Kalamazoo comes alive in winter with an array of exciting activities and premier events, such as Bell's Eccentric Day, the enchanting Christmas in the BURG in the village in Vicksburg, and the vibrant New Year's Fest Downtown.
Once the holiday season winds down, residents and tourists can indulge in handcrafted beverages throughout the annual Kalamazoo Craft Beverage Week or rally behind the Kalamazoo Wings hockey team during their themed nights. These are just a few of the county's many delightful winter experiences.
- Gilmore Car Museum's Winter Wonderland
- Gull Meadow Farms Walk Through the Lights
- Bell's Eccentric Day
- Christmas in the BURG
- New Year's Fest
- Kalamazoo Craft Beverage Week
- Midwest Regional Alternative Dance Festival
- Kalamazoo Nature Center's Maple Sugar Festival
Gilmore Car Museum Winter Wonderland
Visitors can look forward to navigating their cars through the museum’s scenic campus, where over 25 unique light displays, illuminated historic barns, and festively adorned vintage car dealerships await. After the drive, the adventure moves indoors with the Gilmore’s Festival of Trees showcased among an impressive collection of classic cars, a captivating Christmas Through The Decades exhibit, a chance to meet Santa Claus, fun reindeer games for the children, and a selection of holiday food and beverages.
Gull Meadow Farms Walk Through the Lights
Walk Through the Lights is open during all business hours, Wednesdays – Sundays, beginning at the end of November. Lights are best viewed when the sun starts 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 fantastic gift items they have for sale, including their delicious donuts!
Bell’s Eccentric Day
December 6, 2024
Put on your alter ego and join Bell's Brewery for the 33rd Annual Eccentric Day! What could be a more fitting tribute than beer collaborations, imaginative costumes, and live music? Here’s a glimpse of what awaits you:
Beer Collabs with:
Sun King (package and draft)
Final Gravity (draft)
Useless Creatures (draft)
Handmap Brewing (draft)
Entertainment
Groove Tonic + Andrew Rathbun Quartet
Costume Contest
You know the drill! Do your best Eccentric Day fit, and this year, you might even win a little somethin’ for your efforts.
Christmas in the BURG
December 14, 2024
Vicksburg's Christmas in the BURG is a cherished annual event that unites family, friends, and the entire community in a festive celebration. Traditionally, the day's activities have featured enchanting holiday story sessions, a captivating magic show, a delightful bake sale, a joyful Christmas parade, and the ceremonial lighting of the holiday tree.
New Year's Fest
December 31, 2024
The New Year's Fest, happening every New Year's Eve in Downtown Kalamazoo, offers an exciting night with bands, comedians, and more, concluding with fireworks at midnight. It features 22 performances and over 70 shows in a mix of time slots, allowing attendees to customize their experience.
Kalamazoo Craft Beverage Week
February 1-8, 2025
Now entering its 15th year, Kalamazoo Craft Beverage Week is a weeklong extravaganza dedicated to honoring the craft beverage industry. This event is perfect for enthusiasts who deeply appreciate artisanal products created by individuals passionate about providing a rich and thoughtfully curated experience.
Attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage directly with the brewers, distillers, and winemakers, gaining insights into the meticulous process behind crafting these sought-after beverages. The aim is to deepen participants' understanding and appreciation of the craft beverage world.
Midwest Regional Alternative Dance Festival
February 27 - March 2, 2025
At RADFest 2025, attendees can look forward to various live stage performances, innovative installations, and unique alternative space works. The event will feature a Screendance film series, master classes, workshops, and a mediated discussion group. Young talents will shine in a dedicated youth showcase, and numerous networking opportunities will be available for both artists and patrons. Selected artists will receive a stipend for their presentations and have the chance to apply for lodging support. All participating artists will benefit from extensive promotional and media exposure. Moreover, RADFest will host audience engagement activities, including open rehearsals, Q&A sessions, public lectures, and interactive performances.
Kalamazoo Nature Center's Maple Sugar Festival
March 8, 2025
Join the Kalamazoo Nature Center for the 60th annual Maple Sugar Festival at KNC and revel in the sweet season of maple sugaring! Enjoy a pancake breakfast, animal ambassador presentations, live music, blacksmithing, horse-drawn wagon rides, and more!
