Tag Archives: tree lighting

Holiday festivities kicked off with the annual holiday light parade in Kentwood on Dec. 7!

December 11, 2023Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Holidays, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Our CitiesCity of Kentwood, Holidays, Kentwood Holiday Light Parade and Tree Lighting, parade, tree lightingDeborah Reed

Kentwood Holiday Parade (Courtesy, City of Kentwood)

By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood invited community members to celebrate the holiday season with an annual tree lighting ceremony and holiday light parade on Dec. 7.

The event kicked off with a parade, followed by outdoor activities for all ages, including take-home children’s crafts and caroling karaoke. A visit from Santa and his reindeer, Dune Buggy food truck, and complimentary coffee and hot chocolate were also available throughout the evening.

Last year’s essay winner and grand marshal, Clara Wells, accompanied Mayor Kepley on a parade float and later helped him light the Christmas tree in front of the library.

“These festivities mark the beginning of one of the most wonderful times of the year as our remarkable community gathers to bring good tidings of peace and joy to all,” said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley.

Boston Square hosts Dec. 4 Christmas tree lighting ceremony

December 1, 2021Entertainment, Local EntertainmentBoston Square, Saturday, tree lightingJoanne

Eight Boston Square area organizations and businesses are hosting a free, family-friendly Christmas tree lighting party at Boston Square Community Parklet Saturday, Dec. 4, at 4:30 p.m.

The idea is based on the annual downtown Grand Rapids event, but organizers wanted to create an event that better reflects the diverse cultures found within the Boston Square area.

The inaugural event, formally titled “Boston Square Community Christmas Tree Lighting,” will include the ceremonial ‘flipping of the switch’, as well as music, food and talent from the neighborhood. The festivities kick off at 4:30 p.m., with a 6 p.m. lighting ceremony, at the Boston Square Community Parklet, located at 1505 Kalamazoo Avenue SE.

Wyoming, Kentwood host a variety of community holiday celebrations

November 20, 20173-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of WyomingBob O'Callaghan, candy cane hunt, Kentwood 50, Santa Parade, tree lighting, Wyoming Gives Back, Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of CommerceJoanne

Sleigh bells are ringing, can you hear them? Well, you certainly will in the next couple off weeks as both the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood host several popular holiday events.

Santa Parade

Kicking things off will be the annual Santa Parade hosted by the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce. The parade is set for Saturday, Dec. 2, with step off at 10 a.m. The parade runs down S. Division Avenue starting at the 34th Street Mall Parking Lot (formerly Hope Network) to Murray Street (Chase bank).

After the parade, Santa will be available for photos at the Brann’s Sizzlin’ Steaks & Sports Grill, 4132 S. Divison Ave. to meet with families and for photos, so make sure to bring a camera, said Chamber President Bob O’Callaghan.

For more information about the parade, visit www.southket.org.

Wyoming Gives Back

For the seventh year, the City of Wyoming will come together to host the annual community event Wyoming Gives Back. The event is Thursday, Dec. 7, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Rogers Plaza Mall, 972 28th St. SW.

Participants are encouraged to donate a new, unwrapped toy to the Salvation Army Tree. Last year, more than 400 toys were collected. Each attendee who bring a new, unwrapped toy as a donation will receive a raffle ticket in exchange for a chance to win prizes donated by Wyoming businesses. Last year, the city raffled off nearly $5,000 in prizes.

There will be hot chocolate, music by local choirs and bands, and of course, a visit from Santa.

For more information on the event, visit www.wyomingmi.gov or call 616-530-7272.

Kentwood Tree Lighting Ceremony

As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, the City of Kentwood will host its annual community tree lighting ceremony Friday, Dec. 8. The evening starts with a holiday light parade at 6 p.m. along Breton Avenue followed by caroling and lighting of the tree at 6:30 p.m. lead by Mayor Stephen Kepley. From 6 – 8 p.m., the Elves Express Gift Shop will be inside the KDL Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SW. There will also be hay rides, hot chocolate, cookies, live music, caroling, and of course a visit from Santa.

The entire event has free admission. For more information, visit kentwood50.com.

Wyoming’s Great Candy Cane Hunt

The City of Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department will host the Great Candy Cane Hunt, Saturday, Dec. 9, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. The event begins outdoors in the front of the Wyoming Police Department, 2300 DeHoop Ave. SW, where Santa Claus will lead kids on a scavenger hunt for the many hidden candy canes outside. Activities will then move indoors to the Wyoming Senior Center, 2380 DeHoop Ave. SW, for lunch, games and crafts.

The event is for children 3- 14 years-old. The cost to participate is $4 resident, $6 non-resident. Additional family members who are 15 or older may attend and have lunch for $2. Pre-registation is required. To register, call 616-530-3164 or www.wyomingmi.gov/PRRegistration.

The Weekend Edition: Things to do Dec. 8 – 11

December 8, 20163-bottom, EntertainmentFlick's Festive Favorites, Grand Rapids Ballet, Great Candy Cane Hunt, Kentwood, Santa Train, The Nutcracker, tree lightingJoanne

Light It Up

The City of Kentwood will host its annual tree lighting ceremony Friday, Dec. 9, at the KDL Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Rd. SE.

Kicking of the event will be the annual Holiday Light Parade featuring local business and organizations including the Kentwood Police and Fire departments. The parade will start at the Kentwood Baptist Church, 2875 52nd St. SE and travel north on Breton for about a quarter of a mile, ending at Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton SE.

Also taking place from 5 – 9 p.m. will be the Elves Express Gift Shop at the KDL Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch. Families will be able to shop for grandmas, grandpas, sisters, brothers, moms, dads, aunts, uncles, friends, pets, and anyone else on their list. Also WKTV will be at the library to record Christmas greetings.

For more information about any of these events, visit www.yourkprd.org.

The Great Candy Cane Hunt

It’s Wyoming’s Great Candy Cane Hunt Saturday, Dec. 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wyoming Senior Center, 2380 DeHoop SW.

Santa Claus will lead children through a scavenger hunt of hidden candy canes scattered in the Veterans Memorial Garden. Once the children have found all the sweet treats, they will head over to the Wyoming Senior Center for lunch and activities such as a holiday craft, work on a coloring book or to play games. Santa also will be visiting with all the children, collecting holiday wish lists.

The cost for the Great Candy Hunt is $4 for children ages 3-14 years old and $6 for non-residents. Additional family members of all ages may attend the event and have lunch for an additional $2 each. Pre-registration is required. Call 616-530-3164 or register at www.wyomingmi.gov/PRRegistration by Thursday, Dec. 8.

The Nutcracker

The Grand Rapids Ballet kicks off its traditional holiday presentation of “The Nutcracker” on Friday, Dec. 9, with performances this weekend and next at DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW.

Re-imagined by “Polar Express” author Chris Van Allsburg a couple of years ago, the production follows the story of Clare and her doll as they battle the Mice King and his army and travel to the Land of Sweets and meet its ruler the Sugar Plum Fairy. The production features choreography by Val Caniparoli and set design by Eugene Lee.

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets start at $20. For more information, visit grballet.com or call 454-4771, ext. 10.

Flick’s Festival Favorites

Everybody has some favorite holiday films and this weekend the Flick’S Family Film Festival celebrates its favorites by featuring two popular films, the 2000 “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and “Polar Express.”

Showings will be at area Celebration! Cinemas including South Celebration! Cinema. Showtimes do vary, so make sure to check local listings. Tickets are free for children 12 and under and $5 for anyone else.

For more information, visit the Facebook page, www.facebook.com/FlicksFamilyFilmFestival/.

The Santa Train

Break away for the day and ride the Santa Train. Each child will be personally escorted to meet with the big guy by his elves and receive a present. A story-telling princess will read Christmas-themed books to the children as the Coopersville & Marne Railway train speeds along the tracks.

The Coopersville & Marne Railway is located at 311 Danforth St., Coopersville. Departure times available for this weekend are 10 a.m., noon, 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11. Other departure dates are Dec. 17, 18 and 24. Tickets are $19/adults, $18/seniors (60 and older), $17, children 2 – 12, and free, children two and under.

For more information, visit coopersvilleandmarne.org.

Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Choruses’ Holiday Concert

Made up of students from throughout the Greater Grand Rapids area, including Wyoming and Kentwood, the Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Choruses bring some holiday favorites and traditional classics to life in the organization’s annual holiday performance.

The performance is Sunday, Dec. 11, at the Basilica of St. Adalbert, 654 Davis NW. Performances are at 4:30 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 at the door and $5 for students.

The Weekend Edition – Things to do Nov. 17 – 20

November 17, 20163-bottom, Citizen Journalism, EntertainmentBeer and Food Festival, Christmas Lite Show, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Ford Museum, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, Grand Rapids International Wine, tree lightingJoanne

Tree Lighting at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum

Once again the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum will get the holiday festivities kicked off with its annual tree lighting ceremony set for Thursday, Nov. 17, at the museum, 303 Pearl St. NW, downtown Grand Rapids.

The event is at 7 p.m. with the outdoor tree being lighted followed by some activities which will include the announcement of the 2016 Community Tree Awards.

All outdoor activities are free. For more, visit www.fordmuseumlibrary.gov.

Visions of dancing dishes and flatware

The Grand Rapids Civic Theatre opens its production of “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” with director Allyson Paris promising the show will be full of all the magic one has come to expect with the story.

For more about how Civic recreated some of that movie magic, check out our story.

The show opens Nov. 18 at the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, 30 N. Division Ave., downtown Grand Rapids, and runs through Dec. 18. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $18 – $34 and are going fast, according to Grand Rapids Civic Theatre officials. Visit www.grct.org for more information and to purchase tickets.

Pretty lights

Get a preview of the Christmas Lite Show at Fifth Third Ballpark, 4500 W. River Dr. NE, by participating in either the bike ride Friday, Nov. 18, or the run/walk Saturday, Nov. 19.

Marking its 20th year, the Christmas Lite Show is one of the largest in Michigan. It has more than 40 animated light displays that cover about two miles.

This family-oriented event was started by Bill Schrader, who a veteran himself having served 28 years in the army, is a supporter of the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. A portion of the light show proceeds are donated to the Home.

For more information about the Christmas Lite Show, which opens up to vehicular traffic Nov. 23, visit www.christmasliteshow.com.

Wine, food, fun

The Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer, and Food Festival returns to DeVos Hall Thursday, Nov. 17, for its ninth year.

The event, which runs through Saturday, will feature about 1,600 wines, beers, ciders and spirits from various local, regional and national organizations. The event is broken down into three sections. The Vineyard will feature more than 1,200 wines from dry to sweet red, white, rose or sparkling varieties. The Beer City Station feature a variety of brew masters along with craft beers, imported and domestic brews, hard ciders, flavored malt beverages and food that pairs with both. One of the fastest growing craft beverages is hard cider. Cider Row will feature more than a dozen cider producers from Michigan and nationally-known brands.

Individual tickets are $15/Thursday, $20/Saturday and Sunday and $40 for a 3-Day Pass. Sampling tickets are 50 cents per ticket and sold on site. Attendees must be 21 or older to enter the Festival. For more information, visit showspan.com.