GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The City of Grand Rapids says a 37-foot Concolor Fir Christmas tree will be installed next Wednesday morning at Rosa Parks Circle in downtown Grand Rapids.
This year's tree comes from the family-owned Watson's Tree Farm in Lake City and will feature nearly 50,000 lights. It will be adjacent to the Grand Rapids Art Museum.
"It arrives on November 12th and will be decorated November 18th and 19th," said Evette Pittman, Grand Rapids' special events manager.
It will be lit on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 5 p.m., right after the holiday parade wraps up.
"So, this year we actually moved the tree lighting and the Santa Claus Parade up to start the holiday season even earlier here in Grand Rapids," Pittman said in a phone interview with WOOD Radio.
You will get the chance to take some photos of the Christmas tree and with Santa.
During Wednesday morning's tree installation at Rosa Parks Circle, a stretch of Monroe Center will be closed there. The city encourages the public not to view it anywhere near that location, for safety reasons.
"Correct. There is a lot of heavy equipment, big equipment that's moving it in," Pittman said. "So, we ask that people not come to the installation but definitely come to the tree lighting on Saturday, November 22nd.
Crews from the City of Grand Rapids and Rockford Construction, along with Gelock Heavy Movers will erect the tree, and Buist Electric will participate, as well.
"We're all freezing but we love to do it because it's such a wonderful community-festive thing to do," Pittman said. "We're all out there together and we get that tree off of a flatbed truck. It's hoisted up over all the wires, the streetlights and all of those things. And that's why we ask the public to stay away. And then, it is dropped into a ballast that is underground."
Once the Santa Parade ends, Santa will walk over to the Christmas and begin participating in the photo-taking. Pittman said the photos will be free, courtesy of Matrix Entertainment.
There also will be a large snow globe, where family photos can be snapped.
"And you can get a little keepsake snow globe or keychain when you take your picture there," Pittman said.
Live entertainment will come from Deejay Composition; and the Salvation Army Brass Band will help usher Santa in and help light the Christmas tree. The Girls Choral Academy will sing some Christmas carols.
"So, we're so excited," Pittman said. "There will mascots there. Everyone from GR Gold's Bucket to the Grand Rapids Griffins' Griff, the West Michigan Whitecaps' Crash. And the Grand Rapids Ballet Nutcracker characters will be there."
She added that the Grand Rapids Fire Department will bring Sparky, and the Grand Rapids Public Museum will bring "Tom the Turkey."
"And, of course, Gazelle Sports," Pittman said. "We can't forget our Whoville characters; they are whacky and fun. And they really add a lot of festivity to the event. They'll be there, as well."
The City of Grand Rapids issued a news release Monday, Nov. 10, providing more details:
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 175th 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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