What you can expect at the 2024 Grand Rapids Santa Parade:

The Gentex Santa Parade in downtown Grand Rapids is moving to Saturday, December 7th beginning at 5 pm. Thanks to the Grand Rapids Jaycees Santa will be traveling from the North Pole to join us for this special event that will light up the streets of Grand Rapids for families from all over West Michigan. Santa will be exiting his sleigh at Rosa Park Circle at approximately 6:30 pm and joining the City of Grand Rapids for the annual tree lighting ceremony at 6:45 pm.

This FREE community event will have over 50 entries in the parade and family fun activities following the tree lighting ceremony. There will be a special station for children to write letters to Santa with First United Methodist Church and free delivery from USPS.  Downtown Grand Rapids will be full of Christmas joy as the community comes together to celebrate the holiday season. As an added bonus Rosa Park Circle Ice Rink will be opening after the tree lighting ceremony. Gentex Corporation will be offering free cookies! Free coffee and hot chocolate will be available.