The most wonderful time of the year is here! Whether you’re looking to embrace the cold and snow this winter or escape it, there are plenty of opportunities to take advantage of all Grand Rapids has to offer this holiday season. Bundle up and check out our roundup of activities to keep you busy this winter, below!
Holiday Traditions
Looking to start a new family tradition, or continue an old one? There are plenty of family-friendly options to enjoy holiday art & culture from around the world right here in Grand Rapids.
Grand Rapids’ holiday seasonal tradition adorns the stage at DeVos Performance Hall with beautiful sets and beloved characters for Grand Rapids Ballet’s annual production of The Nutcracker! Join Clara as she journeys through the Land of the Sweets, guided by the Sugar Plum Fairy where she is dazzled by swirling snowflakes and waltzing flowers. Grand Rapids Ballet dancers perform enchanting choreography by Val Caniparoli in front of wonderfully imagined sets by Chris Van Allsburg, designed by Eugene Lee, with live accompaniment from the Grand Rapids Symphony to Tchaikovsky’s magical score. Share the joy of the season as we rejoice in our return to the stage for the city’s favorite holiday tradition.
At Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, the annual University of Michigan Health-West Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition brings the glow of over 300,000 lights, strolling carolers, rooftop reindeer and nearly 50 international trees and displays. Across cultures and continents, countless experiences connect us and conjure the spirit of 
the holidays. Lend us an ear as we explore the Sounds of the Season. The companion Railway Garden exhibition is a unique horticultural display that incorporates garden design, miniature buildings handmade from natural materials, and model trolleys and trains.
Be sure to mark your calendars for the return of the World of Winter Festival! From January 7-March 6, this outdoor art exhibit brings over 40 interactive art installations and more than 50 ice sculptures, all spread out across Downtown Grand Rapids. Bundle up and join in on the fun!
Eat, Drink & Be Merry
It’s a busy season, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t slow down and let someone else do the cooking! Whether you want to cozy up inside or watch the snow fall from the comfort of a heated igloo, there are plenty of options for winter dining in Grand Rapids. Bundle up and head to Founders Brewing Co. or IDC at the Amway, whose cozy heated patios will keep you comfortable in every season, or enjoy the fairytale-like view of a snowy sunset along the river in one of the clear igloos at Margaux. And don’t forget about the downtown refreshment area, providing the option to stroll and view holiday lights while sipping on a festive drink from participating vendors.
Indoor Activities for Friendly Competition
When the weather outside is frightful, there are still options to get out of the house and burn some energy! Enjoy some friendly competition with indoor activities. For traditional bowling fun, check out Westgate Bowl, or if you’re ready for a unique twist, try out fowling – a combination of football and bowling – at The Fowling Warehouse.
Visit Grand Rapids Brewing Co. to play some games while enjoying one of Beer City’s many great breweries. In addition to great local beer, their game room has fun for the whole family, from foosball to shuffleboard, Mortal Kombat and more!
Looking for more ideas? Check out Experience Grand Rapids for a full list of upcoming events in our area!
