Upcoming Holiday Events
- FAMILY-FRIENDLY: Tidings & Tiaras: A Christmas Evening with the Princesses
o What: This magical soirée in the JW Marriott’s grand International Ballroom brings a full evening of live musical numbers from all the favorite princesses dressed in their holiday gowns, in partnership with Olivia Grace & Company. The evening includes interactive activities, princess meet-and-greets, and a chef-prepared dinner.
o When: Friday, December 19 at 5:30pm
o Where: International Ballroom, JW Marriott Grand Rapids
o Book: HERE
§ GA tickets ($107) include a seat to the show and a plated meal.
§ VIP tickets ($160) include prime seating, a plated meal, complimentary parking, a tiara, and a princess group portrait following the show.
§ Note: Tiaras, autograph books, princess group portraits, and featured drinks will be available for purchase at the event. Tickets are the same price for all ages. Ticket sales will close on Wednesday, December 17.
- FREE HOLIDAY FUN FOR FAMILIES: Charlie Brown Gingerbread Display Photo Opp
o What: Two giant Charlie Brown–inspired gingerbread creations (11 feet and 10 feet high) crafted with hundreds of pounds of icing, sugar, and candy are now on display under the Amway Grand Plaza’s iconic gold-leaf ceiling. The towering sculptures offer a nostalgic holiday photo opportunity for guests, locals, and families exploring downtown.
o Where: Pantlind Lobby, Amway Grand Plaza
o Images (credit: AHC Hospitality)
Upcoming New Year’s Eve Events
- FOR GOING ALL-OUT: New Year’s Eve Ballroom Bashes
o What: Downtown’s most anticipated NYE party return, with the Amway Grand Plaza and JW Marriott hosting high-energy celebrations filled with DJs, dancing and festive lighting, where guests can hop from ballroom to ballroom. To elevate the experience, VIP sections are available, as well as an overnight room package for a mini staycation after dancing the night away.
o When: December 31
o Where: Ballrooms at Amway Grand Plaza and JW Marriott Grand Rapids
o Book: HERE
§ GA tickets ($70) include access to both hotels’ parties.
§ VIP tickets ($107) include access to both hotels’ parties, late night snacks, exclusive VIP bathroom access-and a Midnight toast.
§ VIP Private Section at Amway Grand Plaza tickets ($1500/ 8 people) include 8 tickets, valet parking, exclusive VIP check-in, welcome bubbly upon arrival, private seating section for 8 people, personal cocktail server, bottle service (1 bottle), assorted beers and seltzers, late night snacks, 2 bottles of bubbly, access to VIP only restrooms
§ Ultimate VIP Private Section at Amway Grand Plaza tickets ($4,245/ 20 people) include 20 tickets, valet parking, exclusive VIP check-in, welcome bubbly upon arrival, private seating section for 20 people, personal cocktail server, bottle service (3 bottle), assorted beers and seltzers, late night snacks, 6 bottles of bubbly, access to VIP only restrooms.
- FOR FINE DINING FOODIES: Amway Grand Plaza’s New Year's Eve Black-Tie Gala Dinner
o What: This formal five-course wine-paired dinner includes live jazz, an elegant ballroom setting and VIP access to the hotels’ Ballroom Bashes afterward. The exclusive evening offers the most upscale way to ring in 2026 within the Hotel District.
o When: December 31 from 8pm–12:30am
o Where: Imperial Ballroom, Amway Grand Plaza
o Book: HERE (Tickets are $200)
§ Tickets include access to the exclusive, black-tie, gala-style event, musical entertainment by the Olivia Van Goor Quartet, a five-course dinner with curated wine pairings, a 15%-off a guest room discount, and VIP Access to the Ballroom Bashes ($100 value).
§ VIP access to the Ballroom Bashes includes late night snacks, exclusive VIP bathroom access and midnight toast.
- FOR SPEAKEASY VIBES: IDC New Year’s Eve Party
o What: IDC’s lively 21+ New Year’s Eve celebration returns with music, dancing and festive cocktails, including a featured Tequila Sparkler crafted for the night. Its indoor-outdoor speakeasy setting offers guests a more intimate, high-energy alternative to the larger ballroom events.
o When: December 31 from 8pm–midnight
o Where: IDC at Amway Grand Plaza
o Admission: $10 cover at the door
- FOR AN UPSCALE DJ SET: AC Hotel New Year’s Eve Party
o What: The AC Lounge will transform into a sleek NYE destination with DJ Buck, handcrafted cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a midnight champagne toast for guests seeking both a refined yet lively celebration.
o When: December 31 from 8pm–midnight
o Where: AC Lounge, AC Hotel Grand Rapids
o Book: HERE
§ GA tickets ($80) include complimentary parking at the JW Marriott, midnight champagne toast, and an hours d'ouerves bar.
