Celebrate the season. Experience Southtown together.
Saturday, December 5, 2026, Southtown, Grand Rapids
- Holiday Activities3:00–6:00 PM
- Community Tree Lighting6:00 PM
- Free admission
- Free bus rides
- No registration required
Bundle up, bring someone along and join us for the first-ever Holidays Around Southtown, a neighborhood holiday celebration in Grand Rapids!
On December 5, 2026, shop local vendors, visit Santa, sip hot cocoa and enjoy family activities throughout Southtown. Then gather with neighbors at MVillage as the community Christmas tree lights up for the season.
There’s Cheer Around Every Corner.
Neighborhood organizations, churches and businesses are coming together to welcome you to participating locations across Southtown. Festively decorated buses will connect the afternoon activity stops, making the ride part of the experience.
Come with friends, bring the family or meet up with neighbors. Whether you live nearby or are getting to know Southtown, you’re welcome here.
Follow the Festivities
Choose your afternoon stops below, then head to MVillage for more activities, food and the evening tree lighting.
Shop the Holiday Market
HUB 073:00–6:00 PM
Find a thoughtful gift, a local treasure or a little something for yourself at this holiday market in Grand Rapids. Browse local vendors and get to know the neighbors who make Southtown shine.
- Community Partners
- Address
- 1534 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Share in the Family Fun
MLK Community Center3:00–6:00 PM
Make holiday fun part of your afternoon with indoor activities and experiences for all ages at MLK Community Center.
- Community Partners
- Address
- 900 Fuller Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Say Hello to Santa + Sip Some Cocoa
Wealthy Theatre Annex3:00–6:00 PM
Looking for Santa photos in Grand Rapids? Santa’s making a stop in Southtown! Snap a picture with your phone or camera and enjoy hot chocolate before your next activity. All ages are welcome.
- With
- Address
- 1110 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Hear the Sounds of the Season
Participating LocationsThroughout the Afternoon
Enjoy Christmas caroling in Grand Rapids as singers from Oakdale Park Church and Pilgrim Rest Church bring familiar holiday songs to participating Southtown locations.
- With
Gather Around the Christmas Tree
MVillage7:00 PM
Head to MVillage before the tree lighting for more activities and a bite to eat from a food truck. Food will be available to purchase. At 7:00 PM, gather with neighbors as the Christmas tree lights up, bringing the celebration to a close.
- Hosted By
- Address
- 1865 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Before You Bundle Up
Admission is free, and no registration is required! Bring spending money if you’d like to shop local vendors or purchase food at MVillage. Find arrival and transportation information below.
Catch a Ride Between Stops
Free buses will connect afternoon activity locations from 3:00–6:00 PM, with Polar Express, Grinch, Elf and winter themes adding a little holiday fun to the ride.
Parking + Arrival
Parking will be available at each location for guests arriving independently.
Access + Accommodations
Event venues are wheelchair and stroller accessible. Indoor restrooms will be available at all locations.
Keep an Eye on the Forecast
Afternoon activities take place indoors. The community tree lighting is outdoors, so bring a warm layer for the evening.
Any weather-related announcements will be shared through the Holidays Around Southtown Facebook page (opens in a new tab).
The Neighbors Behind the Festivities
Thank you to the neighborhood organizations, churches and businesses sharing their time, talents and spaces to make Holidays Around Southtown possible. Your partnership brings neighbors together and helps make the season brighter across our community.
Your Questions, All Wrapped Up
What is Holidays Around Southtown?
It’s a community-wide holiday celebration across Southtown in Grand Rapids, featuring local shopping, activities for all ages, Santa photos, hot cocoa and caroling, followed by a Christmas tree lighting at MVillage.
When is the event?
Saturday, December 5, 2026. Afternoon activities run from 3:00–6:00 PM. MVillage activities begin before 6:00 PM, and the tree lighting at 7:00 PM closes the celebration.
Is admission free? Do I need to register?
Admission and bus rides are free, and no pre-registration is required. Items from market vendors and food at MVillage are available to purchase.
Where does the celebration take place?
Visit HUB 07, MLK Community Center and Wealthy Street Annex for afternoon activities. The evening gathering and tree lighting take place at MVillage.
Can adults come without children?
Absolutely! Browse local vendors, enjoy holiday music and gather for the tree lighting with friends or neighbors. Activities are open to all ages.
Can we take our own photos with Santa?
Yes! Bring your phone or camera to Wealthy Street Annex from 3:00–6:00 PM to capture your visit with Santa. A professional photographer will also be on site, and the first 200 families will receive a printed photo.
Will food be available?
A food truck at MVillage will offer food for purchase.
Are activities indoors?
Afternoon activities are indoors, and the community tree lighting is outdoors. Indoor restrooms are available at all locations.
Where can I find updates?
Follow the Holidays Around Southtown Facebook page (opens in a new tab) for activity announcements and the latest event information.
Holiday Plans Are Sweeter When Shared
Save December 5 for an afternoon with friends, family and neighbors around Southtown.
Follow along as vendors, activities and event details are announced.
View the Facebook Event (opens in a new tab)