WMTA shares holiday fun around West Michigan

WEST MICHIGAN – December is here and with it comes lots of festive fun across our beautiful state. That’s why Fox 17 spoke with the West Michigan Tourist Association to get the scoop on some events this month that will fit perfectly into any calendar:

Frederik Meijer Gardens lights up the Christmas light show
The Frederik Meijer Gardens Enlighten Holiday Light Show is a captivating outdoor mix of art, light and nature. This dynamic experience will capture your imagination with innovative lighting displays, enchanting music and interactive displays among world-famous sculptures. A stunning 1 mile route that is fully paved and accessible will rival most of the world’s most famous holiday displays and give you a truly magical outdoor experience. Tickets are required and are issued in 30-minute increments from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. SNAP or EBT cardholders can purchase tickets at a 50% discount. After your Enlighten experience, feel free to explore the Christmas and holiday traditions exhibit or the cafe and gift shop as the site doesn’t close until 11:00 p.m.

Deck the Halls Holiday Home Tours
Grand Rapids has so many historic properties. This holiday season, you have the opportunity to tour some of them by joining Tours Around Michigan on their Deck the Halls Holiday Home Tours. Each stop on the tour offers a unique glimpse into timeless homes, beautifully decorated with traditional and vintage decorations both inside and out. History buffs, architecture lovers and even the curious will love sipping hot wassail and sampling delicious bites at one of the houses while immersing themselves in the festive essence of the holiday season. Tours begin at 2:00 p.m. on three dates – December 7th, 14th and 21st. So book this exclusive holiday experience soon and be prepared for a perfectly timed twilight experience that ends with a stunning outdoor Christmas light display taking place at 5:00 p.m

Coopersville & Marne Railway Santa Train
ALL ABOARD! You only have three weekends from now until Christmas to book your seats on the Coopersville & Marne Railway Santa Train. This is a great memory for children of all ages as they ride in a specially reserved seat on a vintage train and wait for a visit from Santa Claus and his jolly elves. Each child receives a special gift from Santa and you can use this up-close time to take some really sweet pictures. Tickets sell out quickly, so reserve soon and note that prices vary depending on the carriage type you choose – Couch Class, Premium Class with table seating including hot cocoa and a baked item, or galley seating. Secure wheelchair spaces are also available. And if you love Christmas music, you should book the Christmas train on December 22nd at 5:00 p.m.

Holiday events at the MI Maritime Museum Heritage Center
South Haven is home to the Michigan Maritime Museum, where the vibrant heritage and culture of Michigan’s Great Lakes and waterways are celebrated with immersive experiences, exhibits and educational opportunities. The holiday events at the MIMaritime Museum Heritage Center offer just another way to celebrate this time of year. It all starts on December 14th from 10am to 12pm where you’ll find Cookies & Cocoa with Captain Bob and some great books from the children’s library. On December 18th, Christmas crafts and other festive activities will take place at the Learning Center from 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., but the highlight might be taking selfies with Santa. So be sure to bring your camera. And be sure to stick around for the Maritime Holiday Concert at 6:30 p.m. the same day, the 18th, and get into the holiday spirit at this family-friendly concert with the Kal-Haven Strings performing traditional sea shanties and holiday and Celtic classics.

More fun in West Michigan
For hundreds more ideas for fun, family-friendly things to do throughout West Michigan, visit the West Michigan Tourist Association website at any time.

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