By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer
Merry Christmas, my friends.
I hope you’re having a blessed holiday weekend and enjoying time with family and friends. I know it’s been hectic getting to this point, but let’s remember the reason for the season. Take a breather, relax and ….. open another present.
Seriously, I think we all know that this time of year means more than gifts and fancy things. It’s about the people you love the most, and the ones who love you back, unconditionally. It’s a time to celebrate.
On behalf of the Gonzalez family, have a Merry Christmas, everyone.
Now, let’s get to some events taking place this weekend on my Gonzo’s Top 5, exclusively for WKTV Journal.
Gonzo’s Top 5
5. Gerald R. Ford Museum
Who remembers the train at Breton Village? You can see the “Gerald R. Ford Presidential Express,” formerly the Breton Village Miniature Train Display, at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum through Jan. 2. The train set was created and maintained by Herb DeVries and his family, “who poured endless hours of their time and talent into the display, simply because it brought joy to others. The train quickly became a treasured holiday tradition for families all over West Michigan,” according to the museum staff. The exhibit includes replicas of South High School, Bill’s Place diner and other significant structures in the president’s Grand Rapids life. Tickets are $8 for adults; free for those 17 and under. Tickets must be purchased in advance and online here. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Learn more at fordlibrarymuseum.gov.
Please note: The Museum Store is currently closed, but you may make purchases online here.
4. Grand Rapids Art Museum
The Grand Rapids Art Museum is a great place to explore during the holidays. GRAM features “An Art of Changes: Jasper Johns Prints, 1960-2018,” which surveys six decades of output from one of America’s greatest living artists, and “The Black Ash Basketry of Kelly Church and Cherish Parrish,” showcases a centuries-old Anishinaabe tradition. The nationally acclaimed mother and daughter team has created more than 20 new works, including traditional baskets, “while others are woven works of art that draw on Native history and storytelling to make striking parallels to universal issues and current events,” according to press materials.
Please note: GRAM will temporarily operate on a cash-free basis for visitors purchasing tickets on-site. Also, face masks are required for all museum guests while indoors, regardless of vaccination status. This week the museum is open from noon-9 p.m. Thursday (Dec. 23) and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday (Dec. 24), and closed Saturday and Sunday. Regular hours are noon-6 p.m. Tuesday, noon-9 p.m. Wednesday, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Closed Sunday, Monday and Wednesday.) Call 616-831-1000 or go to artmuseumgr.org for more information.
3. The Grand Rapids Public Museum
“Snowflake Break” continues at the Grand Rapids Public Museum through Jan. 2 and features special activities, as well as traveling exhibits “POPnolog,” and “Bats: Masters of the Night.” Along with camps and other fun things to do, you can experience the holiday light show “Let It Snow!” at the Chaffee Planetarium. For more info on the Snowflake Break Camps, go to grpm.org/educlasses. Regular hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, and noon- 5 p.m. Sundays. It is closed Christmas Day.
Please note: Kent County residents receive reduced admission every day with free admission for Kent County children 17 and under. Kent County adults are only $5 for general admission and Kent County seniors are $3. Advance ticket reservation is recommended. Kent County residents also receive free parking in the Museum’s ramp for their visit. The Museum encourages all visitors to wear a face mask, regardless of their vaccination status. Visit grpm.org for more info.
2. Christmas Lite Show
So, I’m still waiting to make my annual trip to the Christmas Lite Show at LMCU Ballpark. As you know, they have been doing this for 24 years, which means it’s become a tradition for you, like the Gonzalez household. I drove by Sunday night, and the lines were busy. But it moves along, and they do a great job of taking care of you. Tickets are available online or at the ticket window for $28 for most cars. Hours are 5:30-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, and 5:30-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. It runs through Jan. 1. More information at christmasliteshow.com.
1. Christmas at Meijer Gardens
The University of Michigan Health-West Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition at Meijer Gardens is another great West Michigan tradition. It runs through Jan. 2. With more than 300,000 lights, strolling carolers, rooftop reindeer and 46 international trees and displays it’s another must for families. Make sure to see the Railway Garden exhibition with miniature buildings handmade from natural materials and model trolleys and trains. It’s my favorite. In addition to late hours on Tuesdays, Meijer Gardens is open until 9 p.m. on Dec. 27-30. Meijer Gardens is open daily for the holidays, but closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. More details at meijergardens.org.
That’s it for now.
As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Have a great, safe weekend.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He’s an early adopter of Social Media and SEO expert. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
