West Michigan – He’s making his list, he’s checking it twice, and hopefully you can see him before he leaves to deliver gifts! This holiday season, Santa will be traveling around the world, and is taking time to meet the good boys and girls of West Michigan. There’s festive family fun with throughout the region, including holiday parties, gift buying opportunities, and more. And they all feature the big man himself. Write your wishlist and go see Santa during one of his many West Michigan stops!
Santa Sightings in West Michigan: South
Round Barn Winery, Distillery & Brewery
Round Barn Winery, Distillery & Brewery is gearing up for the holidays with its annual “Sipping with Santa Toy Drive.” The family-centered festivities will take place Saturday, December 5 from 1pm to 4pm. Partnering with the New Buffalo, MI chapter of Toys for Tots, the Round Barn owners and staff are delighted to give back to the local community that has supported them for the last 23 years. Activities for kids include making ornaments, decorating holiday cookies, and visiting with Santa. For those big kids over 21, sip on seasonal cheer while shopping Round Barn’s extensive product line for the perfect gifts for those wine, beer and spirits enthusiasts.
Silver Beach Carousel & Amusement Park Museum
Silver Beach Carousel & Amusement Park Museum has jolly fun planned for the entire family. Come meet two, live reindeer at Santa’s Christmas Corral in the Shadowland Ballroom on December 17 from 4pm to 8:30pm. You can also get a jump on your holiday shopping at the Brass Ring Gift Shop, which is 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.
Santa Sightings in West Michigan: Central
Muskegon Area
Muskegon hosts a series of holiday events for you to meet up with the big guy! The 12th Annual Holidays in Lakeside is December 4th and features merchant specials along with the community bake sale. A visit from Santa and a tree lighting ceremony will happen later that evening. Another event you can’t miss is the 63rd Annual White Lake Christmas Parade on December 5th. With over 80 participants, this parade will be jam packed with family entertainment and a Santa sighting. If you’re looking for even more family fun, check out Circle of Trees on December 6 in North Muskegon with tree decorating and a dog parade with Santa.
The Saugatuck-Douglas Area
The Saugatuck-Douglas Area Business Association and the Saugatuck-Douglas Convention Visitors Bureau have teamed up to present this year’s Annual Christmas Parade, Santa’s Workshop, and Tree Lighting on December 5 in downtown Saugatuck! The Annual Christmas Parade will feature bands, floats, performing groups, and a wide range of characters. After the parade, families can enjoy Santa’s Workshop with great photo opportunities with Santa, craft projects, music, and more. That evening, head over to Rose Garden for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony featuring free hot chocolate, cookies, and caroling!
Holland Area
Beginning in late November through Christmas Eve, meet Santa in Downtown Holland! There is no charge for children to sit on Santa’s lap, but be sure to bring your own camera for photos.
Deer Tracks Junction
Get ready for another Whoville-ation Christmas Celebration this year, along with Santa and his reindeer, at Deer Tracks Junction. You can find out all the info about dates and times on their website, and even book your tickets online so you know you are guaranteed a seat on the tour. Make sure you book early because they fill up fast! Package includes a visit with Santa and enjoying all of the beautiful Christmas Decorations on display, strolling through Who-ville, a Whitetail Trail Tour with the Grinch, and more.
White Lake Area
The 63rd Annual White Lake Area Christmas Parade is December 5th with over 70 participants. The grand finale features Santa himself who is eager to see children of all ages following the parade outside Montague City Hall! Santa will also be available for regular hours on Fridays and Saturdays in December. This parade is a very special slice of “small town America.” What a great way to celebrate this holiday season with family, friends and neighbors.
Grand Rapids Symphony
The Grand Rapids Symphony will be presenting Holiday Pops, featuring beloved seasonal favorites, a holiday sing-along, an appearance by Santa, and Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” as a finale. December 5th, preceding the Holiday Pops matinee, families can enjoy festive treats, games, crafts, activities, caroling, family photos, an instrument petting zoo and more. On December 8, the Grand Rapids Pops and the Resurrection Life Choir combine to present “Michael W. Smith: The Spirit of Christmas.” Lastly, on December 22 and 23, the symphony presents 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.
Hudsonville Area
You can find Santa at the Hudsonville Christmas Tree Lighting on December 3 in downtown Hudsonville. There will be cocoa and free horse drawn carriage rides along with the official tree lighting from 4pm to 7pm! This is a great family friendly event that you don’t want to miss.
Grand Haven Area
Grand Haven is home to two great events where you can see Santa himself! First is the Santa Train in conjunction with Coopersville & Marne Railway. Enjoy presents and a reading of “The Polar Express” as you ride with Santa. There is also a great opportunity to meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus at the Santa House in downtown Grand Haven. These are two great ways to meet up with Santa this holiday season!
Downtown Market 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 and free activities to get the whole family in the holiday spirit and 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.
Santa Sightings in West Michigan: North
Shanty Creek
Santa will be all over Shanty Creek in Bellaire this holiday season! On December 6th, bring the whole family for the Holiday Traditions Tour and let the kids meet Santa. Story time with Santa is on December 19th, where Santa will read Christmas stories to the guests at the Lakeview Hotel. On Christmas Day, join Santa on the slopes of Schuss Mountain for a day of free skiing. Enjoy what Shanty Creek has to offer and meet up with Santa while you’re there!
Crystal Mountain
Join Santa on the slopes at Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville with two family fun filled events. Visit Santa at the Inn from 7pm to 8pm on December 19th for those last minute holiday wishes before his big trip. You can also catch Santa for some on-hill fun starting at1pm on December 24th. Whether you’re trying to get Santa your wishlist or ski alongside him, Crystal Mountain is here to make sure you get some face time with the big guy!
Downtown Traverse City
The official kick-off to the holiday season is December 4 when Santa comes to town and it’s brought to you by Downtown Traverse City. Enjoy holiday fun, music, refreshments, and activities all at no charge. Activities include a tree lighting ceremony and holiday open house. Whether you’re just starting out getting gearing up for the holidays or have been ready for months, make sure to start with Downtown Traverse City!
