Good Day
Grand Rapids
Friday, December 5th, 2025
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 5th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Rosa Parks Circle ice rink opens today at 135 Monroe Center St. NW and will offer outdoor skating for families (weather permitting) through Feb. 27, with admission at $6 for adults and $3 for youth and online reservations now available. MLive
- ➤ Three local drive-thru light shows invite families to celebrate the season. Christmas Lite Show runs daily until Jan. 3 at LMCU Ballpark; Christmas Adventure welcomes drivers until Jan. 5 in Cedar Springs; and Joyful Lights dazzles at Hudsonville Fairgrounds until Jan. 4 with over a million LED lights. MLive
- ➤ Ada Township will host Tinsel, Treats, & Trolleys today with a covered bridge lighting at 5:15 p.m. & holiday trolley rides starting at 5:45 p.m. Families can enjoy Santa's Village, seasonal story time, & sled dog demos through 8:30 p.m. FOX 17
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Antique shop owners at the historic Sligh Furniture building on Grand Rapids’ Southwest Side filed an emergency motion on December 3 to oppose a request to shut the property over roof safety concerns - a hearing has been postponed and the shops may help fund repairs to keep their doors open. MLive
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The West Michigan Food and Beverage Awards are returning to Grand Rapids for their fifth consecutive year on January 19 at 6:00 p.m. at the JW Marriott Grand Ballroom, honoring local food and drink innovators (table prices range from $135 to $1,000 and sponsorships are still available). FOX 17
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ At East Kentwood High School, teacher Carl Warfield engaged students today with hands-on reptile lessons during his Teacher of the Week recognition, sparking praise from Principal Omar Bakri. His classroom offers real-world science experience (a reflection of his long-held passion for research). ABC 13
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ Investment advisor David Sponhauer (of Mattson Financial) advises holiday shoppers to plan ahead by creating lists and setting spending limits to avoid credit card debt; he recommends smart purchasing as deals continue after Black Friday. FOX 17
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Sparta is plowing all public sidewalks for the second winter to keep walkways safe. The program uses two mini loaders to clear over 40 miles of sidewalks in about eight hours and has earned praise from residents. FOX 17
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Kent County Health Department on Fuller Avenue cut the ribbon yesterday on its $4.8m renovation that added exam rooms plus improved waiting areas for personal and public health services; most funding came from a $3.9m ARPA appropriation and a $400,000 county allocation. FOX 17
- ➤ Therapy dogs Princess Leia and Finn bring joy to patients and staff at Holland Hospital, with Finn on Mondays and Leia on Tuesdays, plus the hospital is seeking more certified therapy dog volunteers for its pet therapy program. FOX 17
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Business Growth Workshop
8-10 a.m. — Grand Rapids Chamber — Cost unknown — Gain essential tools for success in finances, operations, and marketing at this workshop.
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Christmas Reflections Service
7:00-8:15 p.m. — Messiah Lutheran Church — Free entry — Reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ with Scripture lessons and carols, plus cookies and beverages afterward.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The beauty of a living thing is not the atoms that go into it, but the way those atoms are put together.
~ Carl Sagan
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