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.
GROW with us! Be you. Be us. BELONG!
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Use this list to find your family’s holiday fun:
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Featured Events
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Where to See Santa
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:
Christmas Parade
Tree Lighting
Tree Lighting
Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting
Festivities include live music, crafts, hot chocolate, and other holiday fun. Visits with Santa, sponsored by the Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership, will take place 6:20 – 7:30 p.m. The Tree Lighting Ceremony is always free, and everyone is welcome to join the fun.
Tree Lighting
Christmas Parade
Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting
Christmas Parade
Tree Lighting
Nutcrackers, Christmas Plays + Holiday Concerts
1940s Radio Hour
The Kalamazoo Civic Theatre
329 S Park St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
November 26 – December 12, 2021
This gem of a holiday musical is filled with colorful characters, big dance numbers, and lots of heart. DETAILS
Kalamazoo Mandolin & Guitar Orchestra
Kalamazoo Valley Museum
230 N Rose St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
December 3, 2021
The Kalamazoo Mandolin and Guitar Orchestra presents holiday music old and new, along with other traditional audience favorites. FREE. DETAILS
Ballet Arts Ensemble Nutcracker 2021
Chenery Auditorium
714 South Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
December 4 – 5, 2021
NUTCRACKER 2021, presented by Ballet Arts Ensemble, is an affordably priced holiday full length concert for the entire family.
Featuring live music by members of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, guest professional dancers from Grand Rapids Ballet and Western Michigan University, a cast of more than 100 children and adults, and guest performers from the Kalamazoo Children’s Chorus.
December 4: 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
December 5: 2:00 PM
Tye Chua Dance Nutcracker
315 West Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
December 4 – 5, 2021
Celebrate the season with a family classic The Nutcracker! Our condensed version is just 1 hour long, making it great for the whole family! DETAILS
Sounds of the Season
Chenery Auditorium
714 South Westnedge Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
December 17 – 18, 2021
Enjoy a Saturday evening dinner out, then join us at Chenery Auditorium for classic Hanukkah and Christmas music. DETAILS
Ballet Kalamazoo presents Nutcracker Kalamazoo
Comstock Community Auditorium
2107 N 26th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49048
December 18 – 19, 2021
Take a magical stroll through Candy Cane Lane, circa 1865 for our Kalamazoo inspired Nutcracker!
Tickets go on sale on November 18th at 1:00 PM
Tickets are $10-$20
Children 1 and under are lap child seating and are free
December 18: 7:00 PM
December 19: 2:00 PM
Live Nativities
Bethlehem Journey: A Living Nativity
Bethlehem Journey: A Living Nativity: Experience Bethlehem like Mary and Joseph. Petting Zoo, Free refreshments & Free Admission
Bethlehem Journey: A Living Nativity
Bethlehem Journey: A Living Nativity: Experience Bethlehem like Mary and Joseph. Petting Zoo, Free refreshments & Free Admission
Bethlehem Journey: A Living Nativity
Bethlehem Journey: A Living Nativity: Experience Bethlehem like Mary and Joseph. Petting Zoo, Free refreshments & Free Admission
Merry Mile – Live Nativity
Live nativity at the Merry Mile
Merry Mile – Live Nativity
Live nativity at the Merry Mile
Holiday Meals to Go
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
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