Best time to go to Grand Rapids, MI

Christmas Lights in Grand Rapids 2024-2025

Take a stroll through America’s Jolliest City

Dates: late November–early January

Christmas Lights in Grand Rapids
Christmas Lights in Grand Rapids
Christmas Lights in Grand Rapids
Rosa Parks Circle, downtown Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids is famous for its vibrant light displays, which look especially festive with snow. Every December, Grand Rapids becomes a magical winter wonderland with a sparkling skyline dressed up in millions of lights. To see Grand Rapids in its full glory, take the River walk trail to several decorated bridges over the Grand River. The Pearl Street Bridge, the Blue Bridge, and the Gillett Bridge are adorned with garlands and holiday lights.

Other Instagram-worthy locations in the city include Rosa Parks Circle. The spectacular 40-foot (12-m) tree in the center is decorated with 40,000 lights. Smaller Christmas trees are also contributing to the picture. Monroe Center Street is a premier gathering spot in the city, boasting over 50 decorated trees and lampposts. Nearby DeVos Place Convention Center and the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel are also decorated with beautiful lights. The best way to experience the festive downtown illuminations is by taking a carriage ride, which is available on the southwest corner of Pearl & Monroe Streets. Or get a car and explore some of the largest drive-through light displays in the state.

Christmas Lite Show (November 22–December 31, 2023)

Michigan’s largest Christmas light show takes place from late November to early January at Lake Michigan Credit Union Ballpark. The Christmas Lite Show features over 50 animated displays and a million of lights. The two-mile spectacular route can be viewed from the comfort of your own car from 5:30 to 9 pm. The light show is extended to 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets start at $25 per family vehicle.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Christmas & Holiday Traditions (November 21, 2023–January 7, 2024)

One of the best sculpture parks in America is even more special during the holidays. The winter wonderland is illuminated by 300,000 lights and filled with the Christmas spirit. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park features 42 cultural displays. International trees and displays are adorned with handcrafted decorations and symbols. Meijer Gardens exhibit is open to 9 pm on select days in December. Admission is $14.50 for adults.

Ada Village Winter Lights Walking Trail (early December–late January)

Ada is a cozy village, just east of Grand Rapids, which originates from the 18th century fur trading post. Every winter, it turns into a fairy tale with thousands of shimmering lights. The Ada Village Winter Lights Walking Trail is about one mile long. The main highlight of the loop trail is Ada's historic pedestrian wooden bridge with shimmering lights synchronized to music. The route, which starts and ends near the Ada Village General Store, winds through the beautiful downtown decorated with over 25,000 lights and a large Grapevine reindeer.

Last updated: by Olga Valchyshen