The IN List 2025: December 1 - December 7
The IN List is a free weekly newsletter that shares the top events going on this week in Rockford, Ada, East Grand Rapids, Downtown Grand Rapids, and NE Grand Rapids.
If you want to be the first to hear about what's happening in the North Indy area every week, be sure to subscribe to this free newsletter here.
These events are all accurate at the time of posting, but be sure to call ahead or check vendor websites/socials before heading out.
Monday, December 1
Cannonsburg Village Tree Lighting Event: 6pm. 7991 Cannonsburg Rd NE, Rockford, MI. The fun begins at 6 PM, as we gather around the Village tree with family, friends, and crackling fires. Then at 6:30 PM, we’ll all count down together as our big village tree lights up the night! Santa Claus himself makes his way into Cannonsburg Village and helps with the big moment and share in the holiday cheer with everyone! The Rockford High School Brass Band will fill the air with festive carols, fires will be glowing! After the lighting, treat yourself to homemade Village cookies & hot cocoa. all the sweet comforts of the season. Don’t forget to snap a photo with Santa inside Honey Creek Inn, and have the little ones write their Letters to Santa before the night is through!
A Magical Cirque Christmas: 7:30pm at DeVos Performance Hall. Grand Rapids, MI. Bring the whole family for a night of breathtaking variety acts and holiday magic. Embrace the holiday spirit with A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS, a variety show full of nostalgia, charm, and awe-inspiring performances for all ages. Get ready to be dazzled, enchanted, and filled with holiday cheer as you witness the incredible talents of world-class entertainers performing to your favorite holiday music. Celebrate the magic of the season with the entire family at A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS. Purchase tickets online.
Live Jazz & Oysters: 6:30-9:30pm at Carolina Lowcountry Kitchen. East Grand Rapids, MI. Live Jazz and Oysters with the John Shea Trio every Monday!
Paint with Santa: 5-7pm at the Rockford Rotary Pavilion. Join Accidental Art downtown Rockford at the pavilion for a magical evening of holiday cheer with Santa. Children can create a special handprint keepsake with Santa Claus himself. For $35 per child, this interactive event provides a unique opportunity to combine creativity, joy, and cherished memories. Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot today and give your child an unforgettable experience of festive fun. Sign up online! Ticket includes custom handprint plate, one-on-one picture time with Santa, ornament painting and cookie decorating.
Enlighten at Meijer Garden: 5-10:30pm. Last ticket sold at 9 pm and Meijer Gardens’ grounds close at 10:30 pm. Step into a world alight. Meijer Gardens transforms into a luminous wonderland of glowing pathways, interactive installations, and seasonal soundscapes. Nights shimmer, art breathes, and the ordinary becomes extraordinary. Enter at the Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater. For the best guest experience, tickets are timed in 30-minute increments. One ticket is required per person. Tickets are free for ages 2 and under. Meijer Gardens members always receive the lowest ticket price. Purchase tickets online.
Tuesday, December 2
Euchre Night @ Rockford Brewing Company: 6:30pm. Downtown Rockford. There is no cost to play! The winner gets mug club membership and a $30 gift card, second place receives a $20 gift card. If there are ties, RBC staff will figure out prizes.
Trail Tuesdays at Third Nature Brewing Company: 5-8pm. Join us for Trail Tuesdays! Every Tuesday stop by between 5 and close and run, walk, bike on the White Pine Trail and receive $2 off your first post workout pint. We’ll raise a glass to that! Be sure to check-in at the host stand. Dogs are welcome in our Biergarten if you would like for your four legged friend to join. Grab the family and friends for some exercise followed by a Biergarten meal and a pint.
Wednesday, December 3
The GR ChristKindl Market: 11am-7pm. Downtown Market. Grand Rapids, MI. It's opening day at the third annual Christkindl Markt! Help us kick off the season in the best possible way: surrounded by festive foods, warm beverages, and holiday cheer! Click HERE for a list of daily events. The Grand Rapids Christkindl Markt is a Christmas village lined with artisan gift and food vendors, holiday entertainment, and festive family fun. Inspired by traditional European Christmas markets, this winter wonderland is filled with unique holiday experiences illuminated with international flair.
Wreath Making Workshop: 6-8pm at Lee & Birch. Downtown Rockford. Join L&B + Laurel Day, with Do Something Co for a holiday wreath making workshop + shopping event at their Rockford L&B Studio. Attendees will be guided through the skill of wreath making while listening to holiday tunes in a cheery, bright & festive environment, complete with adult beverages! You’ll leave with your own fresh boho evergreen wreath and the skills to make endless wreaths on your own! Plus, L&B will be offering private shopping at a discount after the event! Register online!
KDL Bookmobile: 10-11:30am at North Kent Connect. Rockford, MI. Join us for a fun and free visit with the KDL Bookmobile—right in the North Kent Connect parking lot! Whether you’re picking up your favorite stories, signing up for a library card, or exploring new reads for the whole family, this is your chance to experience the magic of the library on wheels!
In the Christmas Mood With The Glen Miller Orchestra: 7pm at DeVos Performance Hall. Grand Rapids, MI. Purchase tickets online.
Thursday, December 4
Tots & Coffee Club: 9am-11pm. Grand Rapids Children's Museum. Downtown Grand Rapids. Caregivers, treat yourself! Join them for a special monthly morning of play & connection with other toddlers & their grownups while you sip complimentary drinks from the GRCM Coffee Bar.
Holiday Pop-Up Shop: 5-7pm at Thousand Oaks Golf Club. Grand Rapids, MI. Explore a fantastic selection for both on and off the course, featuring cozy layering pieces and standout items to elevate your look. As you browse through our collections, sip a festive cocktail and let us take care of the gift wrapping for you. Don’t forget to treat yourself to happy hour or dinner at Reds to complete your evening!
Grand Rapids Gold vs Iowa Wolves: 7pm at Van Andel Arena. Downtown Grand Rapids, MI. Purchase tickets online.
Friday, December 5
Nordic Nights Sauna Experience: 4-7pm. Step into a world where deep warmth meets winter magic. Nordic Nights is your invitation to slow down, breathe deeper, and experience the kind of cozy, unforgettable evening you’ll talk about all season long. Seats will go fast, and once they’re gone, they’re gone. Book online: www.howlatthemoonsaunaco.com/nordicnights
Tinsel, Treats & Trolleys: 5:15-8:30pm. Ada Village. Tinsel, Treats & Trolleys is the ABA's signature holiday event featuring the Ada Bridge Lighting! Join us to kick-off the holiday season and create special memories with family and friends. Candy cane glo-sticks for the first one hundred children. 5:30pm - Trolleys Start & Santa arrives at Santa's Village. Jump on a trolley to travel around Ada Village and enjoy the festivities at each stop. Click here for a full event list!
Saturday, December 6
Rockford Santa Parade: 11am-12:30pm. Downtown Rockford. Help us welcome Santa to Rockford for the holiday season!
Browers’ Flowers Holiday Open House: 10am-3pm at Browers Flower Barn. 9320 Ramsdell, Rockford, MI. They’ll have a few local vendors, you can shop their holiday offerings. The best part? There will be a cozy bonfire, free kids crafts, hot cocoa bar, and you can pay to decorate a pre made wreath if you wish!
Christmas Adventure Drive-Thru Light Experience: 5:30-10pm. Deer Tracks Junction. Cedar Springs, MI. Be enchanted by the magic of the season from the comfort of your car! Our Christmas Adventure drive thru light show features dazzling light displays, festive holiday scenes, and cheerful music. Perfect for families and friends, this captivating holiday journey will fill you with the wonder and joy of Christmas. Get tickets online.
An Irish Christmas: Trillium & Irish Dancers: 5:30-8:30pm at Third Nature Brewing Company. Join them for an Irish Christmas with Trillium and Irish dancers. It’s bound to be a fun event to get you in the Christmas spirit!
Holiday Cookie Class: 10am-12pm at Thought Design. Downtown Rockford, MI. Join us in our cozy kitchen in downtown Rockford for a festive morning of baking, decorating, and delicious fun. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, this class is a great way to pick up new skills and enjoy time with friends or family during the holiday season. Sign up online.
Holiday Film Festival - Polar Express: 9pm at Kent Theatre. Cedar Springs, MI. Free admission!
Hot Chocolate Bar: 11am-4pm at St. Julian Winery. Rockford, MI. Hot cocoa anyone? Join us at the Rockford tasting room every Saturday during the month of December for the ultimate hot chocolate bar experience! We’re talking rich, velvety cocoa piled high with all your favorite fix-ins—think whipped cream swirls, marshmallows galore, peppermint crunch, chocolate drizzle, and so much more. Feeling a little extra? We’ll also have optional boozy add-ins to spike your sip and turn your cocoa into the cheerful holiday treat you didn’t know you needed. Bring your friends, your sweet tooth, and your winter spirit.
Santa Brunch: 9am at LMCU Ballpark. Comstock Park, MI. Join Santa, Mrs. Claus, Crash and company for a delicious brunch, pictures, kids activities, and MORE! 3 different time slots are available for all your holiday fun. Tix & info here: https://shorturl.at/CtXcR
Sunday, December 7
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: 2:30pm at Van Andel Arena. Downtown Grand Rapids. Purchase tickets online.
