Children visit Santa Claus at the Downtown Market
Decorating cookies at the Downtown Market /Courtesy of the Downtown Market
The Grand Rapids Downtown Market is hosting a variety of holiday events during the next month, making it the one-stop destination in Grand Rapids for holiday cheer the whole family can enjoy.
Visitors can pick out a freshly-cut Christmas tree and handmade wreath, visit Santa for photos and sharing Christmas lists, sip hot cocoa while shopping local for special gifts and more.
“The Downtown Market is a community space for everyone, and we love this time of year when people find even more reasons to get together and eat delicious food,” said Amanda Gielczyk, director of marketing and special events. “Free events like these help get people in the holiday spirit and give them opportunities to enjoy the season with their families.”
For the first time this holiday season, the Downtown Market has created an outdoor tree lot in the Market Shed, with fresh-cut Christmas Trees & Handmade Wreaths from Lenderink Tree Farms. This family-owned and operated business has proudly offered top-notch trees for three generations, with a personal commitment to being environmentally friendly. The outdoor lot is open through Dec. 10, weekdays, 3 p.m. - 6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., and Sun. 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Poinsettias are also available to purchase inside the Market, to complete the festive decor.
Winter Wonderland:
On December 5, from 4-8 p.m., celebrate the season at the annual Winter Wonderland open house, with an extra hour of shopping and other treats, perfect for kids and adults to get in the spirit of the season. Free activities during the Winter Wonderland Open House include a holiday artisan market, featuring 25+ local entrepreneurs and artisans, visits with Santa in the greenhouse, stations for writing and “mailing” letters to Santa, kids hand-on “Christmas cones” treat making, live holiday food and beverage demonstrations, bar serving beer, wine and specialty drinks and a winter clothing donation drive for Degagé Ministries.
Snacks and photos with Santa:
On December 12, from 4 – 7 p.m., kids can share a snack with the big man in red, play holiday bingo, make special holiday crafts and more. That weekend is another opportunity for kids to get photos with Santa from noon to 3 p.m., Dec. 15 through 17. Kids can bring their wish lists to ensure they land on his 'nice' list.
For more info about all holiday events, visit: http://downtownmarketgr.com/classes-events.
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