Good morning, Grand Rapids.

Bell House Training Co. in Byron Center is holding its annual Big Give fundraiser to raise $30K so children in the Byron Center and Kentwood school districts can get winter gear and holiday gifts.

The gym has collected nearly $20K from 252 donors so far and will accept donations until Dec. 11 then deliver the gifts on Dec. 12—working with local social workers and Meijer for needed items.

Downtown Grandville will turn into a winter wonderland this Saturday when Christmas in the Commons starts at 5:30 p.m. with a tree lighting and a stationary parade featuring more than 35 floats along Chicago Drive—families can also enjoy reindeer encounters, a Rudolph train ride, and other festive activities.

Safari Circuits, a tribally owned electronics firm, bought the Grand Rapids plant from LACROIX Electronics in September, saving 116 jobs that were set to be lost by the end of the year and planning a $750,000 investment in new equipment and 20 additional hires—this change will also see the facility renamed Safari Grand Rapids to strengthen local production.

ENLIGHTEN—an immersive holiday light show—returns to Frederik Meijer Gardens and transforms the park with a one-mile path of bright lights, synchronized music, and interactive displays.

The show began on December 1 and will brighten the season until January 6.

Nine West Michigan schools in Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon counties were added to a state watchlist for low performance by the Michigan Department of Education, including five from Kent County plus changes affecting schools in Grand Rapids Public Schools.

The affected schools received extra state support under the CSI program to boost their index scores and graduation rates.

Grand Rapids Public Schools and the Grand Rapids Education Association reached a tentative deal on teacher pay after months of negotiations; the agreement, which offers pay raises ranging from $2,000 to more than $10,000 for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years (varying by years of service and education), must be ratified by both the Board and the union before retroactive increases take effect.

Heart of West Michigan United Way and Instacart launched a food delivery program that gives SNAP families in Kent County up to four waived-fee orders per month for 18 months — the program aims to ease cost, transportation, and time challenges in accessing healthy groceries.

The service, started on Nov 20th, follows Michigan’s resumption of full November food assistance benefits.

Mental health experts warn that parents—especially single ones—should get help soon to manage stress before it harms their children.

The Life Center in Grand Rapids offers low-cost counseling and urges callers to reach out before pressures become overwhelming.

Developer Dan Hibma of Land and Company Apartments criticized the regional housing study that projected 33,914 new housing units by 2029—he said the figure does not match the area's population growth and a 6% vacancy rate and questioned the use of tax subsidies for new projects.

He urged that renovating older units could better meet local housing needs rather than relying on tax breaks.

Cannonsburg Ski Area is ramping up snow-making operations following recent snowfall—its snow guns run around the clock as long as temperatures remain below freezing—to build a solid base for the season, with skiing to open December 10 and a Winter Forest Lighted Walk scheduled for December 6.

Donna The Buffalo Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — The Stache — Ticket prices vary — Experience the vibrant lifestyle of Donna The Buffalo and their roots rock sound.

Maddy O'Neal Live

8:00 – 10:30 PM — Elevation — Ticket info not provided — Experience a night of genre-blending electro-soul and bass music with Maddy O'Neal.

The Insiders - Tom Petty Tribute

7-9:30 p.m. — The Pyramid Scheme — $20 — Experience the premier tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers with six veteran musicians.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve Tour

2:30-4 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience a mesmerizing blend of rock and classical music with dazzling visuals in a holiday classic.

The Band Feel

7-9:30 p.m. — The Stache — Tickets available — Experience a euphoric rock journey with The Band Feel as they merge music and art from across generations.

Christkindl Markt Food Tour

11 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. — Grand Rapids Downtown Market — Ticket required — Experience festive food tastings and holiday cheer at a magical European-inspired market.

Josh Teed - The Tides of Change

7-9:30 p.m. — The Stache — Tickets available — Experience a unique blend of electronic and instrumental music by the talented Josh Teed.

Jonas Brothers: JONAS20 Tour

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate 20 years of Jonas Brothers with hits and new tracks in a lively hometown concert.

Bingo Loco – The Wildest Bingo Party

5-7 p.m. — The Intersection — Tickets Available — Experience the most outrageous bingo party featuring DJs, dance-offs, and wild prizes.

The Whoville 5k Fun Run

1:05-5:00 p.m. — Riverside Park — Registration fee applies — Experience a whimsical run with beloved Dr. Seuss characters and festive treats.