Downtown Market hosting free holiday events including Winter Wonderland and visits with Santa

The Grand Rapids Downtown Market is hosting a variety of holiday events this December, 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. “Festive events like these help get people in the holiday spirit and give them free opportunities to enjoy the season with their families.”

Winter Wonderland:

On Wednesday, December 5, 2018, from 4 p.m.-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 more thank 25 local entrepreneurs and artisans, visits with Santa in the greenhouse, stations for writing and “mailing” letters to Santa, kids hand-on Christmas cookie decorating and make-and-take ornaments, live holiday food and beverage demonstrations, bar serving hot chocolate drinks and a winter clothing donation drive for Degagé Ministries.

Lenderink Farms Tree Lot

The Downtown Market’s holiday tree lot is back for a second year in the Market Shed, with fresh-cut Christmas trees and 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 Wednesdays and Friday, 4 p.m.-7 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m through December 16, 2018.

Snacks and photos with Santa:

On December 11, from 3:30-6:30 p.m., kids can share a snack with Santa, make special holiday crafts and get their photo with the big man in red. That weekend is another opportunity for kids to get photos with Santa from 12 p.m.-3 p.m., December 14 from 12 p.m.-3 p.m., and December 15-16 from 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Kids can bring their wish lists to ensure they land on his 'nice' list.

For more info about all holiday events, visit the Downtown Market's classes and events page.