Tinsel, Treats & Trolleys 2026
Tinsel, Treats & Trolleys is the Ada Business Association's signature holiday celebration, bringing the magic of the season to Ada Village! From the Ada Bridge Lighting to festive trolley rides, holiday activities, and special experiences throughout the Village, it's an evening filled with opportunities to celebrate the season and create lasting memories with family and friends.
5:15 PM | Ada Bridge Lighting
- Kick off the festivities with the annual lighting of Ada's Historic Covered Bridge. The program will include music from the Forest Hills Central Choir and a dedication of the Ada's Heritage Tree before we count down to the lights illuminating the bridge.
- Arrive early to enjoy complimentary hot chocolate from Foxtail Coffee.
- On your way to the bridge, stop in Veteran’s Park, located on the north side of the bridge, to hear music from the Forest Hills Central Brass Band.
5:30 PM | Trolleys Begin & Santa Arrives at Santa's Village
- Hop aboard a trolley to explore Ada Village, stopping along the way to discover holiday activities, seasonal treats, entertainment, and special experiences hosted by local businesses.
- Guest Trolley Conductors – This year's conductors include Janice Allen & Cassandra Alonso from FOX 17, Sara Flynn from WOOD TV8, Riley Mack from WZZM, Shelley Irwin from The Shelley Irwin Show, Joe Pesh from The Big Joe Show, and Wendy Reed from Mix 95.7.
TROLLEY STOPS – activities start at 5:30pm unless noted:
TROLLEY STOP 1: Ada Drive / Bronson Street
- Godwin Ada Hardware – Stop by for their famous, freshly popped popcorn and complimentary mini donuts!
- Love’s Ice Cream - Check out a Christmas Village window display and enjoy a hot chocolate, latte or matcha beverage in addition to your favorite Love's treats!
- Plumfield Books – Cozy up with live music, a warm beverage, and a festive holiday craft while enjoying the charm of this local bookstore.
- Schnitz Ada Grill – Special food and beverage offerings throughout the evening.
- The Pantry - Live nativity, caroling and harp music. Plus, birthday cake for all.
TROLLEY STOP 2: Santa's Village - Located at The Community Church
- Santa Arrives at 5:30 PM – Welcome Santa as he makes his grand entrance.
- Photos with Santa – Take home a photo courtesy of Discover Ada.
- Elf Clubhouse – Step inside the Elf Clubhouse for a little extra North Pole fun!
- Santa's Village Vendors – Explore festive activities, holiday treats, and family-friendly fun hosted by participating local businesses.
- Inside The Community Church - Grand Rapids Aerial Lounge performance, Ada Arts Council and Artists Creating Together (ACT) – explore a special display of artwork in the church lobby.
- Brody’s Be Cafe - Coffee with a purpose
- Food Trucks - Olly’s Donuts and The Corner Twist
TROLLEY STOP 3: Ada History Center
- Live Reindeer – Santa's reindeer will be on site from 5:30–8:00 PM.
- Visit with Mrs. Claus
- Museum Tours
- Ada Historical Society Wreath Sale – located in the barn.
- Foxtail Coffee Truck – Warm up with a delicious beverage from Foxtail Coffee.
Across Headley Street from Trolley Stop 3
- Food Trucks in the Fred L. Hansen parking lot
- Averden of Ada
- Heidi Christine’s
- River Valley Credit Union
- Village Family Eyecare
- Meet the Sled Dogs – Get up close with the sled dogs from 6:00–8:00 PM!
- Wimee Meet-and-Greet – Say hello to everyone's favorite robot
- Friends of the Library Book Sale – find your next great read!
- Mathnasium's Santa's Workshop Emergency – Santa's elves need your help! Become an Honorary Christmas Elf as you tackle festive math challenges, solve puzzles, prepare Santa's sleigh, and crack the secret code to save Christmas. This free, hands-on holiday adventure for kids and families takes place in Community Room 1.
- EHTC Hot Chocolate Station – Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate.
- Gravel Bottom Craft Brewery – Warm up by the fire pit with complimentary maple cinnamon hot chocolate! Enjoy hot dogs and pimento cheese sliders available for purchase, and celebrate the release of Holly Jolly Spiced Ale!
- DJ Dance Party - hosted by Sonder CPA
- Sweet Nectar Shop - Gift with purchase
- LEGO Trolley build - at Ludus with Brick & Minifigs on site hosting an open LEGO build.
- Ada Pharmacy & Wellness – Complimentary chair massages provided by DuoMassage.
- Ada Hotel – Warm up at the Hotel Chocolate Bar and enjoy featured Social District drinks from The Post Tavern.
- Candy Cane Forest – Wander through and grab a candy cane!
- Croft Haus - In-store Candy Cane Hunt and warm up at the hot cocoa bar.
- Festival of Trees – Take a stroll through the decorated trees in Legacy Park.
- Myrth - tbd
- The Lark – Sip on spiked hot cocoa or warm mulled wine while browsing a special holiday pop-up from Art Pray Love Studio.
- Pursuit Paper & Gift – Write a letter to Santa and drop it in the special North Pole Post mailbox!
- Revolve Cycle Studio - Holiday open house with Christmas shopping deals and champs!
- Roman James - Holiday specials & cocktails!
Find one of Santa's 40 lost packages (small red boxes with ribbon) hidden throughout Ada Village. Turn the box in at Sweet Nectar Shop (next to Gravel Bottom) to receive a $10 Love Your Local gift card. One per person.
NEW THIS YEAR
Merry & Made Holiday Market hosted by Ada Homeschool HUB at Ada Christian Reformed Church on Friday, December 4th, from 4:00–7:00 PM, and Saturday, December 5th, from 9:00 AM–1:00 PM. Grab the limo bus from trolley stop 1 for a warm ride to the market.
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT ADA VILLAGE
- Ada Garage Bar – Signature seasonal cocktail and live music beginning at 7:00 PM.
- Beyond of Ada - tbd
- Calder Financial Group - Pinball machines onsite for free play, a fire pit to roast marshmallows, and complimentary hand crafted espresso or hot chocolate.
- Fruition – Meet-and-greet with the Grinch from 6:00–7:30 PM.
- LMCU – Get crafty with a make-and-take paper stocking activity.
- MudPenny - Holiday cocktails & lattes and a free cookie for the kids with the purchase of a drink.
- The James - Holiday specials & cocktails!
- Union Bank - Take home holiday ornament craft kits and hot chocolate, plus meet the team from Heart of West MI United Way
- Vulpine - 15% off sweaters and outerwear, plus a candy cane scavenger hunt!
Additional event parking is available at Ada Vista School and Ada Christian Reformed Church on Bradfield St. Once parked, follow the Tinsel, Treats & Trolleys signs to the pedestrian tunnel. Shuttle transportation will be available from the parking lot to Historic Ada.
Audiovisual recordings and photographs may be taken during this event, which may be used for any purpose the Ada Business Association (ABA) sees fit, including advertising and promotion of Ada and the ABA and its programs and services, in any form or media, including but not limited to the Internet. By attending this event, you consent to being recorded and photographed and grant the ABA, and anyone acting under authority, the right and permission to use your name, likeness, voice, quotes, statements, and personal information as recorded during this event. If you have concerns, please speak to our staff.
Event Sponsors
Date and Time
Friday Dec 4, 2026
5:15 PM - 8:30 PM EST
Location
Ada Village
Fees/Admission
Event is free to attend.
Contact Information
Kim Rantala, Executive Director
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