What's Going On

WHAT’S GOING ON, DEC '22

Very Merry Market. COURTESY PHOTO

12/1

25TH ANNUAL UPTOWN SHOP HOP

Uptown Dec. 1, 3 p.m. Join for a big one: The 25th annual Uptown Shop Hop, as the district comes alive with extra special holiday experiences, entertainment, and merriment. FREE trolley rides are back, and will transport you through Uptown as you holiday shop, eat, drink, and make memories!

EASTOWN HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING

Harmony Brewing Co. Dec. 1, 5 p.m. While you’re in town, swing on over to Harmony Brewing for the tree lighting (at 7 p.m.), the opportunity to hang something on the tree, a beer tent, hot chocolate, and other treats.

12/2

GR CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

Downtown Grand Rapids Dec. 2, 5-7 p.m. This annual event features a jampacked schedule of dynamic attractions to officially kick off the holiday season in Grand Rapids. This year includes free s’mores, free hot chocolate, live entertainment, and a variety of cultural booths, plus family activities.

12/3

32ND ANNUAL HOLIDAY ARTISTS MARKET

UICA Dec. 3, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. UICA’s Holiday Artists Market is back after a two-year pandemic hiatus! Shop for beautifully crafted gifts and goods from dozens of regional artists, including jewelry, home goods, fine art, holiday cards, accessories, toys, and more. Enjoy live music and local food and beverage vendors while you shop.

HOLIDAY MAKERS MARKET

Guardian Brewing Co. Dec. 3, 12-6 p.m. Wood, ceramics, jewelry, fabric, plants, and so much more! Grab a beer and join from 12-6PM at Guardian Brewing Co. Find your newest treasures, shop for great holiday gifts, and support local artists.

12/4

HOLIDAY BAZAAR

Broad Leaf Brewery & Spirits Dec. 4, 12-7 p.m. The holidays are fast approaching and that means gift shopping is about to kick into high gear. Don’t miss Broad Leaf’s Holiday Bazaar this year, where you can do your gift shopping while drinking expertly crafted beer and enjoying some next-level eats! The lineup includes prints, metal art, jewelry, artisan soaps, home décor and much more.

VERY MERRY MARKET DAY

Grand Rapids Downtown Market Dec. 4, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The Downtown Market is always great for gifts, but this annual artisan market is the best time for the holiday spirit. They’ve decked the halls of the entire second floor with art, handmade goods and products, clothing, accessories, treats, and more! Once you’ve completed your shopping, head downstairs and grab a bite to eat from the merchants and restaurants.

12/10

AMAZE & AMUSE: A MODERN DAY MAGIC SHOW CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR

Wealthy Theatre Dec. 10, 4:30 & 7 p.m. The Amaze & Amuse Christmas Spectacular is a modern-day magic show that features mind-blowing magic, comedy and lots of audience participation with a special holiday twist. This family-friendly show will feature comedy magician Trino with special guest ventriloquist and magician Brynn Cummings.

12/11

MERCHANTS AND MAKERS VERY MERRY MARKET

Trillium Events, Spring Lake Dec. 11, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. It’s time once again for the annual Very Merry Market! This year has 55 amazing makers with items for everyone on your holiday list, with art, stationery, plushies, pet clothes, playdough kits, bath works, home goods, food, drinks, clothes, and so much more. Music with Plain Jane Glory and food by the fantastic Trillium Events.

THE WHOVILLE 5K

Riverside Park Dec. 11, 12-3 p.m. The Whoville 5K is the silliest, zaniest, Grinchiest fun run in Michigan! Join for a festive afternoon running through Whoville, complete with all the mischievous characters you grew up loving. There will be Things, there will be a Cat (probably wearing a Hat,) and there will be the meanest, greenest one of them all. Come dressed in your best holiday Whoville outfit to join the fun, and enjoy cookies, hot cocoa, costume prizes and photos with Santa.

The Whoville 5K. COURTESY PHOTO

Get Sad. PHOTO BY LUKE BOWERS

12/13

LIONS & RABBITS’ END OF THE YEAR BASH

Lions & Rabbits Center for the Arts Dec. 13, 5-10 p.m. Celebrate local art’s growth in 2022 with one last bash. Mingle with artists, creatives and art enthusiasts, enjoying live DJs, beverages, food from Street Chef Shaw, and plenty of activities. The event begins with an open invitation to all from 6-8 p.m. with a suggested minimum donation of $50. Can’t come until later? Join for the afterhours portion from 8-11 p.m., when they turn the volume up.

12/16

GET SAD: EMO X-MAS & ONE LAST TIME

The Pyramid Scheme Dec. 16, 8 p.m. It’s time for the final Get Sad, an emo dance party with music ranging from My Chemical Romance to Fall Out Boy, American Football, Paramore and everything else you rocked out to in your youth. It’s like a dance party. But with more angst. And sadder. And a holiday twist!

12/17

MADE MARKET: HOLIDAY 22

Leona Road 1351 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids Dec. 17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. A market made by makers, for makers. This market is proud to feature local vendors who produce unique, handmade items—from jewelry to accessories, art, food, clothes, candles, bath products and so much more.

12/18

JINGLE BELL BRUNCH

New Holland - The Knickerbocker Dec. 18, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. The original recurring show MI Drag Brunch is here with a holiday twist, Jingle Bell Brunch. Come on through for a fun, dance and song filled twohour performance, a specialized menu, beverages and more.

12/20

NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION

Wealthy Theatre Dec. 20, 8 p.m. Time for yet another Tuesday movie at Wealthy Theatre, and this time it’s the eternal holiday classic, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” The Griswolds are preparing for a family seasonal celebration - but things never run smoothly for Clark, his wife Ellen and their two kids.

MI Drag Brunch. COURTESY PHOTO