KALAMAZOO, MI — While the holidays may look and feel a little different in 2020, some familiar sights and traditions remain, and the unusual year creates a great opportunity to make new holiday traditions.
No, there won’t be a holiday parade in Kalamazoo this year. But you can set your own route to check out some of the best holiday decorations and other activities that remain.
Visits with Santa are different in this socially distanced, pandemic age. The jolly old elf can still be visited virtually or, in some places, in-person by appointment.
For those not comfortable visiting St. Nick this December, why not sit down with the kids and write a letter to the North Pole instead?
So, while many traditions, such as dining in at your favorite restaurant and holiday parties at bars are off the advent calendar this year, here are five things you can still do to ring in the holidays in and around Kalamazoo.
Take a stroll and photo at Candy Cane Lane
Let’s put the bickering behind us, shall we? And not just about candy canes. ‘Tis the season of giving and togetherness.
Candy Cane Lane, a beloved feature of holiday decorations in downtown Kalamazoo, offer the perfect holiday background.
The new candy canes in Bronson Park, introduced in 2019, are here to stay and there are years of memories waiting to be made. So, take a socially-distanced stroll down Candy Cane lane with your loved ones and get those memorable photos. They might just bring a smile to your face when you think back on one of wildest and weirdest years in memory.
Some fresh air and holiday tradition might do us all some good. And don’t forget to keep warm and cover up with your mask.
Shop local and treat yourself downtown
Speaking of fresh air, do you have some shopping to do?
Support local entrepreneurs and browse and buy at the shops on the outdoor Kalamazoo Mall. You may need fuel to get through your shopping experience, so make sure to grab a bite of chocolate from Cherri’s, candy or soda from Rocket Fizz or pick up some takeout from one of your favorite downtown eateries.
And if you just need some refreshment in the fresh, crisp air, grab a drink to go and enjoy the new downtown “refreshment district.” Don’t forget to grab the kids a decaf mocha or hot cocoa from a local coffee shop so they have something to sip on while you enjoy your adult beverage.
Visit Santa (by appointment only)
Santa’s face is mostly hidden by a beard, and yours will need to be partially hidden by a mask. Despite the pandemic, the jolly old elf is expected at appearances all around Kalamazoo this year.
Appointments and social distancing are required for photos if you wish to visit Santa’s Workshop at the Radisson Plaza Hotel. Santa and his helpers will be there on select dates from Dec. 5-24, and Black Santa is set to return to visit with kids on Dec. 21 and 23 as well.
Santa will also make daily appearances at Crossroads Mall in Portage, beginning Nov. 27, and at Gull Meadows Meadow Farms beginning Nov. 28. Reservations are required at both locations. Please click the respective links for more details.
Walk through the lights at Gull Meadow Farms
Reservations will be required this year to account for social distancing guidelines, but beginning Nov. 28, every Wednesday through Sunday night, you can mask and bundle up and take a walk through the Kalamazoo area’s favorite choreographed light display.
The walking light display is offered by Gull Meadow Farms, at 8544 Gull Road. Hot cider, hot chocolate and fresh donuts await.
On Nov. 28, 29 and Dec. 5, there will also be an opportunity to visit the Dear Santa Workshop. Reindeer food will get made, ornaments decorated and letters to Santa filled out and mailed. Tickets must be purchased in advance to adhere to capacity limits and social distancing guidelines.
Take your dog to meet Santa or the Grinch
The Grinch may be trying to steal Christmas this year, but perhaps your favorite dog can slow him down or get in his way.
Book a photo opportunity with your pooch and either The Grinch or Santa on either Sunday, Dec. 6, or Sunday, Dec. 13, at Beowoof Provisions for Pets, 428 S. Burdick St. in Kalamazoo.
To get the perfect holiday card shot, call Beowoof at 269-888-5966 to schedule your shoot. All profits will be donated to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
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November 29, 2020 at 07:00PM
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5 things you can still do to ring in the holidays in and around Kalamazoo - mlive.com
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