The Singing Christmas Tree

Depart Southgate this morning and travel to Grand Rapids for an included lunch at D and W Deli. After lunch, travel to Nunica, MI to visit R.A. Christmas Tree Farms. Meticulously maintained, the farm shows the passion and dedication invested to bringing you the whole Christmas experience. Decorate a holiday swag to bring home and hang up for the season. Our next stop is the planetarium at Muskegon Community College. View the presentation, "The Mystery of the Christmas Star." Anyone who has read the Bible has learned of the glory and the wonder of the “Star” that declared the birth of Jesus Christ. Yet, it seems few people of that time, including King Herod’s court astronomers, were aware of the star’s appearance. What was the “Star” referred to in scripture? “Mystery of the Christmas Star” investigates possible dates for the sighting of the “Star,” and looks at significant astronomical events visible in the sky in those time frames. See which of the “sky signs” was remarkable enough to have caused the Wise Men to travel over 600 miles through the desert from Babylon to Bethlehem. Check into the Hampton Inn, Muskegon, MI this afternoon. Depart for an included dinner at Capone's Speakeasy. After dinner arrive at Frauenthal Auditorium for the Singing Christmas Tree performance. Over 200 enthusiastic performing arts students sing and play an eclectic mix of seasonal favorites from a wide variety of genres while standing in a 67 foot tree covered with over 25,000 lights...it is simply spectacular! Return to the hotel for Christmas cookies and coffee before retiring for the night. (L,D)

Breakfast is included at the hotel this morning. There is an optional breakfast at Toast and Jams, a 1950s style diner, for those who want to venture out. Check out of the hotel and depart for Meijer Gardens. Their Christmas exhibition—honoring cultures and holiday traditions from around the world—has grown to 46 unique displays depicting fact and folklore, past and present. Christmas & Holiday Traditions is a hallmark Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park exhibition. Dedicate time to appreciate the stunning presentations of winter plantings, the artistry of the adorned Christmas trees, intriguing cultural displays and the beloved Railway Garden. Lunch is included at Morning Belle. Before heading home, make a stop at Horrocks Farm Market in Lansing, MI. A trip to Horrocks is unlike any visit to a typical farmer’s market. In fact, it’s a destination in itself. The market began as a Christmas tree stand that was started by two farmers in the late 1950s. Today Horrocks is housed in a 70,000 square foot facility and is an instantly recognized name because the business has been growing and thriving for 60+ years. Enjoy an included gelato before heading home, filled with memories of your Singing Christmas Tree Tour. (B,L)