10 Things to Do on Thanksgiving Weekend in West Michigan
Now that November has started, Thanksgiving weekend in West Michigan is just around the corner.
As you’re preparing and making plans for that delicious turkey dinner, have you considered what you might be doing that holiday weekend? If you’re in need of ideas, we’ve got you covered!
Whether you’re spending Thanksgiving weekend alone or with family and friends, there are plenty of fun activities and special events you can enjoy in West Michigan.
I’ve put together a list of 10 things to do in West Michigan on Thanksgiving weekend, to make the most of your holiday.
Also, if you’re unable to prepare a feast this year, stick around until the end to see what places near you are serving turkey dinners or other alternatives you can take home!
Flux Holiday Maker’s Market
Where: Studio D2D Event Center – 401 Hall Street Southwest, #120, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
When: Friday, November 25, 10am-5pm
Admission: FREE
Thanksgiving weekend is a great time to start your holiday shopping. With over 60 vendors of potters
and other artists at the event, you’re sure to find some cool gifts for you and your loved ones. There will
also be various food trucks and drinks available, as well as free parking.
Plus, try out the clay workshops in the studio to make your own creations! The name Flux Market derives from a word that means “to promote fusion between various elements,” which is fitting for a market that creatively brings various artist mediums and small businesses together.
Holland Holiday Kerstmarkt
Where: 8th Street Market Place – 150 West 8th Street, Holland, MI 49423
When: Every Friday and Saturday between November 19 and December 10 (Times vary, so check out
their full schedule on their website)
Admission: FREE
With Holland’s strong Dutch heritage, the culture is kept alive in events throughout the year, one of
which is the Holiday Kerstmarkt. Kerstmarkt translates to “Christmas market,” and these shops
commonly appear in the Netherlands every year close to the Christmas season. Similarly to these shops,
the Kerstmarkt in Holland features delicious food, holiday items, and artistic entertainment.
Thanksgiving weekend is a great time to bring your family and friends to visit the market and experience
this special European tradition.
Jingle Ball 2022
Where: The Lumber Yard Events Center – 710 West Maple Street, Wayland, MI 49348
When: Saturday, November 26, 6-11pm
Admission: (Adults 21+ ONLY) Single – $40 / Couples – $70
4 One 2 Cares, a nonprofit organization, is holding the Jingle Ball 2022 in Wayland, Michigan. Come
dressed in your finest clothes and experience a night of fun and festivities!
The ball features hor d’oeuvres music, dancing, food, an open bar, comedy skits, and a silent auction. This event is a fundraiser for suicide awareness, and by attending this fun event, you can help support the cause.
Greensky Bluegrass
Where: Kalamazoo State Theatre – 404 South Burdick Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
When: November 25 and 26, 8:30pm (Doors open at 7pm)
Admission: (All ages, limit of 8 tickets) $37.50-50 / 2-Day Pass $75
As a Thanksgiving tradition, Greensky Bluegrass is coming to perform at the Kalamazoo State Theatre.
The bluegrass band itself formed in Kalamazoo, Michigan in the mid-2000s, and has been growing strong
ever since.
Their performances have added electric effects and include light shows. All the members have held a strong bond like brothers over the years and are passionate about what they do. They strive
to give their fans a performance they’ll never forget. Reserve your tickets now!
Santa Paws Pet Parade
Where: 536 Phoenix Street, South Haven, MI 49090
When: Friday, November 25, 4:30-6:30pm (If bringing your dog, meet at South Marina at 4:15pm)
Admission: FREE
Come bring your dog to this cute event hosted by Decadent Dogs at the Holiday in t he Park in South
Haven to mingle with other dogs and walk in this festive parade! Owners are encouraged (but not required) to dress their fur babies in adorable holiday-themed costumes and accessories.
There will be hot cocoa, coffee, and other treats available for purchase. While you’re there, you can also experience the downtown lighting ceremony, as well as have your picture taken with Santa, Ms. Claus, and their elves! Admission is free, and it will be a great time for the whole family to enjoy.
Kids, Crafts, & Critters at the Coopersville Farm Museum
Where: Coopersville Farm Museum – 375 Main Street, Coopersville, MI 49404
When: Saturday, November 26, 10am-2pm (Every last weekend of the month)
Admission: General $5 / Children ages 4-12 $3 / Members and children ages 3 and under are FREE
Come bring the kids and join the Coopersville Farm Museum for Kids Day, which takes place on the last
Saturday of every month. There will be arts and crafts that children of all ages can enjoy, as well as
small, friendly animals to meet.
The bunnies named Smokey and Cocoa are always ready for hugs and cuddles. There will be something for everyone to enjoy, so come have some fun!
More West Michigan Thanksgiving Things to Do
Ornament Making at the South Haven Center for the Arts
Where: South Haven Center for the Arts – 600 Phoenix Street, South Haven, MI 49090
When: Friday, November 25, 3-4pm
Admission: FREE
Also a part of South Haven’s Holiday in the Park is the ornament making workshop at the South Haven
Center for the Arts. Families and artists of all ages are invited to create fun and festive ornaments to add
to your holiday decorations. You can also make cute miniature gingerbread houses to hang on your tree! While admission is free, donations are always welcome.
The Hip Hop Nutcracker & Dinner Show
Where: (Dinner) The Candied Yam – 2305 44 th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508 / (Show) DeVos
Performance Hall – 303 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
When: Sunday, November 27, 7-11pm / Dinner at 5:30pm
Admission: Show only – $35+ (depending on seating) / Dinner and Show – $99 (plus fee)
Coming to Grand Rapids this Thanksgiving weekend for its 10 th anniversary is The Hip Hop Nutcracker, a holiday mash-up that the whole family can enjoy. This show is a remixed and reimagined version of
Tchaikovsky’s music and classic hip hop mashed together into a contemporary masterpiece.
The traditional 19th century Germany is transformed into the diverse sights and sounds of New York City, with special effects like digital graffiti and other visuals. Come enjoy the inspirational show that not only celebrates the magic of the holiday season, but also love and community. If you’re up for a tasty dinner and adult beverage before seeing the show, The Candied Yam is hosting a dinner party at 5:30pm.
After you’ve enjoyed your meal, you’ll be transported to DeVos Performance Hall by the Crystal Limousine. You’ll have access to premium seating and will be transported back to the restaurant afterwards. Don’t miss out on this special opportunity!
PROJECT 90 at The Iron Well
Where: The Iron Well – 741 Leonard, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
When: Friday, November 25, 9pm
PROJECT 90, a band voted in the top three cover bands of West Michigan, is coming to perform at The Iron Well in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Enjoy a drink while you watch them perform all your favorite 90’s Rock hits, all night long! The Iron Well offers great bar food and drinks for great prices, so come have a meal and beer while you rock out!
Ice Skating and Other Winter Recreation
Late November is considered the start of winter to us Michiganders, and we love to get an early start on
winter recreational activities the moment we see snow. So, if the weather cooperates, why not try out
some fun winter activities this Thanksgiving weekend?
From ice skating to sledding, skiing, and snowshoeing, there are many ways to enjoy Michigan’s snow and ice. Not sure where to go enjoy the winter fun? No worries! I’ve made a list of several great ice rinks and sledding/skiing hills to check out:
Ice Skating Rinks
Rosa Parks Circle Ice Rink – 135 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
South Haven Ice Rink – 546 Phoenix St, South Haven, MI 49090
Muskegon Winter Sports Complex – 462 North Scenic Drive, Muskegon, MI 49445
Sledding/Skiing Hills
Branstrom Park – Fremont, MI 49412
Cannonsburg Ski Area – 6800 Cannonsburg Road NE, Belmont, MI 49306
Echo Valley – 8495 East H Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Places in West Michigan Serving Thanksgiving Dinners:
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants – 4515 28th Street SE, Kentwood, MI 49512
Hours: Sunday – Thursday 11am-9pm; Friday and Saturday 11am-10pm
Fire Rock Grille – 7177 Kalamazoo Avenue SE, Caledonia, MI 49316
Hours: Monday – Saturday 11:30am-9pm; Sunday 11am-8pm
Leo’s Seafood Restaurant & Bar – 60 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Hours: Monday – Friday 11:30am-10pm; Saturday 4:30-10pm
Rush Creek Bistro – 624 Port Sheldon St SW, Grandville, MI 49418
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 11:30am-9pm; Sunday 11am-2pm
Reservations required
Fieldstone Grill – 3970 W Centre Ave, Portage, MI 49024
Hours: (Dine in) Monday, Thursday – Saturday 11am-10pm; Tuesday and Wednesday 11am-
9pm; Sunday 12-8pm / (Carryout) Monday – Friday 4-8pm; Saturday and Sunday 11am-8pm
Dine in on Thanksgiving or pre-order carryout for the 23rd
Martell’s – 3501 Greenleaf Blvd, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Hours: Monday – Saturday 11:30am-10pm; Sunday 11:30am-9pm
Carryout Thanksgiving Dinner Only
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse – 187 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(In Amway Grand Plaza Hotel)
Hours: Monday – Thursday 4:30-10pm; Friday and Saturday 4:30-11pm
Note: Make sure to check if the restaurant hours change for Thanksgiving.
More Michigan Holiday Events
About the Author-
Aiden Peltier is a content writer for My Michigan Beach who is currently in their senior year studying at Grand Valley State University, with a major in Writing. They have enjoyed writing and drawing since they were a child, and they take a lot of inspiration from music and nature. They are currently exploring many opportunities in the writing field and plan to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in December 2022.