Grand Haven to host 'Light Night,' Kerstmarkt opens in Holland
The holiday season is set to officially sparkle in Grand Haven on Friday, Nov. 21, as the Grand Haven Main Street Downtown Development Authority hosts its annual "Light Night" celebration.
GRAND HAVEN — The holiday season is set to officially sparkle in Grand Haven on Friday, Nov. 21, as the Grand Haven Main Street Downtown Development Authority hosts its annual "Light Night" celebration.
From 5-8 p.m., the event will transform both the downtown and Centertown districts into a hub of festive activity, welcoming residents and visitors alike, according to a news release.
Billed as the unofficial kickoff to the holidays, Light Night promises a blend of community cheer, extended shopping hours and family-friendly entertainment.
This year, the DDA is expanding the celebration with an enhanced “Jingletown” experience in Centertown, focused around the intersection of Seventh Street and Washington Avenue.
Expanded festive offerings
The Jingletown expansion will feature opportunities for attendees to take photos with their favorite holiday characters, alongside vibrant storefront displays and dedicated festive shopping opportunities.
Activities include:
- Cookie decorating stations for families
- Live music performances and street entertainment
- Warm seasonal drinks and specialty treats from local businesses
- Holiday crafting and kid-friendly hands-on activities
- Vintage holiday window displays
- Extended shopping hours and special promotions at participating stores
Light Night will also serve as the preview event for the 2026 "Tote Club Days," a program designed to encourage year-round support for local businesses.
Guests can pick up a Grand Haven Main Street Tote Club bag, which grants special discounts throughout 2026 at participating businesses across both downtown and Centertown.
Whether a new tote is purchased during Light Night or a bag from a prior year is used, the tote can be used for discounts on four specific dates in 2026: Feb. 8, May 9, Aug. 8 and Nov. 7.
Kerstmarkt opens in Holland
In Holland this weekend, visitors can also peruse Kerstmarkt, the city's annual holiday European marketplace, near Holland Civic Center Place at Eighth Street and Pine Avenue.
The market features holiday items, food and artisan demonstrations in Holland, Michigan. The market runs from Nov. 21-Dec. 20. For the daily schedule, click here.
— Heather VanDyke covers northern Ottawa County for the Ottawa News Network. Contact her at hvandyke@ottawanewsnetwork.org.
