- The Local Element West Michigan
Winter in West Michigan | 2025
The snow has officially fallen and the holidays are getting us into the winter spirit already! Here’s a list of activities and events that are great for the winter months in West Michigan!
This might be one of the biggest talking points in the Grand Rapids community right now. The Christkindl Markt is BACK for a second year at the Downtown Market in Grand Rapids. Stop by to shop the local craft vendors, get a raclette, and sip some hot chocolate or hot cider!
New this year: they also have a new Alpenglobe Experience where you can book a personal heated globe with your friends for 3 hours – learn more about the Alpenglobes by clicking the button below!
Enlighten at frederik meijer gardens - Nov 27 - Jan 4
Brand new at Frederik Meijer Gardens this winter is the Enlighten experience which is an immersive experience featuring a 1 mile pathway illuminated by light displays, enchanting music, interactive experiences, and world renowned sculptures!
ice skating in west michigan
There are lots of options when it comes to ice skating in the area, here are just a few:
–Walker Ice and Fitness Center
Cannonsburg skiing and tubing
The Winter Wonderland Forest is a lit up trail that you can enjoy during select dates during the month of December at Cannonsburg! The trail is a half mile long and is perfect for all ages, be sure to dress warm though! Click here to learn more about the dates and times you can go!
Once the snow starts coming, then you can enjoy skiing and snow tubing at Cannonsburg which is a family favorite in the West MI area!!
Go see a winter sport
There are lots of options in the West Michigan area when it comes to winter sport events!
–The Grand Rapids Griffins – Grand Rapid’s ever-famous hockey team. The fans are pretty hardcore which makes for a fun environment to cheer them on in.
–The Grand Rapids Gold – The Grand Rapids basketball team that plays at Van Andel Arena just like the Griffins. Maybe you go see both in one week this winter for some extra fun!
–The Grand Rapids Rise – Newer to the Grand Rapids sports scene is the Grand Rapids Rise, the female professional volleyball team that plays at Van Andel Arena.
–The Muskegon Lumberjack’s- Muskegon’s professional hockey team that plays at the Trinity Health Arena Downtown Muskegon!
–The West Michigan Lake Hawks – Muskegon’s professional basketball team that hosts upbeat games that everyone loves. Ranked top 25 in the country in 2023/2024
World of Winter gr - Jan 10 - Mar 2
We cannot wait for World of Winter 2025! Grand Rapids has the honor to host the largest winter festival in the US that runs from Jan 10 – Mar 2 this year!
Stay tuned for art installations, fun events, drone shows, and more!
A fun winter night out seeing Christmas lights in a unique way is calling your name!
The Holiday Lights Trolley brings you through the jolly-est parts of Grand Rapids to see seasonal attractions, lighting displays, and holiday landmarks. It’s a 3-hour BYOB tour that meets at Küsterer Brewhaus on Bridge St and goes on from there.
Indoor activities we love!
-Axe Throwing: FlannelJax, Muskegon Axe Throwing, and BAM! Entertainment Center are all great places for it!
-Escape rooms: Locked 460 Escape Room, Abandoned Acres Escape Room, and Ruse Escape Rooms are just a few in the area!
-Indoor golf: Gimme’s Par and Grill, The Big Mini Putt Club, and The Leaderboard Indoor Golf
-Bowling: Definitely a classic winter outing! Check out Clique Lanes, Station 300, and Spectrum Entertainment Complex
-Roller skating: Check out Tarry Hall Roller Rink, GR Skate, and Rollxscape Skating Center
Miscellaneous events and festivals
Listed below are some other fun events you should look into attending this winter:
-Dec 13-22: The Nutcracker at Grand Rapids Ballet
-December 18-19: Home Alone Concert with the Grand Rapids Symphony
-December 31: A New Years Snow Ball at Zabhaz
-January 24-25: PBR Tour at Van Andel Arena