THINGS TO DO THIS WINTER IN GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN

Grand Rapids, Michigan is a city always bursting with life. Walking around Reeds Lake in East Grand Rapids, shopping for an AWD vehicle at Berger Chevrolet, catching a show Downtown GR at Van Andel, or grabbing a bite to eat at the various eclectic restaurants throughout the city, you can always find something to do. But with shorter days and Michigan winter quickly approaching, it can sometimes be deterring to leave your house, especially without a good reason. Luckily, Grand Rapids still has an ample amount of activities lined up this winter. So bundle up and get ready to take part in a little winter fun this season in Grand Rapids, Michigan! Here are just a few of the activities the Berger team is looking forward to this winter season. 

Christkindl Markt

Brand new to our community this year is the Grand Rapids Christkindl Markt taking place at the Grand Rapids Downtown Market! This new event is modeled on the German Christmas street markets that first originated in the late Middle Ages. These markets have become world-famous and take place all across the country, and you can now add Grand Rapids to the list of festive cities! We took a 2024 Chevrolet Blazer 3LT in the beautifully festive Radiant Red Tintcoat to Downtown Market to get a sneak peek at the lively Christkindl Markt. 

Red Chevy Blazer in front of the Grand Rapids Christkindl Markt.

During the Christkindl Markt, the Downtown Market’s outdoor space will be transformed, transporting you to a European-style Christmas Village. Filling the space will be over 35 vendors housed in wooden stalls. In addition to the wooden huts, the Grand Rapids Downtown Market will be adding a glass-enclosed shed to protect the vendors and visitors from the winter weather! While you comfortably stroll through the village you will find a vast array of festive items. Shop for holiday decorations and artisan gifts, and even indulge in some gourmet sweets. In our opinion, the holidays would not be complete without delicious desserts. Choose from chocolates, candies, nuts, fudge, and more!

But that’s not all! Come ready to eat more than just sweets at the Christkindl Markt. Try festive European cuisines like sausages, crepes, soups, pastries, and other delicious eats provided by vendors. You can walk and eat, or if you prefer to sit, you have the option to reserve a private chalet. With tables that can seat up to eight and cozy fireplaces, it’s the perfect option for friend and family gatherings. In addition to food options, beverages will also be available for purchase. Most notably, a local Grand Rapids brewery, Brewery Vivant, will be serving a newly made beer exclusively created for the Christkindl Markt. The traditional German-style Dünkelweizen entitled, Dünk the Halls is the perfect holiday beverage. Opt to purchase the exclusive, collectible mug for unlimited refills!

The Christkindl Markt will begin November 17th and run through December 23rd for those who like to wait until the last minute to do their holiday shopping! The market will be open five days a week: Wednesday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

University of Michigan Health-West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions

The hallmark holiday exhibition at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is once again returning for the 29th year. With more than 40 displays throughout the exhibition, you will get a taste of holiday traditions around the globe, both of the past and the present. Throughout the indoors you can explore 42 beautifully decorated Christmas trees, educational cultural displays, breathtaking winter plantings, and, of course, the fan-favorite Railway Garden. In this winter wonderland made of natural materials, model trains make their way through holiday-themed horticulture. As you follow along with the train, you are sure to spot dozens of miniature replicas of landmarks right here in West Michigan as well as sister cities. Each year they have added to the Railway Garden, and perhaps we will see the inclusion of 28th Street and a mini Berger Chevrolet one day!

Close-up of Christmas tree decorations. Photo: Flickr/Terry Johnston

The exhibit doesn’t stop there though! Head outside for a winter walk adorned with Christmas lights. Both indoors and outdoors, Frederik Meijer Gardens has decorated its grounds with 350,000 lights. Adding to the sparkle is the newest attraction to this ongoing tradition, Winter Glow. This new immersive experience features beams of colorful lights surrounding The American Horse. Watch in awe as the lights dance before your eyes with color-changing patterns choreographed to accompanying music. Watch the theatrical performance while cozying around the available firepits and sip on hot drinks with family and friends as you experience Winter Glow. 

The University of Michigan Health-West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions begins on November 21st and runs through January 7th. Head to their website to find the specific dates and times of Winter Glow, Santa Visits, Original Dickens Carolers, and more festive events! 

World of Winter Festival

Each year during the winter months, Downtown Grand Rapids is transformed into an extravagant winter wonderland. The World of Winter Festival is a two-month festival with over 100 art installations displayed throughout downtown, encouraging residents of Grand Rapids and visitors alike to hop in their Chevy vehicles and venture out of their homes to experience the beauty of winter. In addition to the installations, the festival also has events and activities for people of all ages, making it the perfect outing for family and friend reunions, and even a romantic date night. World of Winter is the largest winter festival in the Midwest and rated one of the “10 Most Epic U.S. Winter Festivals Worth Braving the Cold For” according to TheTravel website. To say the least, this is an event you are not going to want to miss! World of Winter will start January 12th and run until March 10th and the best part is that everything is free! More information will be released in December on the World of Winter Festival 2024, but in the meantime, you can check out last year’s festival here.

People ice skating at Rosa Parks Circle in Grand Rapids, MI. Photo: Flickr/Stephen Depolo

Van Andel Arena 

Not interested in spending time outdoors this winter? Luckily the Van Andel Arena located in downtown Grand Rapids always has events going on. Bundle up only slightly as the Van Andel Arena turns into an ice rink to catch one of the Grand Rapids Griffins home hockey games this year. Avoid the cold altogether by cheering on the Grand Rapids Gold basketball team when the Van Andel transforms into a basketball court. As a season ticket holder, Berger Chevrolet is a big fan of both teams. Our employees enjoy watching hockey and basketball games all winter long! Plus, did you know our city has a new volleyball squad, the Grand Rapids Rise? The more sporting events, the merrier, if you ask us! 

Grand Rapids Griffins hockey player on the ice.

Is sports not your thing? There are plenty of entertaining shows to catch too! Celebrate the holidays with Lindsey Stirling’s “Snow Waltz” tour on December 5th or experience the Trans-Siberian Orchestra on their “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve The Best of TSO & More” tour on December 26th. If you’re not feeling overly festive, you can head to the Year 3000 to see the Jonas Brothers on November 21st or hear the legendary Bryan Adams live on February 27th. 

Berger Chevrolet

Wherever you decide to go this winter, a Chevy will get you there. Founded in 1925, Berger Chevrolet has been a part of the West Michigan community for nearly a hundred years. From sales to service to parts and collision, we are here to serve your automotive needs. Visit our dealership on the corner of 28th Street and Breton or reach out to us on our website. 

Berger Chevrolet’s dealership with a festive holiday bow.