Light up your holidays in Downtown Kalamazoo with a festive slate of free events scheduled all season long. The downtown holiday season features Santa’s Workshop, Small Business Saturday, the Holly Jolly Trolley, Moonlight Madness, and more!

Fun for the family

Visit Bronson Park Tree for the Tree Lighting Ceremony

Join in on this annual event scheduled from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, November 29 in Bronson Park. Help light up Bronson Park and kick off the holiday season! Festivities include live music, crafts, hot chocolate, visits with Santa, and other holiday fun. The Tree Lighting Ceremony is always free and everyone is welcome to join the fun.

Moonlight Madness | Friday, December 13 | 6-11:30 p.m.

Experience the magic of the second annual Moonlight Madness in Downtown Kalamazoo on December 13th! If you joined us last year, you know how enchanting the evening was, with streets filled with festive lights, lively dancing, a DJ spinning tunes all night, and a spectacular bike ride adorned with holiday lights. This year, get ready for even more holiday fun as the streets come alive with dazzling decorations and cheerful spirit. After enjoying a delicious dinner, take a leisurely stroll through the illuminated streets, savor warm beverages, and explore charming shops offering exclusive specials and delightful surprises. With shops open until eleven and beyond, it’s the perfect chance to find unique gifts and soak up the festive atmosphere. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of community celebration and holiday joy!

2024 Holiday Lights Bike Ride | Friday, December 13 | 5 p.m.

experience the magic of Downtown Kalamazoo in a whole new way! Decorate your bike with festive lights, garland, and holiday cheer for a chance to WIN $100 in Downtown Dollars!

✨ How to Participate:

  • Deck out your bike with holiday decorations.
  • Put on your best festive outfit.
  • Ride through the sparkling holiday lights downtown.

The best-decorated bike (voted by the crowd) will win $100 in Downtown Dollars!
Take in the sights, snap some photos, and enjoy the holiday magic up close. It’s a ride you won’t want to miss! 🚴‍♀️🎅

::: DETAILS :::
Date: Friday, December 13th
4:00 PM – optional bike decorating at Edison Neighborhood Association
5:00 PM – depart Upjohn Park for the ride
6:00 PM – arrive at The Crafted Copper for a ModeShift-style holiday party
Join us for a festive bike ride through Downtown Kalamazoo! We’ll start at the Upjohn Park pavilion at 5:00 PM and ride a 3-4 mile route through Southtown, Vine, and downtown – all while enjoying the holiday lights and cheer! Our ride will end at The Crafted Copper for a ModeShift-style holiday party 🎉.

Santa’s Workshop opens Saturday, Nov. 25, Regular Hours Start November 30 featuring visits with Black Santa every Thursday and Sunday

Santa’s Workshop is located in the City Centre just beyond the City Centre Deli. The Workshop is located in the former Bronson Health Club venue. Entrance to the Workshop is either through the City Centre Farmer’s Alley entrance or through the Kalamazoo Mall entrance and walking to the back of the building. The Workshop space is filled with vintage animated elves created by David Hamberger. These elves are estimated to be over 30 years old. Not all of the elves are still working, but some are and provide a bit of nostalgia for families that have made Santa’s Workshop their tradition over the years.

The Workshop, originally called Santa’s Village was started at The Gilmore Department Store, and still today some of the trees and decorations are part of the displays. The Sleigh and Tin Soldiers are also part of the allure and tradition that makes this place a special holiday tradition. Thanks to the support of our sponsors and supporters, Santa’s Workshop is open on Thursdays and Fridays from 5:00 to 8 p.m., Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. A Black Santa is featured on Thursdays and Sundays and a White Santa is featured on Fridays and Saturdays.

Special activities are featured along with decorating shopping bags, writing letters to Santa, and of course visiting as long as you want with Santa. The Workshop is a perfect space for families to attend with no rush to leave within the stated hours.

Other activities surround the Santa’s Workshop experience including the Holly Jolly Trolley, sponsored by Drive and Shine, and many other great retail events hosted by Downtown Kalamazoo Shops.

  • Saturday, November 30, 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, December 1, 12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, December 5, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • Friday, December 6, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, December 7, 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, December 8, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, December 12, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • Friday, December 13, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, December 14, 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, December 15, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, December 19, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • Friday, December 20, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, December 21, 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, December 22, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Monday, December 23, 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, December 24, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Getting around downtown

The Holly Jolly Trolley runs Thursdays through Sundays throughout Downtown Kalamazoo Startings with the Tree Lighting Ceremony

Thanks to the support of Drive and Shine together with Bell’s Eccentric Cafe and the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation, the wonderful tradition of riding the trolley will continue again in 2024. The trolley service is free and runs at the top and bottom of the hour, starting at City Hall (241 W. South Street). The trolley follows and 20-25 minute service featuring 8 trolley stops where people can get on and off enjoying the service as a way to explore downtown.

The trolley route follows a route that is based on the following stops. The actual map is available upon request and at the following locations: @DowntownKalamazooSanta and at www.downtownkalamazoo.org/HollyJollyTrolley.

The 2024 Trolley Stops:

  • City Hall – South Street
  • The Mall Plaza – Kalamazoo Mall
  • Peregrine Tower– Kalamazoo Mall
  • Bates Alley (swoopin lights on at night) – Portage Street
  • Bimbo’s Pizza – on Michigan Avenue
  • Bell’s Eccentric Café & General Store – Kalamazoo & Porter Street
  • North Kalamazoo Mall intersection – Water Street
  • Kalamazoo Valley Museum – Rose Street

Trolley Shuttle Times

Here are the Trolley shuttle times:

  • Thursdays 5-9 p.m.
  • Fridays 5-9 p.m.
  • Saturdays noon to 8 p.m.
  • Sundays 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Special hours: December 23 – noon to 6 p.m. and Dember 24 – noon to 4 p.m.
  • December 31 from 6:00 -11 p.m.

Support local businesses this holiday season

Kick off your holiday shopping on Shop Small Saturday in Downtown Kalamazoo on November 30! With over 50 unique retail shops and 45 restaurants and cafes, you can enjoy a festive day out on our heated streets and picturesque Outdoor Mall. Grab a free tote bag (while supplies last), explore exclusive deals, and discover exciting surprises along the way. Shopping local is more important than ever for a thriving community, so come visit The Zoo and support the businesses that make our town special!