Kalamazoo Christmas Events: Santa Visits, Light Displays, Christmas Tree Farms & Local Gifts- 2021

2021 Christmas Events & Activities in SWMI

Each year we accumulate more Christmas decorations.

Another box of ornaments, a new building for the Christmas village, or another cuddly stuffed animal donning a Santa hat. And while each January tests my spatial relations to return said decorations to their storage in the basement, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Christmas is more magical (and more fun) since we had kids; I’m okay if it also means a few extra trimmings to store for next year.

We’ve curated a guide to celebrating the holidays in Kalamazoo with a variety of fun activities. No matter how your family chooses to celebrate this year; we wish you a happy and safe holiday.

December brings a variety of fun, seasonal activities for families to enjoy. Try our suggestions below and don’t forget our calendar for daily activities.

The Habitat Performing Arts Center

Dance + Acro classes in Kalamazoo for ages 2 and up as well as our Adaptive Dance Program for dancers who are differently abled.

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Use this list to find your family’s holiday fun:

Featured Events

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Where to See Santa

The jolly man in the red suit is making the rounds in 2021, and we have the scoop on where to find him.

Santa is back inside this year in multiple spots for photos, meals and will make some parade appearances outdoors.

Christmas Lights

Looking at Christmas lights is an annual tradition in our family, and one of my favorites. Warm up some cocoa, put the kids in their jammies, and take a drive around Kalamazoo for some fantastic Christmas displays.

For drive through lights, advanced tickets may be required (and will save you time waiting in line).

See also: Drive Through Lights in Michigan »

Christmas Tree Farms

While our Christmas tree resides in our basement 11 months out of the year, many families visit Christmas tree farms annually to bring theirs home.

Local tree farms are open and ready to help families take home a terrific tree, offering both pre-cut and u-cut options.

Be sure to verify times and payment policies (some may be cash only) before you head out.

Tree Lighting Ceremonies & Parades

Few things are more fun than seeing an entire park light up for the season, or a band marching for a parade. Try this roundup of tree lighting ceremonies and holiday parades near Kalamazoo:

Nutcrackers, Christmas Plays + Holiday Concerts

Live Nativities

Holiday Meals to Go

Local Kalamazoo restaurants are stepping up to the plate this year in a big way, and offering complete meals to go for both Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Support a locally-owned restaurant and take cooking a big meal off of your plate this year (win-win).

Local Gifts

Kalamazoo and its surrounding communities offer a fantastic variety of gift options for the holidays.

And if your family is looking for less “stuff,” we’ve included experience options like memberships and ticket subscriptions.

Send Santa to shop locally this year, as our list covers kids of ALL ages, plus moms and dads too.

Skiing, Sledding and Skating Spots

Many Michiganders hope for a white Christmas as the season changes and temperatures drop. But once the ground is covered in that white fluffy stuff, where are the best spots to enjoy it?

We’ve rounded up the top picks for sledding, skiing, ice skating and tubing to jumpstart your winter fun activities.

How many will you visit this year?

Winter Break Activities

After the dust has settled on the presents and the big meals, what are your family’s plans for the remainder of winter break?

We have camps and fun activities to check out during the school break.

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