Lots of things happening in Grand Rapids on Saturday, November 21st to kick off the holiday season!
The West Michigan holiday season will officially kick-off with the Art Van Santa Parade, presented by the Grand Rapids Jaycees. The Jaycees are excited to announce the theme for this year’s parade will be “Unwrap the Magic.” Downtown Grand Rapids will be filled the sweet sounds of local marching bands, carolers and local performers. Entrants for the 2015 event will create unique entries around the theme, including costumes, music and floats based on popular and classic holiday songs. Thousands of parade-goers will be watching as the parade makes its way down the streets of Grand Rapids. The parade starts at 9:00am.
After the Art Van Santa Parade, stop by the Grand Rapids Public Library at 111 Library St NE to warm up with some holiday cheer. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be stopping by after the parade to meet all the good little girls and boys in Grand Rapids. Listen to stories with Mrs. Claus while you warm up with a cup of hot chocolate. Tell Santa what you want for Christmas, participate in the first annual lighting of the Library Tree, and join in a holiday sing-along. Holiday crafts and hands-on fun for all ages! The library will be hosting the event from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. It is free and open to the public. Free parking is available in the library's lot.
At 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., help the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum decorate theatre materials for the Children’s Healing Center, the first year-round recreation facility for kids with weak immune systems and their families. Stop by 11 Sheldon Ave to join the winter festivities.
Finally, join the Grand Rapids Symphony as the award winning children’s book “The Snowman” by Raymond Briggs comes to life in an exciting storytelling performance of music. The DTE Energy Foundation Family Series concert captures a magical night as a boy and his snowman friend go soaring and exploring in the snow. The music is accompanied by the entire animated film that is sure to entertain the whole family! The Snowman, conducted by John Varineau, will take place at 3 p.m. at DeVos Performance Hall.
Grand Rapids Symphony tickets to “The Snowman” are $5 for children and $15 for adults. Tickets start at $5 for children and $15 for adults. Tickets are available at the Symphony office, weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 300 Ottawa NW, Suite 100, by calling 616.454.9451 x 4 or online at GRSymphony.org.
