Good Morning Grand Rapids!

We ho-ho-hope you’ve been having the best week! The big day is nearly upon us, so things’re getting fast and furious, with cookie workshops, classic Christmas movies playing on 16mm, holiday music galore, and so much more. FYI, there’s still a little less than a week left to check out the Christkindl Market, so make sure to get out there if you’re hoping to stock your stockings with gifts from local businesses.

Let’s get into it! 🎄 

📰 This Week’s Grand Stories

🦃Mel Trotter Feeds Hundreds: Mel Trotter Ministries will host their annual Christmas luncheon to feed Grand Rapids’ most vulnerable communities this afternoon, December 17.

📆WoodTV Present Their List of Christmas Events: In case our list isn’t enough for you, WoodTV have released their list of this year’s Christmas events.

🎄 Grand Rapids Among Most Jolly Cities: A national ranking placed Grand Rapids in the top 10 jolliest large cities in the U.S. this holiday season.

🏙️ New Public Service Center Opens in Grand Rapids: The city celebrated the ribbon-cutting of a modern $98 M Public Service Center aimed at improving municipal operations.

🚑 City Launches Emergency Care Initiative with GRFD & Corewell Health: A new community-focused emergency response program integrates health workers with fire department teams to improve care and reduce ER visits. Grand Rapids

📊 Growth Mindset Highlighted in Regional Report — A recent economic outlook report points to steady progress and opportunity in the Greater Grand Rapids area, stressing continued growth may benefit the region’s future.

📆 This Week’s Grand Events

Thursday, December 18

Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings – Wealthy Theatre – Immersive candlelit concert celebrating classic Christmas carols performed on strings. 8:45 PM/$58

December Craft Club – Oh, Hello Paper & Gifts – Family-friendly craft night creating paper snowflakes for winter décor. 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM/Free

Teddy Brewer — Live – Rapid River Stillhouse – Intimate live music paired with handcrafted cocktails. 6:00 PM/Free

Friday, December 19

Tidings & Tiaras: A Christmas Evening with the Princesses – JW Marriott Grand Rapids – Holiday soirée with live performances, character meet-and-greets, dinner, and festive activities. 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM/$100 GA · $150 VIP

Winter Solstice Celebration – Blandford Nature Center – Guided moonlit walk and solstice crafts with cocoa and community gathering. 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM/$12–$15

Bradley Sinclair and The Corey Sound Christmas – Midtown at Studio Park – High-energy holiday concert featuring Christmas classics and special guest Cam Anthony. 6:00 PM/$30–$40

Justin Dore — Live at RÁK – RÁK Modern Thai & Cocktails – Soulful live guitar and vocals alongside dinner and cocktails. 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM/Free

For The Birds: Fledglings Fly the Nest Comedy Show – The Art of Life NOW Gallery – 21+ BYOB comedy night with outrageous stand-up performances. 7:30 PM/$25

LIVE: Stand-Up Comedy Tour — Alastair Watt – Wealthy Theatre – Sharp, personal stand-up from the Small Town City Boy Comedy Tour. 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM/$20–$40

Camp Teo Presents: A Camp Teo Christmas – Elevation – High-energy Christmas-themed live show. 9:00 PM/$28

Saturday, December 20

Santa Cookie Class – Alma Mia – Hands-on Santa-shaped cookie decorating class led by Sweet Details GR. 11:00 AM/$75

Wildlife Care Apprentices – Blandford Nature Center – Hands-on wildlife care experience for kids ages 10–15. 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM/$60–$75

Enchanted Strings Duo at RÁK – RÁK Modern Thai & Cocktails – Violin and cello duo blending classical elegance with modern flair. 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM/Free

Amaze & Amuse: A Modern Day Magic Show Christmas – Wealthy Theatre – Family-friendly holiday magic show featuring award-winning magician Tyler Grey. 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM/$33–$44

Adam Doleac — Dream House Tour – The Stache at The Intersection – Country-pop live concert, all ages. Doors 6:30 PM · Show 8:00 PM/Price varies

Grand Rapids Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl – Various Locations – Holiday bar crawl celebrating National Ugly Sweater Weekend. 4:00 PM/$7–$31

Mega 80s: The Ultimate 80s Retro Party – The Intersection – 21+ throwback dance party celebrating the 1980s. Doors 8:00 PM · Show 9:00 PM/Price varies

The Enchanted Yule Ball: Magical Masquerade – The Lit – Masquerade ball with dancing, performances, and games. 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM/$44–$87

The Official Christmas Bar Crawl – Tin Can Bar – Holiday-themed bar crawl with festive attire encouraged. 4:00 PM – 11:59 PM/$7.14

Emo Nite with Brian Logan Dales – Elevation – Sing-along emo night featuring special guest Brian Logan Dales of The Summer Set. 9:00 PM/$16.90–$23.15

VOXmas Christmas Concert – Trinity Lutheran Church – Choral Christmas concert performed by Vox GR. 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM/Free

Sunday, December 21

Christmas Tree Charcuterie Workshop – Spruced Studio – Hands-on workshop creating a Christmas tree–shaped charcuterie board. 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM/$95

A Winter Solstice Singing Ritual – All Souls Community – Intergenerational singing ritual exploring light, dark, and renewal. 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM/Free

Home Alone (Family Film Series) – Wealthy Theatre – Family-friendly screening of the holiday classic Home Alone. 2:00 PM/$3 Kids · $10 GA · $8 Members

MI Drag Brunch: BRUNCHMAS – Canopy by Hilton Downtown – Festive drag brunch with holiday performances and meal included. 11:00 AM & 2:00 PM/$45

🎄Christkindl Celebrates!

Did you know that the Chistkindl Market attracts over 250,000 each year?

📅 Add to Your Calendar

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

🏃 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.

43rd Annual Reeds Lake Resolution Run on December 31.

43rd Annual Reeds Lake Resolution Run on December 31.

Time Travel Half‑Marathon (and 5K/10K) on January 11. 

Riverside parkrun on January 3. 

Couple Shuffle on February 1. 

🏷️ 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!

Jan 3rd - The Bee Gees at Devos

Jan 16th - Brian Regan at 20 Monroe