The Holiday season has officially begun. The Maple Hill Kalamazoo Holiday Parade was just the start of the great holiday events scheduled this season in Downtown Kalamazoo. Keep scrolling to read about all the great events!
And a HUGE thank you to the community and the sponsors who made the Maple Hill Kalamazoo Holiday Parade on Saturday a success. The weather was beautiful downtown and there was no shortage of fun.
Are you looking for something fun (and free) to do with this holiday season? Make sure to head downtown to check out the 40+ storefronts decorated for the 2nd Annual Downtown Kalamazoo Window Decorating Contest!
Download the map HERE and vote for your favorite by scanning the QR code on the business’s window!
Small Business Saturday | November 30
Be sure to make a trip downtown on Small Business Saturday to support local downtown businesses! There are plenty of gifts for purchase downtown that are sure to please your friends and family!
Keep an eye on our social media for the Downtown Kalamazoo 50 under $50 Holiday Gift Guide!
Santa’s Workshop | November 30 – December 24
Santa Claus returns to downtown Kalamazoo once again this year for Santa’s Workshop at the Epic Center (359 S. Kalamazoo Mall).
Returning this year are special musical performances, cookie decorating, letters to Santa and holiday coloring. New this year, in the spirit of ensuring Santa is reflective of the diverse Kalamazoo community, visits with Black Santa will be happening every Sunday in December from 12-4 p.m.
Join Santa at his Kalamazoo workshop every Thursday – Sunday beginning Saturday, November 30 until December 24. For a complete listing of dates and hours, click here.
We need volunteers for Santa’s Workshop? Help make the holiday season magical! Sign up here.
Holly Jolly Trolley | November 30 – December 31
Enjoy FREE rides throughout downtown Kalamazoo on and old fashion trolley, beautifully decorated for the holiday season.
Bronson Tree Lighting | November 29 | Bronson Park
Celebrate the holiday season and all of the diverse traditions that are a part of life in Kalamazoo at the Tree Lighting Ceremony! Festivities begin at 5:00 p.m. including live music, crafts, reindeer from GG Reindeer, ice carving by Ice Guru, hot chocolate, and visits with Santa. The lighting of the park will occur at 5:50 p.m. This is a free event for the entire community.
Business Highlight
Welcome to downtown La Familia Cafe!
La Familia Cafe 224 W. Michigan Ave. M-F 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Saturday 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
A mother-father-son trio have officially opened the doors of La Familia Cafe (meaning “The Family”)! Dan and Ida Salas, along with son Miguel, have made their dream of a restaurant a reality with their new traditional authentic Mexican Breakfast and Lunch spot on West Michigan Ave.
La Familia Cafe offers authentic food items for an affordable price range starting around $2.79-$8.99. All food is authentic from their hand made Gorditas to homemade chips and salsa to their fresh from scratch beans and rice.
The space underwent some major renovations from the floors to the walls, and features a historic brick wall finish in the welcoming and warm space.
Stay up to date on food specials and events on the La Famila Cafe website and Facebook!
Santa Claus returns to downtown Kalamazoo once again this year for Santa’s Workshop at the Epic Center (359 S. Kalamazoo Mall). 
Enjoy FREE rides throughout downtown Kalamazoo on and old fashion trolley, beautifully decorated for the holiday season. 
