Santa Parades and Events
The 2011 holiday season won't officially start until the man in red rides into town, so be ready to greet Santa as West Michigan celebrates the lighter side of Christmas with these parades and events.
The 50th Annual Kalamazoo Holiday Parade
November 12 • 11 am
Discover Kalamazoo, Downtown Kalamazoo
269-731-4164 | www.DiscoverKalamazoo.com
This annual event serves as the kickoff to the holiday season in Downtown Kalamazoo and the entire community. The event features five giant helium balloons, along with nearly 90 other community organizations, businesses, and bands. There are 80-90 units that make for a fun-filled and wonderful celebration. The famous helium balloon characters include: The Gingerbread Man, Santa Garfield, The Nutcracker, Pizzaz Snowman, Rudolph, and Santa and Mrs. Claus! And as the tradition holds true, Santa is always the finale! After the parade, stick around downtown -- there's free birthday cake, inflatable games, sidewalk chalk, hop scotch, cake walks, and pinatas. Participating local stores will give away free hot cider, hot chocolate, doughnuts, cinnamon rolls, and more! And don't forget about great deals at downtown restaurants!
Silver Bells in the City
November 18
Greater Lansing CVB, Downtown Lansing
888-2-LANSING | www.Lansing.org
The premiere holiday event for the state of Michigan, Silver Bells in the City brings over 100,000 people to Lansing each year to enjoy the Electric Light Parade followed by the lighting of Michigan’s official Christmas tree and a fireworks show over the State Capitol.
43rd Annual Grand Rapids Jaycees Santa Parade
November 19 • 9 am - 11 am
Experience Grand Rapids, Downtown Grand Rapids
877-847-4847 | www.experiencegr.com
Come help welcome Santa to Grand Rapids in a parade that has been a downtown tradition for nearly 100 years! NEW parade route: The parade will start at the corner of Michigan and Ottawa, travel south on Ottawa past Calder Plaza and end at Fulton near Van Andel Arena.
Battle Creek Holiday Parade
November 19 • 6 pm
Calhoun County Visitors Bureau, Downtown Battle Creek
800-397-2240 | www.battlecreekvisitors.org
Kick of the holiday season and the International Festival of Lights with the annual Holiday Parade. We invite everyone to join in this most glorious celebration in downtown Battle Creek!
Santa on Saturdays
November 19 - 26 • 11 am - 2 pm
Muskegon Museum of Art, Muskegon
231-720-2570 | www.muskegonartmuseum.org
Visit Santa at Festival of Trees! Bring your camera. (Santa gone for lunch 12:30-1:00pm)
Stafford's Downtown Petoskey Holiday Parade
November 26 • 10 am
Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau, Downtown Petoskey
800-845-2828 | www.petoskeyarea.com
Help the holidays march into Downtown Petoskey with the Stafford's Downtown Petoskey Holiday Parade.
Stafford's Hospitality hosts this daytime parade that swoops into downtown carrying holiday excitement. This fun event includes marching bands, floats by local businesses, marching characters, and much more. The parade is wrapped up by its most popular participant, Santa Claus. After the parade, he will greet children on the Veranda at Stafford's Perry Hotel and listen to all of their Christmas wishes.
Santa Train
Saturdays & Sundays, November 26 - December 18
Coopersville & Marne Railway, Coopersville
616-997-7000 | www.coopersvilleandmarne.org
Ride with the FUN GUY! Everyone loves Santa and Santa loves kids. Each of our vintage passenger cars has a special seat reserved just for the Big Guy and his friends. Elves will escort the children to sit with Santa. All kids get a present, even the shy ones! Our story-telling Princess will read from the book, "The Polar Express" which was written by Grand Rapids native, Chris Van Allsburg. All of our cars are comfortably heated and each has a restroom on board.
Storytime with Sinterklaas
Saturdays, November 26 - December 10 • 11 am & 1 pm
Nelis' Dutch Village, Holland
616-396-1475 | www.dutchvillage.com
You and your family are invited to hear Sinterklaas tell stories in this centuries-old Dutch tradition. Nelis’ Dutch Village preserves this tradition with “Storytime with Sinterklaas” and all are welcome to come and listen to Sinterklaas share the old Dutch stories. One Dutch custom for children is to set their wooden shoes on the doorstep outside and fill them with carrots for Sinterklaas’ big white horse. The children hope to find gifts and candies in the morning. Sinterklaas tells many of the old customs, and children will also learn some traditional Dutch songs. All are welcome to enjoy this “best time of the year” with cookies and hot cider and to browse our unique gifts. Our booklet, “A Dutch Christmas - The Legend of Sinterklaas” is a valuable guide that will help reinforce some of the old Dutch traditions to the youngest members of your family.
Victorian Sleigh Bell Parade & Olde Christmas Weekend
December 1 - 4
Manistee County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Manistee
877-626-4783 | www.visitmanistee.com
Enjoy roasted chestnuts and carolers as you take part in one of Michigan's most unique holiday celebrations. A whole weekend of excitement including the Sleighbell Parade with horse drawn entries, historic building tours, special Christmas production at the historic Ramsdell Theatre, Festival of Trees, concerts, museum and art exhibits, and much more. Parade Dec. 3rd at 5:30pm
Downtown Traverse City Holiday Open House & Santa House
December 2
Downtown Traverse City Association, Traverse City
231-922-2050 | www.DowntownTC.com
Shop at participating stores until 9 pm for sales, specials and prizes offered. Horse & Carriage rides, caroling and live entertainment with a steel drum band at the corner of Cass and Front throughout the evening. Santa's arrival and the Holiday Tree Lighting are at 6 pm.
Santa will be at his house waiting for your visit!
- Fridays: 5 – 8 pm (December 9, 16)
- Saturdays: 11 am – 4 pm (December 3, 10, 17)
- Sundays: 1 – 4 pm (December 4, 11, 18)
- Extended hours:
12/21: 3-7 pm
12/22: 3-7 pm
12/23: Noon-3 pm
12/24: Noon-3 pm
*Dates are subject to change and based upon Santa's availability. Please check the Downtown website for any changes in Santa's hours.
The Annual Coopersville Santa Claus Parade
December 2 • 7 pm
Coopersville Area Chamber of Commerce, Coopersville
616-997-5164 | www.coopersville.com
One of the original night-time parades in Michigan, this annual event begins immediately following the lighting of Lori's Tree at the corner of Eastmanville & Main Streets.
Guests are invited to a free ride on the Coopersville & Marne Railway Shuttle from East Street adjacent to the school campus to the downtown area. After their return ride they are invited to have free refreshments while the children have a visit with Santa, get their faces painted and more.
Rockford Santa Parade
December 3 • 11 am
Rockford Chamber of Commerce, Rockford
616-866-2000 | www.RockfordMIChamber.com
Rockford welcomes the jolly man in the red suit with the Annual Santa Parade. Santa parades through the streets of downtown Rockford and then stops at the Rotary Pavilion to hear all good little girl and boy's gift wishes.
59th White Lake Area Christmas Parade
December 3 • 2 pm
White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, Whitehall to Montague
800-879-9702 | www.WhiteLake.org
Join White Lake in celebrating this annual Christmas parade, starting at Whitehall City Hall and ending at Montague City Hall. The 59th annual parade promises to be even more exciting with floats from area churches, civic organizations, businesses and area neighbors. Cartoon characters, clowns, parading fire trucks and animals of all shapes and sizes are just a few of the local favorites who will be handing out candy and goodies. Both Montague and Whitehall High Schools' marching bands will be stepping out, joined by area Brownie and Girl Scout troops along with various Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts.
As the grand finale, Santa will make his entrance with a horse drawn carriage. He will be eager to see children of all ages following the parade at his house outside Montague City Hall, located on Ferry Street.
Breakfast with Santa
December 3 • 8:30 am - 10 am
John Ball Zoo , Grand Rapids
616-336-4301 | www.JohnBallZooSociety.org
Join us for an all-you-can-eat, hearty breakfast; loads of activities and a visit with Santa! Must pre-register!
Lowell Christmas Parade
December 3 • 6 pm
Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce, Lowell
616-897-9161 | www.discoverlowell.org
Festivities include the Pancake Supper and Supper with Santa at the Lowell Fairgrounds, Santa parade along Historic Main Street, Flat River Freeze Ice Sculpture Challenge on the Riverwalk Plaza, pictures and visits with Santa on the Lowell Showboat, the Robert E. Lee, and Rudolph’s Craft workshop.
Gaylord Santa Parade
December 3 • 1:30 pm
Gaylord Area Convention & Tourism Bureau, Gaylord
989-732-6333 | www.gaylordmichigan.net
The Alpine village will ring in the holiday season on Saturday, December 3, 2011. Santa will arrive via the Santa Parade at 1:30. The festive procession begins at S. Indiana St. and proceeds through our beautiful downtown area stopping at the Pavilion on Court Street. Santa will individually greet all of our eager children all the while being serenaded by the sounds of holiday carols. Everyone is encouraged to hang a homemade ornament, preferably one that is good for the birds, on our community tree. No glass please.
Reindog Parade
December 3 • 12 pm
St. Joseph Today, St. Joseph
800-906-9968 | www.SJToday.org
At 12 noon costumed pets and their owners will escort Santa into downtown to kick off the holiday season. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes for the best dressed pet and best group!
Mrs. Claus Tea
December 4
W.K. Kellogg Manor House, Hickory Corners
269-671-2400 | www.kbs.msu.edu/visit/manor-house
Join Mrs. Claus while she spreads good cheer at the Kellogg Manor House. Mrs. Claus will read stories, sign songs and sit for pictures with your child in front of our fireplace.
Formal seating is available in our majestic living room and dining room at 2 pm. Tables dressed with linens and antique china will add to this special experience.
The Manor House is beautifully decorated for the holidays by local artist who make their items available for purchase. Our holiday teas have become a holiday tradition for many of our customer. Tables fill quickly so make your reservation soon.
Christmas Stroll & Santa Parade
December 9 • 6 pm - 9 pm
Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce, Fremont
231-924-0770 | www.fremontcommerce.com
Parade runs from the Fire Department to Santa's House in the Park. Santa will be available until 8:30 pm with complimentary Santa pictures from Treasured Images Photography.
Santa's at the Castle
December 10
Castle Farms, Charlevoix
231-237-0884 | www.castlefarms.com
We’ll have plenty of candy canes and cookies on hand when the Polar Express train display pulls in for a stop at Castle Farms on December 10, 2011. Your little ones will be in for a treat, with crafts galore, a story or two, not to mention a visit from the jolly ole fellow himself! Santa’s visit to the Castle is sure to provide you with the perfect photo op to capture precious childhood memories. $5 per child, ages 2 and up.
Santa's House
December
St. Joseph Today, St. Joseph
800-906-9968 | www.sjtoday.org
Santa is awaiting Christmas requests! When you visit Santa on Saturdays be sure to take a Free Horse Drawn Trolley Ride. Hop on the trolley at the corner of State and Elm Street near the Welcome Center and take a tour of the festively decorated downtown.