Gentex, Riverbank Events host the GR Santa Claus Parade, December 7

Gentex, Riverbank Events host the GR Santa Claus Parade, December 7

Published on November 01, 2024

Parade to deliver Santa Claus to annual Tree Lighting!

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich, - The Gentex Grand Rapids Santa Claus Parade will return Saturday, Dec. 7 to continue the cherished holiday tradition down the streets of downtown Grand Rapids. This year, the parade will begin in the evening to deliver Santa Claus to the Annual Grand Rapids Tree Lighting at Rosa Parks Circle.

The 2024 Gentex Grand Rapids Santa Claus Parade kicks off at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 from the corner of Division N and Michigan Street NW and travels down Division N to Crescent Street NW to Ionia Avenue NW to Pearl Street NW to Ottawa Avenue NW to Louis Street NW. The Grand Rapids Jaycees have been in contact with the North Pole and the Parade will deliver Santa Claus to Rosa Park Circle for the City of Grand Rapids Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at approximately 6:45 p.m.

As Santa makes his way through the parade route, families are encouraged to move towards the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Family friendly FREE events will be happening at Rosa Park Circle beginning at 5:30pm. Those holiday events include a special station for children to write letters to Santa with First United Methodist Church and free delivery from USPS.

City of Grand Rapids Special Events Manager Evette Pittman said, "I am very pleased with the collaborative response from our community and staff and am proud that we will celebrate the 103^rd Santa Parade here in Grand Rapids on December 7 along with our Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony."

Gentex, learning of this combined effort, enthusiastically agreed to return as the Santa Clause Parade's lead sponsor. Likewise, past corporate sponsors - such as Meijer, Experience Grand Rapids, AHC Hospitality, Amway River Bank Run, RedWater and WOOD TV8 - also announced their support of this year's holiday event.

Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss thanked all who again stepped up in the spirit of unity and community to continue these holiday institutions.

"Hosting the parade in the evening to bring Santa to the Tree Lighting will make both long standing traditions extra special for families and children. It's an amazing, exciting collaboration that will strengthen both traditions. I can't wait to welcome Santa back to Grand Rapids and kick off the holidays with the tree lighting," Bliss said.

For more information, please visit GRSantaparade.com. You can follow the 2024 event on the Facebook page at facebook.com/GRSantaParade.

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