Grand Haven
The beach town keeps its winter company in ski lodges, breweries and a cardboard-sled festival.
The working harbor, Coast Guard and old logging economy all appear in the Tri-Cities Museum's permanent exhibits.
Build a sled with questionable credentials
During Winterfest, watch the cardboard-sled races at Mulligan's Hollow, then discuss your own improbable design over sandwiches at The Toasted Pickle. Enter only after checking the current rules; cardboard has a short design-review process.
From soda fountain to modern coffee
Find the Bastian-Blessing soda-fountain exhibit at the Tri-Cities Museum, then cross downtown for coffee at Aldea. Compare the two counters' methods of keeping a town in conversation.
Aldea coffee → Tri-Cities Museum → Toasted Pickle lunch → skiing at Mulligan's Hollow when operating → Kirby House dinner.
Saturday: ski-hill lessons or rentals, downtown shopping and a reserved 1873 dinner; stay at Harbor House, Looking Glass or the Spring Lake Holiday Inn. Sunday: Side Bar, a daylight Rosy Mound walk if conditions allow and JW's supper.
- 01
The Kirby House
The historic downtown gathering place keeps its dining and nightlife going year-round.
2 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417 · 616-846-3299 · Website ↗
- 02
1873 at The Kirby House
The Kirby's separate fine-dining room offers the dressed-up evening and bespoke cocktails.
2 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417 · 616-947-9384 · Website ↗
- 03
The Toasted Pickle
Inventive grilled sandwiches, pickles and a family-friendly level of ceremony.
112 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417 · 616-414-7990 · Website ↗
Green Goddess grilled cheese
For a home riff, layer goat cheese, cheddar, avocado and walnut pesto between slices of sourdough. Grill until the bread is crisp and the cheese softens; a pickle belongs on the plate for professional balance.
Three things most people walk past.
- The Bastian-Blessing soda-fountain exhibit.
- The reconstructed Ekkens Store display.
- The birchbark canoe in the wigwam-and-canoe exhibit.
- 01
Odd Side Ales
Inventive beer in the old piano-factory complex; different kinds of notes these days.
41 Washington Ave, Suite 160, Grand Haven, MI 49417 · 616-935-7326 · Website ↗
- 02
Grand Armory Brewing
A downtown taproom with twenty taps, cider and wine as well as beer.
17 S Second St, Grand Haven, MI 49417 · 616-414-7822 · Website ↗
- 03
The Kirby House
Live entertainment and late drinks in a building that has seen several generations of evenings.
2 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417 · 616-846-3299 · Website ↗
- 01
Aldea Coffee
Directly sourced coffee in its current Washington Avenue café; some older directories still put it in the Armory.
117 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417 · 616-607-8178 · Website ↗
- 02
Side Bar Artisan Coffee
The Odd Side complex's coffee, espresso and hot-chocolate counter; a morning use for the same good address.
41 Washington Ave, Suite 180, Grand Haven, MI 49417 · 616-844-3078 · Website ↗
- 01
Downhill skiing and snowboarding
Published holiday period December 19, 2026–January 3, 2027; regular period January 7–March 14, weather permitting. Regular hours Tuesday/Thursday/Friday 4–8 and weekends noon–5; major holiday closures apply.
- 02
Free local-history museum
Labor Day–Memorial Day: Tuesday–Friday 10–5, Saturday–Sunday noon–5, Monday closed. General admission free.
- 03
Mulligan's Hollow Ski Bowl
skis, ski boots, snowboards, snowboard boots and helmets
- For Winterfest, inspect the new program rather than recycling last year's fireworks and shuttle times.
- Treat Pronto Pup's January opening as a special event, with confirmed dates, rather than a daily lunch option.
- Odd Side began brewing in the historic Story & Clark piano-factory complex in 2010.
- Winterfest's cardboard-sled tradition makes impractical engineering a spectator sport.
- The Musical Fountain is a summer institution; its winter absence is part of the quieter waterfront.
Local customBring a warm layer even for a downtown evening; the waterfront is close.
November 14, 2026, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Holiday Craft & Artisan Market
A one-day indoor market for gifts with an actual maker behind them.
November 20, 2026, 5–8 p.m.
Holiday Light Night
The district switches on its holiday lights while shops and restaurants join the evening.
December 3, 2026, 5–8:30 p.m.
Snug Harbor Merchants & Makers Holiday Shopping
An evening waterfront makers market with the shopping gathered under one roof.
December 5, 2026, 6 p.m.; tree lighting follows
Jingle Bell Parade and tree lighting
More than eighty illuminated entries bring Santa and Mrs. Claus to the downtown route.
January 15, 2027, 5–8 p.m.
Wine About Winter
A ticketed winter wine walk supporting downtown businesses; confirm ticket details with Main Street.
January 28–31, 2027
Winterfest
The winter gathering is dated; confirm the 2027 cardboard-sled, ski-hill and evening programs when released.
Usually one January weekend, confirm 2027 dates
Pronto Pup winter opening
The seasonal hot-dog stand's short winter return is a local pilgrimage; don't assume normal winter hours.
- 01
Harbor House Inn
Nineteen rooms across from the boardwalk and close to downtown dinner.
114 S Harbor Dr, Grand Haven, MI 49417 · 616-846-0610 · Website ↗
- 02
Looking Glass Beachfront Inn
The beach-view stay for a slow weekend; choose and reserve a specific winter room.
1100 S Harbor Dr, Grand Haven, MI 49417 · 616-842-7150 · Website ↗
- 03
Holiday Inn Grand Haven–Muskegon
A larger hotel across the river in neighboring Spring Lake, with a short drive to Grand Haven.
940 W Savidge St, Spring Lake, MI 49456 · 616-846-1000 · Website ↗
Bring a little Grand Haven homeThe statement sweatshirtFor winning arguments about who had it worse.Have a look ↗