This holiday season, the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum is transforming December into a month-long celebration of creativity, connection and kid-powered joy.
For families looking to slow down, make something meaningful, and share a little joy, this annual program offers children the chance to craft handmade gifts—then wrap them up and pass them along to someone special.
Located at 11 Sheldon Ave. NE in downtown Grand Rapids, the museum has long championed learning through play. Giftworks extends that mission with daily make-and-take projects included with museum admission. Each day features a new activity, from puzzles and pencil cases to Shrinky Dinks, wreaths, wooden magnets, photo frames, beaded suncatchers and more. Projects are available 9 a.m.–3 p.m., until one hour before close, while supplies last.
“Winter Break is packed with exciting, hands-on activities that spark creativity and imagination,” said Maggie Lancaster, CEO of GRCM. “We can’t wait to welcome families to PLAY and make memories together!”
The season’s festivities expand during 3rd Thursday on Dec. 18, when the museum stays open from 4–8 p.m. with $3 admission. Families can sip hot cocoa, explore winter-themed crafts and enter for a chance to win tickets to the Grand Rapids Ballet’s The Nutcracker. Dancers from the ballet will make a special appearance, offering kids the chance to meet performers, try on costumes and soak in a bit of downtown winter magic as part of the hotel district’s Third Thursday celebration.
Giftworks Daily Projects Through Dec. 23
Dec. 16: Beaded suncatchers
Dec. 17–19: Photo frames
Dec. 20–21: Wooden magnets
Dec. 22–23: Shrinky Dinks
Daily winter break programming includes:
- Dec 26: Full Bloom Yoga (10 a.m. – Noon) and Mr. Juggling Man (1–3 p.m.)
- Dec 27 & 28: Woodworking Studio (9 a.m.–3 p.m.)
- Dec 29: Boredom Fighters (10 a.m.–Noon) and Cirque Amongus (1–3 p.m.)
- Dec 30: Opera Tots (10 a.m.– Noon), Mr. Juggling Man (1–3 p.m.), and the museum’s ticketed New Year’s Early Eve celebration from 5–8 p.m.
- Jan 2: Drumming with Josh (10 a.m.– Noon) and Boredom Fighters (1–3 p.m.)
- Jan 3 & 4: Woodworking Studio (9 a.m.–3 pm.)
Winter Break hours run Dec. 18–23, 26–30 and Jan. 2–4 from 9 a.m.–4 p.m., with an early close at 3 p.m. on Dec. 30. The museum will be closed Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1 and Jan. 5–8.
Regular museum admission is $12 per person, $11 for visitors 65+, and $10 for teachers, healthcare workers, frontline workers and active military members. Through Museums for All, admission for EBT and WIC cardholders is $1.75 per person for up to 12 people per card. Children under one year old and museum members receive free admission.
As a nonprofit dedicated to fostering creativity and imagination for children ages 0–10 and their caregivers, the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum continues to serve as a downtown hub of discovery—especially during the holidays.
This year’s Giftworks sponsors include Glenn Morris & Associates and Auto-Owners Insurance.
Plan your visit at grcm.org.
