Kalamazoo youth organize Bronson Park holiday event

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — On Dec. 11, visitors to Bronson Park in Kalamazoo can attend December to Remember, a free holiday celebration for families hosted by the City of Kalamazoo Department of Parks and Recreation and its Youth Action Council.

“It’s a group of youth and teens from Kalamazoo who help coordinate and plan events,” Zach Farley, special events coordinator at the City of Kalamazoo Department of Parks and Recreation, said. “This is one that they have taken over in recent years.”

From 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., guests can enjoy outdoor holiday lights as they participate in several free activities, including DIY tree ornament kits, coloring books, puzzles and a Santa Claus letter-writing station.

Families and visitors attend December to Remember, a holiday light show and community celebration at Bronson Park in Kalamazoo organized by the City of Kalamazoo Department of Parks and Recreation and the Kalamazoo Youth Action Council. (Courtesy Zach Farley)
Families and visitors attend December to Remember, a holiday light show and community celebration at Bronson Park in Kalamazoo organized by the City of Kalamazoo Department of Parks and Recreation and the Kalamazoo Youth Action Council. (Courtesy Zach Farley)
Candy canes installed at Bronson Park in Kalamazoo. (Nov. 12, 2025)

“You can write a letter, and Santa will return it, I think, within a week,” Farley said.

Holiday activities at December to Remember are free for guests, and complimentary hot chocolate will also be served at the park.

“A main, big attraction is just to see the park,” Farley said. “You get to see all the beautiful lights.”

From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., visitors to downtown Kalamazoo can ride to and from Bronson Park aboard the Downtown Kalamazoo Holly Jolly Trolley, and Santa Claus meet-and-greets will take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Mall.

“It’s a great way to check out downtown Kalamazoo,” Farley said.

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