Lots of Fun and Excitement during Christmas in Grand Rapids

There is lots of excitement and fun things to see and do in Grand Rapids during the holidays. The Meijer Gardens is a must with their Christmas Around the World. But wait, there's more.

The Grand Rapids Downtown Market kicked off the holiday season with a Winter Wonderland Open House with an extra hour of shopping (all merchants are open until 8 p.m.) and free activities to get the whole family in the holiday spirit. The market will provide holiday cooking and gift inspiration. Fun sights and sounds for children and families include visits with Santa, roaming carolers, stations for holiday crafts and pretzel decorating, holiday movies, cooking demos and a bar with craft beer and hot holiday beverages. You can stop by the Grand Traverse Distillery tasting Room on site during the Winter Wonderland Open House, where their Spirits Ambassador will be on hand doing festive holiday cocktail demos, and they will offer free gift wrapping on any purchase.

The Grand Rapids Symphony presents the Fifth Third Cirque de Noel, December 22 and 23. You'll be thrilled by the stunning displays of Cirque artistry, choreographed to classical and seasonal favorites. This ultimate holiday experience is complete with awe-inspiring jugglers, contortionists, and acrobats.

A popular holiday movie comes to life as “A Christmas Story, the Musical” makes its West Michigan debut and can only be found at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. This play is filled with the nostalgic moments, a major award, a tongue-stuck-on-a-flagpole, the Santa slide, the pink bunny suit and of course, the official Red Ryder® Carbine Action Two Hundred Shot Range Air Rifle (with a compass in the stock and this thing which tells time).

Based on the popular holiday movie, Ralphie Parker takes the audience on a hilarious and extravagant journey fueled by his daydreams. Tthis Tony-nominated Best Musical runs through December 20.

The J.W. Marriott will be serving up a gourmet Christmas Brunch on Christmas Day from 11am until 3pm in their six.one.six restaurant. Reservations are required, and brunch is $37 for adults and $16 for children ages 4 through 12.
And, the Grand Rapids Public Museum take a Snowflake Break with a variety of family friendly programs and activities themed around history, science and culture – and their special exhibits: “The Discovery of King Tut” and “American Spirits.”

Visitors can make their own Egyptian themed snowflakes and punched tin take homes, play a variety of 20s era games, dress paper dolls in the Museum’s 1920’s fashion straight from their Collections and get your photo taken in an iconic 1920’s era baseball card! Snowflake Break runs from December 19th through January 3rd. In addition, join the GRPM for their Holiday Cheer organ concert with duet couple Steve and Dianne Warner on December 18th and 19th. Steve will be playing the Museum’s 1928 Mighty Wurlitzer Organ with his wife accompanying him on the piano. It is a not to miss, family friendly concert perfect for this holiday season.