Small Wonder: Exploring ‘East’ at Christmastime

Annual Tree Lighting on Friday, November 29
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Photo courtesy of the City of East Grand Rapids.

Did you know that East Grand Rapids has its own mayor? Or that it was once home to a bustling, 21-acre resort and amusement park, called Ramona Park, complete with a rollercoaster, trolley cars that transported visitors along the rail lines, and steamboats that traversed Reeds Lake? Or that former president Gerald R. Ford worked a concession stand at the park? Or, that there was a time when members of the Julius Houseman Lodge of B’nai B’rith would pitch in on Christmas Day as volunteer policemen to allow Christian officers to spend time with their families? If you’re an EGR resident, probably. If you aren’t, these are just the kind of tidbits to be filed under: “Today I Learned.” East Grand Rapids’ rich and interesting history, as well as the fact that it operates under its own government, certainly puts the once small village on the map as a destination to discover.

East Grand Rapids officially became a city in 1926, Ramona Park closed in 1954, and Gaslight Village gained its moniker in 1968. Though it’s gone through myriad changes over the past century-plus, the city remains a draw for out-of-towners and West Michigan residents alike, with the Gaslight Village shopping and dining district as one of the main attractions.

Specialty shops, studios, and restaurants intertwine with standbys such as Starbucks and The UPS Store, as well as realtors, financial institutions, architects, salons, and other professional entities; a tightly knit amalgam bolstered largely by a group of local business leaders called the Gaslight Village Business Association (GVBA). In the middle of it all is Regatta Plaza with the sailing-themed Spinnaker sculpture and adjacent fountain, on the site of what was once Jacobson’s Department Store, where, incidentally, this writer bought her wedding dress.

The annual tree lighting ceremony takes place Friday, Nov. 29 at 5 p.m. in Regatta Plaza. Photo courtesy City of East Grand Rapids.

While it may sound like any main-street-driven burg, it really does have a special aura, and it’s more than just the illumination given off by its signature street-side gas lamps. This is particularly true at Christmastime, when Gaslight Village and the surrounding neighborhoods transform into a celebration of holiday spirit. It all kicks off the day after Thanksgiving with an annual, evening tree lighting ceremony that first got off the ground in 1986. This year, this family friendly event is held on November 29, starting at 5 p.m. in Regatta Plaza at 2181 Wealthy St. SE. Accompanying festivities run until 8 p.m.

Carriage rides, craft stations, and firepits with s’more supplies will open at the onset of the event, and a DJ will be spinning favorite holiday tunes. In years past there have been reindeer on the scene and performances by The Michigan Ballet Academy and The Madrigals, the student chorus from East Grand Rapids High School. (Check in with gogaslight.com to get the latest news on what’s on the schedule for the evening.) To complete the Currier and Ives-esque picture, Mayor Katie Favale will greet the crowd at around 6 p.m. and commence with the tree-lighting ceremony. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive, and be available for photo opportunities after the tree is lit.

With music in the air and familiar yuletide sights filling the streets, it will definitely be beginning to look a lot light Christmas! This tradition of ringing in the holiday season is beloved not only by those who live in the area and come together as neighbors, but also those who come from nearby suburbs to join in the reveling.

East Grand Rapids Mayor Katie Favale

“East Grand Rapids welcomes community members of all ages to our beautiful city during this festive time of year,” says Katie Favale, East Grand Rapids Mayor. “From our annual tree lighting ceremony with Santa and Mrs. Claus to our decorated business district where you’re sure to find the perfect gift – East Grand Rapids offers small town charm to get you in the spirit of the season.”

If the tree lighting event sounds like a lot to arrange, it is. It’s a year-long effort organized and funded by the businesses in Gaslight Village, who work with the city to plan out road closures, set up the tree, and handle any other logistics. East Grand Rapids residents get involved, too, signing up to volunteer or donating money or goods. “All of the activities are free, and we do it as a thank you to the community for supporting the businesses in East GR,” says BreAnna Jauregui, GVBA Co-President and Owner of Agate & Herb.

It doesn’t stop at one night, though. Streetlights and storefronts are decorated—sometimes painted by local artists or students—and area businesses typically offer specials or hold shopping events, making it especially appealing for those doing their holiday shopping. And, the sidewalks are heated, so it’s safer, easier, and more comfortable to stroll from shop to shop. Add in that there’s a dedicated social zone within the district and things just got a little more jolly. Those age 21 and older can get a drink at a participating restaurant and walk around to browse the shops.

There’s truly something for everyone, whether it’s families, couples, or groups of friends—and, most businesses are pet-friendly, too. “If you’ve never come to Gaslight Village before, we encourage you to come and check it out,” says Jauregui. “We really want people to know that they are welcome here. It’s a very family friendly community.”

 

Another noteworthy event that occurs in East Grand Rapids in December is a Christmas Concert put on by the Schubert Male Chorus on December 14, 2024. It will be held at Calvin University Recital Hall. Founded in Grand Rapids in 1883, The Schuberts are considered the oldest independent continuing male chorus in America. Wow!

 

And, finally, on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, more lights come out. Hundreds of households take part in a candle-lit luminary display that lines the streets of East Grand Rapids, mostly notably on Plymouth Avenue. This annual event is coordinated between neighborhood leaders and residents, in cooperation with Public Works who provide the sand. If driving around to see the lights is part of your holiday plans, this is one area you’ll want to put on your list!

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