City kicks off the holidays with Santa Parade & Tree Lighting Nov. 22

City kicks off the holidays with Santa Parade & Tree Lighting Nov. 22

Published on November 10, 2025

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The City of Grand Rapids will officially welcome the holiday season on Saturday, Nov. 22, with a festive evening featuring the Gentex Grand Rapids Santa Claus Parade and the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Rosa Parks Circle.

The celebration begins with the 104th Santa Parade, presented by Gentex and Riverbank Events and Media, stepping off at 5 p.m. from the corner of Division Avenue and Michigan Street NW. The parade will wind through downtown Grand Rapids, delivering Santa Claus to the tree lighting festivities at Rosa Parks Circle. Santa will be exiting his sleigh at Rosa Park Circle at approximately 6:30 pm. This FREE community event will have over 60 entries in the parade and family fun activities.

The Annual Tree Lighting will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. along Monroe Center Street NW, between Monroe Avenue NW and Ottawa Avenue NW. The all-ages event will feature:

• Free ice cream treats courtesy of Country Fresh
• Free coffee and hot chocolate courtesy of Salvation Army
• Complimentary commemorative 175^th ornaments to the first 1,000 attendees courtesy of the Office of Special Events, City of Grand Rapids
• Arts, crafts and giveaways from City departments and community partners
• Appearances by Gazelle Sports Whoville characters, Griff from the Grand Rapids Griffins, Grand Rapids Ballet Nutcracker characters, GRFD Sparky, Whitecaps Crash, Tortoise and Hare from the Amway River Bank Run, Buckets from the Grand Rapids Gold, McDonald's Grimace courtesy of Seyferth PR, and the GRPS Turkey
• Free books from Grand Rapids Public Library
• Santa and Mrs. Claus offering free photos, and a giant snow globe for family photos sponsored by Matrix Entertainment
• A special letter-writing station for kids, hosted by USPS and Blox
• Entertainment by DJ Composition, the Girls Chorale Academy and the Salvation Army Brass Band

The evening will culminate with the lighting of a 38-foot Concolor Fir tree, flipped on by sponsors Charlie and Elizabeth Secchia & Family, Rockford Construction, and broadcast live by WXSP-TV and rebroadcast Wednesday, November 26 at 7 p.m. on WOODTV 8.

"This collaboration brings two beloved traditions together in one magical evening," said Evette Pittman, the City's special events manager. "It's a joyful way to celebrate the season and bring our community together."

Mayor David LaGrand added, "Hosting the parade in the evening to bring Santa to the Tree Lighting makes both traditions even more special. It's a wonderful way to kick off the holidays in Grand Rapids-and a perfect opportunity to start a new tradition with your family that you'll look forward to year after year."

"The Gentex Grand Rapids Santa Parade is a cherished tradition that brings joy and excitement to the city every year. Whether you're watching from the sidelines or marching in the parade, it's a wonderful way to celebrate the spirit of Christmas with family, friends and neighbors," said Russ Hines from Riverbank Events and Media, parade organizers.

Registration and More Information

• Parade Registration: Gentex Grand Rapids Santa Parade Registration
• Parade Route, Parking and Event Details: grsantaparade.com
• Tree Lighting Info: grandrapidsmi.gov/Special-Events

Sponsors

The 2025 holiday events are made possible by Gentex, Charlie and Elizabeth Secchia & Family, Rockford Construction, Riverbank Events and Media, Office of Special Events, City of Grand Rapids, WOOD TV8, Meijer, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Experience Grand Rapids, DeVos Place, VanAndel Arena, Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, Kendall Group, Generac and the Grand Rapids Junior Chamber.

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