At Comprehensive Ear and Hearing, our team is committed to reconnecting you to the people and sounds in your life. This holiday season, there are so many exciting things to hear around Ottawa County, from Grand Rapids to Holland, Michigan. Here are some of our picks for festive family events this month.
The Nutcracker, Grand Rapids Ballet – Last weekend showing! December 8-10
Nationwide The Nutcracker is performed during the holiday season, but what makes our Nutcracker so magical and special? Our set is designed by Chris Van Allsburg, the award-winning author and illustrator, and Caldecott Winner for The Polar Express. Van Allsburg is also known for his books Jumanji and The Garden of Abdul Gasazi. For the past few decades, he has inspired young people with his hauntingly beautiful stories and illustrations.
The Nutcracker at the Grand Rapids Ballet features set and production design by Van Allsburg, which premiered in 2014. Now in its third season, The Nutcracker at the Grand Rapids Ballet has become a family favorite. With music from the Grand Rapids Symphony and choreography by Val Caniparoli, the story of Clara and her beloved nutcracker comes alive for one last weekend in – December 8 to 10. Don’t miss out on this holiday favorite! Get your tickets here.
Holiday Kerstmarkt, Holland MI, through December 9
Honoring the Dutch roots of Holland, Michigan, the beloved Holiday Kerstmarkt – or “Christmas Market” – runs through December 9. Now in its 10th year, the Kerstmarkt takes place at the 8th Street Market Place, in front of the Civic Center. With eighteen booths set up since Thanksgiving, this market boasts a number of food vendors and handicrafts to get you ready for the holidays! In addition to a number of awesome gifts, there’s food, drink, and live entertainment. Catch the Kerstmarkt on December 8 and 9 for its last weekend in Holland. More details can be found here.
Grand Rapids Symphony Holiday Events
The Wolverine Worldwide Holiday Pops is a family holiday favorite, with a medley of classic holiday hits. With Bob Bernhardt as Conductor, Leon Williams as Baritone, and the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus directed by Pearl Shangkuan, along with the Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Chorus and the Embellish Handbell Ensemble, the Holiday Pops brings together all of the best musicians in town to ring in the holidays. With multiple performances, you’ll be able to catch all of the favorites such as the “Valse Final” from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, “Hark the Herald Angels Sing!”, “Little Drummer Boy,” “Sleigh Ride,” the “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s Messiah, “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” and a holiday sing along! Check out the showtimes and get tickets here.
Cirque de Noel, sponsored by Old National Bank, is a collaborate effort between the world-renowned Cirque troupe, the Grand Rapids Pops, and the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra, with John Varineau as the Conductor. Taking place on December 22, this magical event is a family favorite, with aerialists, acrobats, contortionists, and jugglers, choreographed to holiday music. This is a thrilling show that brings an extra level of excitement to the holidays. Learn more here.
Visit Us at Comprehensive Ear & Hearing
If you’ve experienced changes in your hearing, come visit us at Comprehensive Ear and Hearing. With untreated hearing loss, we know that the holidays can be challenging, especially if we’re attending events and reconnecting with our loved ones. Our team provides comprehensive hearing tests and hearing aid fittings. From all of us at Comprehensive Ear and Hearing, we wish you a happy holiday season!