As Thanksgiving passes and the holiday season gets closer, you may be hoping to get some shopping done this weekend.
If you're all shopped out from Black Friday though, there are plenty other events throughout West Michigan.
Christmas on the Westside Shop Hop
Grand Rapids' Christmas on the Westside Shop Hop returns for its third year. The event is a great way to support local, especially on Small Business Saturday. It will feature local artists, live music, sales, discounts, demonstrations, arts & crafts and prizes. Participants include several businesses on the city's westside (primarily on Northwest Fulton and Leonard St.). It runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. For a full list of participating stores, check out their website.
Santa Clause Meet-and-Greet & Tree Lighting Ceremony
In Muskegon, you can meet Santa Clause and take some free photos at the Hackley Library on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. After, you can head across the street to Hackley Park for the Holiday Tree Lighting happening at 6 p.m. It's a great way for the whole family to get into the holiday spirit along the lakeshore.
78th Annual Antique Toy Show
In Kalamazoo, the 78th annual Antique Toy Show will be taking place at the Kalamazoo County Expo Center on Saturday. Attendees can take a trip back in time with vintage and collectible toys such as cars, wind-up toys, Tonka trucks, Hot Wheels, action figures and movie & television memorabilia. Admission is $10. The show runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Click here for more information.
Farmgirl Flea Market's Holiday Market
For more holiday shopping, head to Farmgirl Flea Market at the Countryside Greenhouse in Allendale. There will be plenty of vintage and handmade goods from over 250 vendors coming from across the country. It's a juried event with everything from repurposed furniture to boutique clothing. There will also be food trucks, Christmas music and even visits with Santa Clause. Farmgirl Flea Market's Holiday Market runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is $5, and kids under 12 get in free.
Kalamazoo Wings' Teddy Bear Toss
Watch a hockey game as the Kalamazoo Wings take on the Indy Fuel. While you're there, you can give back this holiday season by participating in the K-Wings' Teddy Bear Toss. Attendees are asked to bring a teddy bear to throw onto the ice when the K-Wings score their first goal, and it will be given to kids in need. It's also the first post-game skate with the players this season. Bring you own skates or rent a pair for just $5. The game takes place on Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo. Head to kwings.com for tickets and more information.
Crane's Handmade Holiday Market
Kick off the holiday season in style at Crane's Pie Pantry in Fennville. They'll be hosting their 2023 Handmade Holiday Market on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The smaller, cozy market will feature over 12 artists presenting their finest gifts for the holidays. There will be jewelry to home decor, Christmas ornaments and more. Plus—there will be sugar cookie decorating for the kids, and Crane's will be serving up fresh donut holes and hot cider while you shop. For more information, click here.
The Hip-Hop Nutcracker
The Hip-Hop Nutcracker returns to Devos Performance Hall on Sunday Night. The holiday dance mash-up features a dozen dance all-stars, an on-stage DJ and an electric violinist. The show transforms Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker score into a remixed and re-imagined version of the story that's fun for all ages. Tickets vary in price and can be purchased here. The show starts at 7:30 p.m.
Holiday Elf Scavenger Hunt
Uptown GR, Inc. invites the public to a fun and festive new way to support local business with its first annual Uptown Holiday Elf Scavenger Hunt. The contest runs through December 7, the date of the annual Uptown Shop Hop. Participants must find "mugshots" of at least twenty different elves hidden across the 90 participating businesses, then write their names on a players' card which can then be turned in for a chance to win one of 3 gift baskets. You can get a card at any of the businesses or download and print it instead. Prizes are sourced exclusively from the local businesses themselves. For more details as well as a list of participating businesses, click here.
