Good Morning Grand Rapids!

Good morning, Grand Rapids! There’s a lot to be thankful for this week, between the long weekend, the incredible outpourings of community love and support, and the official beginning of the holiday season. We’re sure you’ve got dinner to tend to, so we won’t keep you. Most of all, we just want to say how thankful we are for you, our incredible Grand Rapids community, which makes writing this newsletter such a joy and a pleasure to look forward to each week.

Let’s get into it! 🦃 

📰 This Week’s Grand Stories

❄️ Thanksgiving snowstorm could make travel ugly: A strong lake-effect system is expected Wednesday through Thanksgiving, bringing 4–7 inches around the US-131 corridor and gusts up to 40–50 mph. Roads could turn slick fast with bursts of whiteout, especially along the lakeshore and north of GR.

🎄Visions of Christmas Trees: WoodTV published their best photos of this year’s Christmas tree lighting and Santa parade.

🏃 GR Turkey Trot adds a food drive this year: The 33rd annual GRPS Turkey Trot kicks off outside Van Andel Arena Thursday morning, with the Mini Trot at 8:10 AM and the 5K at 8:30 AM. Runners are encouraged to bring nonperishables to support local families.

🍽️ Free Thanksgiving meals offered across Kent County: Mel Trotter hosts its annual community banquet at DeVos Place, and Lowell’s Open Table Community Thanksgiving opens its doors as well. Several sit-down options provide a welcoming place for anyone needing a meal or company.

🌭 Yesterdog gives out free hot dogs and pie: The Wealthy Street favorite will be open 2–4 PM on Thanksgiving with free hot dogs and pumpkin pie for anyone who walks in. The announcement has already taken off across local radio, TV, and Reddit.

🎄 Christkindl Markt opens strong — but closes on Thanksgiving: The Downtown Market’s German-style village is back with 60+ vendors, food stalls, and mulled wine. It runs Wednesday and then Friday–Sunday, but is closed all day Thursday.

💡 Meijer Gardens and the Christmas Lite Show start the season: ENLIGHTEN, the one-mile outdoor light-and-sound walk, is live on select evenings, and the LMCU Ballpark drive-through opens nightly starting November 26. Both offer festive options no matter the weather.

🛍️ Black Friday and Small Business Saturday bring big local shopping: Fulton Street Market’s Black Friday Market returns, SILVA hosts Merchants & Makers both days, and Vault of Midnight runs an all-day sale. Tanger and other retail hubs extend hours and push heavy discounts.

📆 This Week’s Grand Events

Thursday, November 27

GRPS Turkey Trot - Van Andel Arena - Family-friendly 5K or Mini Trot supporting GRPS athletics and food drive. 8:10 AM, Mini Trot. 8:30 AM, 5K/$0–$30

Mel Trotter Thanksgiving Community Meal - DeVos Place - Free traditional Thanksgiving meal for the community. 11 AM - 1 PM/Free

Lowell Open Table Thanksgiving - Lowell Open Table - Home-cooked meal for Lowell and Kent County residents. Noon - 3 PM/Free

Yesterdog Free Thanksgiving Meal - Yesterdog - Hot dogs and pumpkin pie for anyone who walks in. 2 PM - 4 PM/Free

Christmas Lite Show Drive-Thru - LMCU Ballpark - Nearly two miles of animated holiday light tunnels viewed from your car. 5:30 PM - 9 PM/~$30 per vehicle

Watch the Lions Game - Dave & Buster’s Kentwood - Football viewing with food and drinks. 1 PM/Menu pricing

Friday, November 28

Twisted Trails 5K, 10K, 15K - Ken-O-Sha Park - Trail races for all ages and skill levels, t-shirts included. 9 am–12 pm/$30–$40

Black Friday Toy Drop - Once Upon A Child Walker - Brand-new toys at half off and gift card giveaways. 9 AM - 6 PM/Free entry, toy prices vary

Black Friday Market - Fulton Street Market - Handmade art, crafts, sweets, and drinks. 11 AM – 3 PM/Free entry, Vendor prices vary

Vault of Midnight Black Friday Sale - Vault of Midnight - Comics, board games, vinyl, and collectibles at 15% off. 11 AM – 10 PM/Free to browse

Black Friday Skate & Eat Party - GR Skate & Event Center - All-you-can-eat pizza and open skating bundled. 2 pm–5 pm / ~$10/Person

Tanger Outlets Grand Rapids - Tanger Outlets GR - National brand outlet shopping with doorbusters. 6 AM – 9 PM/Free parking, outlet pricing inside.

Merchants & Makers at SILVA - SILVA – The Big Room - Curated local makers, live entertainment, holiday drinks and food. 4 PM – 9 PM/Free or low-cost entry

Meijer Gardens ENLIGHTEN Light Walk - Meijer Gardens - Holiday light art walk. 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM/Paid admission

Christmas Lite Show - LMCU Ballpark - Holiday light drive-thru. 5:30 PM –10 PM/ ~$30 per vehicle

Durango Fest - The Intersection - High-energy music festival performances. Doors 8 PM/$80

Sean Cyphers Live - RÁK - Acoustic music with cocktails. 7 – 10 PM/Free

Straight No Chaser Holiday Road Tour - DeVos Performance Hall - Nine-person a cappella group performance. 8 PM/Price varies

Local Community Showcase - Dr. Grins Comedy Club - Michigan comedians performing live. 8 PM/$15

Saturday, November 29

Holiday Market at GRAM - Grand Rapids Art Museum - Local artists, crafts, and holiday gifts. 10 AM – 5 PM/$10 suggested donation

Christmas Lite Show Drive-Thru - LMCU Ballpark - Nearly two miles of animated holiday light tunnels. 5:30 PM – 10 PM/~$30 per vehicle

Meijer Gardens ENLIGHTEN Light Walk - Meijer Gardens - Holiday light art walk featuring immersive installations. 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM/Paid admission

Sunday, November 30

Holiday Brunch & Storytime - GR Public Library - Family-friendly brunch with holiday story readings. 10 AM – 12 PM/Free, registration recommended

Christmas Lite Show Drive-Thru - LMCU Ballpark - Nearly two miles of animated holiday light tunnels. 5:30 PM – 9 PM/~$30 per vehicle

Meijer Gardens ENLIGHTEN Light Walk - Meijer Gardens - Holiday light art walk featuring immersive installations. 5:30 PM –10:30 PM/Paid admission

Fulton Street Market Holiday Fair - Fulton Street Market - Handmade crafts, sweets, and festive foods. 11 AM – 3 PM/Free entry, vendor prices vary

Holiday Sip & Shop at NOCO Provisions (Cascade) - NOCO Provisions - Vendor market with live music, raffle, and NOCO food truck. Third-annual east-side tradition. 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM/Free

Enchanted Strings Duo at RÁK - Grand Rapids Downtown Market - Experience the enchanting sounds of Quattro Voce Strings with violin and cello duets blending classical sophistication and modern flair. Walk-ins welcome; reservations recommended. 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM/Free

Los Tigres del Norte - DeVos Performance Hall - “La Lotería” tour featuring decades of hits and new songs. Tickets available via box office or Ticketmaster. 8:00 PM/Price Varies

Meijer Gardens ENLIGHTEN Light Walk - Meijer Gardens - Holiday light art walk featuring immersive installations. 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM/Paid admission

🦃 Free Thanksgiving Dinners

Did you know that numerous restaurants and businesses around Grand Rapids are having free dinners this year?

📅 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.

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.

Twisted Trails 5K, 10K, 15K on November 28.

🏷️ 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!