Don't miss the festive fun at this magical start to the holiday season! The celebration kicks off at 5:00pm with the start of the Gentex Grand Rapids Santa Parade Downtown Grand Rapids. At Rosa Parks Circle, we will be awaiting the arrival of Santa Clause to lead the magnificent lighting of the 38-foot concolor fir tree around 6:45pm.
During that time the fun will continue along Monroe Center and Rosa Parks Circle with:
🎄 DJ Composition plus performances by the Girls Chorale Academy and the Salvation Army Brass Band
🎄 Free hot cocoa from The Salvation Army to warm up
🎄 Peppermint ice cream sandwiches from Country Fresh
🎄 Grab a book from GRPL
🎄 Visit with the Gerald R. Ford Airport, Gentex, City of GR, and Downtown Ambassadors for other freebies and resources
🎄 Write letters to Santa with USPS and Blox
🎄 Snap pics with Gazelle Sports Whoville characters, Griff from the Grand Rapids Griffins, Grand Rapids Ballet Nutcracker characters, GRFD’s Sparky, Whitecaps Crash, Tortoise & Hare from the Amway River Bank Run, Buckets from the Grand Rapids Gold, GRPS’ Turkey, and Grimace from McDonald’s
🎄 Don’t miss free photos with Santa and a giant snow globe photo op hosted by Matrix Entertainment — it’s pure winter wonderland magic
Some of our friends indoors near Rosa Parks Circle will host holiday fun leading up to and during the tree lighting festivities! Check out:
❄️ Get crafty with the Grand Rapids Children's Museum. Decorate ornaments, make buttons, and strike a pose at their festive photo station — perfect for kids and kids-at-heart! This will all take place inside Oh, Hello Co. located at 40 Monroe Center.
❄️ Decorate a sweet treat at the Sugar Bar and check out their boozy hot chocolate bar – there’s something for everyone!
❄️ Gazelle Sports: Dress to be seen in your boldest, flashiest holiday gear and join the free Jingle Bell Fun Run! The route starts at Gazelle Sports and winds through downtown’s holiday displays. It’s the perfect way to get into your holiday spirit! Meet up at 52 Monroe Center NW just after the tree is lit to join the fun. Follow their page for more details on the run.
❄️Garden District: Warm up with a tailored winter menu full of seasonal delights. For those 21+, don’t miss their signature Hot Buttered Rum — available to-go in social district cups so you can sip and stroll! Check them out at 55 Monroe Center NW.
Please also add the link for our city's Event and Activities page:
Holiday joy and unforgettable memories are waiting for you at this spectacular season kickoff!
❄️ Rebel Nell: Rebel Nell is now open at 96 Monroe Center! Create your own one-of-a-kind jewelry or choose a meaningful gift made from repurposed Grand Rapids street art and materials from Michigan’s historic landmarks. Sustainable, personal, and full of local pride—this is holiday gifting with purpose. Here is the link to book the Design Your Own Experience.
https://www.rebelnell.com/products/grand-rapids-design-your-own-experience
❄️ Angel's Thai Cafe: Stop by Angel's at 136 Monroe Center NW. They will be offering samples to taste and a featured special: Tom Yum/Tom Kha Chicken Dumpling Soup!
❄️ GVSU Laker Store: Find the perfect gift for every Laker fan! Explore a wide selection of unique merchandise, including the limited-edition “Philly’s Faves” collection — supporting student scholarships with every purchase. Pay them a visit at 101 Monroe Center NW.
Holiday joy and unforgettable memories are waiting for you at this spectacular season kickoff! Follow this link to the City of Grand Rapids Events & Activities page for the latest updates:
https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/Special-Events/Gentex-Grand-Rapids-Santa-Parade-City-of-GR-Annual-Tree-Lighting-2025
Parking: Ample parking can be found at the Monroe Center Ramp, Ottawa-Fulton Ramp, and Pearl-Ionia Ramp! For stress-free parking, just park in the Area 9 DASH Lot and hop on the free DASH bus (stops at the parking lot every 15 minutes). Street parking may be available but will be limited as you near the center of the city due to multiple parade-related closures. ✅ Reminder – don’t park at meters with a ‘No Parking’ hood to avoid ticketing/towing.
Parade Day Travel Tips: Downtown will be *bustling* with events and some temporary road closures for the parade route. Consider arriving early to find the best parking and enjoy pre-parade and tree lighting activities, like grabbing a bit to eat or checking out the local shops.
Make a Day of It! Looking to turn your visit into a full day of fun? Check out these other exciting events happening on Saturday, November 22:
🛍️ Christkindl Markt at the Downtown Market | 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM: A festive outdoor market with artisan goods, food, and holiday cheer.
🎬 Grand Rapids Symphony Presents: The Polar Express in Concert at Devos Performance Hall | 2:00 PM: A magical movie experience with live orchestral accompaniment.
🍷 GR International Wine, Beer & Food Festival at DeVos Place | 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Sip, sample, and savor flavors from around the world. Tip: Park at the Area 9 DASH Lot and take the FREE trolley to DeVos Place!
🏒 Grand Rapids Griffins vs. Charlotte Checkers at Van Andel Arena | 7:00 PM: It’s $2 beer and hot dog night!
🎶 Mega 80’s at The Intersection | 8:00 PM: Dance the night away with your favorite throwback hits.
✨ Let’s Make It a Night to Remember! Bundle up, bring the kids, and invite your neighbors—downtown Grand Rapids is the place to be this holiday season. We can’t wait to celebrate with you! 🎁🎶
Also check out other Kids events & activities in Grand Rapids.
