Good Morning Grand Rapids!

Good morning, Grand Rapids! There’s a lot to be grateful for this week, and that’s before we factor in next week’s holiday. The holiday season is shifting into high gear, for one thing, between the tree lighting ceremony and the holiday markets. You’ll be thankful you live in such a cultured, tasteful place, too, should you decide to catch either the Vianos Quartet or the world premiere of Deos Contemporary Ballet’s new adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Tempest! Plus, there’s a sleighload of incredible music, movies, and hobbies to warm your fingers and your spirits!

Let’s get into it! 🦃 

📰 This Week’s Grand Stories

🎄 Downtown tree is up, lighting this Saturday: The 37-foot concolor fir is set and wired at Rosa Parks Circle, with the official lighting Sat, Nov 22 at ~6:45 PM right after the parade. Perfect timing for families who want one downtown trip to do both.

🎅 Santa Parade returns as a nighttime event: The Gentex Grand Rapids Santa Parade steps off Sat 5 PM, ending at Rosa Parks Circle where the tree lighting follows. Expect 50+ entries and letter-writing to Santa.

🎁 Christkindl Markt opens this week: The third-annual European-style Christmas village at the Downtown Market runs Nov 19–Dec 23 with 60+ artisan stalls, glühwein, curling lanes, and alpenglobes.

💡 Rockford flips the switch Friday: Downtown Rockford’s Holiday Lighting Ceremony hits Fri 6–7 PM at Garden Club Park with carols and a countdown. The new Holiday Market pops up Sat 9 AM–2 PM.

🚒 Allendale runs a holiday “Stuff a Firetruck” drive: Engine House No. 5 invites families to donate on Fri–Sat; community-forward feel with easy parking.

🍷 Wine, Beer & Food Festival returns: Michigan’s biggest tasting event is back at DeVos Place Fri–Sat with 1,200+ pours and pairing dinners.

🎶 Grand Rapids Symphony does “The Polar Express” in concert: Film on the big screen with live symphony Fri night and Sat matinee at DeVos Performance Hall.

✨ Christmas Lite Show adds walk-through nights: Before the drive-thru opens next week, you can stroll the tunnels and take photos at LMCU Ballpark’s Winter Wonder Walk Sat–Sun, 6–8 PM.

🐾 John Ball Zoo season ends Sunday: Last chance for a fall zoo day before gates close after Sun, Nov 23.

🩰 Deos Ballet premieres “The Tempest”: A world-premiere, full-length contemporary ballet at Calvin’s Gezon Auditorium Fri–Sat, flipping Shakespeare’s lead to Prospera.

📆 This Week’s Grand Events

Thursday, November 20

3rd Thursday Cozy Movie Night - Grand Rapids Children's Museum - In recognition of Children’s Grief Awareness Day, join us for a cozy 3rd Thursday movie night at the museum in your coziest outfit! Snuggle up for Disney/Pixar's Coco. 4:00–8:00 PM/$3 per person

Bert Kreischer - Van Andel Arena - Bert Kreischer brings his Permission to Party World Tour to Van Andel Arena with storytelling, comedy, and a middle-aged party-boy perspective. 7:00–10:00 PM/Price varies

Craft Night with the Hot Glue Creux - Harmony Brewing Company - Eastown - Transform everyday light switches into disco-worthy decor while enjoying a hands-on evening of creativity, glitter, and good beer. 6:30–9:00 PM/Free

Holiday Arrangements & Hot Cocoa Bar! - Spruced Studio - Make a festive holiday-themed wood flower arrangement and enjoy a delicious hot cocoa bar. 6:30–7:45 PM/$28+

Highland Cuties Cupcake Class - Alma Mia - Decorate six adorable cupcakes under the guidance of Vanessa from Sweet Details GR. Creativity, laughter, and memories guaranteed! 5:30–7:00 PM/$70

Ingested - The Stache at The Intersection - SectionLive & Live Nation present Ingested – Evisceratour 2025, with support from Distant, Ov Sulfur, Cell, Crucifiction. All ages. 5:30 PM/Price varies

Kyle Brown - Rapid River Stillhouse - Kyle Brown & The Human Condition fuse folk, rock, country, and reggae for a one-of-a-kind live show. 6:00 PM/Free

Nature Night - Smooth Moves: Herbal Bitters + Digestion - Speciation Cellars - Explore the role of bitter herbs in digestion and create your own custom bitters to take home. 7:00–9:00 PM/$15

Sippy - Elevation - SectionLive presents Sippy – Scars In Stereo with support TBA. 18+. Doors 8:00 PM / Show 8:30 PM/Price varies

The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center: Gilbert Kalish & the Viano Quartet - St. Cecilia Music Center - Praised for virtuosity and expression, the Viano Quartet performs a captivating chamber music program. 7:30–9:00 PM/$30–$60

Friday, November 21

An Evening in the World of Wizards - 53 Deloney Avenue Southwest - Attend the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! Eat, drink, shop Diagon Alley, compete for the house cup, and immerse yourself in a magical world. 6:00–9:00 PM/$65

Cozy Worldwide - Elevation - Cozy Worldwide celebrates R&B and hip-hop classics, 90s/2000s tunes, and modern favorites with DJs spinning all night. 9:00 PM/ $14.15–$41.90

GRCC Musical Moods Collage Concert - GRCC 4451 Hunsberger Ave NE - Non-stop music featuring many GRCC ensembles and talented soloists. Something for everyone! 7:30 PM/$8–$15

Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer, and Food Festival - DeVos Place Convention Center - Enjoy a world-class epicurean experience with wine, beer, food, and musical entertainment. 4:00–9:00 PM/$25

The Tempest ~ A World Premiere Ballet - Calvin University Covenant Fine Arts Center - Deos Contemporary Ballet presents a bold reimagining of Shakespeare’s The Tempest with music by Ravel, Beethoven, and Sibelius. 7:00 PM/$45 per person

The Polar Express in Concert – DeVos Performance Hall – Cozy movie-with-orchestra experience that hits the nostalgia button. 7:30 PM/Price varies

Grand Rapids Griffins vs Opponent – Van Andel Arena – Affordable hockey with loud goal horns and kid-approved hype. 7:00 PM/Price varies

Jackyl – The Intersection – Southern rock night with big guitar riffs. 7:30 PM/From $28

Luke Winslow-King – Midtown – Bluesy Americana in a jewel-box venue. 7:30 PM/$30

Vintage Parlor Orchestra – Wealthy Theatre – Indie-orchestra brings the living-room vibe to a classic stage. 7:30 PM/From $22.60

Rockford Holiday Lighting Ceremony – Rockford Chamber – Choirs, the mayor, and a crowd countdown flip the switch by the river. 6:00–7:00 PM/Free

The Tempest World Premiere – Calvin University Gezon Auditorium – Contemporary ballet retelling with Art Nouveau design touches. 7:00 PM/$45

Calvin Dance Guild Performance – Calvin University – Student showcase with packed-house energy. 7:30 PM/$7 - 9

Cozy Worldwide – Elevation – Sing-your-heart-out pop party; bring friends. 9:00 PM/$15.90 - $41.90

EATER in America – The Stache – Club-centric EDM with a tight crowd. 9:00 PM/$15.90

Saturday, November 22

A Day in the World of Wizards - 53 Deloney Avenue Southwest - Attend the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! Participate in trivia, scavenger hunts, themed treats, and wizarding classes. 6:00–9:00 PM/$10–$25

Borrowed Time – Live at the Rapid River Stillhouse - Rapid River Stillhouse - High-energy live music from classic rock and blues to ’80s hits and new country. 1:00–4:30 PM/$70

Brett Dennen - Art Is Life - The BIG Room - Audience-influenced setlist and interactive show combining art and music. 7:00 PM/$35

Grand Rapids Santa Parade & Tree Lighting - Rosa Parks Circle - Santa leads the parade followed by the annual tree lighting ceremony. Free community event with family activities. 5:00 PM/Free

Tats for Cats: Flash Tattoo Fundraiser - Meeting House Tattoo - Cat-themed flash tattoos for $100 cash, supporting local rescue cats. 12:00–7:00 PM/$100 Cash Only

Thanksgiving Cookie Decorating Class - Spruced Studio - Learn Royal Icing techniques, decorate five cookies, and take them home in a box. 2:00–4:00 PM/$65

Arianna Grande Drag Show - General Wood Shop - Ariana Grande-themed drag show with high vocals and glam. 7:00–9:00 PM/$10 per person

The Comic Signal's Comic Book Trivia Night - The Comic Signal - Team trivia night with prizes for comic book fans. 6:00–8:00 PM/$5

East-South Beer Tour - Various Locations - Visit Brewery Vivant, Brass Ring Brewing Co., & Arvon Brewing Co. Enjoy 12 samples, tours, and transportation included. 1:00–4:30 PM/$70

Made Market - Holiday Market - The Goei Center - Holiday market with 60+ artisans offering handcrafted treasures, food, and drinks. 10:00 AM–5:00 PM/Free

Grand Rapids Annual Christmas Tree Lighting - Rosa Parks Circle - Celebrate the start of the holiday season with the tree lighting ceremony and festive fun. 5:00 PM/Free

The Elovaters – Elevation – Reggae-rock party with sing-along hooks. 7:30 PM/$12 - 19

Mega 80’s – The Intersection – Full-tilt retro night with costumes and big harmonies. 9:00 PM/$22.15 - $27.15

Rockford Holiday Market – Rockford, MI – First-ever festive market along the river; easy gift run. 9:00 AM–2:00 PM/Free

GRAM Drop-In Studio – Grand Rapids Art Museum – Hands-on artmaking for all ages; leave with a textured landscape. 11:00 AM–3:00 PM/Free for members

GRPM Mighty Wurlitzer Organ Performance – Grand Rapids Public Museum – Spirited matinee on the museum’s beloved theater organ. 2:00 PM/$20

Calvin Dance Guild Performance – Calvin University – High-energy student show if you’re near campus. 2:00 PM/$7 - 9

Calvin Men’s Basketball vs UW-Stout – Calvin University – Family-friendly game with easy parking on campus. 3:00 PM/Free

Winter Wonder Walk – LMCU Ballpark – Stroll the tunnels of lights before cars take over next week. 6:00–8:00 PM/$16.44, 3 - 12, $26.74/13+

Sunday, November 23

Wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine + the Healing Art of Herbal Tea Blends with Grand Wellness - Gathered Botanicals - Learn the healing magic of herbal teas and create blends to support immunity, stress relief, and seasonal wellness. 10:30 AM–12:00 PM/$35

Bach Chorale of Grand Rapids Fall Concert - Reformation Heritage Books - J.S. Bach’s Cantata BWV 72, Telemann motet, and other choral music. 4:00–5:30 PM/$2

Cirque Dreams Holidaze - Forest Hills Fine Art Center - Broadway-style holiday circus spectacle with aerialists, jugglers, dancers, and live singers. 7:00–9:00 PM/$35–$65

Whitechapel - The Intersection - SectionLive & Live Nation present Whitechapel – Rituals of Hate Tour, with support from Bodysnatcher, AngelMaker, Disembodied Tyrant. All ages. Doors 6:00 PM / Show 6:55 PM/$41.40

John Ball Zoo, Last Day of Season – John Ball Zoo – One more stroll before the gates close for winter. 10:00 AM–4:00 PM/Regular ticket price

Jane Austen Film Festival – Calvin University – Cozy campus screening for literature fans. 3:00–6:00 PM

🎄O Christmas Lights

Did you know that LMCU ballpark features over a million Christmas lights in their Christmas display?

📅 Add to Your Calendar

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

Enlighten at Frederik Meijer Gardens - November 26, 2025 – January 4, 2026 @ Frederik Meijer Gardens

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.

Grand Rapids Turkey Trot: Here’s a chance to do some good while you walk or run, with all proceeds from the Grand Rapids Turkey Trot on November 27 going to support Grand Rapids Public School athletics.

🏷️ 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!

Bert Kreischer is coming to Van Andel on Nov 20th