Find your holiday cheer in Kalamazoo with our ultimate event guide. For Kalamazoo residents and seasonal visitors, our guide is your passport to festive delights.
One of the highlights you can't miss is the Kalamazoo Holiday Parade, a magical procession that lights up the downtown streets with floats, music, and cheer. Meanwhile, the Bronson Park Tree Lighting Ceremony offers a mesmerizing display of twinkling lights and holiday spirit. And the Candy Cane Hunt is something you definitely don't want to miss, engaging children in a fun and festive treasure hunt. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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The Top Christmas Events in Kalamazoo
- Kalamazoo Holiday Parade
- Bronson Park Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Candy Cane Hunt
- A Kalamazoo Christmas
- Festival of Trees
- Christmas Behind Glass
- Kalamazoo Reindeer Trot
Kalamazoo Holiday Light Displays
Bronson Park Tree Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Illumination of a 40-foot Norwegian Spruce
Description:
Bronson Park's Tree Lighting Ceremony illuminates the heart of Kalamazoo with a towering 40-foot Norwegian Spruce. The event kicks off with live performances by local choirs, filling the air with melodious carols. Visitors can participate in a community sing-along, uniting voices in celebration. The park, established in 1854, serves as a historic backdrop for this annual tradition. As darkness falls, anticipation builds for the moment when thousands of twinkling lights burst to life, signaling the official start of the holiday season in Kalamazoo.
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Bronson Park Tree Lighting Ceremony
Kalamazoo Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Behind Glass
What to Expect:
Vintage holiday window displays in downtown storefronts
Description:
Christmas Behind Glass revives the nostalgic charm of vintage holiday window displays in downtown Kalamazoo. Local businesses transform their storefronts into captivating scenes reminiscent of mid-20th century department stores. Visitors can admire intricate miniature worlds, complete with moving parts and period-accurate details. The event pays homage to Kalamazoo's rich retail history, including the former Gilmore Brothers Department Store, which operated from 1881 to 1999. As you stroll past the illuminated windows, the displays transport you to a bygone era of holiday shopping.
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Kalamazoo Other Holiday Activities
Kalamazoo Holiday Parade
What to Expect:
Largest holiday parade in Southwest Michigan
Description:
The Kalamazoo Holiday Parade transforms downtown into a lively spectacle of seasonal cheer. As the largest holiday parade in Southwest Michigan, it features over 100 floats, marching bands, and costumed characters. Spectators can warm up with complimentary hot cocoa while enjoying the dazzling procession. The parade route follows the historic Kalamazoo Mall, America's first outdoor pedestrian shopping mall, opened in 1959. Children delight in collecting candy tossed from elaborately decorated floats, creating lasting memories of this cherished community tradition.
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Candy Cane Hunt
What to Expect:
Candy cane scavenger hunt throughout downtown
Description:
Kalamazoo's Candy Cane Hunt turns downtown into a sweet-seeking adventure. Participants scour the city streets, searching for hidden candy canes in an exciting scavenger hunt. The event encourages exploration of local businesses, as some treats are cleverly concealed within shops. You might discover the history of candy canes, which date back to 1670 in Germany, through informative placards placed throughout the hunt area. The city buzzes with energy as families and friends compete to find the most candy canes, fostering a spirit of playful competition and community engagement.
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A Kalamazoo Christmas
What to Expect:
City-wide celebration showcasing local talent and businesses
Description:
A Kalamazoo Christmas unites the city in a grand celebration of local talent and businesses. The event spotlights homegrown artists, from musicians performing in cozy cafes to artisans showcasing their crafts in pop-up markets. Visitors can embark on a self-guided tour of Kalamazoo's historic architecture, adorned with holiday decorations. The celebration pays homage to the city's rich cultural heritage, including its strong ties to the paper industry. Throughout downtown, the aroma of freshly roasted coffee from local roasters entices passersby, adding a distinctly Kalamazoo flavor to the festivities.
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Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Showcase of uniquely decorated trees by local organizations
Description:
The Festival of Trees in Kalamazoo showcases a forest of uniquely decorated trees, each sponsored and adorned by local organizations. This creative display highlights the diverse community spirit of Kalamazoo. Visitors can vote for their favorite tree, with proceeds benefiting local charities. The event takes place in the historic Radisson Plaza Hotel, built in 1975 and once the tallest building in the city. Children can participate in ornament-making workshops, creating personalized decorations to take home. The festival serves as a vibrant testament to Kalamazoo's community engagement and artistic flair.
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Kalamazoo Reindeer Trot
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed 5K run with reindeer antlers for participants
Description:
The Kalamazoo Reindeer Trot energizes the holiday season with a spirited 5K run through the city's scenic streets. Participants don reindeer antlers, creating a whimsical herd of runners. The race route showcases Kalamazoo's historic neighborhoods, including the Stuart Area Historic District, known for its well-preserved 19th-century homes. Spectators cheer on runners with jingle bells, filling the air with a cheerful cacophony. The event promotes health and community spirit, while also collecting donations for local food banks. After crossing the finish line, runners celebrate with a festive post-race party.
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Nearby Events
Zoo Lights (Battle Creek)
What to Expect:
Animal-themed light displays at Binder Park Zoo
Description:
Zoo Lights at Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek illuminates the night with animal-themed light displays. Visitors stroll through a glowing menagerie of LED sculptures, each representing different species found at the zoo. The event offers a unique twist on holiday lights, blending wildlife education with seasonal cheer. Guests can warm up in the Discovery Center, where they'll learn about nocturnal animals and conservation efforts. Binder Park Zoo, opened in 1977, continues its mission of connecting people with nature through this innovative holiday experience.
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Winter Wonderland (Richland)
What to Expect:
Interactive ice sculpture garden
Description:
Winter Wonderland in Richland features an interactive ice sculpture garden that transforms the village into a glistening outdoor gallery. Master ice carvers create intricate frozen artworks, inviting visitors to touch and explore the chilly masterpieces. The event celebrates Richland's agricultural heritage with ice sculptures depicting farm scenes and local produce. Guests can try their hand at ice carving under expert guidance, chiseling their own miniature sculptures. The crisp winter air carries the sound of crackling ice as new sculptures take shape throughout the event.