The festive season is the perfect time to gather your loved ones and head to downtown Kalamazoo for a magical day filled with kid-friendly activities and joyful celebrations! This enchanting time of year transforms the city into a winter wonderland, inviting families to embrace the holiday spirit fully.
With a carefully planned schedule of events, you won’t have to choose between spending quality time with your children and enjoying a delightful day downtown. As you stroll through the charming streets, admire the shimmering lights and vibrant decorations that adorn the storefronts. Each corner of downtown is bursting with festive cheer!
Look forward to exciting entertainment options designed especially for kids, including performances, storytelling sessions, and even a visit from Santa himself. These experiences are sure to ignite your children’s sense of wonder.
Stop by local shops for unique gifts and tasty holiday treats. Warm beverages and festive snacks from nearby cafes will add to the cozy ambiance of your day.
This holiday adventure in downtown Kalamazoo promises laughter, joy, and unforgettable moments. So bundle up, bring your holiday spirit, and prepare for a memorable festive day!
Visit Santa's Workshop
Kids who visit Santa's Workshop will get a Santa letter-writing kit to take home. The kit includes all the materials needed to send a letter to Santa, a holiday craft, wrapped goodies, and more. Several Santa mailboxes will be 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, and 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 team is 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
Each holiday season, downtown Bronson Park transforms into a festive wonderland, boasting sixty enormous candy canes, vibrant lights draped on every tree, a nativity scene, a menorah, cheerful snowmen, and a myriad of other decorations. For years, Bronson Park has been a beloved spot where families come together to relish the dazzling displays and capture memorable photos in celebration of the holidays.
Hop on the Holly Jolly Trolley and ride back to the Kalamazoo Mall
The Holly Jolly Trolley in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is an enchanting annual holiday event that brings joy to both locals and visitors and encapsulates the festive spirit of the season. This vintage trolley, beautifully adorned with decorations, offers a nostalgic charm reminiscent of simpler times, adding a whimsical flair to the holiday celebrations.
The Holly Jolly Trolley provides complimentary rides, inviting everyone to enjoy a distinctive sightseeing adventure. Draped in festive hues and sparkling lights, the trolley creates a magical atmosphere as it glides through the snow-dusted streets of Kalamazoo.
Operating primarily on weekends during the weeks leading up to Christmas, the service allows everyone to participate in this festive excursion. Passengers can hop on and off as the trolley transports them to downtown shopping districts and holiday attractions. This offers a convenient and enjoyable way to explore the city's seasonal shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
The Holly Jolly Trolley presents a novel way to experience the town and blends tradition with charm, celebrating Kalamazoo's community spirit during the holiday season. This delightful attraction truly illuminates the festive period in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Stop by Rocket Fizz and Uncle Buddy's Toy Store
Rocket Fizz, nestled in the bustling heart of downtown Kalamazoo, transforms into an enchanting wonderland during the holiday season. Known for its extensive collection of retro sodas, candies, and quirky novelties, the festive period infuses the shop with an extra layer of nostalgic charm that captivates every visitor.
As you step into Rocket Fizz during the holidays, you're immediately welcomed by a dazzling array of seasonal candies, gourmet chocolates, and delectable treats that are perfect for both personal indulgence and unique gifting. The shelves are brimming with everything from candy canes to Christmas tree-shaped lollipops and timeless sweets, all in delightfully vintage-inspired packaging. The aisles are perpetually stocked with exotic soda flavors, sparking curiosity and delight in every guest.
Next door, Uncle Buddy's Toy Shop is a must-visit as well! The toy selection spans from modern educational toys to classic retro favorites, ensuring there's something for everyone.
End the night with dessert at Cherri's Chocol'art
At Cherri's, both children and grown-ups can indulge in delightful treats! Why not try one of their renowned Monster Shakes? This holiday season, savor the Holly Jolly shake, a festive concoction of vanilla ice cream, buttercream frosting, sprinkles, whipped cream, peppermint bark, a Christmas tree cake, and cotton candy. For another seasonal delight, sample their white chocolate lemon mint truffles or their celebrated hot chocolate.
