Things To Do in West Michigan This Weekend: November 24-27, 2022

What a busy weekend this will be. From gathering with friends and family for Thanksgiving Dinner, to Christmas Shopping, Christmas Parades and Lights, a Turkey Trot, Christmas Concerts, Hockey, and Basketball.

Wonderland of Lights at Potter Park Zoo

Saturday, November 19-Friday, December 23, 2022 - Potter Park Zoo, 1301 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing, MI
Thousands of lights create an extraordinary holiday display at the 30th annual Wonderland of Lights! As you take a stroll around the zoo, you can enjoy holiday music, and marvel at the twinkling light displays during this series of magical Michigan winter evenings. If you get hungry, stop by the Savanna Grill for something to eat. There will be goodie bags for the children as you leave. Additional details can be found on the Potter Park Zoo Facebook page.

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.

Thanksgiving

Thursday, November 24, 2022 - Various Locations
Hopefully you can take time for the busy things we all have to deal with on a normal basis and get together with family and friends. Our hope is that you have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

30th Annual GRPS Turkey Trot

Thursday, November 24, 2022 - 8 am - Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, MI
This year is the 30th GRPS Turkey Trot. This annual event has become one of Michigan’s largest and best Thanksgiving Day experiences, with typical participation at approximately 4,300 runners. The morning begins at 8:00 am with the 5K run/walk followed by the Mini Trot, a fun run for children 12 and under.

Watch Thanksgiving TV Specials

Thursday, November 24, 2022 - Various Locations
For some it just isn't Thanksgiving without watching some of the traditional holiday favorite TV shows. "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" will not be shown on traditional broadcast TV this  year, however Apple TV+ is allowing you to stream it for free from Wednesday, November 23rd through Sunday, November 27th.

Another favorite is the episode of "WKRP in Cincinnati" where they do the turkey drop and toss live turkeys out of a helicopter. That episode has been ranked by TV Guide as one of the greatest in TV history. It's tough to find a good copy of this episode. Occasionally MeTV will air it. I did find this copy posted on social media. "As God as my witness, I thought turkeys could fly!"

Mel Trotter Ministries' Community Thanksgiving Dinner

Thursday, November 24, 2022 - DeVos Place Convention Center, Grand Rapids, MI
People in the Grand Rapids area can once again gather together for a warm Thanksgiving meal. This meal is open to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, as well as anyone in the greater Grand Rapids community who is looking for fellowship around a Thanksgiving table. The meal will be offered from 11 am to 1 pm on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 24th, 2022. Get additional information here.

Black Friday

Friday, November 25, 2022 - Various Locations
Get a jump on your Christmas shopping on Friday. Many stores will have special hours and you can usually find some great deals. Just don't spend all of your money! And let me know if you need my Christmas list!

Christmas at Countryside 2022 Farmgirl Flea Market Event

Friday, November 25-Saturday, November 26, 2022 - Countryside Greenhouse, 9050 Lake Michigan Drive, Allendale, MI
You will find amazing vintage & handmade goods from our 200+ vendors from all across the USA! All of our vendors are carefully juried to bring you the best shopping experience over the course of 2 days. You will find Christmas gifts and holiday décor, Antiques & Rusty goods, Boutique Clothing, Painted and Repurposed Furniture, Handmade items, Christmas music and Santa Claus, Food Trucks & Concessions, and Lots of Friends & Fun! For more information, visit the Christmas at Countryside 2022 Farmgirl Flea Market Event Facebook Events 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.

Grand Rapids Griffins

Friday, November 25, 2022 & Saturday, November 26, 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 Manitoba Moose. It will also be the 22nd annual Teddy Bear Toss, along with a Holiday Food Drive, Thank You Cards for the Troops, $2 Beers & $2 Hot Dogs, and a post game Open Skate. On Saturday, the Griffins and the Moose meet up again. There will be a bandana giveway. The Holiday Food Drive and Thank You Cards for the Troops continues. There will also be past game Player Autographs. Game time is 7 pm both nights.

Small Business Saturday

Saturday, November 26, 2022 - Various Locations
So many of us forget about the local, small businesses in our area. Whenever we need something, we immediately head to the big box stores. Hopefully you didn't spend all of your money on Black Friday and can go visit some of the small businesses in our area on Saturday. Spend some money with them and help keep our money right in our own community.

Aglow on the Avenue Parade

Saturday, November 26, 2022 - 5 pm - Downtown Ludington, MI

The Ludington & Scottville Area Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Downtown Ludington Board, is proud to announce the Aglow on the Avenue holiday parade to welcome Santa to town and to begin the holiday season! There will also be caroling and a tree lighting. Additional details can be found on the Aglow on the Avenue holiday parade Facebook Events page.

The parade takes place on Ludington Avenue, from Gaylord Avenue to Harrison Street.

Straight No Chaser

Saturday, November 26, 2022 - 8 pm - DeVos Performance Hall, Grand Rapids, MI
Straight No Chaser is a male a cappella group that is neither strait-laced nor straight-faced. They have a massive fanbase and a long list of accomplishments including 2 RIAA Gold Certified albums, over 1.5 million concert tickets sold, over 1 billion streams on Pandora, and over 2 million albums sold worldwide.

Marie Osmond

Saturday, November 26, 2022 - 9 pm - Four Winds Casino, New Buffalo, MI
Marie Osmond has spent 5 decades in the entertainment business performing as a successful singer, television performer and talk show host, dancer, actor, author, entrepreneur and public speaker. Her debut single Paper Roses reached the #1 spot on two Billboard charts and catapulted her into international superstardom. She is a multiple gold and platinum selling artist and CMA winner, garnering numerous Billboard chart-topping singles and albums, and three New York Times Bestselling books. She has entertained millions throughout the world through television, radio, film, literature, live concerts and Broadway performances.

Grand Rapids Gold

Sunday, November 27, 2022 - Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, MI
On Sunday, The Grand Rapids Gold take on The Iowa Wolves at the Van Andel Arena at 3 pm.