This blog post may contain affiliate links, which may reward me in the event of a sale. I use these funds to reinvest in my blog and to create more great content like this article to share with you! My visit to Kalamazoo was sponsored by Discover Kalamazoo, however all thoughts & opinions are my own. Disclaimer here.
Two years ago, my family and I traveled to Kalamazoo after we learned there is a reindeer herd there. Yes – reindeer! Then last winter, we returned and spent a day in nearby Hickory Corners taking advantage of all the great holiday features there. (Read more about that adventure here.) Now, after returning to the area for a third holiday season, it’s safe to say our family HIGHLY recommends a family holiday getaway to Kalamazoo! Perhaps, this is our new tradition?
With reindeers, giant candy canes, a free holiday trolly, Santa’s workshop, and walk through light experiences, there are so many unique holiday attractions to take advantage of in Kalamazoo!
Can’t make it before the holidays? Kalamazoo also has a lot of great family friendly things to do that are perfect in the winter and beyond! During our visit, we checked out the Air Zoo, shopped along the historic Kalamazoo mall, and marveled at the Kalamazoo Nature Center!
~ Family Holiday Getaway to Kalamazoo Map ~
~ Family Holiday Getaway to Kalamazoo Summary ~
When: Black Friday weekend
Why: A couple years ago, my family and I went on a holiday day trip to Kalamazoo and loved it! It surprised us to see so many unique Christmas attractions for all ages. There were too many things to do just in one day so we waited until this year to come back to experience more of them.
Time Traveled (1 way): Approx an hour from Grand Rapids & Lansing, 2 hours from Detroit, 2 and a half hours from Chicago, 3 hours from Traverse City, almost 4 hours from Indianapolis and 4 and a half hours from Columbus.
Time Spent at Destination: 3 days
Budget: For lodging, dining out and attractions, we spent about $800 for our family of 3.
Day One: Nature, Art, & Christmas
We started off our getaway to Kalamazoo on a Friday afternoon where we explored the Kalamazoo Nature Center with a local friend of ours and her daughter. While there, we enjoyed a little time outdoors on a short, but beautiful trail before we headed indoors to check out the visitors center. Then we headed to our hotel to check in and get ready for an early dinner at Principle before heading to Bronson Park for Kalamazoo’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony! After the ceremony, we went for a festive ride around downtown Kalamazoo aboard the free Holly Jolly Trolly.
Kalamazoo Nature Center
My family and I enjoy checking out nature centers during our day trips and get aways. It’s always a great spot to allow our son to run and burn off energy while we all enjoy fresh air. Plus, I always end up surprised at how unique each one is. Since we were traveling south to Kalamazoo from the Grand Rapids area, it was convenient to start our getaway at the Kalamazoo Nature Center, which is located a short 10 minute drive north of Downtown Kalamazoo.
Right at the entrance of the center is a pay station. For a day pass, it’s $7 per adult, $6 for seniors and $4 for kids ages 4-17. However if you visit in the evenings – after 5pm, the rate is slightly less – $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $3 for kids. You can also prepay online.
From there, we wound our way to the first parking lot, which is right in between the Arboretum trail and the nature center – exactly where we needed to be. We chose to explore the arboretum loop because it’s flat with accessible pathways and contains interesting things to see for kids. Plus the trail is only .5 miles long. This is a great starter hike for any family’s new to hiking or if you’re looking for something to get out of the house to do during winter. .5 miles isn’t too long to be out in the snow!
On this trail, there is so much to see! There are a number of sculptures to examine and touch along the trail. Then, halfway through the loop, there is a nature playground. While the water features are closed in the winter, you can climb into the fort and climb on the animal sculptures.
Visitors Center
Then to warm up, we headed inside to the visitors center. This place surprised me the most – because it is just so beautiful! The building is mid century modern designed by famed Michigan architect Alden Dow. In the very center of the building is a tropical sun rain room. During the summer of 2022, its dome was replaced for the first time since it was built. There is a ramp running all the way to the bottom floor that my son loved walking up and down on. It’s full of plants and a mini cascading waterfall, which offers a nice escape from the cold of winter outside.
On the floors outside the sun rain room there are galleries, exhibits, a gift shop, and children’s play area. When we visited, the children’s area was full of bird themed activities and books. My son is a huge fan of birds due to his love of airplanes so he had fun climbing up the ‘nest,’ examining eggs, and playing with the bird seed sensory bin.
On the bottom level and just outside the building are animals to check out. Indoors are snakes and turtles. And outdoors, there is the birds of prey exhibit with owls and a couple hawks. When it came time to leave to make it to dinner and the tree lighting on time, my son didn’t want to leave! He was having such a good time playing in the kid’s area!
With over 16 trails spread across two separate sites, there are so many things to see within the Kalamazoo Nature Center. This is an area we need to come back to explore another day!
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Bronson Park
After we checked into our hotel, dropped off our luggage, and enjoyed a delicious dinner from Principle on the Kalamazoo Mall, we walked a block over to Bronson Park for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony! Here we met back up with our friends to enjoy this free community-centric event. This event is held every Friday after Thanksgiving around dusk.
As we awaited for dusk, we took advantage of the free craft tents to color reindeer, grab hot cocoa, and watch the performances. Finally, around 6pm, the countdown to turn on the Christmas tree and all of Bronson Park’s beautiful holiday decorations was on. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1!!!
Once the tree was lit, families and friends gathered around the tree to get their photos together. Little ones (my son included), thought it a great idea to ‘rock around the Christmas tree’ by running around it (probably to examine all those lights at warp speed).
We also waited in line to get our family’s photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus! This was also a free thing to enjoy. After that, we crossed the street to City Hall and waited in line to hop aboard the Holly Jolly Trolly. The trolly is a free ride throughout downtown to marvel at all the holiday lights and decorations. There are 9 stops total, and the trolly runs Thursdays through Sundays until Christmas Eve and on New Years Eve. On Thursday’s and Friday’s it runs from 5-9pm. Saturday it runs from 11am to 8pm. And Sunday it runs 12-4pm. The map is below:
After three years of not attending large events, it felt good to see the lighting of the tree! This was an excellent addition to all the holiday attractions we love in Kalamazoo!
Day 2 : All Things Christmas
The next day, we woke up excited to pack in a day full of Christmas attractions! First, we toured Reindeer Ranch. Then headed back downtown to experience Santa’s Workshop at the Radisson and shop for gifts along the Kalamazoo mall. Finally, in the evening, we experienced Gull Meadow Farms’ Walk Through the Lights in Richland, which has been on my bucket list for three years! During the day, we dined at delicious local restaurants Water Street Coffee, Old Burdick’s and 600 Kitchen.
Reindeer Ranch
This was my family’s second visit to Reindeer Ranch, and each time we go, we learn something new! We also love seeing the Reindeer Ranch family grow as new reindeer babies are born. This year, we learned the ranch almost has its own sub-species of reindeer! They are working with UC Davis to analyze the genes of their deer, and there’s a few more tests to go before it can be official. How cool is that?!
During a visit to Reindeer Ranch, you can expect to learn about the reindeer, their habitat, and how the farm got its start in 1999. Because the deer shed and regrow antlers, we even got the opportunity to touch and pick up antlers! And when the reindeer are near the fence, they allow people to pet them. The owners name each of the reindeer and love talking about their unique personalities.
After learning about and interacting with the reindeer, there are photo stations in the barn. Then, go on a lit up trail out back until you reach Santa! There is also hot cocoa out by him to warm up with! All photos with Santa can be taken right on your phone and are included with your ticket to the Ranch.
Before you conclude your tour, stop in the gift shop to pick up some gifts or your very own reindeer fur ornament!
Reindeer Ranch is open daily and tours should be reserved online. Tours run 10-4pm on the hour during weekdays and 10-7:30pm on the weekends every half hour. Tours cost $15 per person for those age 2 and up.
Santa’s Workshop
After lunch at Old Burdick’s located within the Radisson Plaza Hotel, we stopped by the free Santa’s Workshop, also located in the Radisson. Here we wrote a letter to Santa, decorated our own shopping bag with holiday stamps and stickers, and even met up with the big guy again! Fun story, this Santa is the same Santa we saw at Bronson Park the night before! And Mrs. Claus is right there with him.
This is a really fun activity that I highly recommend to families that are visiting Downtown Kalamazoo during the holidays on Thursday through Sunday. There are signs throughout the lobby indicating where the workshop is.
Also, if you’re visiting on a Thursday or Sunday, a Black Santa will be there while a White Santa is there on Fridays and Saturdays.
Small Business Christmas Shopping on the Kalamazoo Mall
Steps away from where we experienced Santa’s Workshop is the historic Kalamazoo Mall – which is the perfect spot to shop small businesses during the holiday season. The Kalamazoo Mall was built in 1959 by famed mall architect Victor Gruen. The mall was created to preserve urban vitality as more people moved to the suburbs. And while the first few decades were rocky as locals shopped at the suburban indoor malls, the mall endured!
There were some changes over the years, notably, the mall is no longer pedestrian only. A single lane runs through a couple of the blocks. However, with very wide sidewalks, the vehicular traffic wasn’t very noticeable. And it fun to ride through the mall aboard the Holly Jolly Trolly in the evening.
While shopping along the mall we stopped at stores like the Mason Jar Plant Shop, Cherri’s Choco l’art, Spirit of Kalamazoo, and Kalamazoo Custom Tailoring. But there are also lots of other shops, restaurants, and places to come for an experience along the mall. For example, you can even go rock climbing at Climb Kalamazoo!
Walk Through Lights at Gull Meadow Farms
One activity you can’t miss in Kalamazoo is Walk Through the Lights at Gull Meadow Farms! This attraction has been on my bucket list for the past three years. All three of us loved it and really, we should have gone sooner.
For $10 per person 36 inches and taller on weeknights or $12 on weekends, you and your family will enjoy each of the various Christmas themed greenhouses. There are also several spots for photo ops in a few of them.
While the greenhouses have some heaters running to keep people comfy, there is an outdoor portion so bundle up! Outdoors, there is a lit up walking trail, light show and my son’s favorite… goats!
This attraction requires pre-purchased timed entry to ensure a delightful experience. We loved how it’s set up to prevent how busy and crowded it could be. Also, there are drinks and Christmas trinkets available for purchase before entering as well as afterwards in the market store.
Day 3: Air Zoo
During our final day in Kalamazoo, we grabbed brunch from a popular cafe in the Vine neighborhood of Kalamazoo before heading to the Air Zoo. We were going to visit the Celery Flats Historic Area prior to that, however it was raining so we decided against it. Last winter, Winston and I visited the Air Zoo when I had a day off and he loved it! This is another spot we will forever return back to when we’re in the area.
The Air Zoo is a great spot to visit no matter if you’re visiting with kids, teens, or alone as an adult. This museum is open daily and consists of two separate buildings. For $15.95 for adults and $14.95 for kids 4 and up, there is so much you can experience during a visit.
From the moment you enter, your breath will be taken away with the airy atmosphere and the sight of dozens of historic planes located within one area. Winding through the exhibits, you are taken through the history of aviation. There are some of the country’s first planes as well as planes of war used throughout the wars the US participated in over the decades.
Also within the main hall, there are airplane themed rides people of all ages can go on. If kids are under a certain height, they must be with a responsible individual. But my son enjoyed going on all the rides with me, and we made sure to go on all of them a couple of times. At his height, he is still too small to go on the simulator rides, but that gives us something to look forward to in the coming years! In the corners of the main hall, there is both a play area for kids with interactive stem toys and a library.
There is also an interactive exhibit on space and sci-fi, robotics. The space exhibit is so cool, complete with realistic models and even an old tire from a space shuttle! You can really get a realistic perspective of what it’s like to be an astronaut on the space station. We spent three hours at the Air Zoo and easily could have spent more time here. Before leaving, don’t forget to check out the gift shop, which contains unique aviation toys and souvenirs you can’t easily find elsewhere!
Restaurants to Dine at in Kalamazoo
Being a mom to a toddler (and wife to a picky eater), it’s been difficult to consider myself a ‘foodie.’ We typically stick to restaurants with burgers on the menu. But during this trip, I bent the rules. It’s good to push the boys out of their comfort zones – and I’m so glad that I did! Every restaurant we went to, we had a fantastic experience and everyone adored their food!
The Principle is the first restaurant we went to. We visited on Friday evening right before the tree lighting ceremony. I highly recommend reserving a table here because it gets busy. This farm to fork restaurant is welcoming of kids, however be aware there isn’t a kids menu. That’s ok though! There are kid friendly options on the menu – such as the butternut squash ravioli I shared with my son. I even got my husband to try (and enjoy) something he hates. Cheese, in the form of seared halloumi! We also both recommend trying a cocktail here – they have an extensive cocktail menu!
For breakfast, we grabbed lattes and some warm breakfast sandwiches and fruit from local chain, Water Street Coffee. We dined in at the Oakland location before heading over to see the reindeer. There are a couple rooms to sit and enjoy your coffee at. But Water Street Coffee is also quick service so you can take your latte on the go. There is even a drive through too!
Another restaurant you have to dine at in Kalamazoo at least once is Old Burdick’s Bar & Grille. This place is an institution in Kalamazoo! There is both dining room and bar area seating here. And while it is a laid back spot, it does accept reservations. The prices here are great, and its conveniently located just steps away from the Kalamazoo mall.
600 Kitchen was a spot I knew we needed to go to. It’s located in an old factory building that’s been repurposed into this restaurant as well as some offices next door. The menu consists of seasonal and classic cocktails and a fresh, rotating menu. For dinner I ordered the Cuban Gnocchi, which included pieces of pulled pork and was topped with sliced pickles. Delicious! The helpings are generous as well so rest assured, you will leave full.
Our final meal in Kalamazoo was brunch at the Crow’s Nest in the Vine neighborhood. While we waited a little bit to be seated, there is a coffee shop downstairs to wait. Once we were seated, we were greeted to a lovely menu of sweet or savory dishes. Since my eyes were bigger than my stomach, I ordered both an huevos ranchero dish and caramel apple French toast satisfying my whole palate. They even have a kids menu and the staff were exceptionally friendly to my son!
Where We Stayed: Hilton Garden Inn
When choosing where to stay in for our family holiday getaway to Kalamazoo, we had so many options! The Radisson right downtown is an easy choice, because its very convenient to the mall and Bronson Park. However, we made our decision of where to stay based off of history.
While the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Kalamazoo is only a couple years old, its located in a building that’s on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1915 by famed Michigan architectural firm Spier and Rohns (of Michigan Central Station fame), the building originally served as Kalamazoo’s Masonic temple. In 1963, the Mason’s left the building for another location and the building changed hands and sat vacant for awhile. In 1980, it was added to the NRHP.
Today, it’s exterior sits as it has for over a hundred years – an Italian renaissance exterior. But when you walk in, you’ll be amazed with is cozy, inviting style. In the lobby, one thing we noticed right away was a number of guitars decorating the walls. These are all from Heritage Guitars, a local manufacturer that formed when Gibson Guitar moved down to Tennessee. In the rooms too, there are factory scenes displaying various stages of the guitars being manufactured.
Within the hotel, there is also a pool, restaurant, bar, fitness center, indoor bridge to the parking garage, and it is connected to the Hilton Home2Suites. Our room was extremely comfortable, clean and modern with 2 queen sized beds, fridge, microwave, and coffee maker.
Parking is $20 per day and was easy to pick up passes to exit the garage from the front desk. The hotel is a block away from the free Kalamazoo Valley Museum and a couple blocks from the mall and Bronson Park.
Why You Should Plan a Holiday Getaway to Kalamazoo
With such a great variety of holiday events and attractions, Kalamazoo is the best spot in west Michigan to plan a holiday getaway.
And for even more inspiration on places to visit in Kalamazoo during winter, check out Discover Kalamazoo’s website!
~~~
from Michigan with Love,
Jackie
Pin This Post for Later: Family Holiday Getaway to Kalamazoo
