The first week of December brings a full lineup of holiday traditions across the Grand Rapids area. From symphony performances to outdoor skating and community parades, there are plenty of seasonal events taking place from Friday through Sunday. Here is a look at what is happening around town.

Ada Festival of Trees

December 1 to December 31
Legacy Park, Ada

Legacy Park transforms into a lighted walkway lined with fifty decorated trees. Local businesses and organizations design each tree using sustainable materials, creating a month-long outdoor display that is part of Ada’s Holiday Lights Walk. Visitors can stroll the path throughout December.

GR Symphony Holiday Pops

December 5 to December 7
DeVos Performance Hall

The Grand Rapids Symphony opens its annual Holiday Pops series this weekend. Conductor Bob Bernhardt leads the orchestra through classic seasonal music, with performances scheduled Friday at 7:30 pm, Saturday at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm, and Sunday at 2:00 pm. The concert is designed for audiences of all ages.

Victorian Christmas Tea

December 3 to January 4
High Tea GR

High Tea GR continues its Victorian Christmas Tea throughout the season. Guests can enjoy the Winter Menu during a traditional afternoon tea experience. Reservations are required, and dates vary through early January.

Ice Skating at Rosa Parks Circle

December 5 to January 1
Rosa Parks Circle

Outdoor skating returns to downtown Grand Rapids beginning Friday, weather permitting. Visitors may pre-book time slots or walk up on the day of skating. Admission is paid at the rink, and skate rentals are included with entry. Each reservation allows for up to ninety minutes on the ice.

Coopersville Christmas Parade of Lights

December 5
Main Street, Coopersville

Coopersville hosts its forty-fifth annual nighttime Christmas Parade on Friday. Festivities begin at 4:00 pm with visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Coopersville Farm Museum, followed by a performance from the community band. The Christmas tree lighting takes place at 6:30 pm, with the parade following immediately after. Proceeds from the event support Rotary programs and community initiatives.

West Michigan Hockey Showcase

December 5 and December 6
Patterson Ice Center

The second annual West Michigan Hockey Showcase brings competitive matchups to Patterson Ice Center with teams from across the state. The two-day schedule includes:

Friday, December 5
1:45 pm GR Catholic Central vs Bay Reps
3:45 pm Grandville vs Trenton
4:00 pm GR Christian vs Big Rapids
6:15 pm East Grand Rapids vs Houghton
6:15 pm Forest Hills Central vs Huron Valley
8:15 pm FHNE vs Cap City
8:30 pm Caledonia vs Salem

Saturday, December 6
11:00 am Grandville vs Houghton
1:00 pm Forest Hills Central vs Salem
1:15 pm Grand Rapids Christian vs Cap City
3:15 pm GR Catholic Central vs Huron Valley
3:30 pm FHNE vs Bay Reps
5:30 pm Caledonia vs Big Rapids
5:45 pm East Grand Rapids vs Trenton

Looking Ahead

As the holiday season builds, more events across West Michigan will continue to roll out. This weekend’s schedule offers a mix of music, skating, and community traditions that highlight the start of December in Greater Grand Rapids.