifle (with a compass in the stock and this thing which tells time). Based on the popular holiday movie, Ralphie Parker takes the audience on a hilarious and extravagant journey fueled by his daydreams. “The movie is a tradition in many households.” says community relations director, Nancy Brozek. “The story resonates because it is filled with the joys of childhood; a time when days are fueled by hopes, dreams and just simply believing. West Michigan families who see this Tony-nominated Best Musical are in for a magical experience that will not soon be forgotten.”  A Christmas Story, the Musical, runs from November 20 – December 20.
• The J.W. Marriott will be serving up a gourmet Christmas Brunch on Christmas Day from 11am until 3pm in their six.one.six restaurant. Reservations are required, and brunch is $37 for adults and $16 for children ages 4 through 12. Enjoy snacks and starters including pickled cauliflower, local and artisan cheeses, and hardwood smoked Scottish salmon. Your entree options include herb crusted prime rib or Dearborn ham, with sides of toasted butternut squash, crispy brussels sprouts with asiago, and sour cream mashed redskin potatoes. Wrap your meal up right with mini pecan pies, chocolate peppermint marquis, and assorted Christmas cookies.
• This holiday season, visit the Grand Rapids Public Museum during Snowflake Break and take part in a variety of family friendly programs and activities themed around history, science and culture – and their special exhibits: “The Discovery of King Tut” and “American Spirits.” Visitors can make their own Egyptian themed snowflakes and punched tin take homes, play a variety of 20s era games, dress paper dolls in the Museum’s 1920’s fashion straight from our Collections and get your photo taken in an iconic 1920’s era baseball card! Snowflake Break runs from December 19th throughJanuary 3rd. In addition, join the GRPM for their Holiday Cheer organ concert with duet couple Steve and Dianne Warner on December 18th and 19th. Steve will be playing the Museum’s 1928 Mighty Wurlitzer Organ with his wife accompanying him on the piano. It is a not to miss, family friendly concert perfect for this holiday season.

Harbor Springs

• Bring your gear to the 7th Annual Blessing of the Skis & Snowboards on December 19at Boyne Highlands Resort and join them as we ask for safety and health throughout the snowsports season. Cookies, hot chocolate, and numerous prizes are awarded for fun categories like the longest and shortest skis and snowboards present. The blessing takes place slopeside of the Main Lodge at 11 a.m. Boyne Highlands Resort will also be hosting a Holiday Rail Jam on December 29th, open to all skiers and snowboarders with great prizes from The North Face, as well as BOYNE Gift Cards. Spectators are welcome so come on out and get ready for a great show.  Registration takes place from noon to 1:30 p.m. near the entrance to the cafeteria and the entry fee is just $5. The Rail Jam begins at 2 p.m. near the base of the Heather slope. Divisions include boys, girls, skiers and snowboarders.

Hastings

• Celebrate the Holiday season in a turn-of-the-century Victorian setting at “Of Christmas Past” at Historic Charlton Park! Tour over 15 Historic buildings while partaking in activities of yesteryear.  Roast chestnuts, drink Wassail, and take a wagon ride in the snow. Create your very own crafts, including hand-dipped candles, ornaments and sachets. Enjoy popcorn, fresh baked cookies, cinnamon & sugar apples & plum pudding. Visit with St. Nicholas and enjoy live Christmas music.  The event runsDecember 12th and 13th, and admission is $6 for ages 13+ and $4 for ages 5-12.

Holland

• Celebrate Dutch WinterFest in Holland with their great line-up of holiday events around town! Shop the Holiday Kerstmarkt at the 8th Street Marketplace, November 21- December 12, varying dates and times.  Head inside The Holland Museum to meet Sinterklaas and enjoy complimentary refreshments. Saturday, December 12, brings the Shopping Jam from 8am-10am. Kick off the day with shopping specials in Downtown Holland!

Ludington

• Jamesport Brewing Company hosts and caters Holiday Parties, both large and small. If you’re interested in having them cater, or in using their space, call 231-845-2522 to book your party; holiday dates are filling up quickly.

Kalamazoo

• The Henderson Castle will be hosting a Christmas Pere Noel Market & Live NativityDecember 20th. The event will take place outside (tented) from 5pm-8pm. Last year’s nativity scene utilized the castle’s recently installed wine cave by turning it into a manger to house Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus while an angel stood on the roof of the structure and told the biblical Christmas story. Three wise men were also on hand to assist with the live rendition of the event. The Christmas Market will feature local vendors selling last minute hand-crafted Christmas gifts, including Arts & Crafts, Jewelry, Christmas Ornaments, Woodworking, Pre-packaged food items, and Natural Products.
• Taste the season with specialty beers available from Bell’s Brewing to celebrate Christmas and Winter. Once every year Bell’s releases Christmas Ale, which is a specialty beer for the holidays that highlights local, Michigan agriculture and fresh ingredients. Christmas Ale is made with 100 percent Michigan barley grown on their farm in Shepherd, Michigan, between Lansing and Mt. Pleasant. Taking its cues from Belgian-style white ales, Bell’s Winter White Ale offers a lighter yet abundantly flavorful alternative to the traditional heavy winter warmers. Fermented with a Belgian ale yeast, this blend of barley & wheat malts yields a mixture of clove and fruity aromas, all without the use of any spices. Deliberately brewed to retain a cloudy appearance,Bell’s Winter White Ale is a beer for embracing winter.

Marshall

• For eight nights in December, Schuler’s Restaurant and Pub in Marshall welcomes holiday carolers to its festive Centennial Room. Enjoy the musical sounds from area choirs, choruses, ensembles and carolers, with performances beginning at 7pm(reservations are strongly encouraged). The performance schedule includes the Battle Creek Girls Chorus, Marshall Singers-Dickens Carolers, Ars Voce, and more. While Schuler’s is closed on Christmas Day (the one day of the year they do so), you are invited to spend Christmas Eve in the warm comfort of this 1909 restaurant. A white tablecloth dining experience, with a special holiday menu, awaits you and your family. Service begins at 11am, with the last seating at 8pm. Schuler’s also offers a special holiday Sunday brunch buffet, served from 10am until 2pm, November 22nd throughJanuary 3rd.

Muskegon

• Holiday Tours will take place at the Hackley & Hume Historic Site in Muskegon onSaturday, December 26, from 4 to 8 pm and Sunday, December 27, from 1 to 4 pm. Enjoy a candlelight tour of the homes of Muskegon’s most well-known lumber barons, all decked out in period decorations for the holidays. The houses are located at 484 W. Webster Avenue at Sixth Street in Muskegon.
• The Lakeshore Museum Center will be celebrating the season with their Winter Open House for children five and older on December 30th from 2 to 3:30 pm. There will be craft and science themed activities, along with an optional “Make & Take” project for a small fee. There is no charge to attend the Open House. The museum is located at 430 W. Clay Avenue at Fourth Street in Muskegon.

New Buffalo

• Cirque Dreams lights up the 2015 holiday season with its critically acclaimed holiday stage extravaganza, Cirque Dreams Holidaze, which is a new cirque show, Broadway musical, and family Christmas spectacular all in one! Hailed by the New York Daily News as a “delicious confection of charm, sparkle and talent by the sleighload and so full of energy it could end our dependence on oil!” Witness snowmen, penguins, angels, reindeer, toy soldiers, gingerbread men, ornaments and of course Santa; with breathtaking acrobatics, gravity defying feats, elaborate production numbers, imaginative costumes, illusions and more. The show also celebrates the most wonderful time of the year with singers, original music and seasonal favorites all performed in a winter wonderland of amazement making Cirque Dreams Holidaze the greatest variety show on the planet! Four Winds Casino New Buffalo will host performances by the critically-acclaimed Cirque Dreams Holidaze at the Silver Creek Event Center. Performances will be held on December 11th, 12th, and 13th. Ticket prices start at $25.

Petoskey

• Stafford’s Perry Hotel in downtown Petoskey offers lodging and dining with a wonderful old-world feel, so it’s appropriate at the holiday season that the Perry would host the Petoskey High School Madrigal singers to round out the ambiance. Enjoy the traditional wassail bowl, followed by a fabulous four-course meal while watching this delightful, fully costumed performance. Tickets for the dinner are $40 per person.  Book a room and make a weekend of it!  Visit staffords.com for more information on this Old English tradition. Madrigal Feasts take place on December 10th, 13th, & 14th.

South Haven

• The Michigan Maritime Museum will host a holiday event on their campus onDecember 19th that will feature reduced Museum entry, children’s book readings, kids crafts, hot cocoa, and Ship’s Store sales. Just outside their doors will be the Mitten Made Arts & Craft Fair, where visitors can pick up handmade gifts for everyone on their list.

St. Joseph

• The Silver Beach Carousel has some jolly fun planned for the entire family! Come meet two, live reindeer on Thursday, Dec. 17 from 4pm to 8:30 pm. Entry is just $1 per person (children 2 and under free) into Santa’s Christmas Corral in the Shadowland Ballroom, where you can pet these friendly, gentle animals of North Pole fame. Have a professional keepsake photo taken with your family for just $3. While you’re here get a jump on your holiday shopping at The Brass Ring Gift Shop that’s brimming with treasures for everyone on your list. And take magical holiday photos amidst the twinkling lights and holiday decorations as you ride Noel and the other Carousel figures. This is the merriest place to be in Southwestern Michigan!

Thompsonville

• Crystal Mountain Resort has plenty of ways to get you in the spirit of the season! Plan a ski or snowboard trip with friends on 5-for-$50 Friday on December 18th, where your group of five people will ski and ride all day for only $50 total! Stick around that evening for the Holiday Traditions Celebration from 6pm-9pm, where guests can decorate cookies, create ornaments, sing carols, and visit with Santa. Enjoy roasted chestnuts, warm drinks and a campfire with your family and friends. On Christmas Eve, join Santa for some on-hill fun starting at 1pm, followed by Christmas Eve Story Time at 5pm and a Christmas Eve Buffet from 4pm through 10pm. Visit on Christmas Day for a buffet at the Wild Tomato as well, serving all your holiday favorites!

Traverse City

• Head to Traverse City on December 10th for Ladies Night in Downtown Traverse City for a tribute to the ladies! Join the restaurants and merchants of Downtown Traverse City for a night filled with specials, food and refreshments while you conquer some holiday shopping!
• Featuring newly designed sets, costumes and choreography, the beloved holiday ballet “The Nutcracker” with its enduring score by Tchaikovsky will be accompanied live by the Interlochen Arts Academy Orchestra. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the holidays with music, dance and magic. Ticket prices are $28 Adult, $25 Senior, and $10 Youth. Performances on December 10th, 11th, and 12th.
• The Interlochen Arts Academy Band and Choir present their annual holiday concert, Sounds of the Season, on December 17th with classical holiday music from around the world, plus a sing-along of popular carols. Plus, milk and cookies and the chance to catch a glimpse of the guy in red! Ticket prices are $15 Adult, $12 Senior, and $10 Youth.
• Attention all men! Men’s Night in Downtown Traverse City takes place on December 17th, and is a salute to the men. Enjoy food, refreshments and specials while you shop the night away finishing up those last minute holiday gifts!

Zeeland

• Come experience the telling of the story of Jesus Christ’s birth, photographs of Israel where Christ lived, and inspirational music and costumed characters at the Critter Barn’s Live Nativity, which is  staged inside with live animals. Make Christmas of long ago come alive! Enjoy their decorated, heated facility while you visit cows, donkeys, sheep, goats, rabbits, chicks and more. View the unique display of Bethlehem and Galilee, and experience the Live Nativity inside their historic gambrel roof barn. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome! Donations are accepted and support this event. The Live Nativity runs on select dates throughout December.

Statewide

• Peppermint, the flavor of red and white striped candy canes, has been synonymous with the holiday season since the late 1800s. To celebrate this long-standing tradition, Hudsonville Ice Cream announces its seasonal release of its Limited Edition Peppermint Stick Ice Cream flavor. To create this refreshing and cool flavor, they take their Original Vanilla ice cream and blend in actual candy cane pieces. It’s delicious on its own, or in a creative recipe. Find Peppermint Stick and countless other Hudsonville Ice Cream flavors in grocery stores and ice cream parlors in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Illinois. In addition to its “All Season” flavors, which are available year round in blue cartons, several “Limited Edition” are offered seasonally throughout the year, in distinguished red cartons.