Illustration of a wool present float pulled by a toy tractor with figures riding past snowy shops and string lights (Gentex Grand Rapids Santa Parade)
Other Christmas Activities

Gentex Grand Rapids Santa Parade

Visitors can watch more than 50 festive entries march through the streets of downtown. Children can participate in a letter-writing station with free delivery to the North Pole and meet Santa in person. The festivities also include the city tree lighting ceremony and family-friendly activities.

Sat, Nov 21, 2026 Free.

Website / Tickets

Browse Christmas in Grand Rapids

Illustration of knitted felt figures in sweaters raising mugs of cocoa around a small table near a lit holiday tree Parties4 events Illustration of a house and yard glowing with string lights beside a snowman at dusk Lights9 events Illustration of a Christmas market stall with ornaments, wooden toys and a smiling vendor Markets10 events Illustration of families in their best coats waiting in a theatre lobby with a decorated tree Shows9 events Illustration of a snowy holiday village square with a lit tree, small felt figures in scarves, a snowman and string lights Unique & Unusual17 events MapNearby

Plan Your Visit

Hours

Parade begins at 5:00 p.m.; Santa arrives at Rosa Parks Circle around 6:30 p.m.; the annual tree lighting ceremony is at 6:45 p.m.

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with children

Vibe

Festive and communal

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Tips & Advice

  • Bundle up for the outdoor parade and festivities, as organizers advise visitors to dress warmly.
  • Choose a spot along the route from Division Avenue and Michigan Street to Pearl Street and Monroe Avenue to watch the parade.
  • Bring letters for the children’s letter-writing station, which offers free delivery to the North Pole.
  • Plan to stay after the parade for Santa’s visit, the tree lighting, and the family activities that follow.
  • Register through the parade entry form if you want to take part as an entrant, or sign up for one of the volunteer roles.

Special Events & Promotions

  • The parade is a free community event.
  • Children can send letters to the North Pole with free USPS delivery.
  • Santa arrives at Rosa Parks Circle to join the city tree-lighting ceremony and meet children.
  • Family-friendly activities follow the tree-lighting ceremony.

Links & Contact

Website / Tickets

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the parade suitable for families?

Yes. The event is described as family-friendly and includes activities after the tree lighting.

What will the parade include?

More than 50 festive entries travel downtown, and a children’s letter-writing station offers free USPS delivery to the North Pole.

Can children meet Santa?

Santa is expected at Rosa Parks Circle and will be on site for the tree lighting and to meet children.

Where does the parade route go?

It steps off near Division Avenue and Michigan Street, travels south on Division Avenue to Pearl Street, then west on Pearl Street to Monroe Avenue.

Can I take part as a parade entrant or volunteer?

Yes. Parade entry registration and volunteer sign-ups are available. Volunteer roles include line-up volunteer, parade entry chaperone, corner marshal, and Candy Elf.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

✏️ Suggest a correction to this listing

Contributors & Updates

Event details verified: