We just finished Halloween, Thanksgiving is coming up, but along with the rush to the end of the year, Christmas is just around the corner, and that means the annual Santa Claus Parade.

You can welcome Santa to Grand Rapids in the Art Van Santa Parade, follow it up with hot chocolate and children’s books read by Mrs. Claus at the Grand Rapids Public Library, arts and crafts at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, and finish the day off with a spectacular musical performance of “The Snowman” by the Grand Rapids Symphony. WOW! What a day, Saturday, November 21st! This is absolutely a fabulous way to welcome the holiday season with your family.

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The day begins with the Art Van Santa Parade, presented by the Grand Rapids Jaycees. The Jaycees just announced the theme for this year’s parade will be “Unwrap the Magic.” Downtown Grand Rapids will be filled with the sweet sounds of local marching bands, carolers and local performers, costumes, music and floats.

Following the Parade, stop by the Grand Rapids Public Library at 111 Library St NE to warm up with some holiday cheer. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be stopping by after the parade. Listen to stories with Mrs. Claus while you warm up with a cup of hot chocolate. The library will be hosting the event from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. It is free and open to the public. Free parking is available in the library's lot.

Then, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., help the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum decorate theatre materials for the Children’s Healing Center, the first year-round recreation facility for kids with weak immune systems and their families. Stop by 11 Sheldon Ave to join the winter festivities.

And finally, join the Grand Rapids Symphony as the award winning children’s book “The Snowman” by Raymond Briggs comes to life in an exciting storytelling performance of music. The DTE Energy Foundation Family Series concert captures a magical night as a boy and his snowman friend go soaring and exploring in the snow. The music is accompanied by the entire animated film. The Snowman, conducted by John Varineau, will take place at 3 p.m. at DeVos Performance Hall.

Grand Rapids Symphony tickets to “The Snowman” are $5 for children and $15 for adults. Tickets start at $5 for children and $15 for adults. Tickets are available at the Symphony office, weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 300 Ottawa NW, Suite 100, by calling 616.454.9451 x 4 or online at GRSymphony.org.

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