Calendar of Events
December 2012 and January 2013
December 2012 1 Winter Greenmarket, Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver Street, Winter Greenmarket, Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver Street, Saugatuck. 10am- 2pm. Fresh holiday greenery, Christmas cookies, a visit from Santa, Victorian carolers, spiced cider, ornaments, handmade cards, wreaths, swags, live trees. 269-857-2399. 10am- 2pm. Fresh holiday greenery, Christmas cookies, a visit from Santa, Victorian carolers, spiced cider, ornaments, handmade cards, wreaths, swags, live trees. 269-857-2399. 1 Annual Christmas Parade, Butler Street in downtown Saugatuck. 1pm. Holiday floats, Snow Shovel Brigade, Peppermint Stick Drill Team, Santa. 269-857-1701. 1 Luminary Lane, Beery Field in downtown Douglas. 6-8pm. Carolers, holiday lights, visit from Santa. 1 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. 1 The Arc Muskegon Holiday Event, Watermark 920, 930 Washington Ave., Muskegon. This annual event has been serving people with disabilities and their loved ones since 1952. Enjoy music, appetizers, silent auction, poinsettia sale and a Big Ten Football Championship Game on a big screen TV. 6:30-10:30pm. Tickets: $25. 231-578-0469. 1 Singing Christmas Tree, Frauenthal Center of the Performing Arts, 425 W. Western Avenue, Muskegon. 3pm and 7pm. Celebrate the season with the annual Mona Shores High School Singing Christmas Tree. Tickets are $13. 
1 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 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. Bring your pup, fill out an entry form at 3pm, and join the 4pm parade. Call 269-985-1111 for more details. 1 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. 6-7pm. 616-842-4910. 1 21st 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. 1 “It’s All About The Dress”, Felt Mansion, 6597 138th Avenue, Laketown Township. Noon-3pm. Luncheon and fashion show featuring dresses from the 1880s thru the 1950s. Fashion designer and author Vicky Tiel will narrate the show. $45 per person. Call 616-335-8982 for ticket information. 1 60th Annual White Lake Area Christmas Parade, Whitehall. Begins at 2pm at Whitehall City Hall. Approx. 100 entries in the parade. Includes Santa arriving on his sleigh. 231-893-4585. 
1 Woodpecker Pizza Party at DeGraaf Nature Center, 600 Graafschap Road, Holland. Learn about area woodpeckers and what best to feed them. Party participants will then assemble a woodpecker pizza with suet crust, topped by seeds and nuts. Take the pizza home and serve it to your backyard woodpeckers. $3 fee per pizza. Please register. 2pm. 616-355-1057. 1 Circle of Trees, Walker Park, 1521 Ruddiman, North Muskegon. The annual lighting of the trees, community carol sing, dog parade and more. All day event. 231-744-1621. 1-2 Festival of Trees, Muskegon Museum of Art, 296 West Webster Avenue, Muskegon. Model train station, gingerbread house, themed holiday trees. Admission to festival includes admission to museum. 231-720-2570. 1-2 Holiday Tours of Muskegon’s Historic Sites. Enjoy tours of the Fire Barn Museum, the Hackley & Hume Historic Site and the Depression era Scolnik House. The sites are located at 484 W. Webster and 510 & 504 W. Clay, Muskegon. Travel between the sites via rides on a free horse-drawn carriage. 5-8pm. Call 231-722-0278 for more info. 1&7 Holland Farmers Market, Eighth Street Marketplace, 150 West Eighth Street, downtown Holland. Local farmers sell winter produce along with freshly grown holiday garlands, trees and wreaths. Market opens at 8am on December 1 and December 8. Call 616-355-1138 for more info. 1-8 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, or visit www.kerstmarkt.wordpress.com. 
1-9 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. 9th. Open Mon-Sat. 10am-5pm, Sun. Noon-5pm. 1-20 Deck The Halls, Tri-Cities Historical Museum, 200 Washington, Grand Haven. Christmas boutique marketplace, barbershop quartet performance, gala dance evening, senior sing-a-long, gift wrapping, auction and more. Call 616-842-0700 for details. 1-23 The Santa Train Excursion, Coopersville & Marne Railway, 311 Danforth Street, Coopersville. Train runs Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 23rd. 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. 1-23 Santa’s House, the corner of State and Pleasant Streets, downtown St. Joseph. Bring the little ones to visit Santa. Thursday-Friday: 4-6pm. Saturday: Noon-5pm. Sunday: Noon-3pm. 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. 1-24 Santa’s House, the corner of River and 8th Street in downtown Holland. It’s time for the little ones to meet Santa and get a holiday photo with him. Bring your own camera! Call 616-394-0000 for days and times. 
1-31 ‘Form and Function – Ethnographic Art from Africa, Asia and the Middle East’, Tri-Cities Historical Museum, 200 Washington, Grand Haven. Approx. 300 works of art from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Exhibit runs thru Aug. 31st. Free museum admission. Closed Mondays. Call 616-842-0700 for hours. 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, enhanced Nativity displays. Holiday display runs thru Jan. 6. Call 888-957-1580 or visit www.MeijerGardens.org 2 Lakeshore Community Chorus, 3rd Annual ‘Holiday Reflections’ Concert, Singapore Room, Saugatuck Brewing Company, 2948 Blue Star Highway, Douglas. 3pm & 6pm. Tickets: Adults: $15, Children: $5.269-857-2387. 2 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. 5-21 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. 7 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. 
7 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. 7 Community Tree Lighting Ceremony, Lake Bluff Park in St. Joseph. 6:30pm. 7 32nd Annual Nighttime Christmas Parade, downtown Coopersville. 7-9pm. This year’s theme is ‘Home Town Christmas’. 7-8 ‘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. 7-8 Grand Haven Area Arts Council Craft Show, Grand Haven Community Center, 421 Columbus, Grand Haven. Fri: 10am-7pm. Saturday 10am-3pm. $1 entry fee. Contact Dawn, 616-842-5518. 7-8 A Christmas Madrigal Feast, Hope College Collegium Madrigal Dinner. Hope College, Maas Center, 264 Columbia Ave., downtown Holland. The Castle gates open at 6:30 for seating. Wassail will be served in the lobby. Madrigal dinner begins at 7pm. Call 616-395-7890 for ticket information. 8 Felt Mansion Winterfest, 6597 138th Avenue, Laketown Township. Noon-2pm. Visit the famous Felt Mansion which will be decorated for the holidays. A visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, horse-drawn wagon rides, face painting. Free lunch provided by Dokk’s Firehouse Dogs however a donation of $5 per family is suggested. Call 616-335-8982 for more details. 
8 Happy Elves Craft Show, White Pines Middle School, 1100 S. Griffin, Grand Haven. 9am-4pm. Over 100 vendors. 616-842-9062. 8 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, or buy online. 8 Santa’s Maui Christmas Pool Party, Holland Aquatic Center, 550 Maple Avenue, Holland. Noon-2pm. Holiday games, prizes. The whole family can enjoy this Hawaiian and holiday themed pool party. Bring a camera to take pictures with Santa. Open swim until 5pm. Call 616-393-7595 for details. 8 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 are .50 each to $2 each. Hot chocolate and cookies await visitors at the nature center’s log cabin. 11am-3pm. 616-355-1057. 8 ‘The Rented Christmas’, Holland Civic Theatre, 50 West 9th Street, Holland. 2pm & 7pm. Tickets: $8. Call 616-396-2021 for info. 8 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. 
7 Light Up The Bluff, Lake Bluff Park, downtown St. Joseph. 6:30pm. Help usher in the holiday season with the lighting of the community Christmas tree and the other decorations in Lake Bluff Park. 269-983-5541 for more info. 7 Live Mannequins! downtown St. Joseph. 7-8:30pm. The store windows come alive with live mannequins posing in scenes from classic holiday stories. 7-8 ‘A Christmas Carol’ presented by the West Michigan Symphony, Frauenthal Theater, 425 W. Western Avenue, Muskegon. Watch Dicken’s classic tale come to life in this musical and theatrical adaptation. 7:30pm. Call 231-726-3231 for ticket info. 8 Christmas Fair 2012, Coopersville Farm Museum, 375 Main Street, Coopersville. 10am-2pm. Mrs. Claus will decorate Christmas cookies with the children while aduls shop for unique craft items and decorations. Hot cocoa, Christmas carols. 616-997-8555. 8-9 Ferrysburg Carol Sing, William Ferry Park, Ferrysburg. Celebrate the season with Christmas carols, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa. 6-7pm. 616-842-5803. 8-9 Holiday Tours of Muskegon’s Historic Sites. Enjoy tours of the Fire Barn Museum, the Hackley & Hume Historic Site and the Depression era Scolnik House. The sites are located at 484 W. Webster and 510 & 504 W. Clay, Muskegon. Travel between the sites via rides on a free horse-drawn carriage. 5-8pm. Call 231-722-0278 for more info. 
10 Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker, Frauenthal Theater, 425 W. Western Avenue, Muskegon. 7:30pm. Call 800-585-3737 for ticket info. 14 Christmas at the Flywheelers, Michigan Flywheelers Museum, 06285 68th Street, South Haven. Santa, craft bazaar, holiday music, wagon rides. 5-8pm. 269-639-2010. 14-16 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 269-857-1701 8am - 5pm on weekdays or 616-218-3408 on weekends. 15 Shopping Jam, downtown Holland. Stores on 8th Street will open at 7am to offer customers early morning bargains. The special shopping spree lasts from 8am-10am. 15-16 Victorian Christmas Tea, Cappon House, 228 W. 9th Street, Holland. 1-4pm, reservations required. $10 per person, children 5 and under $6. Call 616-796-3329. 15-16 Holiday Tours of Muskegon’s Historic Sites. Enjoy tours of the Fire Barn Museum, the Hackley & Hume Historic Site and the Depression era Scolnik House. The sites are located at 484 W. Webster and 510 & 504 W. Clay, Muskegon. Travel between the sites via rides on a free horse-drawn carriage. 5-8pm. Call 231-722-0278 for more info. 
16 Christmas Candlelight Concert, First Congregational Church of Muskegon, 1201 Jefferson Street, Muskegon. Two Sunday concerts featuring David Wikman’s Chamber Orchestra and the 55 member Motet Choir. 3pm and 7pm. Call 231-726-3254 for more details. 23 ‘A Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis’, Frauenthal Theater, 425 W. Western Avenue, Muskegon. The group performs live for one performance only. 4:30pm. Call 231-722-9750 for ticket info. 24-28 Christmas Crafts at the Museum, Holland Museum, 31 W. 10th Street, Holland. Free holiday crafts, activities and refreshments in museum lobby. 10am-5pm. Closed Christmas. 616-796-3329. 26-28 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. 27-28 Holiday Tours of Muskegon’s Historic Sites. Enjoy tours of the Fire Barn Museum, the Hackley & Hume Historic Site and the Depression era Scolnik House. The sites are located at 484 W. Webster and 510 & 504 W. Clay, Muskegon. Travel between the sites via rides on a free horse-drawn carriage. 5-8pm. Call 231-722-0278 for more info. 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. 31 New Year’s Eve Fireworks Display, Saugatuck/Douglas Harbor, midnight. 269-857-1701. 
January 2013 
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 at 231-206-5571. 1-6 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, enhanced Nativity displays. Holiday display runs thru Jan. 6. Call 888-957-1580 or visit www.MeijerGardens.org 1-31 ‘Form and Function – Ethnographic Art from Africa, Asia and the Middle East’, Tri-Cities Historical Museum, 200 Washington, Grand Haven. Approx. 300 works of art from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Exhibit runs thru Aug. 31st. Free museum admission. Closed Mondays. Call 616-842-0700 for hours. 2-4 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. 4 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. 5-9pm. 
4-5 5th 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. 5 Indoor Farm Market, Foundry Hall, 422 Eagle Street, South Haven. Buy winter produce and baked goods from area farm market vendors. Open each Saturday, 11am-3pm. For more info, call Darlene at 269-543-4658. 6 2013 Shoreline Bridal Fair, Holiday Inn, downtown Muskegon. Wedding and bridal experts from West Michigan talk about the services available from their businesses. 3pm. Free. 12 Muskegon Bridal Association’s 38th Annual Bridal Expo. Frauenthal Theater, 425 W. Western Avenue, Muskegon. 11am-4pm. Dozens of local businesses will be available to help the prospective bride. Fashion show at 3pm. 231-722-9750 for more info. 12 Indoor Farm Market, Foundry Hall, 422 Eagle Street, South Haven. Buy winter produce and baked goods from area farm market vendors. Open each Saturday, 11am-3pm. For more info, call Darlene at 269-543-4658. 
19 14th 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. 269-561-2396. 19 Indoor Farm Market, Foundry Hall, 422 Eagle Street, South Haven. Buy winter produce and baked goods from area farm market vendors. Open each Saturday, 11am-3pm. For more info, call Darlene at 269-543-4658. 24-27 Winterfest 2013, 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 winterfestmi.org 26 Indoor Farm Market, Foundry Hall, 422 Eagle Street, South Haven. Buy winter produce and baked goods from area farm market vendors. Open each Saturday, 11am-3pm. For more info, call Darlene at 269-543-4658. 
1 | Winter Greenmarket, Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver Street, Winter Greenmarket, Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver Street, Saugatuck. 10am- 2pm. Fresh holiday greenery, Christmas cookies, a visit from Santa, Victorian carolers, spiced cider, ornaments, handmade cards, wreaths, swags, live trees. 269-857-2399. 10am- 2pm. Fresh holiday greenery, Christmas cookies, a visit from Santa, Victorian carolers, spiced cider, ornaments, handmade cards, wreaths, swags, live trees. 269-857-2399. |
1 | Annual Christmas Parade, Butler Street in downtown Saugatuck. 1pm. Holiday floats, Snow Shovel Brigade, Peppermint Stick Drill Team, Santa. 269-857-1701. |
1 | Luminary Lane, Beery Field in downtown Douglas. 6-8pm. Carolers, holiday lights, visit from Santa. |
1 | 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. |
1 | The Arc Muskegon Holiday Event, Watermark 920, 930 Washington Ave., Muskegon. This annual event has been serving people with disabilities and their loved ones since 1952. Enjoy music, appetizers, silent auction, poinsettia sale and a Big Ten Football Championship Game on a big screen TV. 6:30-10:30pm. Tickets: $25. 231-578-0469. |
1 | Singing Christmas Tree, Frauenthal Center of the Performing Arts, 425 W. Western Avenue, Muskegon. 3pm and 7pm. Celebrate the season with the annual Mona Shores High School Singing Christmas Tree. Tickets are $13. |
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1 | 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 | 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. Bring your pup, fill out an entry form at 3pm, and join the 4pm parade. Call 269-985-1111 for more details. |
1 | 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. 6-7pm. 616-842-4910. |
1 | 21st 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. |
1 | “It’s All About The Dress”, Felt Mansion, 6597 138th Avenue, Laketown Township. Noon-3pm. Luncheon and fashion show featuring dresses from the 1880s thru the 1950s. Fashion designer and author Vicky Tiel will narrate the show. $45 per person. Call 616-335-8982 for ticket information. |
1 | 60th Annual White Lake Area Christmas Parade, Whitehall. Begins at 2pm at Whitehall City Hall. Approx. 100 entries in the parade. Includes Santa arriving on his sleigh. 231-893-4585. |
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1 | Woodpecker Pizza Party at DeGraaf Nature Center, 600 Graafschap Road, Holland. Learn about area woodpeckers and what best to feed them. Party participants will then assemble a woodpecker pizza with suet crust, topped by seeds and nuts. Take the pizza home and serve it to your backyard woodpeckers. $3 fee per pizza. Please register. 2pm. 616-355-1057. |
1 | Circle of Trees, Walker Park, 1521 Ruddiman, North Muskegon. The annual lighting of the trees, community carol sing, dog parade and more. All day event. 231-744-1621. |
1-2 | Festival of Trees, Muskegon Museum of Art, 296 West Webster Avenue, Muskegon. Model train station, gingerbread house, themed holiday trees. Admission to festival includes admission to museum. 231-720-2570. |
1-2 | Holiday Tours of Muskegon’s Historic Sites. Enjoy tours of the Fire Barn Museum, the Hackley & Hume Historic Site and the Depression era Scolnik House. The sites are located at 484 W. Webster and 510 & 504 W. Clay, Muskegon. Travel between the sites via rides on a free horse-drawn carriage. 5-8pm. Call 231-722-0278 for more info. |
1&7 | Holland Farmers Market, Eighth Street Marketplace, 150 West Eighth Street, downtown Holland. Local farmers sell winter produce along with freshly grown holiday garlands, trees and wreaths. Market opens at 8am on December 1 and December 8. Call 616-355-1138 for more info. |
1-8 | 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, or visit www.kerstmarkt.wordpress.com. |
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1-9 | 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. 9th. Open Mon-Sat. 10am-5pm, Sun. Noon-5pm. |
1-20 | Deck The Halls, Tri-Cities Historical Museum, 200 Washington, Grand Haven. Christmas boutique marketplace, barbershop quartet performance, gala dance evening, senior sing-a-long, gift wrapping, auction and more. Call 616-842-0700 for details. |
1-23 | The Santa Train Excursion, Coopersville & Marne Railway, 311 Danforth Street, Coopersville. Train runs Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 23rd. 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. |
1-23 | Santa’s House, the corner of State and Pleasant Streets, downtown St. Joseph. Bring the little ones to visit Santa. Thursday-Friday: 4-6pm. Saturday: Noon-5pm. Sunday: Noon-3pm. |
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. |
1-24 | Santa’s House, the corner of River and 8th Street in downtown Holland. It’s time for the little ones to meet Santa and get a holiday photo with him. Bring your own camera! Call 616-394-0000 for days and times. |
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1-31 | ‘Form and Function – Ethnographic Art from Africa, Asia and the Middle East’, Tri-Cities Historical Museum, 200 Washington, Grand Haven. Approx. 300 works of art from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Exhibit runs thru Aug. 31st. Free museum admission. Closed Mondays. Call 616-842-0700 for hours. |
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, enhanced Nativity displays. Holiday display runs thru Jan. 6. Call 888-957-1580 or visit www.MeijerGardens.org |
2 | Lakeshore Community Chorus, 3rd Annual ‘Holiday Reflections’ Concert, Singapore Room, Saugatuck Brewing Company, 2948 Blue Star Highway, Douglas. 3pm & 6pm. Tickets: Adults: $15, Children: $5.269-857-2387. |
2 | 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. |
5-21 | 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. |
7 | 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. |
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7 | 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. |
7 | Community Tree Lighting Ceremony, Lake Bluff Park in St. Joseph. 6:30pm. |
7 | 32nd Annual Nighttime Christmas Parade, downtown Coopersville. 7-9pm. This year’s theme is ‘Home Town Christmas’. |
7-8 | ‘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. |
7-8 | Grand Haven Area Arts Council Craft Show, Grand Haven Community Center, 421 Columbus, Grand Haven. Fri: 10am-7pm. Saturday 10am-3pm. $1 entry fee. Contact Dawn, 616-842-5518. |
7-8 | A Christmas Madrigal Feast, Hope College Collegium Madrigal Dinner. Hope College, Maas Center, 264 Columbia Ave., downtown Holland. The Castle gates open at 6:30 for seating. Wassail will be served in the lobby. Madrigal dinner begins at 7pm. Call 616-395-7890 for ticket information. |
8 | Felt Mansion Winterfest, 6597 138th Avenue, Laketown Township. Noon-2pm. Visit the famous Felt Mansion which will be decorated for the holidays. A visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, horse-drawn wagon rides, face painting. Free lunch provided by Dokk’s Firehouse Dogs however a donation of $5 per family is suggested. Call 616-335-8982 for more details. |
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8 | Happy Elves Craft Show, White Pines Middle School, 1100 S. Griffin, Grand Haven. 9am-4pm. Over 100 vendors. 616-842-9062. |
8 | 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, or buy online. |
8 | Santa’s Maui Christmas Pool Party, Holland Aquatic Center, 550 Maple Avenue, Holland. Noon-2pm. Holiday games, prizes. The whole family can enjoy this Hawaiian and holiday themed pool party. Bring a camera to take pictures with Santa. Open swim until 5pm. Call 616-393-7595 for details. |
8 | 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 are .50 each to $2 each. Hot chocolate and cookies await visitors at the nature center’s log cabin. 11am-3pm. 616-355-1057. |
8 | ‘The Rented Christmas’, Holland Civic Theatre, 50 West 9th Street, Holland. 2pm & 7pm. Tickets: $8. Call 616-396-2021 for info. |
8 | 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. |
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7 | Light Up The Bluff, Lake Bluff Park, downtown St. Joseph. 6:30pm. Help usher in the holiday season with the lighting of the community Christmas tree and the other decorations in Lake Bluff Park. 269-983-5541 for more info. |
7 | Live Mannequins! downtown St. Joseph. 7-8:30pm. The store windows come alive with live mannequins posing in scenes from classic holiday stories. |
7-8 | ‘A Christmas Carol’ presented by the West Michigan Symphony, Frauenthal Theater, 425 W. Western Avenue, Muskegon. Watch Dicken’s classic tale come to life in this musical and theatrical adaptation. 7:30pm. Call 231-726-3231 for ticket info. |
8 | Christmas Fair 2012, Coopersville Farm Museum, 375 Main Street, Coopersville. 10am-2pm. Mrs. Claus will decorate Christmas cookies with the children while aduls shop for unique craft items and decorations. Hot cocoa, Christmas carols. 616-997-8555. |
8-9 | Ferrysburg Carol Sing, William Ferry Park, Ferrysburg. Celebrate the season with Christmas carols, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa. 6-7pm. 616-842-5803. |
8-9 | Holiday Tours of Muskegon’s Historic Sites. Enjoy tours of the Fire Barn Museum, the Hackley & Hume Historic Site and the Depression era Scolnik House. The sites are located at 484 W. Webster and 510 & 504 W. Clay, Muskegon. Travel between the sites via rides on a free horse-drawn carriage. 5-8pm. Call 231-722-0278 for more info. |
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10 | Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker, Frauenthal Theater, 425 W. Western Avenue, Muskegon. 7:30pm. Call 800-585-3737 for ticket info. |
14 | Christmas at the Flywheelers, Michigan Flywheelers Museum, 06285 68th Street, South Haven. Santa, craft bazaar, holiday music, wagon rides. 5-8pm. 269-639-2010. |
14-16 | 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 269-857-1701 8am - 5pm on weekdays or 616-218-3408 on weekends. |
15 | Shopping Jam, downtown Holland. Stores on 8th Street will open at 7am to offer customers early morning bargains. The special shopping spree lasts from 8am-10am. |
15-16 | Victorian Christmas Tea, Cappon House, 228 W. 9th Street, Holland. 1-4pm, reservations required. $10 per person, children 5 and under $6. Call 616-796-3329. |
15-16 | Holiday Tours of Muskegon’s Historic Sites. Enjoy tours of the Fire Barn Museum, the Hackley & Hume Historic Site and the Depression era Scolnik House. The sites are located at 484 W. Webster and 510 & 504 W. Clay, Muskegon. Travel between the sites via rides on a free horse-drawn carriage. 5-8pm. Call 231-722-0278 for more info. |
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16 | Christmas Candlelight Concert, First Congregational Church of Muskegon, 1201 Jefferson Street, Muskegon. Two Sunday concerts featuring David Wikman’s Chamber Orchestra and the 55 member Motet Choir. 3pm and 7pm. Call 231-726-3254 for more details. |
23 | ‘A Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis’, Frauenthal Theater, 425 W. Western Avenue, Muskegon. The group performs live for one performance only. 4:30pm. Call 231-722-9750 for ticket info. |
24-28 | Christmas Crafts at the Museum, Holland Museum, 31 W. 10th Street, Holland. Free holiday crafts, activities and refreshments in museum lobby. 10am-5pm. Closed Christmas. 616-796-3329. |
26-28 | 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. |
27-28 | Holiday Tours of Muskegon’s Historic Sites. Enjoy tours of the Fire Barn Museum, the Hackley & Hume Historic Site and the Depression era Scolnik House. The sites are located at 484 W. Webster and 510 & 504 W. Clay, Muskegon. Travel between the sites via rides on a free horse-drawn carriage. 5-8pm. Call 231-722-0278 for more info. |
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. |
31 | New Year’s Eve Fireworks Display, Saugatuck/Douglas Harbor, midnight. 269-857-1701. |
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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 at 231-206-5571. |
1-6 | 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, enhanced Nativity displays. Holiday display runs thru Jan. 6. Call 888-957-1580 or visit www.MeijerGardens.org |
1-31 | ‘Form and Function – Ethnographic Art from Africa, Asia and the Middle East’, Tri-Cities Historical Museum, 200 Washington, Grand Haven. Approx. 300 works of art from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Exhibit runs thru Aug. 31st. Free museum admission. Closed Mondays. Call 616-842-0700 for hours. |
2-4 | 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. |
4 | 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. 5-9pm. |
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4-5 | 5th 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. |
5 | Indoor Farm Market, Foundry Hall, 422 Eagle Street, South Haven. Buy winter produce and baked goods from area farm market vendors. Open each Saturday, 11am-3pm. For more info, call Darlene at 269-543-4658. |
6 | 2013 Shoreline Bridal Fair, Holiday Inn, downtown Muskegon. Wedding and bridal experts from West Michigan talk about the services available from their businesses. 3pm. Free. |
12 | Muskegon Bridal Association’s 38th Annual Bridal Expo. Frauenthal Theater, 425 W. Western Avenue, Muskegon. 11am-4pm. Dozens of local businesses will be available to help the prospective bride. Fashion show at 3pm. 231-722-9750 for more info. |
12 | Indoor Farm Market, Foundry Hall, 422 Eagle Street, South Haven. Buy winter produce and baked goods from area farm market vendors. Open each Saturday, 11am-3pm. For more info, call Darlene at 269-543-4658. |
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19 | 14th 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. 269-561-2396. |
19 | Indoor Farm Market, Foundry Hall, 422 Eagle Street, South Haven. Buy winter produce and baked goods from area farm market vendors. Open each Saturday, 11am-3pm. For more info, call Darlene at 269-543-4658. |
24-27 | Winterfest 2013, 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 winterfestmi.org |
26 | Indoor Farm Market, Foundry Hall, 422 Eagle Street, South Haven. Buy winter produce and baked goods from area farm market vendors. Open each Saturday, 11am-3pm. For more info, call Darlene at 269-543-4658. |
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Unless otherwise indicated, all Lake Effect Living photographs are the work and property of Sharon Pisacreta.