Best Holiday Lights in Grand Rapids, MI | Christmas Light Displays & Events

Where to See Holiday Lights in Grand Rapids, MI (2025 Edition)

Grand Rapids truly shines during the holiday season! From sparkling downtown streets and immersive light installations to festive community events and scenic drives, there’s something magical for everyone to enjoy. Below is your updated guide to the best places to take in holiday lights across the Grand Rapids area this season.

✨ Downtown Grand Rapids Walking Tour

Start your holiday adventure in the heart of the city! Downtown Grand Rapids becomes a luminous wonderland at night. A suggested walking route begins near the Ellis Parking Lot (Monroe Ave & Lyon St), where you’ll be greeted by waving Santas and festively lit trees. From there, stroll along Monroe Center Street and marvel at 50+ trees adorned with miniature lights. Stop by Rosa Parks Circle, home to the city’s official Christmas tree and a charming nighttime ice-skating rink wrapped in glowing lights. 

Along the route you’ll also see dazzling displays at Van Andel Arena, Louis Campau Promenade, and beautifully lit hotel entrances like the Amway Grand Plaza and JW Marriott. Don’t miss the festive views of the Blue Bridge and Gillett Bridge across the Grand River. 

🎄 Christkindl Markt at Downtown Market

This traditional European-style Christmas village gets extra sparkle with thousands of lights and miles of garland decorating the shops, chalets, and beverage hall. It’s a perfect spot to combine holiday shopping with a festive light experience.

🚋 BYOB Holiday Lights Trolley & Carriage Rides

For a fun, guided tour of the season’s brightest displays, hop on the BYOB Holiday Lights Trolley. This three-hour ride through downtown and surrounding neighborhoods includes stops like the Christmas Lite Show at LMCU Ballpark — all with holiday music, trivia, and cheer included. 

Prefer something more classic? Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through downtown streets from Rosa Parks Circle into the twinkling night. 

💡 ENLIGHTEN at Frederik Meijer Gardens

A must-see light experience in West Michigan, ENLIGHTEN turns the Gardens into a mile-long outdoor light walk full of innovative installations, interactive elements, and luminous art, often set to music. It’s one of the region’s most talked-about holiday attractions. 

🎆 Drive-Through & Specialty Light Shows

Christmas Lite Show at LMCU Ballpark
This annual drive-through show features over a million lights and animated displays spanning nearly two miles — perfect for cozy family viewing from your car. 

Joyful Lights at Hudsonville Fairgrounds
Just a short drive from Grand Rapids, this synchronized music light experience offers themed displays, military and first responder recognitions, and other surprises for all ages. 

🌟 More Festive Favorites Around Town

• Ada Village Winter Lights Trail: A scenic walk around the historic covered bridge and village decorated with tens of thousands of lights. 
  
  
• Everett’s Gardens Drive-Through: A seasonal display at this Byron Center Christmas tree nursery, complete with post-show campfires and s’mores. 
  
  
• Cannonsburg Winter Forest Lights: A lit path decorated with holiday characters and designs in the woods near Cannonsburg Ski Area. 
  
  

🎉 Holiday Parades & Neighborhood Displays

Communities near Grand Rapids — including Cedar Springs, Grand Haven, Hudsonville, Zeeland, Holland, Kentwood, and Coopersville — host nighttime holiday parades full of lighted floats, music, and festive fun.