New Year's Eve in West Michigan!

New Year's Eve

Mega 80's

This New Year's Eve, surround yourself with friends and family, sing "Auld Lang Syne" and ring in 2014 with West Michigan. Whether it be a posh party or family fun, there's something for everyone!

New Year's Eve in West Michigan

Battle CreekCheck back for more updates as we get closer to December 31!

• Battle Creek CVB: New Year’s Day Splash: Wednesday, January 01, 2014 from 11:30 AM to Noon. Ever wanted to do the Polar Plunge? Here is your chance at the New Year’s Day Splash at Goguac Lake! Ring in 2014 with a chilly splash in the lake. Receive a souvenir, hot beverages, and snacks.

Grand Rapids

• GRAM: The Grand Rapids Art Museum will be open until midnight!
• Grand Rapids Children’s Museum: Ring in the New Year with a night of play at the Grand Rapids Children's Museum New Year's Early Eve!  December 31st, 6:00pm-8:00pm with a countdown and balloon drop at 7:30!  Decorate a noisemaker, make a firework picture, grab a party hat, enjoy refreshments from FooDesign and play your way into 2014!  Tickets are $12 per person, $10 for museum members, and are available by calling 616-235-4726.
• Riverfront Hotel: For New Year's Eve we are offering many special packages, with complimentary late check out at 2pm the following day! They're hosting a Private Party with The John Brown Trio, and $5 cover to join them in The Landing Lounge for their New Year's Eve party.

Jones

• Swiss Ski Valley has a great celebration for New Year’s Eve! There will be two parties: family style & traditional. Complimentary Never-Ever-Skied-Before lessons. Torch Light parade and just a great time! Visit their website for more information.

Kalamazoo

• Food Dance celebrates New Year's Eve annually with a 5 course prixe fixe menu, reservations from 5-9:30pm. They are booked solid every year. It's a great way to spend the evening in downtown Kalamazoo. There are fireworks at midnight and a NYE celebration downtown.

Mackinac Island

• Most of Mackinac Island’s hotels and B&Bs close down at the end of October and do not reopen until May. An overnight stay is necessary to experience the true seclusion and serenity that the Island has to offer. Here are a few hidden gems that remain open during the magic of New Year. The Great Turtle dropping (similar to the New York Ball Dropping) happens at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve and is truly a memorable experience. Stay at The Lilac Tree Suites & Spa, The Cottage Inn Bed & Breakfast, or The Pontiac Lodge, all open for New Years.

New Buffalo

• There's lots going on over the New Year Holiday at Four Winds Casino! Their New Year’s Eve party includes a performance by Kenny Loggins at Silver Creek Event Center starting at 11 p.m. Tickets are $100 and available through Ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000. There is also a free show at Hard Rock Cafe Four Winds featuring PS Dump Your Boyfriend beginning at 11 p.m. on December 31st. The start of an exciting New Year calls for a celebration, so grab your family and friends and get to Four Winds New Buffalo for our special New Year’s buffets. Indulge in a lavish selection of entrees from around the globe including lobster, crab legs, prime rib and more. And delight yourself with a luscious array of desserts like rich home style fudge and a flowing chocolate fountain. New Year’s Eve Buffet will run December 31 from 4pm-2am, and New Year’s Day Buffet will run January 1 from 11am-9pm.

Saugatuck

• New Years Eve brings special dinners and celebration at area restaurants. Ring in the New Year with waterfront fireworks at Midnight. 

Sault St. Marie

• Kewadin Casino will be having an "Around the World" New Years Eve party on Dec. 31.

Traverse City

• The Annual Cherry-T Ball drop is a huge event -- “like Times Square, just bit smaller with a Northern Michigan feel.”  The 200 block of Front Street in downtown Traverse City is blocked off at 4 pm New Year’s Eve for live music, fun, live entertainment, DJ, a visit from the Coast Guard and the dropping of a giant lighted cherry to mark the end of 2013. Admission is $3 (or 3 cans of nonperishable food items) and proceeds go to Goodwill and other charities. Cherry-T, get it?

Farm to Table in West Michigan

Have you ever gone to a restaurant expecting a delicious meal, only to be disappointed by meat that was clearly frozen and has lost most of its flavor, and a helping of limp vegetables from a can? Well, you’re in luck, because the Farm to Table movement is here to help! The theory behind the farm to table movement is that the food takes the most direct route from the farm where it is grown, produced, or harvested to the table where it is cooked, prepared, and eaten.



Julie, the owner of Food Dance in Kalamazoo, says that she found that shopping at the Farmers Markets made the food she was cooking taste much better long before it became a trend in our society to eat locally. At Food Dance, they’ve found the same rings true. Julie knows it makes it more challenging for their chefs to prep all this fresh food and their wait staff to remember all the seasonal changes that show up on their menus, but you truly can taste the difference, so she feels it is worth it. They even offer links on their website to the farms that their various products come from so patrons can be aware of how local the dish they’re enjoying is.

Woodland Farm Market’s Bakery in Shelby offers award-winning pies, make from scratch with ingredients grown by local farmers. Their pie experts stay hard at work so you can enjoy the aroma of great pies when you visit, and even take a couple home for the holidays!

Grand Rapids Brewing Company is the Midwest's only organic brewery, and they have a farm to table menu with special dinner features that change a few times each week, so you can experience a great variety of West Michigan made dishes.

Earth to Table Dining: Artfully Crafted Cuisine Grove, an Essence Restaurant Group establishment, is their tribute to the bounty of the earth’s harvest and how they bring that to the table with impeccable service, natural ingredients and innovative cuisine. Their seasonal, frequently changing selections hint at the classics with natural sauces and a slant toward sustainable seafood. They responsibly source as many ingredients as possible from local, family and sustainable farms and prepare each dish to demonstrate their respect for how these farmers raise or grow their products. They carefully pair their daily, innovative menus with the best modern wines. Their beverage menu also includes eclectic and top-shelf liquors, their own housemade infused spirits, craft beers, pour-over coffee and espresso. They're located in the heart of East Hills at 919 Cherry Street.

Crane’s Pie Pantry in Fennville offers a delicious way to experience farm to table dining! Crane’s takes apples that are grown and picked right on their property, and turns them into homemade pies and apple cider!

Visit Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay the second Wednesday of every month to get a taste of what’s in season from the farm at Black Star Farms, as well as from other local area providers. You’ll enjoy a five course savory sampling of dishes, with a wine pairing from Black Star Farm’s wines with each course.

Country Dairy in New Era is another delicious stop when you’re looking for West Michigan farm to table options! From their herd of registered Holsteins, to their modern processing plant right on site, they work to bring you the freshest and best tasting milk, ice cream, and cheese in West Michigan.

Honest Fayre. Local Flair. At The Green Well, an Essence Restaurant Group establishment, they serve honest fayre with local flair in a neighborhood setting that keeps customers coming back. Their innovative gastro pub is green beyond its name: Their LEED® certified building is environmentally safe, ultra efficient and leaves behind the smallest possible carbon footprint. "Gastro pub" is British for a public house that specializes in high-quality food served in a relaxed atmosphere. Their creative menu features a global range of eclectic flavors prepared with ingredients from local farmers. Over 20 rotating taps focus on Michigan brews, as well as a vast selection of bottles, ranging from local and American craft to traditional European styles. The wine list features creative flights that encourage multiple wine flavors paired with food. Classic cocktails are also available. Their greenness also spills over to our guests who benefit from affordable prices and outstanding service by a fun, welcoming staff. Located at 924 Cherry Street in East Hills.

Tasty Morsel Tours: No matter which tour you choose, you will be provided with: Enthusiastic guides, eager to share local culinary gems with you. Delectable food and drink samples at many of our stops. Opportunities to get behind-the-scenes peeks at how these goodies are made. Ability to learn from the people responsible for these culinary creations. Discussion of other establishments worth visiting while you’re here. Information about all our stops, including a map, phone numbers, websites, etc. (You’ll want to find your way back!)

Grand Traverse Distillery in Traverse City is a unique addition to our list, as it is the oldest and largest stand-alone “Grain to Bottle” distillery in Michigan. Their focus has and always will be crafting artisan spirits from local agriculture. They buy all of their corn, wheat, and rye grains from the Send Brothers Farm, located in Williamsburg, Michigan, just nine miles from the distillery. You can tour the distillery every Thursday through Saturday, and be sure to take part in a sampling while you’re there!

Don’t have time to head out and visit a local farm to table dining option? This one will come to you! Arcadia Brewing Comapny, based out of Battle Creek, has the Twisted Tail BBQ Wagon that travels around to West Michigan festivals and events, as well as being available for catering! They use local produce & meat, and specialize in gourmet smoked meats and bbq offerings.

Fresh. Natural. Local. Mediterranean Countryside Cuisine. At Bistro Bella Vita, an Essence Restaurant Group establishment, they go above and beyond to deliver the ultimate dining experience with top-notch, personable service, whether it’s a simple pizza and beer with friends, or an elegant chef’s table meal perfectly paired with appropriate wines. Their vision is to be West Michigan’s most respected restaurant destination. Guests enjoy their unique downtown atmosphere and creative cuisine made exclusively from fresh, natural, ingredients purchased daily from local farmers in season. Their culinary team creates authentic, scratch-made recipes that blend the delicious flavors of the Mediterranean countryside with a perfectly paired beverage offering served by a devoted staff whose passion is to ensure your complete satisfaction. They’re located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, just west of the Van Andel Arena on Grandville and Weston.

Santa Sightings in West Michigan

With Christmas fast approaching, soon that Jolly Old Elf is going to be everywhere you look! Make sure you don't miss out on a Santa visit this year by using our "Santa Sightings" guide below!

Allendale

• December 7th: Winter Wonderland at GVSU
  Visit the Grand Valley State University Fieldhouse Arena from 11am-1pm to take free pictures with Santa and Louie the Laker! You’ll be granted free admission to the basketball games (at 1pm & 3pm) with Winter Wonderland participation.

Big Rapids

• November 6th: Festival of Trees Reception
  The Festival of Trees is an annual event in which community members donate trees, wreaths, and holiday gift items. The items and trees - decorated in their most creative holiday style, are presented at a special reception in November and auctioned off to help support the Big Rapids Hospital Foundation. The exhibit is open to the public free of charge. Tickets to the reception are available from Hospital Trustees, the Foundation Board members, or from the Foundation office at (231) 592-4280.
• November 23rd: Festival of Lights Christmas Parade
  This popular parade features about 30 floats and groups of walkers loaded with Christmas lights, live reindeer, plus Santa & Mrs. Claus’ grand entrance!  A short program and tree lighting ceremony takes place after the parade in front of the downtown Chemical Bank branch.  Santa is available for visits after the ceremony at Big Rapids Furniture.  

Boyne City

• November 29th: Holiday Open House & Parade
  The Holiday Open House & Santa Parade, held the Friday after Thanksgiving, is a tradition in Boyne City and that tradition continues this year. The open houses begin at 5 p.m. with the Boyne Area Girl Scouts lighting the Community Christmas Tree at the west end of One Water Street, near Sunset Park. Following the tree lighting the Girl Scouts will lead holiday revelers in caroling. The evening's special guest is the Jolly Old Man from the North. Santa will arrive on his sleigh, joined by some of his elves, and some reindeer from the North Pole. The parade starts at 6 p.m. and the parade route will follow Lake Street to Water Street through the heart of downtown Boyne City. After the parade, there will be hay rides, and Santa will meet with children at the gazebo in Old City Park at the corner of River and Park Streets.

Cheboygan

• December 7th: Parade of Lights
  This parade includes lighted floats from all sorts of local organizations, clubs, businesses, etc.  Santa and his sleigh are the last “float,” and at the end of the parade Santa will get off his sleigh, light the community Christmas Tree, and pass out toys to all the little ones.

Coopersville

• November 30th -December 22nd: The Santa Train
  The jolly old elf holds court from a special seat in each of the decorated, vintage train cars.  Some cars are almost 100 years old.  His Elves will escort the little ones to sit with Santa.  All children, even the shy ones,  will get a special gift, right from Santa’s big bag.  To put a figurative bow on this Christmas entertainment package, the Story Telling Princess will read “The Polar Express”, which was written by Grand Rapids native, Chris Van Allsburg. The 250 seat, heated train leaves the station in historic, downtown Coopersville every Saturday and Sunday from Thanksgiving until Christmas. All passenger cars have a restroom.  Light snacks may be brought aboard. Cameras are encouraged.
• December 6th: Coopersville Nighttime Christmas Parade at 7pm

Fennville

• December 7th: Fennville Christmas Celebration
  Christmas parade at 5 pm. Christmas tree lighting will take place at 5:30 p.m. at the Hutchinson Garden. The Fennville High School Band and the Holland Windmill Chorus will both perform. Photos can be taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus at 6 p.m. at the 220 Building. Horse-drawn carriage rides will be available from 6-8 p.m.

Grand Haven

• December 7th: Jingle Bell Parade at 6pm 

Grant

• December 14th: Grant Community Annual Christmas Party
  Santa Claus will arrive aboard the Santa Express Train times to be announced.  He will then go to the Grant Community Center to meet good boys and girls and have a complimentary photograph taken with each child. Photos will be available for same day pick-up within 15-25 minutes of the time taken.  J.B. Sound will be here playing Christmas music, and the Grant Jazz Band will play around 1:30pm. Other activities include Decorate a Christmas Cookie, Christmas Crafts, Games, Horse-drawn Wagon Rides. 

Gobles

• December 21st & 22nd: Ski with Santa
  Timber Ridge Ski Area has two ski with Santa days: Saturday & Sunday Dec. 21 & 22.  Santa skis with the kids, takes their Christmas wishes on a chairlift ride to the top.  Santa has candy canes for everyone....Even visits the lodge for requests...You will see him here from Noon to 3PM each day, 12/21 & 12/22.

Grand Rapids

• November 23rd: Art Van Santa Parade
  Featuring participants & floats including the West Michigan Whitecaps.
• November 26th-January 5th: Christmas & Holiday Traditions Around the World at Meijer Gardens
  Roof Top Reindeer, Saturdays, 1-4 pm. Location: English Perennial and Bulb Garden. As part of the Meijer Gardens’ Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World exhibition, live Reindeer will be visiting our English Perennial and Bulb Garden for pictures, petting, and fun!
  Santa Visits, Tuesdays, 6-8 pm. Bring the kids to visit Santa at Meijer Gardens. Santa and his sleigh will be in the Cook Entry Arbor to hear your kids’ Christmas wishes. Remember your camera to capture images of your child with Santa Claus!
• December 8th-22nd: Sunday Brunches with Santa
  The Hilton Grand Rapids/Spinnaker Restaurant will be having Sunday Brunches with Santa in December. December 8, 15, 22 from 11am – 2pm.  Santa will be visiting to talk to the kids and take pictures. 

Harbor Springs

• November 30th: Christmas Tree Lighting
  The Harbor Springs Christmas Tree Lighting at 6:30pm is one of the most unforgettable ways to start off the holiday season with the lighting ceremony and a special evening of activity in the picturesque town of Harbor Springs! Music, shopping and Christmas entertainment in a nostalgic setting reminiscent of a Norman Rockwell painting that will create fond memories that will last a lifetime! Plus, there will be a very special Santa visit, at the Christmas tree and church, for family and kids. 

Holland

• December 3rd: Parade of Lights
  Parade will include participants like the Holland DoubleTree Hotel.
• December 6th: Sinterklaas
  This holiday celebration remembering Dutch tradition begins at the Holland Armory where holiday stories will be told along with a free holiday craft for young children. Then follow the procession of Sinterklaas through the streets to his arrival at the Museum for pictures, cookies, and hot chocolate.

Hudsonville

• November 23rd: Hudsonville Holiday Parade
• The Hudsonville Holiday Parade will feature both Mrs. & Santa Claus as well as the reindeer!

Kalamazoo

• November 9th: Kalamazoo Holiday Parade
  Featuring participants such as the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. 

Manistee

• December 5th-8th: 25th Annual Sleighbell Festival
  Enjoy roasted chestnuts and carolers as you take part in one of Michigan's most unique holiday celebrations. A whole weekend of excitement including the Sleighbell Parade on Saturday at 5:30 pm with horse drawn entries, historic building tours, special Christmas production at the historic Ramsdell Theatre, Festival of Trees, concerts, museum and art exhibits, and much more.  

Newaygo

• December 4th: Xmas Tree Decorating
  Xmas Tree decorating in Downtown Newaygo – Santa will be present during the day to visit with the Newaygo’s Elementary Students
• December 6th: Christmas Walk
  This unique hometown experience is like no other with twinkling lights, horse drawn wagon rides, the smell of fresh roasted chestnuts and the sounds of Christmas Carols make this an experience you will not want to miss. The community is invited to come and sing Christmas carols in Brooks Park at 9 pm.  This is a candle light gathering around the Christmas Warming Fire.   Santa will be on hand at 6:00 pm for the tree lighting ceremony and also be available for photos at Independent Bank, Sportsman’s Bar & Restaurant & LaBelle de la Riviere until 9:00 pm.
• December 7th: Saint Nick Kick 5K/10K
  Ho Ho Ho, it’s The ChoiceOne Bank Saint Nick Kick you know. The 10k/5k race will begin at 10 am in front of Shopko near Plumbs. This is a fun race and the proceeds benefiting the Cross Country Team and Track Team of Newaygo Public Schools. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the race under the warming tent and can’t wait to see the kids.  A free Santa hat and race shirt is provided to registered racers. Registration is available on line. Dress-up, come join the fun and cheer on the racers.
• December 14th: Santa Train
  Stops to include Grant, Newaygo & White Cloud – more information coming soon on times and locations please check www.newaygonaturally.com Christmas events

Petosky

• November 30th: Stafford’s Downtown Petosky Holiday Parade
  The parade winds through Downtown Petoskey starting at 10am with marching bands, floats, walking ensembles, reindeer, horses and of course, Santa, ending at the Perry Hotel where children can have those all-important conversations with Santa and see his reindeer as well. Join us for a time of family, friends, and fun! 

St. Joseph

• December 7th: 15th Annual Reindog Parade
  The 15th annual Reindog Holiday Parade, sponsored by FuzzyButz, features dressed up pets and their owners in a variety of holiday garb. Be prepared to see all kinds of costumes from “Santa Bernards” to “Reindeer Rotweilers” -  this is definitely a must-see event. The parade will start at 4 p.m. and travel down State Street.  It will also feature Santa’s arrival to downtown St. Joseph.  In addition, enjoy free horse-drawn trolley rides from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. (weather permitting).
• December 7th-22nd: Santa’s House
  Picture-perfect holiday fun is available weekends in December in downtown St. Joseph.  Santa will be at his house following the Reindog Parade on December 7 and will be available for visits until 7:00 p.m. Santa’s House is open Thursdays through Sundays from December 8 – December 22 and located at the corner of State and Pleasant Streets.  Hours for Santa’s House can be found at www.stjoetoday.com. Thank you to The Herald-Palladium for sponsoring this event. 

Traverse City

• December 6th: Santa’s Arrival
  An outdoor extravaganza that involves carol-singing, the lighting of the community Christmas tree, and the arrival of Santa Claus on a bright red antique fire engine.