Get excited, Kalamazoo: This month’s events seamlessly transition from fall harvests to holidays happenings! The holiday season officially kicks off with great opportunities to shop small and support local with Kalamatopia, an outdoor holiday market downtown on the Kalamazoo Mall, followed by a similar event in Portage at Celery Flats a few days later.

For those looking for winter sports, there are plenty of holiday-themed skates scheduled at Millennium Park, and if you’re just looking to enjoy some gorgeous views, twinkling lights and revel in the holiday spirit, there are plenty of opportunities for that too!

Don’t forget to grab a cup of homemade hot cocoa or a seasonal latte for your adventures! If you’d rather warm up with a handmade cocktail or local brew, check out this list of places to warm up downtown this winter season!

Kalamatopia Outdoor Holiday Market

Kalamazoo Mall
November 13

KalamaTopia is the perfect opportunity to connect with the local makers! Hosted on the Kalamazoo Mall, between Michigan Avenue and Water Street, everyone is welcome to come and be a part of the celebration of the rich talent and amazing products made by people in greater Kalamazoo.

It is hoped that vendors selling jewelry, ceramics, soaps, candles, crafts, etc., all will come and be a part of the celebration of shopping and making. Partnerships with area restaurants will be designed to encourage people to visit all of downtown and come and go. This event is free to attend!

Celery Flats Holiday Market

Celery Flats Park
November 15

The Celery Flats Holiday Market is a great opportunity to shop local small businesses before the holidays!

Just as with any event masks will be REQUIRED to be worn indoors. There will be hand sanitizer through out the vendors. Vendors are also following these guidelines. There will also be hot cocoa and hot cider available!

Walk Through the Lights

Gull Meadow Farms
November 28-December 20

Walk Through the Lights is open during all business hours Wednesdays – Sundays beginning November 28th. Lights are best viewed when the sun begins setting, but the Walk Through The Lights experience is open during the daytime if that works better for your schedule. On an overcast day, you can see them all inside the greenhouses. Head on over the market after you’re finished to see all of the new decorations and wonderful gift items they have for sale, including their delicious donuts!

Due to COVID-19, they have worked very hard to provide this wonderful tradition while also keeping our staff and guests safe. Guests walking through the lights inside the greenhouses will be required to wear a mask and will be asked to socially distance with those who are not in their group.

Schoolcraft Christmas Walk

Schoolcraft
December 4

Head to Schoolcraft for the 32nd Annual Christmas Walk! Multiple events and venues will be open to celebrate the season.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

Kalamazoo State Theatre
December 5

Spend Christmas with the Griswold family for the fifth annual screening of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation under the twinkling stars at historic Kalamazoo State Theatre! Outside The Kalamazoo Mall will be lit up with thousands of lights, and indoors the audience will be warm with laughter and merriment. KST will be offering multiple full bars along with festive Holiday drinks. Plan ahead & experience a nostalgic Christmas adventure with your significant other, best friends, or with the whole family!

BYOB Christmas Light Tour

Revel & Roll West
December 12

Hop on the Kalamazoo Brew Bus for a BYOB christmas Light tour. Enjoy some of your favorite adult bevages and festive music on board the bus as we tour some of Kalamazoos best lights and (and a few breweries).

ICE SKATING AT MILLENNIUM PARK

Ugly Sweater Party

December 18

Come dressed in your ugliest holiday sweater and skate along to your favorite holiday tunes at the ice rink.

Santa Skate

December 19

Enjoy an afternoon of fun on the ice with Jolly Old Saint Nick! Enjoy holiday music and skating with the Big Man himself. Bring your cameras for this fantastic holiday photo op with family and friends!

New Year’s Eve Skate

December 31

Get ready to ring in 2021 with an exciting night at the rink! Spend your New Year’s Eve with upbeat music by a local DJ, party lighting after dark and a special countdown at 7 PM to coincide with New Year’s at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, U.K.

New Year’s Fest

Bronson Park
December 31