The Grand Rapids Christmas Lite Show has been a holiday tradition for most West Michigan families for the past 25 years.
With over 50,000 visitors each year, the Christmas Lite Show (CLS) has grown to be the largest lite show display in West Michigan.
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
How it all began
A family-owned business, the CLS was founded by American veteran William (Bill) Schrader after returning to West Michigan as a wounded war veteran.
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Schrader and his family would spend the days leading up to Christmas driving through neighborhood decorated in lights. It was a cherished family tradition by Schrader, his wife and their three children.
After sharing those memories with family friends, Schrader approached the LMCU Ballpark office and asked to lease the parking lot so he could bring a unique and fun holiday attraction to West Michigan.
Comprised of a 30-person team of mostly veterans, the CLS has grown from generators, gas cans, and mile-long extension cords to transformers, power boxes, and 100% LEDs, and from one semi trailer full of lights to eight.
The mission
The CLS 40-night season (Nov. 22 – Dec. 31) brings new displays and experiences every year – and is the result of a year-round effort by Schrader and his team.
“The whole mission is to bring a smile to the kids,” Schrader says on the CLS website. “It’s all about the kids.”
Schrader and his team are dedicated to spreading joy and good fortune to our community. They carry out this spirit through the CLS and by supporting and donating to local organizations like the Grand Rapids Veterans Home.
Santa and his elf helper waiting to greet children at the Nitzel’s home. (Photo courtesy the Nitzels)
It looks like a scene out of a Hallmark movie: colorful holiday lights with Santa and his elf helper sitting on a wooden bench waiting to greet the children.
But it is not a Hallmark movie, it is right here in the City of Wyoming, 3717 Illinois Ave. SW. This is the home of Mark and Barb Nitzel, longtime Wyoming residents who have been spreading a little Christmas magic for the past several years.
“I do this, getting out there, to make people feel good,” said Mark Nitzel, who will be out again this Friday as Santa from 6:30-8:30 p.m. “Snowstorm or not, I’ll be out there. I was out there during the last snowstorm.”
An award winning display
Nitzel has always enjoyed the magic of Christmas and the holidays, especially the lights.
Mark Nitzel in front of his Christmas tree. (WKTV)
“The lights started with me putting up a few and then adding to it,” Nitzel said. The display gradually evolved to take over his front yard and his neighbor’s fence. Dubbed “Clark Griswold,” Nitzel’s passion soon spread, making it a neighborhood affair.
“Next door, he started adding lights,” Nitzel said. “We found a sleigh and put it on his roof. The people across the street moved in a few years ago and they too have been adding lights.
“It was really kind of cool to see it grow.”
The light display even snagged Nitzel an award “The Christmas Light Pajama Run Award” in 2018.
“I just heard someone on the porch and went out to see who it was,” Nitzel said. “I asked what they were up to and they shouted ‘Merry Christmas,’ pointed to the porch and ran to their car and jumped in. They were all wearing those old-fashioned pajamas with the buttons on the back.”
Then came the jolly elf himself
Of course with his warm and welcoming personality and love for the season, it was only a matter of time before Nitzel would be asked to play Santa. That person was his daughter, Samatha Roman who own’s Old Souls Studio, 1111 Godfrey Ave. SW.
“She asked if I could be Santa at her studio for photos,” Nitzel said, adding with a laugh, “the next thing I know, I am outside greeting people as they drive by (my home).”
Nitzel is not one for recognition. It has been his “elf helper” Barb who has been promoting the light display and visits with Santa.
“I can’t be Mrs. Claus, she is too sweet,” Barb Nitzel said with a laugh. “(Mark) retired in 2020 and he does it because he loves it. There is nothing like seeing the kids’ faces. The joy and the happiness just brings tears to your eyes.”
“Happy Christmas to all”
Nitzel, who also volunteers at Family Food Network of Wyoming, said he just enjoys seeing people get a little cheer from the lights and visiting with Santa.
Santa with some guests. He will return this Friday from 6:30 – 8:30 at 3717 Illinois Ave. SW. (Photo courtesy the Nitzels)
“Last weekend, there was a lady who drove by a couple of times and then finally stopped to ask how much it would be for a picture with Santa,” Nitzel said. “I told her it was free.
“She got out of her car and we took the picture and she sat and talked with us for a little bit, telling us that she thought she was going to lose her job. By the time she left, she had captured a little bit of that Christmas cheer back. That’s what it’s all about.”
Nitzel said he recognizes that not everyone can afford to go to the mall to see Santa and for some children, the mall can be overwhelming. But at 3717 Illinois Ave. SW, everyone is welcome to visit with Santa and enjoy the holiday lights.
“It’s about giving back to the community,” Nitzel said. “It becomes a social event for everybody, talking and wishing each other ‘Merry Christmas,’ which makes it kind of nice to see.”
Last night, the University of Michigan Health-West changed its beacon lights from white to blue and yellow, showing its support for the people of Ukraine.
“As an organization dedicated to health and the well-being of all people, University of Michigan Health-West stands against violence in all of its forms,” in a released statement from the hospital.
The beacon lights will be blue and yellow 24 hours a day going forward with the hospital stating “with this symbolic gesture, we add our light to others around the world, showing support for the people of Ukraine.”
Well, with a little snow in the forecast, we can now officially say the Christmas holiday season is right around the corner.
Although two of West Michigan’s best-known events won’t open until Thanksgiving weekend (Christmas and Holiday Traditions at Meijer Gardens and Christmas Lite Show at LMCU Ballpark), it’s going to feel like the holidays sooner than later.
Are you ready?
This weekend’s Gonzo’s Top 5, exclusively on WKTV Journal, includes a sneak peek of night lights at the ballpark, as well as a craft show, tasting event and Cosplay.
Enjoy.
Here we go.
Gonzo’s Top 5
Handcrafted items are always holiday gift worthy, as these from the Byron Center Fine Arts Boosters’ annual craft show at Byron Center High School. (Supplied, from previous year)
5. Byron Center Craft Show
As I said a couple weeks ago, it’s craft show season, and this weekend you can check out the annual Byron Center Craft Show at Byron Center High School, 8500 Burlingame Ave. SW. It features 200-plus vendors and plenty of items to jump start your holiday shopping. Hours are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 13). Admission is $3 at the door. Free admission for those 12 and younger. Parking is free. Additional free parking and shuttle is available at Nickels Intermediate School. The craft show benefits fine arts programming at the school. Oh, and they will have food trucks, too. More info on the event Facebook page.
4. Restaurant Week GR
Have you made it out to Restaurant Week Grand Rapids? This is the last weekend to take advantage of great deals and meals as local chefs show off their skills at 50-plus restaurants. I’ll be out and about this weekend. Say hello if I run into you. Remember, this year you can sign up for Restaurant Week GR’s Digital Pass, and, if you check in to at least three participating restaurants you’ll get foodie-themed gift and a digital coupon for a return visit. For a list of restaurants and more details go to experiencegr.com/restaurant-week.
3. Taste of Black Spirits
A first-year event that hopes to become an annual tradition, Taste of Black Spirits is a cultural tasting experience with a goal of bringing awareness to African American Beer, Wine & Spirits. The event is from 5-10 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 13) at City Flats Hotel in downtown Grand Rapids. According to organizers, “the intention and purpose of the event is to increase support, awareness, and to educate the community at large about African American-owned spirits brands including expanding distribution opportunities.” Patrons will be able to taste whiskey, tequila, vodka, gin, rum, cognac, scotch, beer and wine. The public is invited. The event is curated by GR USA and Taste of Black Spirits, as well as Grand Rapids-based Motu Viget. See the 20-plus spirits brands in attendance, as well as ticket information on the event Facebook page.
2. Winter Wonder Walks at the Christmas Lite Show
Get your tickets now for a walk-thru preview of the annual Christmas Lite Show at LMCU Ballpark in Comstock Park. The annual lights display featuring millions of holiday lights won’t begin until Thanksgiving weekend, but if you want to get pictures and walk the route with friends and family, this is a good time to do so. Hours are 6-8 p.m. Nov. 11-14. Walkers must begin by 7 p.m. to allow time to walk the route. You must purchase your tickets in advance at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winter-wonder-walk-tickets-189936744917.
1. Grand Rapids Comic-Con
If you’re in downtown Grand Rapids this weekend, don’t be surprised to run into Pikachu or The Mandalorian. It’s Comic-Con weekend (Nov. 12-14) at DeVos Place, which means Cosplay, comic books, panels, celebrity appearances, a car show and more. Hours are noon-midnight Friday, 10 a.m.-midnight Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. For a schedule of events, as well as ticket information, go to grcomiccon.com or check out the event Facebook page.
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.
IllumiZoo Wild Hues at John Ball Zoo is announcing five themed music evenings on Wednesdays to mix up the fun for this popular illuminating event.
The first of the five music themed evenings begins with We Love the ‘80s on Wednesday, Oct. 13. Guests can take a totally rad step back as the top music of the 80s guides guests through IllumiZoo Wild Hues.
Set for Wednesday, Oct. 20 is the second music event with Here Comes the Beatles. Guests can twist and shout their way through IllumiZoo Wild Hues to the famous beats of the Beatles!
Grab a seat as we time travel back to the 1970s with a 70s Flashback set for Wednesday, Oct. 27. An evening of rock to disco and punk to funk, where the groovy music of the 1970s will transform IllumiZoo Wild Hues.
The fourth music theme takes a classical turn with It’s All Classical on Wednesday, Nov. 3. This evening of captivating selections of classical music will create a unique visual and auditory experience as guests make their way through an illuminated landscape of nature drenched with rich lighting and sounds.
The final music themed evening is Wednesday, Nov. 10 with Boy Bands Unite!. This fun night will get guests movin’ and groovin’ to the iconic music of boy bands. Sharing the “stage” for this evening will be BTS, NKOTB, NSYNC, The Jackson 5 and more!
Along with the themed music, IllumiZoo Wild Hues will continue to tell a conservation story by creating illuminating connections between wildlife and wild places. Showcasing how we are all connected to each other, to the land, the water, the air, the trees, and all animals, big and small, with the power to make a positive change in our world.
IllumiZoo Wild Hues tickets are $20 for adults, $13 for children ages 3-12, and free for children 2 and under with Zoo members receiving a discount on admission. The themed music nights are the same admission price.
Guests are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance to guarantee their preferred date and time to experience these music nights at IllumiZoo Wild Hues. Tickets are available at www.jbzoo.org/tickets.
John Ball Zoo is located on Fulton Ave., one mile west of downtown Grand Rapids. For questions or for more information, visit www.jbzoo.org, call 616-336-4301, or email info@jbzoo.org.
Downtown Holland‘s holiday lights will remain up all winter long to help bring some much-needed light to the community after a difficult year. The lights will remain up until March so they can be enjoyed by Downtown Holland customers, along with numerous walkers and runners who like to take advantage of Downtown Holland’s snowmelt system all winter long.
“We made the decision to leave the lights up because we recognized that the community could use a little light during these long winter days,” said Downtown Development Authority Coordinator Amy Sasamoto. “We invite everyone to Downtown Holland to stroll the brightly lit streets. We hope it’s a gift that helps lift everyone’s spirits!”
The holiday lights in Downtown Holland are installed and maintained by Chips Ground Cover, a local Holland business, and are paid for the City’s Downtown Development Authority. No general taxpayer funds are used for the project. The DDA is funded by a 1.6 mil tax levy paid annually by properties located within the DDA boundaries.
“The Enchanted Trail offers a magical experience for all ages,” says Mike Chumbler, Boyne Highlands Resort’s president and general manager. “It’s a really serene and peaceful walk culminating at a beautifully designed yurt where beverages are served, and guests can gather round a bonfire, before journeying back.”
The trail totals two miles roundtrip, and features the twinkling of hundreds of lights strewn throughout the path. Guests can opt to walk, or snowshoe the trail with snowshoes available for rent. Tickets are $15 per person, and The Enchanted Trail is open on weekends and holidays with departures from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Hot chocolate and s’mores are included. A cash bar is available and beverage tickets can be purchased in advance for the event.
Social distancing should be practiced on the trail and face masks are required inside the yurt and anytime six feet cannot be maintained from other parties.
For complete event information, lodging reservations, or more information about Boyne Highlands Resort, please visit boynehighlands.com or call 866.759.3530.
Christmas is just around the corner and that means the Christmas Lite Show is back with more than a million lights, colorful tunnels, and 50 animated displays for which guests can view from the comfort of their own vehicles.
“It’s great entertainment for the family and lots of lights and displays to see,” said the creator of the show William “Bill” Schrader.
After he became inspired by a friend who had a light show, Schrader decided to put together the Christmas Lite Show. At the time, he had just retired from the military after 28 years of service and wanted to do something different and exciting. The show has been going for 23 years and last year, more than 70,000 guests visited the site at Fifth/Third Ballpark.
“The show started out with a few generators and a few extension cords,” Schrader said. When the show first started back in 1997, a box of lights was less than a dollar to purchase. Still, Schrader said the display was small with charge only being $5 per car.
Every year, Schrader said he tries to add more to the show. Last year it was Tala the elephant, who entertained the crowds by shooting candy canes out of her trunk. This year, Tala has returned to the show with her two babies Lumi and Auggie. This past summer, there was a designed contest for a display for the show. The winner was 7-year-old Lucas Cummings. Cummings drew a big tunnel covered in red lights with a Santa hat on top. His winning design is now part of this year’s light show.
The Christmas Lite Show features more than 50 displays. (courtesy Christmas Lite Show)
Another addition to look for at the 2020 show is the patriotic scene. Last year’s American flag has been joined by the Statue of Liberty, which stands 18 feet hight. The area filled out with lots of red, white, and blue trees and arches.
Guests have the option to take the Memory Lane Train or drive through the Christmas Lite Show. On the Memory Lane Train, every seat on the train allows for a 365-degree view of the show and the night sky. The ride will take about a half-hour to weave through about the two miles of lights and guests are advised to dress warmly.
Though Covid-19 had put a damper on most of the year, it has only made a few small changes to the show, according to Schrader. This year, the Christmas Lite Show team implemented new safety measures to be sure guests are safe when they take a ride on the Memory Lane Train. There also is a socially-distanced waiting areas, designated spacing on the train, and regular sanitation between trips. Guests also are asked to wear masks when aboard the Memory Lane Train. In addition tickets for the drive-thru show are scanned without contact.
Typically it takes about half an hour to travel through the light show. Guests are welcome to take as many photos as they would like as long as they are not operating the vehicle. Guests are also instructed to stay in their vehicles and on the train.
The show will continue every night until Jan 2, 2021. The show takes place at Fifth/Third Ballpark on Sundays to Thursdays from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m and on Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Tickets start at $25 a car (depending on vehicle) and $60 for a row on the Memory Train, which seats up to four people. To learn more details or to book a group train ride, call or text 616-745-9955 or visit christmasliteshow.com.
You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.
May West, American actress, 1893 – 1980
Write a letter to Santa
Take some time and write a letter to Santa. Kids have until Dec. 18 to get their requests into Santa. Deliver your letters to the “North Pole” mailbox at Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE, or the Kentwood Activities Center, 355 48th St. SE. Letters can also be mailed to Santa’s P.O. Box at 8448, Kentwood, MI 49518. All letters will receive a response from Santa, just be sure to include your return address. For more details visit kentwood.us/letterstosanta.
Visit the Big Guy
Grab your family and drive over to Little Pine Island Camp for a drive-thru Santa visit. Along the path, there will be various stations full of refreshments, games, and takeaways. Attendees have to remain in their vehicles as they drive along the trail from station to station. The event is free to attend however it is asked that guests pre-register to ensure that all children attending the event will receive a gift. Little Pine Island Camp is located at 6889 Pine Island Dr. NE in Comstock Park. The event will take place Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Take in a Christmas Lite Show
Grab your friends and family and take a drive through the Christmas Lite Show located at the Fifth Third Ballpark, 4500 W. River Dr. NE. One of West Michigan’s largest, animated, drive-thru light shows is now celebrating its 23rd year of entertaining people of all ages. To drive through the show tickets start at $25 (price varies on the type of vehicle). There is also an option to take a ride through the show on the Memory Lane Train. Tickets for the train are $60 per row. Each row includes 4 adult seats and small children can sit on adults laps for free. The show takes place on Sundays to Thursdays from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m and on Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 to 10 p.m. The show is open through Jan. 2. To learn more details or to book a group train ride, call or text 616-745-9955 or visit christmasliteshow.com.
(Supplied by Woodland Mall)
Fun Fact: Santa didn’t always wear red
Did you know that the big jolly man in the red suit with a white beard didn’t always look that way? Before 1931, there were many different depictions of Santa. He had a variety of looks from a tall lanky man to a short elf. He even once wore a green suit. It was Coca-Cola that helped create the modern image of Santa. In 1931, the company placed advertisements that showed a realistic Santa Claus wearing a red robe with white trim and the image stuck.
Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.
Oprah Winfrey
Scenes from Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World exhibition and events. (Supplied)
Holiday Traditions Continue
This weekend get into the holiday spirit with a visit to the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. The Meijer Gardens currently has its Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition on display. This exhibit features 46 trees and displays representing countries and cultures from across the globe and 300,000 lights throughout the grounds. In addition from 1-4 p.m. on the Saturdays leading until Christmas Day, visitors will have the opportunity to visit the “Rooftop Reindeer” and pose for photos with them. For more information visit the Meijer Gardens webpage here.
Penn & Tell Fool Us Magician Richard Preston presents a virtual show. (Photo by Stuart MacDonald)
A little old-fashioned magic
Head back to the 1960s for a little bit of magic and wonderment as magician Richard Preston presents his virtual Christmas Capers Magic Show on Saturday, Nov. 28. During the show, Preston will entertain viewers with a theatrical show full of life and mystery. Though the show is virtual, Preston said there will be audience participation, anecdotes, jokes, and more. The show is 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 per household (and it doesn’t matter if you have 1 or 100 attending) and are available to purchase on Preston’s website.
Mathias J. Alten (American, b. Germany 1871–1938). The Striped Skirt, 1917. Grand Rapids Art Museum, Gift in Memory of Eleanore Alten Gilleo by her Family. (Supplied)
Stickley and Alten
Stroll through the Grand Rapids Art Museum to check out the work of one of the most influential painters from Grand Rapids, Matthias Alten. “Mathias J. Alten: An Enduring Legacy,” features works from the late impressionist painter who was active iduring the early to the mid-20th century. The museum also celebrates Grand Rapids furniture heritage with “Hand and Machine in Harmony: Regional Arts & Crafts,” featuring works from furniture manufacturers Charles P. Limbert and Albert Stickley and artist Forrest Mann. The museum is open Tuesdays and Saturdays from 12 to 6 p.m. and Thursdays from 12 to 9 p.m. For tickets and other information, visit the Museum’s website.
Did you know that the first Macy’s Day Thanksgiving Parade had live animals? The first parade took place in 1924. More than 250,000 people attended the parade that year but it was barely covered by the media. The parade included animals from the Central Park Zoo, floats, and bands. Today the parade has become the longest parade in the world and is three hours long. While this year’s parade was prerecorded (less cheering crowds), it is estimated that more than 50 million people watched the 2020 Macy’s Thanksgiving parade from the comfort of their homes.
Getting in the holiday spirit is easy when you visit downtown St. Joseph during November and December.
Countdown to the New Year with SWMI businesses and restaurants! Free entry with purchases made at participating locations through Dec. 20. To enter, fill out an entry form for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate from a participating location. St. Joseph Today will draw daily winners through the month of December. The grand prize will be drawn on December 31 for a $500 St. Joseph Today gift certificate good at over 80 locations. Visit stjoetoday.com/countdown for a list of participating locations.
Downtown St. Joseph holiday lights (Supplied by St. Joseph)
On Friday, Dec. 4, Light up the Bluff will transform Lake Bluff Park into a winter wonderland, featuring one million holiday lights. The lights will then remain on through Valentine’s Day in Michigan’s Most Romantic City.
Dec. 4-10, Window Wonderland invites attendees to stroll downtown to get into the holiday spirit as they take in the holiday window decorating contest. Dozens of storefronts will participate in this holiday window decorating event. Vote for your favorite holiday window all beginning at 10:00am on Friday, December 4 – voting will remain open until 11:59pm on December 10 at stjoetoday.com/vote. This event is sponsored by Edgewater Bank, Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council, and Holt Bosse.
Additionally, new winter lights have been added throughout downtown St. Joseph. Zapal says, “St. Joseph Today, Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council, City of St. Joseph, Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber and Cornerstone Alliance have partnered together this winter season to create a magical experience that will bring more consumers and business to downtown St. Joseph.”
The new winter lights have been placed downtown along State St. (from Elm St. to Ship St.) as well as Broad St. and Ship St. (Lake Blvd. to Main St.) and Pleasant St. (Lake Blvd. to Court St.) and will remain up through February 14 in conjunction with Light up the Bluff.
