GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- A couple of tree-lighting events in Grand Rapids on Friday and Saturday evenings should help people get in the Christmas spirit.
The annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at Rosa Parks Circle on Friday evening will be accompanied by a full slate of attractions. The two-hour event gets underway at 5 o'clock.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be making a grand entrance. The Grand Rapids Ballet will have characters from The Nutcracker there. The Salvation Army Brass Band will be performing. There will be a lot of other activities and food, including free s'mores and hot chocolate.
A community tree lighting and party will take place Saturday evening in the Boston Square area of Grand Rapids. The free event gets underway at 5 o'clock, with the tree lighting at 6:30 in the Community Parklet on Kalamazoo Avenue. This is the third year that the neighborhood is hosting it. There will be a heated tent, warm treats, holiday music and a visit by Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus.
The event will be held from 5 to 8 p.m.
Here is more information taken from a Clark Communications news release:
Aside from the ceremonial ‘flipping of the switch’ by a longtime neighbor, the party, which is presented by Terra Firma Bouldering Co., and Vander Kodde Construction, will also include music, food and talent from the neighborhood. The festivities kick off at 5 p.m., with a 6:30 p.m. lighting ceremony at the Boston Square Community Parklet, located at 1505 Kalamazoo Avenue SE.
Guests will enjoy a festive atmosphere with a heated tent, warm treats, holiday music and a visit and photos with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus!
As well, samples of local food will be provided to attendees in order to highlight the diverse cultures represented in the surrounding residential neighborhoods.
No registration is necessary. Guests are encouraged to dress accordingly as all activities are outdoors.
More information is available on the Facebook event page: https://fb.me/e/3dKD5YJ2j
ACTIVITIES
- Photos with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus
- Live entertainment from the Ottawa Hills High School Choir, West Michigan Jewels of Africa, Drew Sax and Xpressions of Praise Christian Dance Academy
- Outdoor games
- Giveaways from In the Image, New Faith Temple and more!
- Holiday tunes spun the whole evening
FOOD VENDORS (as of 11/20)
2023 PARTNERS & SPONSORS
- Terra Firma Bouldering Co.
- Vander Kodde Construction
- National Heritage Academies
- Modern Hardware
- Oakdale Park Church
- Amp The Good Grant through Amplify GR
- Neighbors who live in Boston Square/Oakdale
- Grand Rapids Neighborhood Match Fund
- Fuller Ave. Church
- Rockford Construction
About Boston Square
The Boston Square Business District on the southeast side of Grand Rapids, Michigan sits just 2 miles from the center of downtown. One of the oldest communities in Grand Rapids, Boston Square boasts some of the city’s longest running businesses that have marked more than 100 years in their location. Kalamazoo Avenue serves as a historic gateway to Grand Rapids that was once a main thoroughfare for communities south of the city.
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The annual community tree lighting and party will take place Saturday evening in the Boston Square neighborhood of Grand Rapids.Photo: File photos provided by Clark Communications
The Community Tree-Lighting is a free, family-friendly event.