Enjoy holiday festivities throughout central West Michigan – including festivals, parades, and even a Santa train!

1. Muskegon

The Muskegon Museum of Art has partnered with Downtown Muskegon businesses and organizations for the Festival of Wreaths to display wreaths (designed by local artists and designers) in their windows from through December 11.

Come to Lakeshore to experience the Hackley and Hume homes decorated beautifully for the holidays on the Hackley Hume Historic Home Holiday Tours. These lumber-baron mansions in the Queen Anne style will be decked out with period-appropriate artifacts, ornaments and more! Admission includes both grand houses and the barn situated between. Tours are available December 3, 10, 17, 27 and 28 from 3-7 p.m.

2. White Lake

Santa’s coming to town! He will be at the 69th Annual White Lake Area Christmas Parade in downtown Montague and Whitehall on December 3. With over 50 entries, this parade is a very special slice of “small town America” and a great way to celebrate this holiday season with family, friends, and neighbors. Santa will make his entrance as the grand finale!

3. New Era

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? Come out to Country Dairy in New Era for a sleigh ride with their Belgian draft horses. What is more enjoyable than a family sleigh-ride pulled by a team of horses? Make some last family memories this year and schedule a sleigh-ride through the hills of Oceana County.

4. Lowell

Saturday, December 3, Lowell will host their Christmas Festivities! During the day, enjoy shopping throughout Lowell, an art and craft holiday sale, a live nativity scene, Rudolph’s Craft Workshop, visits with Santa Claus, and a pancake dinner at the fairgrounds. Then, at 6pm, the Annual Night-time Santa Parade will conclude the full day of holiday fun – this year’s parade theme is Light it Up with the Magic of Christmas! You won’t want to miss it.

5. Ludington

Ring in the holidays and celebrate the season in Ludington! Holiday Rock Spectacular is back for a much anticipated reunion on December 3-4, with a high-energy production of holiday rock, lighting and special effects sure to put audiences into the holiday spirit!

6. Holland

This special event in Holland celebrates Sinterklaas, the benevolent Dutch St. Nicholas on December 2, 2022 beginning at 6 p.m. Head to the holiday Kerstmarkt-Holland, where children can follow Sinterklaas around the Eighth Street MarketPlace, learn about the tradition of Sinterklaas, pose for photos and even get a special surprise from his helpers, in front of the Holland Civic Center.

Windmill Island Gardens in Holland is hosting its first Magic at the Mill holiday light event! This ticketed event will feature a ‘tulip field’ of 1,000 LED blossoms displaying a synchronized light and music show. The windmill and park grounds will be lit up and attractions such as the carousel, street organ, and shops will be open. There will also be an opportunity for kids to greet Sinterklaas (the Dutch predecessor of Santa Claus) along with snacks and beverages.

7. Rodney

This Christmas, see the story of Jesus’ birth come to life in Rodney at CranHill’s Star of Wonder: Journey to the Manger. This drive-thru, live nativity is complete with actors, animals, lights, and narration. Enjoy this free event with the whole family, as you remember the true story of Christmas on December 2, 3, & 4,  2022 at 6:00 pm –8:30 pm each night! Donations will also be accepted to support CranHill’s Camper Scholarship Fund.

8. Grand Rapids

See the season in a new light at the University of Michigan Health–West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition at Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids! They’re illuminating the ways diverse cultures use light to uplift hope, warmth, faith, and more during the darkest days of the year. From the warm glow of the Hanukkah menorah, to the bright flash of Diwali fireworks, to the starry sparkle of Filipino Christmas lanterns, light is at the center of the celebration in holiday festivities around the world. This year’s exhibition features additional indoor lighting and a new immersive light experience at the Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater—beginning at 6 pm, December 19–23 and 26–30). Bundle up and come celebrate the season with them!

9. Coopersville

The Friends of the Coopersville & Marne Railway’s Santa Train will be taking to the rails again this month. This family friendly event has become an annual tradition for many in West Michigan, and includes a 90-minute trip on the vintage train from Coopersville to Marne and back. During the trip, a storytelling Princess will read the ‘Polar Express’ and kids will be able to look for special Christmas symbols located along the route. Each child will also have an opportunity to talk directly to Santa Claus using a special direct video connection. In addition, each child receives a toy by which to remember their journey on the Santa Train.

10. Rockford

Discover a Rockford Christmas this year!Capture the magic of the holidays in the charming Heart of Rockford with special events including Rockford’s Holiday Lighting Ceremony, Santa Parade, Santa visits, carriage rides, live reindeer, and more!

11. Redwaters Collection’s

Celebrate the holiday season at Redwaters Collection’s annual Santa Brunch! Join FireRock Grille (Caledonia), Lake Bluff Grille (Muskegon), RedRock Grille (Holland), and Reds at Thousand Oaks (Grand Rapids) for a family-friendly brunch with Kris Kringle himself! Enjoy a delicious buffet, cookie decorating, and a hot chocolate bar. Don’t forget to get your photo with Santa Claus! Admission is $32 for adults, $16 for kids 5–12, and FREE for kids 4 and under with an adult.

Check out our West Michigan Holiday Gift Guide for ideas for everyone on your list.