Grand Rapids Santa Parade and Tree Lighting Happening November 22

Downtown Grand Rapids is about to get a lot more festive! The Grand Rapids Santa Parade and tree lighting ceremony will both take place in Downtown Grand Rapids on Saturday, November 22!

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When is the Downtown Grand Rapids Santa Parade?

The Gentex Santa Parade will take to the streets of downtown beginning at 5 p.m. and will include over 50 parade entries this year.

READ MORE: When Will Christmas Music Start on 100.5 The River in Grand Rapids?

The parade kicks off at the intersection of Division Ave. and Michigan Street around 5:15 p.m. and will make its way south on Division, then turn West on Pearl St. The parade will then take another turn at Monroe Ave, and then head up Monroe Center, eventually coming to an end at Rosa Parks Circle.

Upon his arrival at Rosa Parks Circle, Santa will climb down from his sleigh and hang out with you and meet the kids!

When is the Downtown Grand Rapids Tree Lighting?

The Tree Lighting Ceremony will kick off at 6:45 p.m. According to Experience Grand Rapids, in addition to the tree lighting, there will also be a letter-writing station for kids to write letters to Santa (delivered FREE by USPS). Plus, there will be free cookies, coffee, and hot chocolate.

When Does the Rosa Parks Circle Ice Rink in Downtown Grand Rapids Open?

UPDATE: While initially scheduled to open on November 21, the Rosa Parks Circle Ice Rink will now, weather permitting, open on December 5, 2025.