Wintertime Fun in Grand Rapids

Fleeting seasons are whizzing by us, seemingly quicker with each passing year. We blame it on old age and busy agendas, but the reality is— life is short. The time is upon us to start benefiting from the abundant wintertime activities Grand Rapids has to offer. We were caught off guard by the snowiest November in history this year,  but whether you believe it or not, December is here. With the incessant looming snow and Christmas inching ever closer, it’s common to feel a bit “in limbo”. Finances are tight, we’re still not sure if we’re acclimated to the weather, and we’re beginning to feel restless. Whether you’re the indoor or outdoors type, there's plenty to keep you active throughout these cold months! Decide what your motivation will be and break out of that seasonal hibernation. Luckily, Grand Rapids is bursting with ideas.

Shop Local.

The holidays are a-coming! We love our city, but now is the time to show our support for local businesses this season.

• Uptown Holiday Shop Hop: Shopping local doesn’t get any better than this. More than 80 local businesses in the Uptown area of Grand Rapids are hosting a six-hour event with special deals and savings. It’s Thursday, Dec. 4 from 4 p.m. to 10pm. For a full lineup of participating locations, visit the Shop Hop event page on Facebook.
• UICA’s 26th Annual Holiday Artists’ Market: This gives people a chance to not only shop local, but to support handmade, unique and aesthetic creations by local artists. The event will be hosted at the Steelcase Town Hall, located at 901 44th St. SE, on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday Dec. 7 from noon to 5 p.m. Live entertainment and local refreshments will be available. Admission and parking are free, both Saturday and Sunday. 

Outdoor fun. 

The holiday excitemement, alone, pumps a little extra warmth and ambition throughout. It's time to layer up and get out there!  

• Rosa Parks Circle:  Ice skating at Rosa Parks Circle opens Friday, Dec. 5 at noon. Free skate rentals are available and admission is $2 for adults and $1 for ages 17 and under. Ice skating hours are from Mondays from noon to 5:45 p.m. and Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 9:45 p.m.
• Robinettes: We love them for their apple cider, donuts, and fall activities. But what many people may not know is that our locally famous Robinettes is open yearound. Santa and his reindeer will be at the apple orchard grounds on Saturday, Dec. 6 from noon to 4 p.m.
• Fifth Third Ball Park Christmas Lite Show: Hosted by Nite Lites, the drive-through Christmas light exhibit stretches for more than a mile shining with, literally, millions of lights. You can drive through the wondrous display at the ballpark for nightly shows from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The cost is $15 per vehicle. Access a printable coupon on the Christmas Lite Show website.

Movies & Theatre.

As Michiganders, we're pretty good at tackling cold weather. But those cold and snowy nights also provide the perfect setting for an indoor cuddle session while watching a show in a historic theatre.

• Wealthy Street Theatre: Every Tuesday night, Meanwhile Movies presents a cult-classic movie showing for $6 general admission or $5 for members. The next film being shown in the Meanwhile film series is "Shaft" on Tuesday, Dec. 9. Doors open at 7:15 p.m. and the movie begins at 8 p.m.
• Grand Rapids Civic Theatre: The ambiance alone makes this theatre experience top-notch, but the acts it hosts are brilliant, entertaining and inspiring. Mary Poppins the musical is currently showing through Sunday, Dec. 14. Prices vary depending on the show, time of day and your seat choice.