The IN List 2025: December 15 - December 21

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 15

• Crafting Holiday Cocktails: 6:30pm at Less Traveled. Grand Rapids, MI. In this interactive cocktail class you'll learn the art of mixing festive drinks perfect for any holiday gathering. Guided by their expert bartenders, guests will shake, stir, and garnish their way through two classic holiday cocktails - each crafted to impress and delight! Purchase tickets online.

Tuesday, December 16

• Trail Tuesdays at Third Nature Brewing Company: 5-8pm. Rockford, MI. 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.

• Beer Run Holiday Edition: 6:30pm at Third Nature Brewing Co. Wear your favorite holiday gear! Bring on the Santa suits and ugly Christmas sweaters. The best dressed will receive a Third Nature gift card! Check in INSIDE upstairs in the mezzanine for voting. The vote will be promptly at 6:30 pm. Be sure to bring a light or headlamp to head out for a run/walk after. All paces welcome! After the run/walk, be sure to stick around and reward yourself by grabbing some dinner and an adult beverage. All participants will get $2 off of your first drink.

• Sensory Santa Visits in Rockford: 5-6pm. Join us for a special Sensory-Friendly Santa Visits with designed times, designed exclusively to provide a comfortable and welcoming environment for children with autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing differences, and other sensory sensitivities. The space is handicap accessible as well. Timeslots are 5 minutes each to allow for families to come in, grab a cookie and spend time talking to Santa. Sign up HERE.

• Giftworks: 9am-4pm at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum. Experience the joy of giving at the Grand Rapids Children's Museum! Each day, create a unique handmade project to wrap and share with someone special. This week is Beaded Suncatchers. Included with museum admission. Programs available until 1 hour before close, while supplies last.

Wednesday, December 17

• Santa Visits in Rockford:  5-7pm at the Rotary Pavilion. Rockford, MI. Come visit with the big man in red! Photos are free to take. We will have cookies sponsored by Meijer as well as activities while you wait.

• 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.

• Crestkindl Markt @ Lights on Creston: 4-8pm. Click HERE for a list of the locations. Enjoy a variety of delicious food, festive drinks, and much more. Bring your friends, family and neighbors to celebrate the holiday season with us in the heart of our neighborhood. The Crestkindl Markt is happening during Lights On Creston, a yearly event along Plainfield that includes FREE shuttles to all of your favorite shops and restaurants, Creston Red Cup special, and tons of special activities throughout the corridor. It's an event you won't want to miss!

Thursday, December 18

• Open Mic Night at Rockford Brewing Co: 6pm. Open to all ages & skill levels!

• Santa Clause at Foxtail Coffee: 1:30pm at the Ada Village Location. Santa Claus himself will be stopping by for a cozy morning filled with festive fun.

  What to Expect:
  - Santa will read a special holiday story for all the little ones
  - After storytime, families can take pictures with Santa
  - Enjoy your favorite Foxtail coffee, cocoa, and holiday treats while you’re here!

  Bring your kids, your cameras, and your Christmas cheer — it’s the perfect way to make some magical memories this holiday season. This event is free to attend, but come early to grab a good seat and a warm drink.

• Live reindeer at The Winchester: 4-7pm. Wealthy Street Grand Rapids. Bring the family for this fun event and get in the holiday spirit!⁠
  ⁠

Friday, December 19

• 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

• $5 Community Class at Kula Yoga: 4:30-5:30pm. Downtown Rockford Studio. Register online.

• Mingle With Kringle: 5:30-7:30pm at Third Nature Brewing Co. Rockford, MI. Bring the family on December 19th between 5:30-7:30 pm for an opportunity to meet Santa at 3N! Visit our website and book an IgBrew for an extra fun and magical night.

• The Nutcracker Presented by the Grand Rapids Ballet: 7:30pm at  at DeVos Performance Hall. Grand Rapids. Join us as Clara and her Nutcracker Prince journey from a festive holiday party to a daring battle with mischievous mice, and finally, to the dazzling Land of Sweets, where the Sugar Plum Fairy welcomes them with enchanting dances from around the world—including the breathtaking Waltz of the Flowers. For so many families across West Michigan, this timeless tradition fills the season with wonder, joy, and unforgettable memories. Purchase tickets online.

• Rockford Bike Shop Holiday Party: 4-6pm at the Rockford Bike Shop. Rockford, MI. Join them for a holiday celebration! Catered by F'n K Tacos, with live music performed by Lynn Thomspon, it's sure to be a great time!

• WWE RAW & Smackdown: 6pm at Van Andel Arena. Downtown Grand Rapids. See your favorite SuperStars live including The American Nightmare Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, Charlotte Flair, Stephanie Vaquer, Jacob Fatu, Solo Sikoa, Jade Cargil, Tiffany Straton, The Street Profits and more. Get tickets online.

• Tidings & Tiaras: 5:30-8pm in the elegant International Ballroom at the JW Marriott. Downtown Grand Rapids. You're invited to a magical and sparkling holiday soirée unlike any other hosted by all the Princesses in their exclusive holiday gowns! Get tickets online.

• GRAM After Dark: 8-11:59pm at the Grand Rapids Art Museum. Downtown Grand Rapids. Join them for an unforgettable night of art, sound, and culture — powered by GRAM’s Visionnaires. In celebration of As We Rise: Photography from the Black Atlantic, join GRAM’s Visionnaires for a late-night takeover at the museum. Explore the galleries after hours, dance to curated DJ sets, and connect with the city’s creative community. Get tickets online.

Saturday, December 20

• Rooftop Reindeer: 1-4pm at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Grand Rapids, MI. Experience the magic of the season with live reindeer at Michigan’s Farm Garden. Get an up-close look, snap a few photos, and you might even have the chance to gently pet these amazing animals. Perfect for families and visitors of all ages, this festive tradition brings a touch of holiday wonder to the Gardens.

• Santa Clause Meet & Greet: 1-4pm at Meijer Gardens. Grand Rapids, MI. It’s the most wonderful time of the year—when Santa and Mrs. Claus make the long trip from the North Pole to begin visiting excited children of every age, admirers great and small. For more information, please visit https://www.meijergardens.org/christmas-holiday-traditions/

• The Nutcracker Presented by the Grand Rapids Ballet: 2pm & 7:30pm at DeVos Performance Hall. Grand Rapids. Clara and her Nutcracker Prince journey from a festive holiday party to a daring battle with mischievous mice, and finally, to the dazzling Land of Sweets, where the Sugar Plum Fairy welcomes them with enchanting dances from around the world—including the breathtaking Waltz of the Flowers. For so many families across West Michigan, this timeless tradition fills the season with wonder, joy, and unforgettable memories. Purchase tickets online.

• Breakfast With Santa: 8:30-11am. Rockford, MI. Come enjoy a cozy morning with Santa, hosted by the RHS Rotary Interact Club. Donation-only breakfast: pancakes, sausage, hot chocolate & coffee. Fun for kids: games, crafts, and a warm indoor Santa visit! Your donations help fund their 2026 El Salvador House Building Project.

• Christmas Bar Crawl: 12-7pm. Downtown Rockford. Start your festive bar crawl at Uccello’s Rockford and enjoy our Santa Special before exploring other participating spots downtown. Come dressed in your best Christmas gear!

  Participating locations include:
  Uccello's
  Char + Barrel
  Cinco de Mayo
  Corner Bar
  Grill One Eleven
  Kawa
  Quickwater Coffee
  Rockford Brewing Company
  Rogue River Tavern
  Toasted Pickle

• The Official Christmas Bar Crawl: 4pm - 11:59pm. Downtown Grand Rapids. Snag your ticket, round up your Santas, Elves and Reindeer, throw on your craziest holiday gear and get ready to party like it's Christmas Eve. This Christmas crawl will take you through some of Grand Rapids' top bars, where you’ll meet new people and enjoy a joyful atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else. With music, laughter, and plenty of holiday cheer, it’s the ultimate way to kick off your Christmas celebrations. Get tickets online.

Sunday, December 21

• Holiday Artist Market: 11am-5pm at Third Nature Brewing Co. Rockford, MI. Grab a pint of your favorite beverage as you visit with local vendors showcasing handmade goods, jewelry and more! The perfect place to find last minute gifts.

• The Nutcracker Presented by the Grand Rapids Ballet: 2pm at DeVos Performance Hall. Grand Rapids. Clara and her Nutcracker Prince journey from a festive holiday party to a daring battle with mischievous mice, and finally, to the dazzling Land of Sweets, where the Sugar Plum Fairy welcomes them with enchanting dances from around the world—including the breathtaking Waltz of the Flowers. For so many families across West Michigan, this timeless tradition fills the season with wonder, joy, and unforgettable memories. Purchase tickets online.

• Return to Light Holiday Reset: 6-7:15pm at Aptitude Fitness & Yoga Studio. Step into the stillness of the season and honor the Winter Solstice with a candlelit 75-minute practice designed to restore, reflect, and renew. This special evening combines Yin Yoga and guided meditation to help you release what no longer serves you and create space for new light and intention. Sign up online.

• Home Alone Family Film Series: 2pm at Wealthy Theatre. Wealthy Theatre is proud to present Family Film Series! A film series focused on bringing families together through the power of film. Tickets cost $2 more at the door; save time and money by buying online! Purchase here.