Looking forward to festive cheer in Kentwood? Our guide has everything you need! Whether you're rediscovering your city or visiting for the first time, our guide showcases the best of Kentwood's holidays.
Experience the magic of the season at the Annual Christmas Lights Show, where dazzling light displays transform the night. Be sure to explore the enchanting Meijer Gardens Christmas & Holiday Traditions, which feature festive exhibits and beautifully decorated trees. And the Grand Rapids Christmas Parade is something you definitely don't want to miss, boasting delightful floats and merry music. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Got questions? Like to help? Check out our Kentwood Holiday discussion here!
The Top Christmas Events in Kentwood
See these and even more events listed below!Kentwood Other Holiday Activities
Kentwood Christmas Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Community-focused event with local performances
Description:
Kentwood's Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony brings the community together for an evening of local talent and holiday spirit. The event spotlights performances by area school choirs and dance troupes, showcasing the city's young artists. As the grand finale, the mayor flips the switch, illuminating a towering evergreen with thousands of lights. This tradition, which began in the 1970s, has evolved into a beloved annual gathering. Attendees can warm up with complimentary hot cocoa while enjoying the performances and awaiting the tree lighting.
Website:
Kentwood Christmas Tree Lighting
Nearby Events
Grand Rapids Christmas Parade (Grand Rapids)
What to Expect:
Largest holiday parade in West Michigan
Description:
The Grand Rapids Christmas Parade illuminates downtown with a dazzling procession of floats, marching bands, and costumed characters. As the largest holiday parade in West Michigan, it draws thousands of spectators annually. You can secure a prime viewing spot along Monroe Avenue to watch the elaborate displays roll by. The parade's roots trace back to 1919 when it began as a small community celebration. Today, it serves as the official kickoff to the holiday season in Grand Rapids, transforming the city center into a lively, music-filled spectacle.
Website:
Annual Christmas Lights Show (Grand Rapids)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display synchronized to music
Description:
Twinkling lights dance in sync with holiday tunes at the Annual Christmas Lights Show in Grand Rapids. This innovative drive-through experience transforms the night with thousands of LED lights choreographed to festive melodies. Visitors tune their car radios to a dedicated station to immerse themselves in the audiovisual spectacle. The show, which began as a small neighborhood display, now spans acres and attracts visitors from across the state. Each year, organizers introduce new light sculptures and musical arrangements, ensuring a fresh experience for returning guests.
Website:
Meijer Gardens Christmas & Holiday Traditions (Grand Rapids)
What to Expect:
International holiday displays from around the world
Description:
Meijer Gardens Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition transports visitors on a global journey through holiday customs. The event showcases over 40 international displays, each meticulously crafted to represent diverse cultural celebrations. Stroll through the gardens to discover how different countries mark the season, from German Christmas markets to Japanese New Year traditions. The air is filled with the crisp scent of evergreens as you explore. This unique exhibition, which began in 1995, has grown to become a cherished community tradition, educating visitors about global holiday practices.
Website:
Meijer Gardens Christmas & Holiday Traditions
Christmas at the Market (Grand Rapids)
What to Expect:
Local artisans and farmers selling holiday-themed goods
Description:
Christmas at the Market transforms Grand Rapids' historic Fulton Street Farmers Market into a bustling holiday bazaar. Local artisans and farmers showcase their seasonal creations, from handcrafted ornaments to fresh wreaths and garlands. The market, which has been a community staple since 1922, takes on a distinctly festive air during this event. Visitors can sample locally-made holiday treats while browsing unique gifts. The market's open-air structure, draped in twinkling lights, creates an intimate shopping experience that harkens back to traditional European Christmas markets.
Website:
Santa's Reindeer Farm (Caledonia)
What to Expect:
Interactive experience with live reindeer
Description:
Santa's Reindeer Farm in Caledonia offers a rare opportunity to meet Santa's helpers up close. Visitors can feed and pet live reindeer, learning about these majestic animals from knowledgeable handlers. The farm, which operates year-round as an educational facility, transforms into a North Pole outpost during the holiday season. Children delight in writing letters to Santa at the on-site post office. The farm's commitment to reindeer conservation and education adds depth to the experience, blending holiday fun with wildlife appreciation.
Website:
Holiday Pops (Grand Rapids)
What to Expect:
Symphony orchestra performing holiday classics with special guests
Description:
Holiday Pops elevates the season with the Grand Rapids Symphony's masterful renditions of beloved holiday tunes. The orchestra, joined by guest vocalists and the Symphony Chorus, fills DeVos Performance Hall with soaring melodies. Audiences are treated to a mix of classical arrangements and contemporary holiday hits. The concert, a Grand Rapids tradition since 1985, has featured notable guest artists over the years. You might catch a surprise appearance by Santa himself, conducting a playful piece. The event's blend of musical excellence and holiday cheer creates an unforgettable evening.
Website:
Holiday Craft & Gift Show (Wyoming)
What to Expect:
Curated selection of handmade gifts from regional artisans
Description:
The Holiday Craft & Gift Show in Wyoming showcases the talents of regional artisans and crafters. This juried event ensures a high-quality selection of unique, handmade gifts ranging from jewelry to home decor. The show, which began as a small community gathering, now attracts skilled makers from across the Midwest. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of various crafting techniques, gaining insight into the artisans' processes. The event's focus on handcrafted items offers an alternative to mass-produced holiday gifts, supporting local creators and fostering a sense of community.