Good morning, Grand Rapids.

Sister Mary Aquinas Weber, aged 102, passed away this week after a brief illness, leaving behind a legacy of service at Aquinas College and throughout the community; visitation will be held Friday, Dec.

13 and the Mass of Christian Burial will take place Saturday, Dec. 14.

The Rosa Park Circle Ice Rink opens on Dec.

5 for the winter season and will operate daily, weather permitting, until Feb. 27. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for youth (includes skate rental) with limited online reservations and walk-ups accepted.

Skyla Jewell-Hammie shared three drive-thru Christmas light displays for a festive holiday outing.

Visit LMCU Ballpark in Comstock Park until Jan. 3 + Deer Track Junction at 7850 14 Mile Road NE in Cedar Springs until Jan. 5 + Jon Maust's Joyful Lights at Hudsonville Fairgrounds.

HUB 7 community center is now open in Boston Square (a transformed old church) after a three-year transformation.

Neighbors will join the ribbon cutting and tree lighting today, while local groups and youth programs begin using the new space.

Ada hosted its annual Tinsel, Treats and Trolleys event Friday night, drawing over 8,000 people to see the Ada Bridge lighting, trolley rides with guest FOX conductors, and festive visits from Santa & Mrs. Claus at various community spots.

WMTA is hosting holiday events across West Michigan.

Families can enjoy Holland’s Windmill Island Gardens (Dec. 5 to 20, 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.), visit the Gilmore Car Museum’s Run Thru the Lights on Dec. 10, and celebrate New Year’s Eve in Ludington and South Haven on Dec. 31.

Officials from the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority visited Zapopan, Mexico (spending $20,000 on travel) to learn authentic Day of the Dead traditions that will be celebrated at Amway Stadium in fall 2028, offering local parades and food stands to honor the Latino community.

A Newaygo County man won $1 million after buying a lottery ticket at Party World in Comstock Park on Nov.

19. He claimed the prize with a lump sum at Michigan Lottery headquarters and plans to invest most of his winnings for lasting benefit.

Greg and Dawn Williams have pledged $401 million to MSU for its FOR SPARTA athletics campaign, allocating funds for facility upgrades, Spartan Ventures, and academic programs.

Acrisure, led by Greg and based in Grand Rapids, connects the local community to this historic gift + fuels Spartan innovation.

The Michigan Department of Education released the latest Michigan School Index report on Nov.

20 showing nine West Michigan schools were added to the Comprehensive Support and Improvement list — while two schools exited state oversight based on graduation and test score metrics.

Firearm deer season ended in Michigan on Friday, Dec.

5, with Kent County harvesting 1,422 deer, slightly less than previous years. Local experts say the county must boost numbers to meet its goal of lowering deer-related car crashes & balancing the herd, as recommended by the Deer Management Coalition.

Kent County completed a $4.8M renovation at its health clinic at 700 Fuller Ave NE — doubling exam room capacity and enhancing confidentiality for STI testing, pregnancy services, and immunizations — funded by federal relief dollars and local funds.

The project was unveiled on Dec. 4 to improve patient care.

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.

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.

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.

A Christmas Story Musical

7 p.m. — Matthews Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the beloved tale of Ralphie's quest for the ultimate Christmas gift with a delightful musical score.