What’s Worth Doing in Grand Rapids this Week.
Week of Dec 29 – Jan 4
Hey Grand Rapids — here’s what’s worth knowing (and doing) this week.
Heads-up: A winter system is expected Sunday (Dec 28) into Monday (Dec 29) with worsening travel conditions possible. If you’re driving for events, keep your plans flexible and check conditions before you go.
The can’t-miss picks
🏒 Great Lakes Invitational (college hockey) — Dec 28–29
Van Andel Arena hosts one of college hockey’s most iconic holiday tournaments, with two games Sunday and the championship/3rd-place games Monday. Expect a loud crowd, fast play, and real rivalry energy—this is the move if you want a “big event” feel without pro-ticket sticker shock.
🎭 A Drag Queen Christmas — Mon, Dec 29 (7:30 PM)
DeVos Performance Hall gets a high-production holiday show with a rotating cast of drag performers, comedy, and big stage moments. It’s an easy adult night out when you want something festive that’s not another dinner reservation.
🎉 New Year’s Early Eve (kid-friendly countdown) — Tue, Dec 30 (5–8 PM)
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum runs a full “NYE” experience for little kids—music, activities, and a confetti ball drop that happens before bedtime. If you’ve got young kids and still want that countdown vibe, this is the most reliable plan in town.
New Year’s Eve in GR (pick your lane)
🕺 AFTERGLOW (Big Gigantic DJ Set) — Wed, Dec 31
The Intersection hosts a late-night, dance-first NYE with a headliner that brings legit “festival energy.” Go here if your goal is: loud, sweaty, fun, and you don’t mind being out late.
🥂 NYE Ballroom Bashes — Wed, Dec 31
Amway Grand Plaza + JW Marriott turn downtown into a multi-ballroom party (think DJs, dancing, and bounce-between-spaces energy). This is the move for groups who want a big scene and don’t want to bar-hop in the cold.
🎹 Mojo’s NYE Celebration — Wed, Dec 31 (7 PM–late)
Dueling pianos + singalongs downstairs with a DJ/dance setup upstairs—basically “everybody’s having the same fun.” Best for a mixed group where some people want to dance and others want to shout-request songs.
👨👩👧 Family Fun NYE — Wed, Dec 31 (4–8 PM)
Craig’s Cruisers does an early, family-friendly NYE with a buffet + unlimited-attractions style evening. Ideal if you want the kids to go hard, burn off energy, and still be home before midnight.
Sports calendar (easy wins)
🏒 Grand Rapids Griffins — Wed, Dec 31 (6:00 PM)
Classic NYE hockey at Van Andel—high energy without the “party ticket” premium. Great for families, or anyone who wants to do something fun and still be home at a reasonable time.
🏒 Grand Rapids Griffins — Fri, Jan 2 (7:00 PM)
Perfect “we’re back” outing after the holiday stretch—Friday night game, easy downtown pregame food, and a crowd that’s ready to get out of the house again.
Holiday lights + “get out of the house” staples (still running)
🌿 Christmas & Holiday Traditions (Meijer Gardens)
A daytime classic: decorated trees, cultural holiday displays, winter plantings, and the Railway Garden. This is a strong weekday play when you want something festive that isn’t a night event.
✨ ENLIGHTEN (Meijer Gardens)
The evening lights experience—walkable, cozy, and legitimately impressive. Best as a “date but not a big production” plan (and it’s still great even if you’ve done it before).
💡 Christmas Lite Show (LMCU Ballpark)
Drive-thru lights with nearly two miles of displays—simple, warm, and kid-proof. Bring cocoa, queue up holiday music, and let it be the easiest win of your week.
Quick plan ideas (copy/paste to your group chat)
If you’ve got kids:
Children’s Museum “Early Eve” (Dec 30) + LMCU Ballpark lights
If you want a real party:
AFTERGLOW at The Intersection or Ballroom Bashes downtown
If you want “leave the house, be home early”:
Drag Queen Christmas (Dec 29) or Griffins (Dec 31)
Sponsor (optional placeholder)
Want your event or business featured here?
Reply to this email with “SPONSOR” and we’ll send rates + availability.
Until next week,
What’s Up? GR
Putting on an event in Grand Rapids? Tell us about it! Submit your event here.