GRAND RAPIDS, MI – With Christmas only weeks away, the Grand Rapids area is busting with plenty of holiday-themed events this weekend for the whole community to get in the festive spirit.<\/p>\n
MLive’s lineup includes a fun time for everyone, including a chance to meet Santa and his reindeer, Grand Rapids Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” and a holiday train ride through the lit-up LMCU Ballpark.<\/p>\n
Keep scrolling to see five fun things to put on your holiday-themed calendar for this weekend, Dec. 15-17.<\/p>\n
1. Meet Santa & His Reindeer<\/p>\n
Santa and his reindeer are coming to Sparta Town Square, 201 E. Division St., for a meet and greet, plenty of goodies and fun for the whole family on Friday, Dec. 15.<\/p>\n
From 5-8 p.m., people will be able to grub on s’mores, take their kids on kiddie cart rides, hop on the Holiday Hayride, and get some Christmas shopping done at local businesses.<\/p>\n
The event is by Sparta Today, Servpro of South and Northwest Grand Rapids and Compass Credit Union.<\/p>\n
2. Country Night at the Grand<\/p>\n
Grab your cowboy boots and get ready to party that the true country fan you are at Social Dance Studio’s Country Night at the Grand on Friday, Dec. 15.<\/p>\n
The event kicks off from 6 p.m.- 1 a.m. at 925 4 Mile Rd. NW. for a fun evening of great food, music and dancing.<\/p>\n
The Grand Celebration Center will have a full diner menu available from 5-9 p.m. The full schedule includes the following:<\/p>\n
The Grand Rapids Ballet is inviting all to share in the classic holiday tradition as they present “The Nutcracker” at DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW.<\/p>\n
Guests can expect to become a part of the magic as Grand Rapids Ballet dancers grace the stage performing choreography by Val Caniparoli before an immersive set by Chris Van Allsburg and world-famous designer Eugene Lee.<\/p>\n
Related: See ‘The Nutcracker’ in Grand Rapids before Christmas 2023<\/p>\n
The Grand Rapids Symphony will play the score by Tchaikovsky as the showcase follows the story of Clara as she receives a magical Nutcracker from her uncle who takes her on an adventure through the land of sweets.<\/p>\n
Other show dates include Dec. 16-17, with shows at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.<\/p>\n
Tickets start at $32 and can be purchased online at grballet.com, via phone at 616-454-4771 ext. 110, or in person at the ballet’s box office.<\/p>\n
4. BYOB Holiday Lights Trolley<\/p>\n
The original BOYB Holiday Lights Trolley, a Christmas party on wheels, is coming back to Grand Rapids through Saturday, Dec. 16.<\/p>\n
Attendees ages 21 and over are welcome to meet at a festival bar called K\u00fcsterer Brauhaus, 642 Bridge St. NW. There, you’ll check in, meet your guide and grab a quick snack.<\/p>\n
Before heading off through Grand Rapids’ yuletide lights, all are invited to bring their own alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages for the vintage trolley ride.<\/p>\n
Boarding begins at 4 p.m. Tickets cost $79 and are available for purchase through Eventbrite.<\/p>\n
5. Memory Lane Train at LMCU Ballpark<\/p>\n
West Michigan’s largest, animated drive-through light show is back for “Another Year of Magic,” organizers say.<\/p>\n
This season marks the 26th year of entertaining people of all ages at LMCU Ballpark, 4500 West River Dr. NE in Comstock Park.<\/p>\n
Guests will be able to experience the Christmas Lite Show in a whole different way on the Memory Lane Train, which features nearly two miles of Christmas magic with over a million lights, animated displays, lighted tunnels, and more.<\/p>\n
The animated event is open daily until the end of the month. Times include:<\/p>\n
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GRAND RAPIDS, MI – With Christmas only weeks away, the Grand Rapids area is busting with plenty of holiday-themed events this weekend for the whole community to get in the festive spirit. MLive’s lineup includes a fun time for everyone, including a chance to meet…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":32462,"menu_order":0,"template":"","acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n