December 2014 & January 2015

December 2014

1	Festival of Trees, Muskegon Museum of Art, 296 W. Webster Avenue, Muskegon. Last day of the festival for visitors to the museum to view trees and wreaths decorated by local artists. A silent auction for these creations will be held. Other activities include a Teddy Bear Breakfast with Santa and a holiday movie festival. Ends December 1. Call 231-720-2570 for more information.
1	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. Noon-4pm. Call 231-722-0278 for more info.
7	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.
1-7	Festival of Trees, City Hall, 539 Phoenix Street, South Haven. 269-637-4342. Annual fund-raising event offers holiday trees and wreaths for sale. Festival ends December 7th. 269-637-4342.
1-24	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. 8th. Open Mon-Fri. 11am-6pm, Sat-Sun. Noon-5pm.
6-21	The Santa Train Excursion, Coopersville & Marne Railway, 311 Danforth Street, Coopersville. Train runs Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 21nd. 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 $15.50, Children 2-12 $13.50, Seniors 60+ $14.50. Call 616-997-7000 for ticket information.
6-21	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.
5-24	Santa’s Shoppe, 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 616-393-0305 for days and times.
1-28	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, enhanced Nativity displays. Holiday display runs thru Jan. 4. Call 888-957-1580 or visit www.MeijerGardens.org
2	Parade of Lights, 8th Street, downtown Holland. Santa arrives accompanied by floats, bands and holiday lights. Free - 6:30pm. 616-796-1210 for details.
4-6	Singing Christmas Tree, Frauenthal Center of the Performing Arts, 425 W. Western Avenue, Muskegon. Evening shows – 7pm. Saturday matinee - 3pm. Celebrate the season with the annual Mona Shores High School Singing Christmas Tree.
10-23	Santa House, the Plaza next to Jumpin' Java, 215 Washington Ave., Grand Haven. Visit Santa and his elves. Photos. Wed-Fri 6-8pm, Sat 11:30am-4:30pm.
5	34rd Annual Nighttime Christmas Parade, downtown Coopersville. 7-9pm. This year’s theme is ‘Tis the Season of Giving, Sharing and Caring.
5	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. 269-985-1111 for more info.
6	Live Mannequins! downtown St. Joseph. 7-8:30pm. The store windows come alive with live mannequins posing in scenes from classic holiday stories.
5	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.
5-6	Holidays in Lakeside, on the shores of Muskegon Lake, 1845 Lakeshore Drive, Muskegon. Holiday activities, carriage rides, Santa, carolers, bake sale and more. 11am-5pm. Call 231-755-7606 for details.
5-6	‘The Nutcracker’, Knickerbocker Theatre, 86 East 8th Street, Holland. 7:30pm. The Nutcracker Ballet is presented by the Hope College Ballet Club. To reserve a free ticket, call 616-395-7890.
5-6	41st Annual Christmas Arts & Craft Show, Grand Haven Community Center, 421 Columbus, Grand Haven. Fri: 10am-6pm. Saturday 10am-3pm. $1 entry fee.
6	Annual “Whoville” Christmas Parade, Butler Street in downtown Saugatuck. 1pm. Holiday floats, Snow Shovel Brigade, Peppermint Stick Drill Team, Santa. Followed by a Christmas Cookie Tour of 18 area inns. Bridge lighting at 6pm. 269-857-1701.
6-7	Christmas Cookie Tour, Saugatuck/Douglas. Following Saugatuck’s Christmas parade, visit the open houses at 18 area inns which will be decorated for the holidays and serving homemade Christmas cookies. 2-5pm. Tickets: $12. Call 269-857-1701.
6	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.
6	62nd Annual White Lake Area Christmas Parade, Whitehall. Begins at 2pm at Whitehall City Hall. Approx. 80 entries in the parade. Includes Santa arriving on his sleigh. 231-893-4585.
6	7th Annual Christmas Tapestry with the White Lake Chorale, Montague Performing Arts Center, 4900 Stanton Boulevard, Montague. 7-8:30pm. Christmas Tapestry concert filled with new favorites, traditional favorites with a twist, guest instrumentalists and vocalists, humor, and the spirit of the season. 231-894-2661.
6	Winterfest at the Felt Mansion, 6597 138th Ave., Laketown Township. Noon-2pm. The Felt Estate hosts a family fun day including free hot dog lunch, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus – and take a free horse-drawn wagon ride through the Shore Acres Park. For more details, call 616-335-8982.
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 7 and December 14. Call 616-355-1138 for more info.
7	Holiday Kerstmarkt, Eighth Street Marketplace, downtown Holland. Open-air European Christmas market selling Dutch festive treats, crafts, one of a kind items.
6	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.
6	23nd Annual Nouveau Fest, Fenn Valley Vineyards, 6130 122nd Avenue, Fennville. 1-5pm. 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.
6	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	Muskegon Saturday Farmers Market, 700 Yuba bet. Spring & Marquette, off Seaway Drive, Muskegon. Every Saturday thru Christmas. 6am-3pm.
13	Homestead Holiday, DeGraaf Nature Center, 600 Graafschap Road, Holland. Dip and roll candles and make old-time pioneer era holiday gifts and crafts such as cornhusk dolls, German wax ornaments and more. Enjoy snacks and stories in the Center’s log cabin while learning about how the early Pioneers celebrated Christmas. 11am-3pm.
6-7	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. Noon-4pm. Call 231-722-0278 for more info.
6	Lakeshore Community Chorus, 5th Annual ‘Holiday Reflections’ Concert, Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver Street, Saugatuck. 3pm & 7pm. Tickets: Adults: $18, Children (12 and under): $8. 269-857-2399. Visit www.lakeshorecommunitychorus.org for more information.
12	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: 6:00-9:30pm. Receptions: 6:30-7:30pm & 8:30-9:30pm.
12	‘Christmas Magic’, West Michigan Symphony, Frauenthal Theater, 425 W. Western Avenue, Muskegon. 7:30pm. Call 231-727-8001 for ticket info.
14	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 7 and December 14. Call 616-355-1138 for more info.
12-13	Holiday Kerstmarkt, Eighth Street Marketplace, downtown Holland. Open-air European Christmas market selling Dutch festive treats, crafts, one of a kind items.
14	Shopping Jam, downtown Holland. Stores on 8th Street will open at 8am to offer customers early morning bargains. The special shopping spree lasts from 8am-10am.
14	A Downton Abbey Tea Party at the Felt Mansion, 6597 138th Ave., Laketown Township. 2pm-4pm. The Felt Estate hosts a Downton Abbey Tea Party with a trivia contest, Downton-themed gifts and a showing of last season's finale. $30/person or $210 for a table for eight. For more details, call 616-335-8982.
14	Muskegon Farmers Market, 700 Yuba bet. Spring & Marquette, off Seaway Drive, Muskegon. Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday thru November. 6am-3pm. Thanksgiving-Christmas, Saturdays only.
13	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 616-494-0256 for ticket info.
13	3rd Annual Paw Paw Area Rotary 5K Santa Run & 1M Fun Walk, downtown Paw Paw. Santa suits will be given to all participants. Enjoy the fun as hundreds of Santas run through downtown Paw Paw. Registration: 7:30am. Run begins at 9am.
13	Christmas Fair 2014, 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.
13	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.
13	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.
14-15	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. Noon-4pm. Call 231-722-0278 for more info.
13-14	Victorian Christmas Tea, Cappon House, 228 W. 9th Street, Holland. 1-4pm (seatings at 1pm, 2pm & 3pm), reservations required. $10 per person, children 5 and under $5. Call 616-796-3329 for reservations.
21	‘The Nutcracker’ performed by the West Michigan Youth Ballet, Frauenthal Theater, 425 W. Western Avenue, Muskegon. 3pm. Call 231-727-8001 for ticket info.
12-14	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 on weekdays.
21	Muskegon Farmers Market, 700 Yuba bet. Spring & Marquette, off Seaway Drive, Muskegon. Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday thru November. 6am-3pm. Thanksgiving-Christmas, Saturdays only.
20-21	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 Noon-4pm. Call 231-722-0278 for more info.
19-21	‘The Christmas Schooner’, Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College, Benton Harbor. The Twin City Players tell a musical story about the turn-of-the-century Michigan captain who delivered Christmas trees to Chicago aboard his schooner. Fri-Sat: 8pm; Sun: 2pm. Call 269-927-1221 for ticket info or visit the website.
22-26	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. Noon-4pm. 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.

January 2015

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. Register online or 9-10:30am at the Winter Sports Complex. Race starts at 11am. For more info, call Jeep Osborn at 231-206-5571.
1-4	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. 5. Call 888-957-1580 or visit www.MeijerGardens.org
2	Celebrate Winter at the Sarett Nature Center, 2300 Benton Center Rd., Benton Harbor. Join Sarett naturalists for a look at winter and snow. Spend the morning learning about animals in winter, snow and winter survival. Spend the afternoon on skis and snowshoes if there's snow. You must call to register 269-927-4832. For kids 6 years and older. $3/student for 9:30am-noon, $6/student for 9:30am-2:30pm
9-10	6th 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.
10	Winter Bugs Me! at the Outdoor Discovery Center, Sanctuary Woods, 4750 66th Street, Laketown Township 11am-noon. Learn about insects or signs of insects you might find in winter then head outside with a naturalist to see what you can find. $4/person. Registration required - call 616-393-9453.
16	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.
17	16th 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.
22-25	Winterfest 2015, 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 the Winterfest website.
23	Hot Chocolate Walk with the Outdoor Discovery Center, Camp GENEVA Pines, 17000 Quincy, Holland. 6-7:30pm. Explore the out-of-doors for signs of winter wildlife while walking in the Center's Ojibwa-style snowshoes. Dress for the weather outside. Hot chocolate and marshmallows served at the end of the hike. $4/person. Registration with Park Township required - call 616-399-4520.
23	Rastrelli Cello Quartet, Hope College Dimnent Chapel, 277 College Avenue, Holland. 7:30pm. The Rastrelli Cello Quartet performs music "between the genres," with widely varied programs mixing works by Bach, Saint-Saens and Tchaikovsky with that of George Gershwin, Dave Brubeck and Leroy Anderson. Tickets: Adult: $18; Senior: $13; Children 18 and younger: $6; Hope students: Free. Tickets can be ordered online.
27	It Sounds Like Mozart, with Robert Swan, Arts Council of White Lake, 106 East Colby Street, Whitehall. 7-8:30pm. Retired violinist from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Robert Swan, speaks on the elements of music and what we mean when we say, "It sounds like Mozart." Complimentary free beverages. Tickets: $5. Limited seating. Tickets are available at The Arts Council of White Lake, The Book Nook and Java Shop, 8726 Ferry Street, or online.
30	22nd Annual Ice Breaker Festival, South Haven. Winter festival showcasing professional, amateur and student ice sculptures, Chili Cook-off, Pub Slide, outdoor ice skating, horse drawn wagon rides, s’mores roasting, snowball throwing competition and other activities in downtown South Haven. Ends February 1st.
30	Superb Owl Prowl with the Outdoor Discovery Center, Sanctuary Woods, 4750 66th Street, Laketown Township 6-8pm. Hike the dunes of Laketown Township's Sanctuary Woods in search of resident and migratory owls. The group will try to call in Eastern Screech, Barred and Great Horned Owls as they hike. Flashlights are welcome. Free, but registration required - call 616-393-9453.
31	Snowfest 2015, downtown Muskegon. Come join the fun as the Greater Muskegon Jaycees host a number of activities including a snow volleyball tournament, team trivia night, snow cornhole tournament, kidsfest, and battle of the bowls.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Lake Effect Living photographs are the work and property of Sharon Pisacreta.