By Teresa Russo
Christmas cups have finally made an appearance at Starbucks again, and for the avid coffee drinker, this is a sure sign that Christmas season is upon us. Changing the radio station has become a hassle, in order to avoid the too early Christmas tunes flowing out of your speakers. Turning on the TV, the commercials are no longer just ads. It’s become a holiday game to try and persuade you to caravan to the shopping malls to pick up the latest one-day only deal. Daylight savings has come and gone, and we’ve gained that one much needed extra hour of sleep. Walking outside around six o’clock as the sun begins to set and already darkness encompasses our world. The first few snowflakes of the year start falling from the sky, and you wonder how can the Christmas season be upon us already?
Christmas season is far from boring in Grand Rapids, too many exciting holiday events are happening all around the city. There is no excuse for considering yourself bored, even for the money crunchers. There are many exciting free holiday events to spend time with family and friends. While not everything is free, there are some not too expensive well worth it events as well. Grand Rapids is hopping with exciting and fun holiday events for everyone to enjoy!
The Grand Rapids Ballet Company will be performing the classic ballet, “The Nutcracker”, at Devos Performance hall. The show will be running Dec. 13-15 and 20-22. The tickets start at $20. This is a perfect night to dress up and get yourself in the holiday spirit!
For show times and more information visit www.broadwayticketscenter.com
The Grand Rapids Art Museum will have its official tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 6 at 5:30 p.m. This is also the night Rosa Parks Circle will become an ice rink! Feel free to ice skate with your significant other under the glow of the newly lit Christmas tree.
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra will be performing your favorite Christmas carols in “The Lost Christmas Eve” on Dec. 15, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. To order your tickets online visit their website.
For those runners with a love of Dr. Seuss, Riverside Park is hosting “The Whoville 5K” on December 15, where participants are encouraged to dress as members of “Whoville” as they run a 5K! Hot chocolate and a chocolate fountain await the citizens of Whoville at the finish line! The cost to participate in this event is $35. For more information and registration details visit http://www.whoville5k.com/
These are just a few of the holiday events going on in and around the Grand Rapids area. Hopefully you can find the time to attend some of these exciting gatherings. Christmas is a time to spend creating memories with family and friends, be sure you take advantage of these action packed opportunities.
