Festival Of Lights
May Your Days Be Merry & Bright...November 5, 2021 – January 15, 2022
Grand Rivers Is A Must During The Holiday Season
There’s no place like Grand Rivers for the holidays. The “Village Between The Lakes” comes to life with breathtaking displays of lights throughout the town. Over 1.5 million lights adorn Patti’s 1880’s Settlement, the streets of the village, Little Lake Park, businesses, and the marinas. But, the “Festival of Lights” goes beyond Christmas lights.
During the holiday season, special character breakfasts take place at Patti’s 1880s, Santa & Mrs. Claus takes time out of their busy schedule for breakfast & lunch with guests at the Community Center, Santa visits with children at Patti’s Settlement, vintage horsedrawn carriages take visitors through the village to view the amazing lights, live Christmas shows take place at the Badgett Playhouse, and much more!
We invite you to experience the magic of the holidays in Grand Rivers.
Discover the Holiday Magic
Patti's 1880's Settlement - Festival of Lights
The Settlement turns into a magical light display with the annual lighting of Patti’s Settlement on Friday, November 5, kicking off the 2021 Holiday Season. Enjoy music by The Cruisers and bring the kids for a special visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus. The Grist Mill Cafe will be selling Gourmet Coffees, Hot Chocolate, and sweet treats.
Patti’s 1880’s Settlement is Nationally known for its Christmas Light display and was a featured contender on ABC’s “The Great Light Fight” in 2018.
Victorian Christmas Carriage Rides
There is just no better way to experience the holidays in the village than by carriage. Book your Victorian Christmas Carriage Ride with John Pass Carriage Service. Rides begin November 5, 2021, and are available through the holiday season. Holiday carriage rides are extremely popular and must be booked in advance by calling (270) 243-4365 or by completing the Carriage Ride Request Form. $25 for the first two people and $10 for each additional, children under ten are $5. Private carriage rides are available for up to four $75 and $100 for full carriage, up to eight.
Hometown Holiday Market & Celebration – November 13, 2021
The Grand Rivers Hometown Holiday Market takes place on November 13, 2021. The event includes a Holiday Artisan Market at the Grand Rivers Community Center with specialty Arts & Crafts vendors, locally crafted wine vendors, and food vendors. Santa will be at the Market from 11 AM – 1 PM to visit with kids and take photos. The Market is open from 9 A – 3 P and admission for shoppers is FREE.
The Grand Rivers Hometown Holiday Celebration takes place on November 13, 2021, from 5 – 7 PM. The event is FREE for attendees to kick off the Christmas & Holiday Season! The Hometown Holiday Celebration takes place along Payne Street and in Little Lake Park and offers FREE carriage rides through the park, features Dicken’s Style carolers, Christmas treats and beverages, performing characters from your favorite holiday films, and pictures with characters. NEW for 2021! A self-serve Smores station and a trackless train ride on the Grand Rivers Christmas Express! Attendees to this event have compared it to “being in a live Hallmark® Christmas movie” and the event “as professional and well-organized as something you would experience at Disney®”.
Breakfast With The Grinch & Friends at Patti’s 1880’s
An interactive breakfast with Grinch and several of your kid’s favorite characters such as Elsa, Mickey and Minnie, Donald and Daisy Duck, SpongeBob and Patrick, Mario and Luigi, Beauty and the Beast.
Christmas Spectacular Show at The Badgett Playhouse
Seeing a Christmas Show at the Badgett Playhouse is a must during the holiday season in Grand Rivers. Shows include “The Christmas Spectacular”, “Big Band Christmas”, “The Kid & The King Christmas Favorites”, “Down Home Country Christmas”, and “It’s A Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Play”. Holiday shows at the Badgett Playhouse have become a family tradition for many and shows book quickly, reserve tickets as soon as possible.
Grand Christmas Cards In The Park
NEW FOR 2021! Grand Christmas Cards In The Park. View these 4′ x 8′ Christmas Cards in Little Lake Park. Each card is designed and created by individuals or businesses in the area and displayed during the Festival of Lights. Attendees to the “Hometown Holiday Celebration”, on November 13 will vote for their favorites with prizes for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place.
Breakfast Or Lunch With Santa & Mrs. Claus
Santa & Mrs. Claus will be taking time out of their busy schedule to have breakfast or lunch with special guests on Saturday, December 4, 2021, at the Grand Rivers Community Center. Kids can have a pancake breakfast or a pizza party lunch and visit with Santa & the Mrs. Tickets are $15 per attendee. Space is limited.