Parade of Lights

December 1
Holland
800-506-1299
www.Holland.org

Santa arrives in Downtown Holland during the 6th Annual Parade of Lights escorted by bands, floats, and individuals all decked out in holiday lights! Over 50 entries illuminate the streets of Downtown during this procession to kick off the holiday season.

Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Olde Christmas Weekend

December 3 - 6
Manistee
231-723-2575
www.ManisteeCountyChamber.com

A whole weekend of excitement including the Sleighbell Parade with horse drawn entries, historic building tours, special Christmas production at the historic Ramsdell Theatre, Festival of Trees, concerts, museum and art exhibits and much more.

Sinterklaas Eve Parade

December 4
Holland
800-506-1299
www.Holland.org

Reminiscent of years gone by, this special night celebrates Sinterklaas, the benevolent St. Nicholas. In true Dutch folk tradition, Sinterklaas arrives each December on his great white horse, surrounded by his mischievous Zwarte Piet helpers.

The Annual Coopersville Santa Claus Parade

December 4 • 7 pm
Coopersville
616-997.5164
www.Coopersville.com

One of the original night-time parades in Michigan, this annual event begins promptly at 7 pm. Professional and amateur floats, decorated vehicles and firetrucks compete for prizes as they travel along Main Street in the Historic Downtown District of Coopersville. Guests are invited to a free ride on the Coopersville & Marne Railway Shuttle from the school campus to the downtown area. After their return ride they are invited to have free refreshments while the children have a visit with Santa.

Rockford Santa Parade

December 5 • 11 am
Rockford
616-866-2000
www.RockfordMIChamber.com

Santa arrives in Rockford at 11 am! Kids bring your parents to Squires Street at the Rotary Pavilion. After the parade enjoy fun and surprises!

Santa’s Arrival in Lowell

December 5
Lowell
616-897-9161
www.discoverlowell.org

Festivities include the Pancake Supper and Supper with Santa at the Lowell Fairgrounds, Santa parade along Historic Main Street, Flat River Freeze Ice Sculpture Challenge on the Riverwalk Plaza, pictures and visits with Santa on the Lowell Showboat, the Robert E. Lee, and Rudolph’s Craft workshop. 2009 Parade Theme: A Christmas Story.

Reindog Holiday Parade

December 5
St. Joseph
800-906-9968
www.SJToday.org

At noon, costumed pets and their owners will escort Santa into the downtown to kick off the holiday season. Bands, carolers and crazy floats are all part of this extraordinary parade sponsored by Chemical Bank

Santa Claus

December 5 - 24
St. Joseph
800-906-9968
www.sjtoday.org

Come visit Santa Claus in his house at Pleasant and Broad Street. A horse drawn trolley will be going through downtown. Hours are Thursday - Friday 4 pm – 8 pm; Saturday noon – 5 pm. Located at Pleasant & Broad Street.  Sponsored by The Herald Palladium.

The Santa Train

December 5 – 6, 12 – 13, 19 – 20
Coopersville & Marne Railway
616-997-7000
www.coopersvilleandmarne.org

Ride with the FUN GUY! Everyone loves Santa and Santa loves kids. Each of the vintage passenger cars has a special seat reserved just for the Big Guy and his friends. Elves will escort the children to sit with Santa. All kids get a present, even the shy ones! The story-telling Princess will read from the book, "The Polar Express" which was written by Grand Rapids native, Chris Van Allsburg. All of the cars are comfortably heated and each has a restroom on board.

Adults $14.50, Senior $13.50, Kids (2-12) $11.50, Under 2 FREE.

Up on the Rooftops

December 11
Holland
800-506-1299
www.Holland.org

A tour that is rarely seen: second story (and above) downtown locations, each regally decked out for the holiday season by a Downtown home decor business! Following the tour, enjoy light appetizers and drinks at a reception at the historic Fifth Third Bank Downtown. (Tickets required.)

Storytime with Sinterklaas

Through December 12 • Saturdays 11 am - 2 pm
Nelis' Dutch Village
Holland
616-396-1475
www.dutchvillage.com

You and your family are invited to hear Sinterklaas tell stories in this centuries-old Dutch tradition. Nelis’ Dutch Village preserves this tradition with “Storytime with Sinterklaas” and all are welcome to come and listen to Sinterklaas share the old Dutch stories. One Dutch custom for children is to set their wooden shoes on the doorstep outside and fill them with carrots for Sinterklaas’ big white horse. The children hope to find gifts and candies in the morning. Sinterklaas tells many of the old customs, and children will also learn some traditional Dutch songs. All are welcome to enjoy this “best time of the year” with cookies and hot cider and to browse our unique gifts. Our booklet, “A Dutch Christmas - The Legend of Sinterklaas” is a valuable guide that will help reinforce some of the old Dutch traditions to the youngest members of your family.