December Holiday Activities and Events in West Michigan

The holiday season in West Michigan is bursting with festive activities and fun that we just couldn’t squeeze into one blog post! After showcasing November’s events in our first installment, we’re thrilled to bring you part two, shining a spotlight on all the exciting festivities happening in December.

From charming parades to cherished annual traditions, our Michigan Beachtowns are bustling with can’t-miss celebrations to make your December merry and bright. Get ready to fill your calendar with the most magical holiday events of the month!

Saugatuck/Douglas

Coffee & Cocoa Tour

Every Sunday in December | 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Begin a new holiday tradition at the Felt Mansion’s Coffee and Cocoa Tour. With the estate beautifully decorated for Christmas, leisurely stroll the property with a cup of hot coffee or nostalgic hot cocoa while enjoying the festive season with family, friends, and loved ones. For more information on ticket prices and current events visit Felt Mansion’s website.

Winterfest

December 7th | 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Winterfest is an annual FREE event that takes place at Felt Mansion. Children can experience the holiday festivities at the mansion, get their faces painted, meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus, ride in a horse-drawn carriage, and more. Plus, the first 500 children will get free goodie bags!

Wreath Making Class

December 7th | 10:00 am- 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Farmhouse Deli is hosting their annual wreath making class. Make a special holiday craft among friends and community with plenty of snacks, drinks, and holiday music. Make sure to book as soon as possible, as the event sells out quickly each year! To register and find more information, visit the event page on Saugatuck’s website.

Outdoor Holiday Market

December 7th | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Saugatuck Center of the Arts is kicking off the festive season with an outdoor holiday market! The market will feature many gifts and wares from home decor, crafts, and jewelry to artisan baked goods and produce from local vendors. The market will sure to be alight in holiday cheer from the holiday tunes on speakers overhead and holiday craft cocktails! Visit the SCA’s website for more details.

Saugatuck Christmas Parade

December 7th | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Saugatuck’s annual Christmas Parade starts off the holiday month on December 7th in the heart of downtown. Line up along the streets of downtown enjoying local community with your family and children. The parade will line up at Mason and Griffith Streets, and proceed to Butler Street.

Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl

December 7th | 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Drink for charity! Grab your ugliest sweater and explore the pub scene of Saugatuck with a bit of friendly competition. Race between five bars, complete tasks from festive elves, and return to Wicks Park to win prizes, including cash for the “Ugliest” Holiday outfit! The pub crawl begins at Wicks Park Bar & Grill 100% of the profits will go to families of Allegan County during the holiday season. For more information or questions check out the event page.

Holiday Cocktail Class

December 20th | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

New Holland Spirits in Saugatuck is continuing their holiday cocktail classes with the Making Spirits Bright: Holiday Cocktail Class. The class is the perfect way to learn new recipes and skills to bring to your upcoming holiday parties. Learn to shake, stir, and craft delicious cocktails for the holiday season. Sign up and buy your tickets here!

Holland

Holiday Kerstmarkt

November 23rd – December 21st | Fridays 11:00 am – 8:00 pm & Saturdays 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Kerstmarkt means “Christmas Market” in Dutch, connecting to Holland’s rich Dutch history and culture. Inspired by European Christmas markets, the city of Holland has created their very own in the past couple years. The market is just like the ones you’ll find spread across France and Germany with wooden booths, european foods, and a hot chocolate bar. Other noteworthy happenings include sled dog demonstrations, performances, hand-painted cards and more!

Parade of Lights

December 3rd | 6:30 pm

Santa Claus is set to make his appearance in Downtown Holland on December 3rd followed by floats, trucks, marching bands, and more. The parade of lights is a community tradition that brings thousands of sparkling lights to the streets of downtown. Grab a cup of hot chocolate and find a spot on the route with your family and children to watch as the procession goes by!

Magic at the Mill

December 6th – December 21st | Friday & Saturday Nights 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Magic at the Mill blends holiday magic with Holland’s Dutch culture. Join the festivities and watch as 1,000 LED tulips dance to the tune of holiday music. The event is family-friendly for all ages with special guests like Sinterklaas and carousel rides, as well as the gift shop and drink and snack bar. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 5 to 13. For more information and to get tickets visit the event’s webpage.

Holiday Open House

December 9th | 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

The Holland Museum is hosting its holiday open house! Get in the holiday spirit with family-friendly holiday activities. There will be family photo-ops, complimentary cookies and hot chocolate, music, crafts, and more! The event is free and no registration is necessary.

Home for the Holidays Concert

December 14th | 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm and 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Holland’s Symphony Orchestra is performing a holiday concert featuring season favorites like The Polar Express and Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty. Get in the holiday spirit with classic Christmas tunes and community gathering. Tickets are on sale for $29.00. To book tickets and for more information, visit the Holland Symphony Orchestra’s website.

South Haven

Mistletoe Market

November 23rd – December 15th

Both the downstairs and upstairs of the South Haven Center for the Arts is transformed into a holiday art and gift market for the holidays. This is the 38th year of Mistletoe Market! Buy unique handmade gifts made by local and Michigan based artists including jewelry, cards and stationary, photographs, paintings and more. Click here for more details.

Christmas in the Park

December 6th – December 23rd | 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Experience a magical light show for the holidays with friends and family at Christmas in the Park, South Haven’s only drive-through light show. Take in the holiday cheer as you wind down the decorative 1/2 mile stretch adorned with animated figures, holiday scenes, and over 60,000 lights! There will be photo opportunities with light displays, as well as an opportunity to get out of your car and visit Mrs. Claus’ Bake Shoppe and Santa’s Toy Shoppe with tasty holiday treats and the perfect gifts from matching pajama sets to homemade ornaments.

Holiday Cocktail Class

December 20th | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

New Holland Brewing is hosting more holiday cocktail classes at their South Haven tasting room. Their Making Spirits Bright: Holiday Cocktail Class is perfect for the experienced or those brand new to the art of cocktails. Try new recipes with different techniques, sample your own product, and get into the holiday spirit! You’ll also get to take the recipes you learn home with you, so you can make your favorite each year for the holidays. For more information and booking, click here.

Grand Haven

Christmas Arts & Craft Show

December 7th | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Check out Central Park Place in Downtown Grand Haven for the 51st Annual Christmas Arts & Craft Show. There will 40+ booths features of handcrafted items for all your holiday shopping needs. The admission fee is $1.00 donation at the door. Food will also be available!

Jingle Bell Parade

December 7th | 6:00 pm

Celebrate the season at Grand Haven’s annual Jingle Bell Parade. Enjoy over 80 themed floats, holiday music, and special appearances by Mr. and Mrs. Claus! The parade winds through downtown, ending at Central Park with a tree-lighting ceremony, caroling, and hot chocolate. Local businesses will add to the festive cheer by handing out candy to the crowd. For more details head to the event page.

Lights at Night

December 1st – December 14th | 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Enjoy a hike at Pigeon Creek Park as the trails are decorated with festive lights every evening from dusk until 10:00 pm. This self-guided experience allows you to stroll at your own pace along an illuminated trail through the forest. On weekends, the Pigeon Creek Lodge will be open for concessions.

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