Good Morning Grand Rapids!

Good morning, Grand Rapids! We’ve officially entered the last month of the year, which means the holiday season is upon us. Good news! There are endless opportunities to get into the holiday spirit this week, from meeting Santa with the furry members of your family to the Shop Hop for all of your boutique gift needs. You even have two chances to hear Grand Rapids’ Women’s Chorus winter performance this weekend at St. Cecilia’s for free!

Let’s get into it! 🎄 

📰 This Week’s Grand Stories

🏢 City opens new Public Service Center this month: The city’s long-planned Public Service Center is set for a ribbon cutting on Tuesday, Dec 16, consolidating several core departments under one roof and giving residents a clearer one-stop hub for services.

💡 Neighborhood Match Fund open all December: Grassroots groups can pitch small, high-impact projects through Dec 31, with funding available for neighborhood-scale art, safety, placemaking, and community-building ideas.

🎄 Christkindl Markt brings six weeks of cheer: The downtown winter village is rolling with 60+ vendors, glühwein, and heavy weekend foot traffic. Local Reddit threads are full of parking tips and crowd notes, and WGVU highlights the market’s expanded run and holiday energy.

🔨 Lakeshore Habitat launches “Giving Tools-Day”: Instead of traditional Giving Tuesday donations, the nonprofit is asking supporters to contribute actual tools to keep local build sites stocked and moving through winter.

🎻 Yonder Mountain String Band show canceled: The Thursday performance at St. Cecilia has been officially called off. Ticketholders should watch their inboxes for refund details from the venue.

🛍️ Small Business Saturday boosts local shops: Independent retailers across Grand Rapids reported strong turnout and steady sales over the holiday weekend, with many saying SBS continues to outperform other seasonal shopping days.

📆 This Week’s Grand Events

Wednesday, December 3

Heritage Hill North Victorian Christmas Traditions Walking Tour - Heritage Hill Historic District - Explore Heritage Hill homes, holiday lights, and Victorian Christmas traditions. 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM/$25

In the Christmas Mood with the Glenn Miller Orchestra - DeVos Performance Hall - Legendary Glenn Miller Orchestra performs classics like “In the Mood” and holiday favorites. 7:00 PM/Price varies

Thursday, December 4

The 28th Annual Uptown Shop Hop - Uptown Grand Rapids - Holiday shopping, festive experiences, trolley rides, and tree lighting in East Fulton, East Hills, Eastown, and Wealthy Street. 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM/Free

Teddy Brewer – Live at the Rapid River Stillhouse - Rapid River Stillhouse - Intimate live music with soulful vocals and guitar. 6:00 PM/Free

Full Moon Yoga - Division Avenue Arts Collective - Gentle, grounding yoga in a community setting, donation-based. 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM/$20-$40 per person

Pet Friendly Santa Meet & Greet - 368 Diamond Ave SE - Photo with Santa, treats, and holiday gift basket contest for pets. 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM/$25

Tots & Coffee Club - Grand Rapids Children's Museum - Play and connection for toddlers with caregivers, complimentary drinks. 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM/$1.75-$12

Shop Hop Artisan Market - Speciation Cellars - Local artisans and stocking stuffer shopping. 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM/Free

Donna The Buffalo - The Stache at The Intersection - Roots rock band performance with a festival-style experience. Doors: 7 PM // Show: 8 PM/$35

Free Show Friday: Morale & The Fuzzrites - Speciation Cellars - Garage rock performance for 21+ audience. 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM/Free

Pro Hoops Night (Grand Rapids Gold) – Van Andel Arena – Affordable seats and downtown energy. 7 PM/

Friday, December 5

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 6

Domestic Problems - The Intersection - Live performance with support, all ages. Doors: 6 PM // Show: 7 PM/Prices vary

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 Arrangements & Hot Cocoa Bar! - Spruced Studio - Holiday-themed wood flower arrangement workshop with cocoa bar. 10:00 AM - 11:45 AM/$28+

Holiday Harmony Show - Fountain Street Church - Barbershop and A Cappella music performances. 3:00 PM/$15 Student/Senior // $20 Adult

Kashus Culpepper - The Stache at The Intersection - All ages live performance. Doors: 6:30 PM // Show: 7:30 PM/Price varies

Tom Papa: Grateful Bread Tour - GLC Live at 20 Monroe - Comedy show performance. 6:00 PM/$52.50+

Natural Evergreen Wreaths - Blandford Nature Center - Make your own evergreen wreath workshop. 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM/$24-$30

West Catholic Craft Show - West Catholic High School - Holiday craft show with hundreds of vendors. 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM/$3 adults, children free

Michigander 2nd Annual Holiday Special - Elevation - Singer-songwriter performance of heartland storytelling songs. Doors: 7 PM // Show: 8 PM/$46–$80

Hundreds of Beavers - Wealthy Theatre - Cult indie comedy film screening with new video intro. Doors: 6:30 PM // Show: 7:30 PM/$8.64 - $10.80

Rockford Santa Parade – Downtown Rockford – Classic parade with riverside photos. 11:00 AM/Free

Ada Winter Wonderland Kickoffs – Ada Village – Tinsel, Treats & Trolleys, bridge lighting, reindeer, and Santa events. 5:15–8:30 PM/Free–Varies

Christmas in Caledonia – Village of Caledonia – Market, Santa, and parade. 4:00 PM start, 6:00 PM parade/Free

Tom Papa: Grateful Bread Tour – GLC Live at 20 Monroe – Clean and sharp stand-up favorite. 6:00 PM/$35–$55

Domestic Problems – The Intersection – GR’s beloved party-band reunion night. 7:00 PM/$20–$25

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

Michigander Holiday Special – Elevation @ The Intersection – Encore party with Low Phase & Phabies. 8:00 PM/$25–$35

Kashus Culpepper + Philip Bowen – The Stache – Singer-songwriter double bill. 7:30 PM/$18–$22

The Insiders: Tom Petty Tribute – The Pyramid Scheme – Every chorus is mandatory. 7:00 PM/$20–$25

GRPM Member Santa Meet & Greet – Grand Rapids Public Museum – Members-only Santa morning. 8:00 AM–12:00 PM/Members Only

GRCM Thingamajigs Winter Gift Shop – Grand Rapids Children’s Museum – Grown-ups-only shopping night. 5:00–7:00 PM/Free–Varies

Byron Center Holiday Arts & Crafts + Bake Sale – River of God Church – Local makers and easy parking. 10:00 AM–2:00 PM/Free

Sunday, December 7

Americana Sundays: The Schrock Bros' Holiday Show 4 - ArtRat Gallery - Americana roots/blues/folk/rock family-friendly performance. 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM/$28.52

Christmas Tea - Spruced Studio - Holiday tea and ribbon & pinecone swag workshop. 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM/$65 per person

Sophia McIntosh Live At RÁK - Grand Rapids Downtown Market - Piano performance with dynamic energy and cocktails. 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM/Free

The Snow Queen: A Nutcracker Story - Wealthy Theatre - Original ballet prequel to The Nutcracker story. Doors: 6 PM // Show: 7 PM/$23.68 Online $25 at Door

Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Ghosts of Christmas Eve - Van Andel Arena - Rock opera and holiday spectacle performance. 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM/Price varies

2025 Santa Show - LIVE on GRTV - Wealthy Theatre - Family-friendly holiday event with letters to Santa, activities, and live show. Doors at noon, Start 1:00 PM/FREE

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

St. Cecilia School of Music: Grand Strings (free) – St. Cecilia Music Center – Community orchestra winter concert. 4:00 PM/Free

Samiam + Easers + Tobacco Justice – The Pyramid Scheme – Punk legends in a shoebox room. 7:00 PM/$20–$25

ENLIGHTEN at Meijer Gardens – Frederik Meijer Gardens – One-mile light walk with firepits and cocoa. 5:30–10:30 PM/$20–$30

🎄Christmas Tradition

Did you know that Grand Rapids residents have been putting up Christmas trees since the late 1800s?

📅 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