Things To Do in West Michigan This Weekend: December 2-4, 2022
It looks like Santa is going to be a busy man this weekend. There are several Christmas parades scheduled throughout the West Michigan Area. There are also some Christmas concerts, Christmas lights, and a couple of hockey games!
Christmas Lite Show
Wednesday, November 23-Saturday, December 31, 2022 - LMCU Ballpark, Comstock Park MI
This is West Michigan’s largest, animated drive through light display. This year marks the 25th year of entertaining people of all ages. There will be nearly two miles of Christmas magic with over a million lights, animated displays, lighted tunnels, and more. For more information, visit the Christmas Lite Show Facebook page.
The Colors of Christmas Wonderland
Friday, November 25, 2022-January 1, 2023 - Croton Township Campground, Newaygo, MI
The Colors of Christmas is full of lights and displays that you can drive through or hike through! It opens the day after Thanksgiving and is open every day until January 1st. It is a free event, however donations are appreciated. More information is on the Colors of Christmas Wonderland Facebook page.
42nd Annual Coopersville Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
Friday, December 2, 2022 - 6 pm - Main Street, Coopersville, MI
Coopersville's favorite winter event is almost here! This will be the 42nd Annual Christmas Parade. The theme this year is: Christmas Stories. Start the festivities at Pocket Park as they light up the Community Christmas Tree and we kick off the holiday season before the parade heads through town. More information is on the 42nd Annual Coopersville Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting Facebook Events page.
The parade will line on Main Street, West of Eastmanville, as it was in the past. Floats will head East toward the school and unload children and passengers at pre designated meeting spots. Then join the fun at the Community Service Building for Hot Chocolate, Coffee, Cookies and Santa Claus!
Greenville Hometown Christmas Parade
Friday, December 2, 2022 - 7 pm - Downtown Greenville, MI
The fun begins at 5:30 with Santa & Mrs. Claus on hand for pictures. Deer Tracks Junction will be bringing some furry friends. There will also be a free hot cocoa bar and other photo opportunities and Christmas carols. The parade kicks off at 7 pm with the Christmas Tree lighting at Tivoli Square following the parade. Additional details can be found on the Christmas Parade & Activities Facebook Events page.
The parade will go down Lafayette Street from Cass to Grove.
Grand Rapids Griffins
Friday, December 2, 2022 & Saturday, December 3, 2022 - Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, MI
The Grand Rapids Griffins take to the ice this Friday and Saturday. On Friday they will be playing the Texas Stars. It will be the 7th annual Red Kettle Game presented by the Salvation Army. There will also be a Red Kettle Jersey Auction and $2 Beers & $2 Hot Dogs. On Saturday, the Griffins and the Stars meet up again. It will be a Griffins Christmas Story presented by Centennial Securities. There will be a Leg Lamp Giveaway, a visit from Santa Claus, and Post-Game Player Autographs. Game time is 7 pm both nights.
Cedar Springs Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting & Kris Kringle Mingle
Saturday, December 3, 2022 - 9 am - Cedar Springs Public Library, 107 N Main St NE, Cedar Springs, MI
It's an all-day event starting with events at the Cedar Springs Public Library, going to Story Time with Mrs. Claus at Perry's Place, a Christmas Parade, the Christmas Tree Lighting, and ending with Mingling with Kris Kringle (and pictures) by the fireplace in the Cedar Springs Public Library. More information is on the A Cedar Springs Christmas "Mingle with Kris Kringle" 2022 Facebook Events page.
Rockford’s Santa Parade
Saturday, December 3, 2022 - 11 am - Downtown Rockford, MI
The 78th annual Santa Parade will be in downtown Rockford on Saturday, December 3rd. After the parade, Santa will be at the Rotary Pavilion along with a carriage rides through downtown. Additional details can be found on the Rockford's 78th Annual Santa Parade Facebook Events page.
2022 Fanny Mae Memorial Reindog Parade
Saturday, December 3, 2022 - 3 pm - Downtown St. Joseph MI
This event features dressed up pets and their owners in a variety of holiday garb. You will see all kinds of costumes from “Santa Bernards” to “Reindeer Rottweilers”. The event also marks the arrival of Santa. After the parade, children can share their wish lists with Santa at Santa’s House. More information is on the 2022 Fanny Mae Memorial Reindog Parade Facebook Events page.
The parade kicks off at the corner of Elm and State Streets.
2022 Jingle Bell Parade & Central Park Tree Lighting
Saturday, December 3, 2022 - 6 pm - Downtown Grand Haven, MI
Ring in the holidays with the 30th Annual Grand Haven Jingle Bell Parade through the streets of Grand Haven. The event will feature lighted floats, music, costumes, and a whole lot of good cheer. The parade is followed by the lighting of the community Christmas tree and caroling in Central Park. Additional details can be found on the 2022 Jingle Bell Parade & Central Park Tree Lighting Facebook Events page.
The parade starts on Franklin Street, goes west to Harbor Drive, north on Harbor to Washington, and east on Washington to Central Park for the lighting of the Christmas Tree.
Ada Chili and Beer Festival
Saturday, December 3, 2022 - The Community Church in Ada, 7239 Thornapple River Dr., SE, Ada, MI
It is being called the Largest Chili/Beer Event in the Country! There is no cost for entry. You only pay for tasting tickets. All proceeds go to charity. The event Includes 22 Breweries, 1 canned spirits option, 35 chili makers, a great Band, 16,000 feet of tent with heat pumped in and 4000+ of your closest friends to enjoy it with!! More information can be found on the Ada Chili and Beer Festival Facebook Events page.
Christmas in Caledonia
Saturday, December 3, 2022 - Caledonia, MI
Bring your family, friends and neighbors for an evening of celebration in “Down Town Caledonia” for an evening of food, warm fires and festivities! Santa will make two appearances – one from 3:30-5:30 and then again for the tree lighting and to greet visitors afterwards. Along with all the downtown eateries there will also be a flurry of food trucks. Outdoor fireplaces will be placed throughout the downtown to provide warmth and ambiance and inviting all to congregate and visit with one another. Choral and musical groups will wander the streets spreading joy and well wishes. A light parade will start at 6 pm with Santa ushering the parade. More information can be found on the Village of Caledonia website.
Christmas at the Commons
Saturday, December 3, 2022 - Downtown Grandville, MI
Once again, in place of a traditional parade, Chicago Drive will be closed midday on Saturday, to stage a stationary parade with lit floats, holiday animals, Dickens Carolers, North Pole houses, character photo stops, and stages for Christmas musicians. In the lots near the parade will be train rides, food vendors, a mini Christmas market, the mega tree, a synthetic ice rink, and more. The tree lighting will take place at 5:30 pm by the big tree along Chicago Drive. Additional details can be found on the Christmas at the Commons, A Strolling Holiday Event Facebook Events page.
Lowell's Annual Night-Time Santa Parade
Saturday, December 3, 2022 - 6 pm - Downtown Lowell, MI
Christmas lights, light up the night at Annual Night-Time Santa Parade. The parade wraps up a day of holiday activities that include an art and craft holiday sale, a pancake supper, a book sale, a live nativity, Rudolph’s Craft Workshop, Santa visits on the Lowell Showboat VI and Hot Chocolate and Cookies in the Chamber. The parade is the highlight of the day with the holiday entries lighting up the darkness with this year's theme of "Christmas Toyland". More information can be found on the Annual Night-Time Santa Parade Facebook Events page.
The parade begins on Riverside Drive heading east on Main Street and ending at the Lowell United Methodist Church.
A Johnny Mathis Christmas
Saturday, December 3, 2022 - 8 pm - Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, Mt. Pleasant, MI
Singer Johnny Mathis is celebrating his 66th year in the music industry. Best-known for his supremely popular hits like “Chances Are,” “It’s Not For Me To Say,” and “Misty”, “and “it’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”, Johnny has recorded close to 80 albums, including 6 Christmas albums that have made him the undisputed and iconic “Voice of Christmas.”
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Sunday, December 4, 2022 - 3 & 7:30 pm - Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, MI
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra was created to push the boundaries of what was possible for a band to create -– both musically and visually. Each year thousands wait for this concert to make its way to Grand Rapids.
West Michigan Christmas Light Displays to Light Up Your Holiday Season in 2023
Gallery Credit: Janna