The 2nd annual Light Up Downtown event happens on Friday, December 1, 2017. The event, which kicks off the winter season in Downtown, features the lighting of the holiday tree, the opening of the Rosa Parks Circle Ice Rink and a variety of holiday-themed activities. The fun begins at 5:00 PM.

Program highlights include:

  • Season's Greetings with Mayor Bliss.
  • Holiday songs with Good Tidings Caroling.
  • FREE professional photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
  • The Rosa Parks Circle Ice Rink opens to the public.
  • Performance by the Synchronized Skating Team of Western Michigan University followed by free ice skating lessons for kids!
  • Angel Tree Toy Drive led by WOOD TV's Eva Aguirre Cooper.
  • Music provided by event hosts Quinn Mathews and Gabriela de la Vega of WYCE.
  • Hot chocolate and food trucks available on-site.

Light Up Downtown Tips:

  • Stay and shop for all your holiday needs. Follow the sounds of the season up Monroe Center and explore South Division Ave. for First Fridays.
  • Plan ahead for parking to avoid wasting time looking for a space.
  • DASH and the Silver Line extended routes for the evening. Get around Downtown GR for free and park & ride to the event. Click here to see the DASH map for Friday, December 1st.
  • Rapid buses drop you off right in the action! Explore routes, 9, 11, 50 and more!

#LightUpDowntown is the official social media hashtag for the event.

The event is organized by Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., the City of Grand Rapids and numerous community partners.

Check out the Facebook event for the latest information and updates.