Calendar of Events
December 2011 & January 2012
December 2011 1 Festival of Wreaths, Holland Area Arts Council, 150 E. 8th Street, Holland. The Holland Garden Club hosts an evening reception of wine, appetizers and music. 5:30-8pm. Designer decorated wreaths will be auctioned. Door prize. Specially designed holiday centerpieces can be pre-ordered. $15 admission fee. 616-396-3278. 1 Felt Mansion Christmas Treasures, 6597 138th Avenue, Laketown Township. Visit the famous Felt Mansion which will be decorated for the holidays. Seasonal items and fine art available for purchase. Wine, cheese and appetizers. 5-9pm. Adults: $20, children under 12: $10. 269-857-2677. 1-3 Festival of Trees, City Hall, 539 Phoenix Street, South Haven. 269-637-4342. Holiday trees and wreaths for sale at this annual fund-raising event. 269-637-4342. 1-10 Holiday Kerstmarkt, Eighth Street Marketplace, downtown Holland. Open-air European Christmas market selling Dutch festive treats, crafts, one of a kind items. Call 800-506-1299 for days and times. 1-10 Deck The Halls, Tri-Cities Historical Museum, 200 Washington, Grand Haven. Holiday décor crafted by local artists for tables, mantles and doors is auctioned off. 9:30am-5pm. Tues. Wed. Thurs. and Fri. Call 616-842-0700 for details. 
1-12 Mistletoe Market, South Haven Center for the Arts, 600 Phoenix Street, South Haven. This annual holiday boutique is a perennial favorite with lakeshore shoppers. Over 40 local artists represented. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Center for the Arts. Market runs through Dec. 11th. Open Mon-Sat. 10am-5pm, Sun. Noon-5pm. 1-18 The Santa Train Excursion, Coopersville & Marne Railway, 311 Danforth Street, Coopersville. Train runs Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 18th. Elves escort children to sit with Santa who has a reserved seat in each of the train’s vintage passenger cars. A princess will read from The Polar Express. Every child receives a gift. Cars are heated; each car has a restroom. Children under 2 ride free. Adults $14.50, Children 2-12 $11.50, Seniors 60+ $13.50. Call 616-997-7000 for ticket information. 1-24 Santa’s House, downtown Holland. Bring the little ones to meet Santa and get a holiday photo with him. Call 616-988-6187 for days and times. 1-24 Grand Haven Nativity Scene, Waterfront Stadium, downtown Grand Haven. One of the largest Nativity Scenes in the world. Eight minute program of music, narration and visual display runs continuously from 7-9pm, with a 2 minute break between presentations. 1-31 Christmas & Holiday Traditions Around the World, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids. 300,000 lights, 40 international holiday displays and trees, carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, nativity scenes, The Railway Garden exhibit with new buildings, trolley rides, redesigned Diwali display, enhanced Nativity displays. 888-957-1580. 1-31 Bling – A History of Costume Jewelry, Tri-Cities Historical Museum, 200 Washington, Grand Haven. Approx. 1000 pieces of vintage costume jewelry on display, dating from the 1920s-1960s. Exhibit runs thru Feb. 28th. Free museum admission. Closed Mondays. Call 616-842-0700 for hours. 
2 Sinterklaas Eve Procession, downtown Holland. Riding his great white horse, the traditional Dutch folk Sinterklaas arrives at Eighth Street Marketplace to lead a procession along 8th Street, then to Central Avenue and on to Centennial Park. After the mayor welcomes him at the park, everyone is invited to visit the Holland Museum for cookies, hot cocoa and a visit with Sinterklaas. 7pm. 616-394-0000. 2 Community Tree Lighting Ceremony, Lake Bluff Park in St. Joseph. 6:30pm. 2 Annual Santa Claus Parade, 7pm, downtown Coopersville in the historic district. 3 Holidays in Lakeside, on the shores of Muskegon Lake. Holiday activities, carriage rides, Santa, carolers, bake sale and more. 11am-5pm. Call 231-75-7606 or visit www.lakesidedistrict.com. 3 Annual Christmas Parade, Butler Street in downtown Saugatuck. 1pm. Holiday floats, Snow Shovel Brigade, Peppermint Stick Drill Team, Santa. 269-857-1701. 3 Luminary Lane, Beery Field in downtown Douglas. 6-8pm. Carolers, holiday lights, visit from Santa. 269-857-1626.
3 Holiday Heritage Home Tour, Muskegon. Self-directed car tour that begins at the downtown Union Depot. Map is provided. Refreshments at selected stops. Noon-5pm. Tickets: $10. Free for children 12 and under. 3 Winter Greenmarket, Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver Street, Saugatuck. 10am- 3pm. Fresh holiday greenery, Christmas cookies, a visit from Santa, Victorian carolers, spiced cider, ornaments, handmade cards, wreaths, swags, live trees. 269-857-2399. 
TBA Christmas at the Flywheelers, Michigan Flywheelers Museum, 06285 68th Street, South Haven. Santa, craft bazaar, holiday music, wagon rides. 5-8pm. 269-639-2010. 3 Reindog Parade, State Street, downtown St. Joseph. Costumed pets and their owners join Santa in the Annual Reindog Holiday Parade. Prizes awarded for Best Dressed Pet and Best Dressed Group. $2.00 registration fee. Bring your pup, fill out an entry form before 11:30am, and join the parade. Noon. 269-985-1111 for more details. 3 ‘A Celtic Christmas: Seasonal Music from the Celtic Isles and Appalachia’, Holy Family Chapel, Nazareth Center-3427 Gull Road, Kalamazoo. A seasonal concert performed by the singers and musicians of Early Music Michigan. Tickets: $15. Student tickets are $5. 8pm. 269-349-1045. 3 20th Annual Nouveau Fest, Fenn Valley Vineyards, 6130 122nd Avenue, Fennville. 1-4pm. Sample the newest Fenn Valley vintages. Guided tours of the wine cellar. Free. No reservations necessary. This year, the fest will celebrate homemade pizza recipes and the best “pizza wine”. 269-561-2396. 
3 Grand Haven Area Arts Council Craft Show, Grand Haven Community Cente, 421 Columbus, Grand Haven. Fri: 10am-3pm. $1 entry fee. Contact Dawn, 616-842-5518. 3 Jingle Bell Parade, downtown Grand Haven. Mr. and Mrs. Klaus, lighted holiday floats. Parade ends at Central Park for the lighting of the Christmas tree…and hot chocolate. 6pm. 616-842-4910. 3 59th Annual White Lake Area Christmas Parade, Whitehall. Begins at 2pm at Whitehall City Hall. Approx. 75 entries in the parade. Includes Santa arriving on his sleigh. 231-893-4585. 3 Chicago Classic Brass Holiday Concert, First Congregational Church of Saugatuck, 296 Hoffman, Saugatuck. 7:30pm. (90-minute concert featuring a variety of holiday music. Refreshments. Tickets sold at the door: $20 for adults, $10 for children 12 and under. 3 Children’s Puppet Show, Nature Education Center, 8115 West Olive Road, West Olive. 1pm. Free. One-hour indoor puppet show presented by Nature Center staff and their animal puppets. Theme of the show is how wild animals survive the winter cold. For ages K-2nd grade. 616-738-4810. Optional outdoor hike following the program. 
3-4 Classic Holiday Home Tour, Grand Haven area. Selected area homes decorated for the holidays are opened to the public. 1-6pm. Tickets: $10.00. 616-842-0700. 4 Lakeshore Community Chorus, 2nd Annual ‘Holiday Reflections’ Concert, Community Church of Douglas, Sanctuary, 6780 Wiley Road, Douglas. 4pm. Tickets Adults: $15, Children: $5. 269-857-2387. Visit www.lakeshorecommunitychorus.org/news/ for information. 7-24 Santa House, the Plaza next to the Grand Haven Fifth Third, 233 Washington Ave., Grand Haven. Visit Santa and his elves. Photos. Wed-Fri 6-8pm, Sat 11am-4pm. 9 Up On the Rooftops, Downtown Holland. Visitors tour the upper floors of historic downtown buildings. Appetizers and drinks served afterward at the Fifth Third Bank building. Tickets are $20 and must be purchased in advance. Tour: 6:00-8:30pm. Reception: 8:00-9:30pm. Call 616-394-0000 for more information. 
9 The Nutcracker, Knickerbocker Theatre, 86 East 8th Street, Holland. The Nutcracker Ballet is presented by the Hope College Ballet Club. To reserve a free ticket, call 616-395-7890. 9 Celtic Thunder Christmas, Miller Auditorium, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo. This new Celtic Thunder show ‘Heritage’ spotlights the Irish culture. 12 new songs. 8pm. Tickets: $35-65. Call 269-387-2300 for ticket info. 9-10 A Christmas Madrigal Feast, Hope College Collegium Madrigal Dinner. Hope College, Maas Center, 264 Columbia Ave., downtown Holland. Madrigal dinner begins at 7pm. Call 616-395-7890 for ticket information. 9-11 Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” performed by the Saugatuck Village Players at the Saugatuck Woman’s Club, 303 Butler (at the corner of Butler & Hoffman), Saugatuck. Fri-Sat. 8pm, Sat Matinee 2pm, Sun.7pm. For tickets, call 269-857-701 on weekdays. 
10 Homestead Holiday at DeGraaf Nature Center, 600 Graafschap Road, Holland. Learn how to make pioneer era holiday crafts and gifts such as German wax ornaments and cornhusk dolls, or dip and roll candles. No registration necessary. Fees for crafts start at .50 each. Hot chocolate and cookies await visitors at the nature center’s log cabin. 11am-3pm. 616-355-1057. 10 Santa’s Pool Party, Holland Aquatic Center, 550 Maple Avenue, Holland. 6pm-8:45pm. Underwater photos with Santa, Holiday games, prizes. Float on a raft while watching the movie ‘The Search for Santa Paws’. Admission $5. 616-393-7595. 10 Symphony Orchestra & Chorale Holiday Celebration Concert, Dimnent Chapel, 277 College Ave., Holland. Two concerts by the Holland Symphony and Holland Chorale at 3:30pm and 7:30pm. Call 616-796-6780 for ticket info. $18 Adults, $15 Seniors, $5 Students. 10 Holiday Card Making Class, Tri-Cities Historical Museum, 200 Washington, Grand Haven. 10am-Noon. $12 fee. All materials provided. 616-842-0700. 
10 A Kid’s Christmas, Tri-Cities Historical Museum, 200 Washington, Grand Haven. 1pm-3pm. Free. ‘Make it and take it holiday activity.” 616-842-0700. 10 Annual Ferrysburg Carol Sing, William Ferry Park, Ferrysburg. 6pm. Carols, hot chocolate, bonfire, donuts and a visit from Santa. 616-842-5803. 10 Happy Elves Craft Show, White Pines Middle School, 1100 S. Griffin, Grand Haven. 9am-4pm. 10 Grand Rapids Choir of Men & Boys, All Saints Episcopal Church, on the corner of Hoffman Street and Grand, Saugatuck. 7pm. The choir will perform as part of the Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols. Open to the public, free. Donations accepted. 269-857-5201. 10-11 Victorian Christmas Tea, Cappon House, 228 W. 9th Street, Holland. 1-4pm, reservations required. $10 per person, children 5 and under $6. Call 616-392-9084. 16-18 Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol performed by the Saugatuck Village Players at the Saugatuck Woman’s Club, 303 Butler (at the corner of Butler & Hoffman), Saugatuck. Fri-Sat. 8pm, Sat. Matinee 2pm, Sun.7pm. For tickets, call 269-857-701 on weekdays. 17 Public Ice Skating, LC Walker Arena, 955 Fourth Street, Muskegon. Public skating begins for the season. $4.00 skate rental, or bring your own. 12:30-2pm Saturdays and Sundays. 
17 Shopping Jam, downtown Holland. Stores on 8th Street will open at 7am to offer customers early morning bargains. The special shopping spree lasts from 7am-10am. 18-31 Michigan Outsider’s Art Exhibit, South Haven Center for the Arts, 600 Phoenix Street, South Haven. Opening reception 5-7pm. Call 269-637-1041 for more information. 19-30 Christmas Break Fun Camp, Tri-Cities Family YMCA, 1 Y Drive, Grand Haven. Activities for ages 4-13. Sports, swimming, arts & crafts, games and more. 9am-4pm. Visit www.tcfymca.org or call 616-842-7051 for more information.
27-29 Christmas Crafts at the Museum, Holland Museum, 31 W. 10th Street, Holland. Free holiday crafts, activities and refreshments in museum lobby. 10am-5pm. 616-796-3329. 31 New Year’s Eve Fireworks Display, Saugatuck/Douglas Harbor, midnight. 269-857-1701. 31 New Year’s Eve Swim & Ski Party, Tri-Cities Family YMCA, 1 Y Drive, Grand Haven. 6pm-10pm. Fun activities for the whole family include swimming, obstacle course, basketball, dodge ball, bounce house, crafts, wallyball. Pizza at 9pm, followed by DJ Dance Party. Visit www.tcfymca.org or call 616-842-7051 for more information. 
January 2012 
1 Sergeant Preston Race, Yukon King 6 Mile/5K Memorial Run Walk over the snowy dunes along the shores of Lake Michigan. Muskegon State Park, Winter Sports Complex. For more info, call Jeep Osborn ar 231-206-5571 1-8 Christmas & Holiday Traditions Around the World, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids. 300,000 lights, 40 international holiday displays and trees, carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, nativity scenes, The Railway Garden exhibit with new buildings, trolley rides, redesigned Diwali display, enhanced Nativity displays. 888-957-1580. www.MeijerGardens.org
1-31 Michigan Outsider’s Art Exhibit, South Haven Center for the Arts, 600 Phoenix Street, South Haven. Call 269-637-1041 for more information. 1-31 Bling – A History of Costume Jewelry, Tri-Cities Historical Museum, 200 Washington, Grand Haven. Approx. 1000 pieces of vintage costume jewelry on display, dating from the 1920s-1960s. Exhibit runs thru Feb. 28th. Free museum admission. Closed Mondays. Call 616-842-0700 for hours. 
6 Wine About Winter, downtown Grand Haven. Walking tour of downtown stores that will showcase West Michigan artists, along with wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres. 5-8pm. 6-7 4th Annual Ice Sculpting Competition, 8th Street, downtown Holland. This Collegiate Ice Sculpture Invitational draws students from around the country. Marvel at the elaborate ice sculptures lining the streets of downtown. 21 13th Annual Chili Cook-off and Cellar Clearance Sales, Fenn Valley Vineyards, 6130 122nd Avenue, Fennville. Compete for the best chili in several categories. Those who don’t want to compete are invited to bring an appetizer or pot of chili for the ‘wine lovers’ potluck’. Chili contestants must pre-register. Potluck begins at 2pm. Cellar clearance sale is held from 11am-5pm on Sat. Jan. 21, Sun. from 12:30-5pm. 269-561-2396. 22 Moscow Festival Ballet’s ‘Fairytale Fantasy’. Miller Auditorium, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo. Selections from Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Swan Lake & Giselle will be performed. Tickets: $15-40. For an additional $12, there is a pre-show Princess Tea. Call 269-387-2300 for ticket info. 
26-29 Winterfest 2012, Grand Haven. Annual long weekend of winter fun with indoor and outdoor activities. Human Sled Race, Family Dog Pull, Cardboard Sled Race, Skiing, Snowboarding, Euchre Tournament, Kid’s Day, snow angel contest, winter luau, hamster/gerbil race, music venues and more. For more info, visit http://www.winterfestonline.org. 27 Harlem Gospel Choir, Miller Auditorium, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo. 8pm. Tickets: $15-35. Call 269-387-2300 for ticket info. 
1 | Festival of Wreaths, Holland Area Arts Council, 150 E. 8th Street, Holland. The Holland Garden Club hosts an evening reception of wine, appetizers and music. 5:30-8pm. Designer decorated wreaths will be auctioned. Door prize. Specially designed holiday centerpieces can be pre-ordered. $15 admission fee. 616-396-3278. |
1 | Felt Mansion Christmas Treasures, 6597 138th Avenue, Laketown Township. Visit the famous Felt Mansion which will be decorated for the holidays. Seasonal items and fine art available for purchase. Wine, cheese and appetizers. 5-9pm. Adults: $20, children under 12: $10. 269-857-2677. |
1-3 | Festival of Trees, City Hall, 539 Phoenix Street, South Haven. 269-637-4342. Holiday trees and wreaths for sale at this annual fund-raising event. 269-637-4342. |
1-10 | Holiday Kerstmarkt, Eighth Street Marketplace, downtown Holland. Open-air European Christmas market selling Dutch festive treats, crafts, one of a kind items. Call 800-506-1299 for days and times. |
1-10 | Deck The Halls, Tri-Cities Historical Museum, 200 Washington, Grand Haven. Holiday décor crafted by local artists for tables, mantles and doors is auctioned off. 9:30am-5pm. Tues. Wed. Thurs. and Fri. Call 616-842-0700 for details. |
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1-12 | Mistletoe Market, South Haven Center for the Arts, 600 Phoenix Street, South Haven. This annual holiday boutique is a perennial favorite with lakeshore shoppers. Over 40 local artists represented. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Center for the Arts. Market runs through Dec. 11th. Open Mon-Sat. 10am-5pm, Sun. Noon-5pm. |
1-18 | The Santa Train Excursion, Coopersville & Marne Railway, 311 Danforth Street, Coopersville. Train runs Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 18th. Elves escort children to sit with Santa who has a reserved seat in each of the train’s vintage passenger cars. A princess will read from The Polar Express. Every child receives a gift. Cars are heated; each car has a restroom. Children under 2 ride free. Adults $14.50, Children 2-12 $11.50, Seniors 60+ $13.50. Call 616-997-7000 for ticket information. |
1-24 | Santa’s House, downtown Holland. Bring the little ones to meet Santa and get a holiday photo with him. Call 616-988-6187 for days and times. |
1-24 | Grand Haven Nativity Scene, Waterfront Stadium, downtown Grand Haven. One of the largest Nativity Scenes in the world. Eight minute program of music, narration and visual display runs continuously from 7-9pm, with a 2 minute break between presentations. |
1-31 | Christmas & Holiday Traditions Around the World, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids. 300,000 lights, 40 international holiday displays and trees, carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, nativity scenes, The Railway Garden exhibit with new buildings, trolley rides, redesigned Diwali display, enhanced Nativity displays. 888-957-1580. |
1-31 | Bling – A History of Costume Jewelry, Tri-Cities Historical Museum, 200 Washington, Grand Haven. Approx. 1000 pieces of vintage costume jewelry on display, dating from the 1920s-1960s. Exhibit runs thru Feb. 28th. Free museum admission. Closed Mondays. Call 616-842-0700 for hours. |
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2 | Sinterklaas Eve Procession, downtown Holland. Riding his great white horse, the traditional Dutch folk Sinterklaas arrives at Eighth Street Marketplace to lead a procession along 8th Street, then to Central Avenue and on to Centennial Park. After the mayor welcomes him at the park, everyone is invited to visit the Holland Museum for cookies, hot cocoa and a visit with Sinterklaas. 7pm. 616-394-0000. |
2 | Community Tree Lighting Ceremony, Lake Bluff Park in St. Joseph. 6:30pm. |
2 | Annual Santa Claus Parade, 7pm, downtown Coopersville in the historic district. |
3 | Holidays in Lakeside, on the shores of Muskegon Lake. Holiday activities, carriage rides, Santa, carolers, bake sale and more. 11am-5pm. Call 231-75-7606 or visit www.lakesidedistrict.com. |
3 | Annual Christmas Parade, Butler Street in downtown Saugatuck. 1pm. Holiday floats, Snow Shovel Brigade, Peppermint Stick Drill Team, Santa. 269-857-1701. |
3 | Luminary Lane, Beery Field in downtown Douglas. 6-8pm. Carolers, holiday lights, visit from Santa. 269-857-1626. |
3 | Holiday Heritage Home Tour, Muskegon. Self-directed car tour that begins at the downtown Union Depot. Map is provided. Refreshments at selected stops. Noon-5pm. Tickets: $10. Free for children 12 and under. |
3 | Winter Greenmarket, Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver Street, Saugatuck. 10am- 3pm. Fresh holiday greenery, Christmas cookies, a visit from Santa, Victorian carolers, spiced cider, ornaments, handmade cards, wreaths, swags, live trees. 269-857-2399. |
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TBA | Christmas at the Flywheelers, Michigan Flywheelers Museum, 06285 68th Street, South Haven. Santa, craft bazaar, holiday music, wagon rides. 5-8pm. 269-639-2010. |
3 | Reindog Parade, State Street, downtown St. Joseph. Costumed pets and their owners join Santa in the Annual Reindog Holiday Parade. Prizes awarded for Best Dressed Pet and Best Dressed Group. $2.00 registration fee. Bring your pup, fill out an entry form before 11:30am, and join the parade. Noon. 269-985-1111 for more details. |
3 | ‘A Celtic Christmas: Seasonal Music from the Celtic Isles and Appalachia’, Holy Family Chapel, Nazareth Center-3427 Gull Road, Kalamazoo. A seasonal concert performed by the singers and musicians of Early Music Michigan. Tickets: $15. Student tickets are $5. 8pm. 269-349-1045. |
3 | 20th Annual Nouveau Fest, Fenn Valley Vineyards, 6130 122nd Avenue, Fennville. 1-4pm. Sample the newest Fenn Valley vintages. Guided tours of the wine cellar. Free. No reservations necessary. This year, the fest will celebrate homemade pizza recipes and the best “pizza wine”. 269-561-2396. |
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3 | Grand Haven Area Arts Council Craft Show, Grand Haven Community Cente, 421 Columbus, Grand Haven. Fri: 10am-3pm. $1 entry fee. Contact Dawn, 616-842-5518. |
3 | Jingle Bell Parade, downtown Grand Haven. Mr. and Mrs. Klaus, lighted holiday floats. Parade ends at Central Park for the lighting of the Christmas tree…and hot chocolate. 6pm. 616-842-4910. |
3 | 59th Annual White Lake Area Christmas Parade, Whitehall. Begins at 2pm at Whitehall City Hall. Approx. 75 entries in the parade. Includes Santa arriving on his sleigh. 231-893-4585. |
3 | Chicago Classic Brass Holiday Concert, First Congregational Church of Saugatuck, 296 Hoffman, Saugatuck. 7:30pm. (90-minute concert featuring a variety of holiday music. Refreshments. Tickets sold at the door: $20 for adults, $10 for children 12 and under. |
3 | Children’s Puppet Show, Nature Education Center, 8115 West Olive Road, West Olive. 1pm. Free. One-hour indoor puppet show presented by Nature Center staff and their animal puppets. Theme of the show is how wild animals survive the winter cold. For ages K-2nd grade. 616-738-4810. Optional outdoor hike following the program. |
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3-4 | Classic Holiday Home Tour, Grand Haven area. Selected area homes decorated for the holidays are opened to the public. 1-6pm. Tickets: $10.00. 616-842-0700. |
4 | Lakeshore Community Chorus, 2nd Annual ‘Holiday Reflections’ Concert, Community Church of Douglas, Sanctuary, 6780 Wiley Road, Douglas. 4pm. Tickets Adults: $15, Children: $5. 269-857-2387. Visit www.lakeshorecommunitychorus.org/news/ for information. |
7-24 | Santa House, the Plaza next to the Grand Haven Fifth Third, 233 Washington Ave., Grand Haven. Visit Santa and his elves. Photos. Wed-Fri 6-8pm, Sat 11am-4pm. |
9 | Up On the Rooftops, Downtown Holland. Visitors tour the upper floors of historic downtown buildings. Appetizers and drinks served afterward at the Fifth Third Bank building. Tickets are $20 and must be purchased in advance. Tour: 6:00-8:30pm. Reception: 8:00-9:30pm. Call 616-394-0000 for more information. |
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9 | The Nutcracker, Knickerbocker Theatre, 86 East 8th Street, Holland. The Nutcracker Ballet is presented by the Hope College Ballet Club. To reserve a free ticket, call 616-395-7890. |
9 | Celtic Thunder Christmas, Miller Auditorium, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo. This new Celtic Thunder show ‘Heritage’ spotlights the Irish culture. 12 new songs. 8pm. Tickets: $35-65. Call 269-387-2300 for ticket info. |
9-10 | A Christmas Madrigal Feast, Hope College Collegium Madrigal Dinner. Hope College, Maas Center, 264 Columbia Ave., downtown Holland. Madrigal dinner begins at 7pm. Call 616-395-7890 for ticket information. |
9-11 | Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” performed by the Saugatuck Village Players at the Saugatuck Woman’s Club, 303 Butler (at the corner of Butler & Hoffman), Saugatuck. Fri-Sat. 8pm, Sat Matinee 2pm, Sun.7pm. For tickets, call 269-857-701 on weekdays. |
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10 | Homestead Holiday at DeGraaf Nature Center, 600 Graafschap Road, Holland. Learn how to make pioneer era holiday crafts and gifts such as German wax ornaments and cornhusk dolls, or dip and roll candles. No registration necessary. Fees for crafts start at .50 each. Hot chocolate and cookies await visitors at the nature center’s log cabin. 11am-3pm. 616-355-1057. |
10 | Santa’s Pool Party, Holland Aquatic Center, 550 Maple Avenue, Holland. 6pm-8:45pm. Underwater photos with Santa, Holiday games, prizes. Float on a raft while watching the movie ‘The Search for Santa Paws’. Admission $5. 616-393-7595. |
10 | Symphony Orchestra & Chorale Holiday Celebration Concert, Dimnent Chapel, 277 College Ave., Holland. Two concerts by the Holland Symphony and Holland Chorale at 3:30pm and 7:30pm. Call 616-796-6780 for ticket info. $18 Adults, $15 Seniors, $5 Students. |
10 | Holiday Card Making Class, Tri-Cities Historical Museum, 200 Washington, Grand Haven. 10am-Noon. $12 fee. All materials provided. 616-842-0700. |
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10 | A Kid’s Christmas, Tri-Cities Historical Museum, 200 Washington, Grand Haven. 1pm-3pm. Free. ‘Make it and take it holiday activity.” 616-842-0700. |
10 | Annual Ferrysburg Carol Sing, William Ferry Park, Ferrysburg. 6pm. Carols, hot chocolate, bonfire, donuts and a visit from Santa. 616-842-5803. |
10 | Happy Elves Craft Show, White Pines Middle School, 1100 S. Griffin, Grand Haven. 9am-4pm. |
10 | Grand Rapids Choir of Men & Boys, All Saints Episcopal Church, on the corner of Hoffman Street and Grand, Saugatuck. 7pm. The choir will perform as part of the Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols. Open to the public, free. Donations accepted. 269-857-5201. |
10-11 | Victorian Christmas Tea, Cappon House, 228 W. 9th Street, Holland. 1-4pm, reservations required. $10 per person, children 5 and under $6. Call 616-392-9084. |
16-18 | Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol performed by the Saugatuck Village Players at the Saugatuck Woman’s Club, 303 Butler (at the corner of Butler & Hoffman), Saugatuck. Fri-Sat. 8pm, Sat. Matinee 2pm, Sun.7pm. For tickets, call 269-857-701 on weekdays. |
17 | Public Ice Skating, LC Walker Arena, 955 Fourth Street, Muskegon. Public skating begins for the season. $4.00 skate rental, or bring your own. 12:30-2pm Saturdays and Sundays. |
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17 | Shopping Jam, downtown Holland. Stores on 8th Street will open at 7am to offer customers early morning bargains. The special shopping spree lasts from 7am-10am. |
18-31 | Michigan Outsider’s Art Exhibit, South Haven Center for the Arts, 600 Phoenix Street, South Haven. Opening reception 5-7pm. Call 269-637-1041 for more information. |
19-30 | Christmas Break Fun Camp, Tri-Cities Family YMCA, 1 Y Drive, Grand Haven. Activities for ages 4-13. Sports, swimming, arts & crafts, games and more. 9am-4pm. Visit www.tcfymca.org or call 616-842-7051 for more information. |
27-29 | Christmas Crafts at the Museum, Holland Museum, 31 W. 10th Street, Holland. Free holiday crafts, activities and refreshments in museum lobby. 10am-5pm. 616-796-3329. |
31 | New Year’s Eve Fireworks Display, Saugatuck/Douglas Harbor, midnight. 269-857-1701. |
31 | New Year’s Eve Swim & Ski Party, Tri-Cities Family YMCA, 1 Y Drive, Grand Haven. 6pm-10pm. Fun activities for the whole family include swimming, obstacle course, basketball, dodge ball, bounce house, crafts, wallyball. Pizza at 9pm, followed by DJ Dance Party. Visit www.tcfymca.org or call 616-842-7051 for more information. |
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1 | Sergeant Preston Race, Yukon King 6 Mile/5K Memorial Run Walk over the snowy dunes along the shores of Lake Michigan. Muskegon State Park, Winter Sports Complex. For more info, call Jeep Osborn ar 231-206-5571 |
1-8 | Christmas & Holiday Traditions Around the World, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids. 300,000 lights, 40 international holiday displays and trees, carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, nativity scenes, The Railway Garden exhibit with new buildings, trolley rides, redesigned Diwali display, enhanced Nativity displays. 888-957-1580. www.MeijerGardens.org |
1-31 | Michigan Outsider’s Art Exhibit, South Haven Center for the Arts, 600 Phoenix Street, South Haven. Call 269-637-1041 for more information. |
1-31 | Bling – A History of Costume Jewelry, Tri-Cities Historical Museum, 200 Washington, Grand Haven. Approx. 1000 pieces of vintage costume jewelry on display, dating from the 1920s-1960s. Exhibit runs thru Feb. 28th. Free museum admission. Closed Mondays. Call 616-842-0700 for hours. |
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6 | Wine About Winter, downtown Grand Haven. Walking tour of downtown stores that will showcase West Michigan artists, along with wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres. 5-8pm. |
6-7 | 4th Annual Ice Sculpting Competition, 8th Street, downtown Holland. This Collegiate Ice Sculpture Invitational draws students from around the country. Marvel at the elaborate ice sculptures lining the streets of downtown. |
21 | 13th Annual Chili Cook-off and Cellar Clearance Sales, Fenn Valley Vineyards, 6130 122nd Avenue, Fennville. Compete for the best chili in several categories. Those who don’t want to compete are invited to bring an appetizer or pot of chili for the ‘wine lovers’ potluck’. Chili contestants must pre-register. Potluck begins at 2pm. Cellar clearance sale is held from 11am-5pm on Sat. Jan. 21, Sun. from 12:30-5pm. 269-561-2396. |
22 | Moscow Festival Ballet’s ‘Fairytale Fantasy’. Miller Auditorium, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo. Selections from Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Swan Lake & Giselle will be performed. Tickets: $15-40. For an additional $12, there is a pre-show Princess Tea. Call 269-387-2300 for ticket info. |
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26-29 | Winterfest 2012, Grand Haven. Annual long weekend of winter fun with indoor and outdoor activities. Human Sled Race, Family Dog Pull, Cardboard Sled Race, Skiing, Snowboarding, Euchre Tournament, Kid’s Day, snow angel contest, winter luau, hamster/gerbil race, music venues and more. For more info, visit http://www.winterfestonline.org. |
27 | Harlem Gospel Choir, Miller Auditorium, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo. 8pm. Tickets: $15-35. Call 269-387-2300 for ticket info. |
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Unless otherwise indicated, all Lake Effect Living photographs are the work and property of Sharon Pisacreta.