Good Morning Grand Rapids!

Good morning, Grand Rapids! We hope you haven’t frozen or washed away, between the rain and the snow this week. Luckily, we’ve got lots of good stuff to warm your hearts and thaw your bones. From a hot cocoa bar at Spruced Studios to some of your favorite Christmas movies at Wealthy Theatre to more seasonal deliciousness at the Christkindl Market, you’re sure to find something to brighten these long, cold nights.

Let’s get into it! 🎄 

📰 This Week’s Grand Stories

☁️ School‑closing predictions for Wednesday, Dec 10 — snowfall could trigger closures: A winter storm forecast has local schools monitoring conditions closely for possible closures and delays — families are advised to check updates before Wednesday’s classes.

🏗️ Grand Rapids hits record $949 million in construction spending: The city is set to finish 2025 with nearly a billion dollars invested in downtown building projects, shattering last year’s $728 M record and highlighting major developments like the new stadium, amphitheater, and hospital expansions. WGVU News

🏥 Public service shake‑ups as city ramps up construction and development investments: As Grand Rapids breaks construction records, city officials point to the boom in development and hospital expansion as signs of economic growth and structural investment across public, commercial, and residential sectors.

⛸️ Ice Rink’s Open: The downtown ice rink opened this week, offering seasonal skating for residents and visitors under city lights.

🏠 City awards $800K to first‑time developers adding 102 housing units: The city pledged $800,000 in support to first-time developers building 102 new housing units in the Union Suites on Coit II project, aiming to increase housing availability.

📆 This Week’s Grand Events

Thursday, December 11

Chriskindl Markt Food Tour – Grand Rapids Downtown Market – Guided walking food tour of the European-inspired Christkindl Markt with artisan vendors, lights, music, and winter flavors. 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM/$70 per person

Josh Teed – The Stache at The Intersection – SectionLive presents Josh Teed – The Tides of Change with support from Daggz, Svvitch, Chadderboxx. Doors 7:00 PM, Show 8:00 PM/Prices vary

White Christmas (Grand Rapids Film Society) – Wealthy Theatre – Classic holiday musical with Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and Rosemary Clooney. Doors 6:30 PM, Movie 7:30 PM/$8.64–$10.80

Our Lady of Guadalupe Procession – Our Lady of Sorrows Church to Shrine of St. Francis Xavier & Our Lady of Guadalupe – Religious procession with rosary and evening Mass. 5:00 PM – ~6:30 PM/Free

Dungeons & Dragons for Teens – 111 Library Street NE – Drop-in D&D sessions for all skill levels. 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM/Free

Kody Bryant – Rapid River Stillhouse – Night of high-energy country rock, great food, and drinks. 6:00 PM/Free to attend

Friday, December 12

Brandon Ward Live At RÁK - Grand Rapids Downtown Market - One-man band performing layered rhythms and dynamic vocals. 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM/Free

Maddy O'Neal - Elevation - “Creatures of My Mind” album performance with support. Doors: 8 PM // Show: 9 PM/$25.90 - $32.15

Grand Rapids Griffins – Van Andel Arena – Loud crowd, easy midweek adrenaline. 7 PM/Prices Vary

Cozy Mystery Book Club – GRPL Van Belkum – Zero-stress reading hang with fellow sleuths. 6 – 7 PM/Free

Grand Rapids’ Women’s Chorus - St. Cecilia’s Music Center - Come to St. Cecilia’s to hear Grand Rapids’ Women’s Chorus winter program Passion. Purpose. Song. for free! 7:30 PM/Free

Holiday Pops (Opening Night) – DeVos Performance Hall – Choirs, handbells, and the big sing-along. 7:30 PM/$28 - $100+

Maddy O’Neal – Elevation @ The Intersection – Future-funk knock to start the weekend. 9:00 PM/$25–$32

RARE 111 invites: Project 313 (late) – The Intersection – Detroit techno after-hours flavor. 10:00 PM/Prices Vary

Cursive + AJJ (duo) – The Pyramid Scheme – Sold-out indie-punk bragging rights. 7:00 PM/Sold Out

Michigander – Midtown @ Studio Park – Big hooks in a jewel-box room. 7:30 PM/$25–$35

Free Show Friday @ Speciation – Speciation Cellars – Garage-rock hang with no cover. 9:00 PM/Free

GR Gold ticket perk – Founders Brewing Co. – Show your Gold ticket for 50% off your tab. All night/Discount Offer

GRAM: Member Opening “As We Rise” – Grand Rapids Art Museum – Member-only photography preview. 7:00–9:30 PM/Members Only

Holiday Pops – DeVos Performance Hall – Holiday Pops + downtown holiday lights stroll. Evening/Prices Vary

Book Swap – Local Breweries & Cafés – Low-key Friday book-trade popup. Evening/Free or Cost of Drink

Saturday, December 13

'Tis the Season to Embellish, featuring Campana - Holiday Concert – 1481 Baldwin Street – Embellish and Campana celebrate the holidays with a “Winter's Expedition” concert. 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM/$15–$20

Blankets & Bellinis – Spruced Studio – Learn hand-knitting a cozy lap blanket; ticket includes a glass of bellini. 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM/$85

RÁK-Stars Karaoke Night – Grand Rapids Downtown Market – Step into the spotlight and sing your favorite songs with raffle prizes and drinks. 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM/Free

The Warped Band – The Stache at The Intersection – The official tribute to Warped Tour. Doors 7:00 PM, Show 8:00 PM/Price varies

Kaylyn Pace – Rapid River Stillhouse – High-energy country-rock performance by Nashville rising star KayLyn Pace. 8:00 PM/$5 Cover

Sunday, December 14

Winter Holiday Market – Fulton Street Farmer's Market – Handcrafted gifts from dozens of local artisan vendors. 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM/Free

West Michigan Voices of Pride Winter Concert – St. Cecilia Music Center – Winter choral concert celebrating friendship and belonging. 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM/$20 in advance, $25 at the door

The Whoville 5k (Family fun run) – Riverside Park – Festive 5 km run/walk with Grinch/Whoville-themed spirit; kid-friendly fun included. 1:00 PM/Free

🎄Open Skate

Did you know that the ice skating rink on Rosa Parks Circle first opened in 2025?

📅 Add to Your Calendar

Christkindl Markt 2025 — November 19 – December 21, 2025 @ Downtown Market, Grand Rapids

Jonas Brothers - December 12, 2025 @ Van Andel Arena

🎼 GR Symphony Presents Holiday Pops - December 5–7, 2025 @ DeVos Performance Hall)

🏃 Upcoming Runs & Walks!

Earlier this year, one of our readers wrote in asking about running and walking events happening around Grand Rapids. We aim to please! Here are a few running and walking events happening in the next few weeks and months, so you can start warming up now.

West Michigan Harriers Winter Training Group on December 8.

Project Grinch-uation 5k Run/Walk on December 13.

The Whoville 5K on December 14.

43rd Annual Reeds Lake Resolution Run on December 31.

🏷️ GRrrrrrrreat Discounts for Subscribers!

Lush Health
Lush health is offering 50% off vitamin B injections for all GRNEWS subscribers. Just mention GRNEWS when you make your appointment!
Book your appointment & find out more here.

Harmonic Egg - BOGO!
The Harmonic Egg in GR is now open & is offering a special BOGO discount when you and a friend visit for the first time! Experience the healing power of sacred geometry, light, color and sound.
Just text “GRNEWS” to 616-970-9186 to claim and make your appt!

Hydrowash Solutions - 50% OFF
Your home looking a little dirty or green this spring? Get 50% off your home's first pressure wash (up to 1500 sq ft). Only $300 for GR Newsletter subscribers.
Text "Wash" to 616-730-3949 get on the calendar. (First 10 homes only)

Let The Good Times Roll - $150 OFF
Need a bartender for your special day? Whether it's a wedding, backyard bbq, or any other special occassion - I am your certified and insured bartender and food handler. $150 off any event for GR News subscribers!
Text "Bartender" to 847-924-2447 to claim your discount!

JDPotter Lawn Care - First Grass Mowing is FREE!
I’m a bit biased, as Jackson has been cutting my lawn for several years. He’s a great young man with a thriving business. He’ll cut up to two acres for free, for first-time customers. And, you’ll love it so much, he’ll be your lawn guy for life.
Text “Free Mow” to 616-818-8805 to get scheduled. (First 15 lawns only)

Miss Clean It All - 40% OFF
Get your first cleaning job on the books at 40% off! Two hours of deep cleaning for only $40! Servicing residential & commercial customers.
Text "First Cleaning" to 616-433-5497 to get scheduled.

Cookie Cutters - 50% OFF a “Kids Cut” for First Time Customers
Voted #1 for 4 years in a row for the best place for kids' haircuts in Grand Rapids by GRkids.com families! All three of our GR locations feature amazing stylists, an indoor play set, fun fantasy cars, and personal TVs, in our kid-centric salons! Click here to book your appointment and mention the GR Newsletter when you visit.

👨‍💼 Highlighting New Businesses

Acapulco Mexicana is a new Mexican restaurant by Knapps corner and the food is phenomenal! Highly recommend.

Gladys Grille is a new gourmet soul food restaurant inspired by the legacy of owner Jeannica Garmon's grandmother, Gladys Oliver. Now she’s sharing her family’s warmth, love, and mouth-watering Southern-inspired cuisine with the Grand Rapids area!

Pho House GR has been bringing whole new dimension in authentic pho to West Michigan since May. Find out what all the hubbub is about for yourself!

Gimmes Par and Grill is new and open to some well-deserved fan fare. With 4.8 Stars and over 100 Reviews on Google… the food is great, the golf simulators are above par and the drinks are always swingin.

Playa Bowls just opened on East Beltline offering acai bowls, juices and smoothies.

 🎶 Plan Ahead for Big Concerts & Shows!

Quite a few readers have said they’d like a little more advance notice on upcoming concerts and shows - so here ya go! Whilst this isn’t everything - it’s a lot of the big names coming to town!

Dec 12th - Jonas Brothers at Van Andel

Dec 13th - Bingo Loco at the Intersection

Jan 3rd - The Bee Gees at Devos

Jan 16th - Brian Regan at 20 Monroe