West Michigan Holiday Events and FunThings to Do 2023 (Christmas Tree Light Shows, Zoo Lights, Christmas Tree Lighting, Holiday Parades, Christmas Tree Farms and More!)
Looking for a fun holiday event or something fun to do to celebrate Christmas in West Michigan? Read on for a list of some of the best ways to celebrate the season!
West Michigan is one of my favorite places during the holiday season, with endless opportunities for fun as the entire area comes to life against a backdrop of twinkling Christmas lights. You’ll find things to do both inside and out, including family-friendly activities like parades and community tree lightings to romantic date night activities.
Read on to discover some of the best things to do in West Michgan at Christmas for a holly, jolly good time!
Visit the Winter Kerstmarkt in Holland MI
\A visit to the Holland Kerstmarkt is one of our favorite Christmas and holiday traditions. You’ll find fresh Christmas greenery from local farms, homemade baked goods and other treats and so many great homespun gifts. I picked up a pair of bright red, hand-knit mittens a few years back from the Kerstmarkt and they are still as good as new! Runs November 19 – December 10.
Be sure and plan enough time to stroll charming downtown Holland, when 8th street is decorated lights and holiday greenery.
PRO-TIP: There are so many Christmas and Holiday Markets springing up across the state. Be sure to use our Guide to 20 Top Michigan Holiday Markets to find even more of these fun spots and get some Christmas shopping all wrapped up, too!
See the Tallest Singing Christmas Tree in Muskegon
For a unique Christmas choir experience, The Singing Christmas Tree is a must-see. Michigan’s largest singing Christmas tree at 67 feet, includes over 200 singers from the Mona Shores High School Choir. The don’t-miss event is scheduled for November 30, 2022 – December 3.
Muskegon is a top Michigan beachtown and home to some gorgeous Lake Michigan shoreline that is even worth exploring in the winter.
Spring Lake Sparkle Festival
In west Michigan, Spring Lake’s holiday displays light up the downtown area with hundreds of twinkling lights and its winter wonderland of holiday lights, sights, and sounds. Over 120,000 multi-colored lights will light up the trees lining downtown.
Reindeer Ranch in Kalamazoo
I think we might have found where Santa’s reindeer have been hanging out on their off days in southwest Michigan. Bring a letter to Santa when you tour this Kalamazoo reindeer farm. Reindeer Ranch offers tours where you can learn about reindeer, where they come from, and what makes them so special. You’ll also make a craft project, enjoy a seasonal drink and cookie. Cost is $15.
Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World
Visit this Grand Rapids winter wonderland to see 300,000 twinkling Christmas lights and the sights and sounds of 46 holiday cultural displays.
Santa Train at Coopersville & Marne Railway
Enjoy a 90-minute round-trip on a vintage 1950s era train, where kids can sit with Santa and get a present or sit with the storytelling princess to listen to her read the Polar Express. This is a memorable way to celebrate the holidays with loved ones.
South Haven Holiday in the Park Tree Lighting
Head to Dyckman Park on November 29 to kick-off the holiday season in beautiful South Haven.
Activities include a Santa Paws Pet Parade, pictures with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their elves, ice skating, campfires and smores, hot chocolate and coffee, dessert truck, luminaries, plus the grand reveal of the new holiday lighting in the downtown – all with holiday music playing in the background.
St. Joseph Light Up the Bluff
Over a million lights will transform Lake Bluff Park into a winter wonderland, from Port to Park along Lake Boulevard through Valentine’s Day. This is a Free Event.
More Places to See Christmas Tree Lighting’s and Holiday Parades in West Michigan
Maple Hill Holiday Parade Kalamazoo
Downtown Kalamazoo, MI
This beloved holiday event in Kalamazoo returns in 2023, officially ushering in the holiday season, the 58th Annual Kalamazoo Holiday Parade, presented by Maple Hill Auto Group. Join the crowds and watch as some top-notch marching bands, novelty characters, and community groups make their way through downtown streets in a celebration of the holiday season.
Ludington Parade
Saturday, November 26 at 6 :00 p.m. in Downtown Ludington
The popular west Michigan vacation destination of Ludington is the perfect place to kick off the holiday season. Celebrate the start of the holiday season with an evening parade through Downtown Ludington. See Santa and Mrs. Claus during this glowing event.
PRO-TIP: Make a weekend out of it and spend some time hiking all the shores of Lake Michigan. Head to Stearns Park in downtown Ludington or Ludington State Park and watch the wild and wonderful waves of the lake as they crash onto the shore.
Annual Reindog Holiday Parade St. Joseph, MI
Saturday, December 3, at 3:00 p.m. in Downtown St. Joseph MI
It’s one of our favorite Michigan holiday events if you’re a dog-lover, it will one of yours, too. The St. Joseph event features dressed-up pets and their owners in a variety of holiday garb. Be prepared to see all kinds of costumes from “Santa Bernards” to “Reindeer Rottweilers” – definitely a must-see event! The event also marks the arrival of Santa. After the parade, children can share their wish lists with Santa at Santa’s House.
Rockford’s Santa Parade
December 3 at 11:00 a.m. at Downtown Rockford, MI
The jolly man in the red suit will be making an appearance in the Chamber’s Annual Santa Parade. The parade winds through downtown Rockford. The jolly man in the red suit makes Rockford one of his first stops on his world tour. More than 60 floats line the downtown streets to welcome Santa Claus.
More Cool Holiday Events and Christmas Things to do in West Michigan: Cut Your Own Christmas Tree and a U Cut Tree Farm in West Michigan
Bivins Christmas Tree Farms in Rockford
5085 13 Mile Road, Rockford, MI 49341
You’ll find lovely Fraser Fir Christmas Trees (some pre-cut) at the small Christmas tree farm located just north of Grand Rapids in Rockford. You’ll also find wreaths, evergreen swags, porch pots, and pre-cut trees here. Be sure and call ahead; fresh Christmas tree-cutting is by appointment only.
Horrocks Christmas Trees in Ionia
1776 N State Rd, Ionia, MI 48846
Horrocks Nursery Farms in Ionia is a fun-filled holiday destination. Their unique evergreen trees and shrubs are available in pre-cut, potted, or choose and cut selections.
While you’re enjoying your rustic holiday experience, sip on their complimentary hot cocoa and coffee, or warm up with fun outdoor games and firepits. Horse-drawn wagon rides and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus add to the amazing holiday fun.
Pinecrest U Cut Christmas Tree Farm in Galien, MI
4403 Spring Creek Rd, Galien, MI 49113
Located in Galien, Pinecrest Christmas Tree Farm is ready to be your new family tradition. U-cut and pre-cut trees are available in Douglas Fir, Norway Spruce, Scotch Pine, and many more. Colored trees are also available to put your Christmas decor over the top, available in red, purple, blue, teal, white, and black.
This is just the tip of the iceberg though, because they also offer horse-drawn wagon rides and tractor rides to make your experience amazing. There’s something to make everyone smile here.
Vormittag Tree Farm
9921 Linden Dr NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534
Vormittag Tree Farm just outside of Grand Rapids has been making family memories for 65 years. This quaint, beautiful farm grows Concolor Firs, Fraser Firs, Blue Spruces, and White Pines for families to cut and choose themselves if they prefer.
The perfect Christmas tree will certainly be found here, with traditional or custom wreaths for that extra holiday flair. Visiting Vormittag has become a holiday tradition for so many families- why not make it yours, too?
Postema UCut Christmas Tree Farm
8700 Morse Lake Ave SE Alto, MI 49302
This family-owned Christmas tree farm just outside of Grand Rapids in Alto is a favorite holiday spot for West Michigan families. After you cut your tree, enjoy the cozy fire with a cup of hot chocolate and a candy cane. You’ll find Fraser Firs, Balsam Firs, and Black Hills Spruce trees here.
Looking for More Holiday Fun in Michigan?
