GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Gentex Grand Rapids Santa Claus Parade will return in December to bring holiday cheer downtown.
This year, the parade will start in the evening to take Santa Claus to the annual Grand Rapids Tree Lighting at Rosa Parks Circle.
On Saturday, Dec. 7 at 5 p.m. the parade will kick off from the corner of Division N and Michigan Street NW.
From there, the parade will travel down Division N to Crescent Street NW to Ionia Avenue NW to Pearl Street NW to Ottawa Avenue NW to Louis Street NW.
Free family-friendly events will be held at Rosa Parks Circle starting at 5:30 p.m. One event will be a special station where children can write letters to Santa with First United Methodist Church and receive free delivery from USPS.
"I am very pleased with the collaborative response from our community and staff and am proud that we will celebrate the 103rd Santa Parade here in Grand Rapids on December 7 along with our Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony," said City of Grand Rapids Special Events Manager Evette Pittman.
The Grand Rapids Jaycees have been in contact with Santa Claus in the North Pole and have planned to use the parade to deliver him to Rosa Parks Circle for the tree lighting at 6:45 p.m.
As Santa Claus travels through the parade route, families are encouraged to make their way toward the tree-lighting ceremony.
Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss thanked everyone participating and working to fill the night with holiday cheer.
“Hosting the parade in the evening to bring Santa to the tree lighting will make both long-standing traditions extra special for families and children," Bliss said. "It’s an amazing, exciting collaboration that will strengthen both traditions. I can’t wait to welcome Santa back to Grand Rapids and kick off the holidays with the tree lighting."
More information can be found on the event's website and Facebook page.