The holidays are one of the best times to spend time downtown with family and friends! With the itinerary below, you don't have to choose between spending time with your kids or enjoying a fun night downtown, not to mention the countless memories you'll make admiring the lights and festive decorations.
Visit Santa's Workshop
Kids who visit Santa's Workshop will get a Santa Letter writing kit to take home. The kit includes all materials needed to send a letter to Santa, a holiday craft, wrapped goodies, and more. There will be several Santa mailboxes placed throughout downtown for families to send their letters to Santa.
Dinner at Old Burdick's
Old Burdick's is the perfect spot to grab a bite after meeting with Santa because it's just around the corner inside the Radisson Hotel. Their menu offers something for everyone in the family, not to mention the space provides multiple different atmospheres to choose from. Sit at a high top table if your kiddos are a little older and enjoy watching the game of whatever sports teams are on, or grab a more private table or booth in the back that gives your family a little more space to decompress.
Stop at Bronson Park and walk through Candy Cane Lane
During the holidays, downtown's Bronson Park is adorned with sixty super-sized candy canes, colorful lights on every tree, a nativity scene, a menorah, snowmen and more. Bronson Park has long been a place for families to gather, spend time enjoying the lights and take photos to celebrate the holidays.
Hop on the Holly Jolly Trolley and ride back to the Kalamazoo Mall
The Holly Jolly Trolley will run its traditional route through Downtown Kalamazoo Nov. 26 through Dec. 23, and on Tuesday, Dec. 31 for New Year’s Eve. With nine stops throughout the Downtown, the route includes stops at City Hall, along the Kalamazoo Mall, Portage Street, and Michigan Avenue.
Trolley hours:
November 26 – December 23
Thursdays + Fridays 5p – 9p Saturday 11a – 9p Sundays 12p – 4p
All trolley rides are free
Stop by Rocket Fizz's Pop Up Toy Store
Rocket Fizz is well-known as the novelty candy store downtown, but this holiday season they have opened a Pop-Up Toy Store! The toys available will range from modern and educational to retro and classic.
End the night with dessert at Cherri's Chocol'art
Kids and adults alike will find joy in the treats at Cherri's! Consider ordering one of their signature Monster Shakes. The holiday shake is the Holly Jolly - made with vanilla ice cream, butter cream frosting, sprinkles, whipped cream, peppermint bark, a Christmas tree cake and cotton candy. Another holiday treat to try is their white chocolate lemon mint truffles or their famous hot chocolate.
