City of Grand Haven

Fall 2025 Yard Waste Drop Off Site Extended to November 22, 2025

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that Republic Services will be providing waste containers at Harbor Island for the additional date, Saturday November 22. 

If you have any questions regarding this Press Release, please contact Michael England,Public Works Director, at 616-847-3493. Thank you.

Fall 2025 Yard Waste Drop Off Dates

Fall yard waste drop off kicks off this Saturday, October 18 and will be available every Saturday only until November 15. The drop off site is located on Harbor Island in the boat launch overflow lot at the north end of the island. These services are only for residents of the City of Grand Haven who are Republic Services Customers. No staff will be present to assist in your drop-off. However, the site is under video surveillance. Any dumping other than qualifying yard waste is strictly prohibited.

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2025 Blanket Policy

Blanket Policy: The City of Grand Haven invites the public to place sheets, caution tape, golf tees and chairs on all public property to reserve space for the parade and fireworks, after 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 1, 2025. Materials placed before 12:01 a.m. will be removed by City crews.

The placement of spot marking materials PRIOR to 12:01 a.m. on
Friday, August 1, 2025 is strictly prohibited.

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2025 City Calendar

The 2025 City of Grand Haven digital calendar is finished! This year’s theme is “Vintage Postcards.” Thank you to the Tri-Cities Historical Museum for providing the photos. Calendars are available to view, download and print.

Calendar
Last Month Previous November 2025 Next Next Month
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  • Thu 27 Nov
    • CLOSED - Thanksgiving
      thru Fri Nov 28
      CLOSED - Thanksgiving
      Date: Nov 27 - Nov 28
      Calendar: Community Calendar
      All non-emergency City of Grand Haven offices will be closed in observance of Thanksgiving.
  • Sat 29 Nov
    • Small Business Saturday
      Date: Nov 29
      Time: 10:00 AM
      Calendar: Community Calendar
      Join us in Downtown Grand Haven for Small Business Saturday! Support your favorite local businesses while discovering new shops, unique products, and special holiday deals. Explore everything from one-of-a-kind boutiques to charming restaurants, all within the heart of our community. This is the perfect opportunity to shop local, enjoy personalized service, and find great gifts for everyone on your list. Every purchase you make helps to strengthen our downtown and centertown neighborhoods and sustain the businesses that make Grand Haven special. Come out and experience the holiday magic while supporting the shops that make our downtown thrive!
    • Cut Your Own Tree Event 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
      Cut Your Own Tree Event
      Date: Nov 29
      Time: 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
      Location: Rosy Mound Natural Area
      Calendar: Community Calendar

      For the first time ever, Ottawa County Parks is hosting a cut-your-own-Christmas tree event! This special opportunity lets you take home a tree for free while supporting the restoration of our native dune habitat.Normally, tree removal from our dunes isn’t allowed, but this year participants can join our Natural Resource Management team to cut and remove non-native Austrian pines, making space for native species to thrive and supporting local biodiversity.Bring a hand saw, twine or bungee cords, and dress for the weather. Registration is required! Only one person per household needs to sign up. 

      10 AM session: https://bit.ly/cyot10am
      12 PM session: https://bit.ly/cyot12pm

      Additional details will be included with your receipt and emailed before the event.

    • Be The (Holiday) Light Event
      Date: Nov 29
      Time: 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
      Calendar: Community Calendar

      BE THE (HOLIDAY) LIGHT EVENT

      Enjoy free family fun all afternoon with the East End Association including cookie and ornament decorating, letters to Santa and hot chocolate stops at your favorite local spots. Afterward, grab your light and walk to Bolt Park for a tree lighting ceremony to kick off the 2025 holiday season.

      SCHEDULE:

      From 2pm-5:30pm enjoy:

      - Hot Chocolate & Candy Canes at Off The Chain

      - Letter Writing to Santa at The Unicorn Tavern

      - Cookie Decorating at Whipped

      - Ornament Decorating at Burzurk

      At 5:30pm:

      - Walk with your light (battery operated flashlight, glow stick, phone, etc.) to Bolt Park for the Tree Lighting that starts at 6pm.

    • Trees for a Cause – A Holiday Event at Snug Harbor
      Date: Nov 29
      Time: 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM
      Location: Snug Harbor, 311 S. Harbor Dr, Grand Haven, MI 49417
      Calendar: Community Calendar

      Join Snug Harbor and i understand this holiday season for Trees for a Cause, a heart-warming Christmas Tree Decorating Competition and Silent Auction held on Snug Harbor’s heated deck overlooking the Grand Haven waterfront.

      This festive community event celebrates creativity, compassion, and connection while supporting an important cause. Funds raised through the silent auction of beautifully decorated trees will benefit i understand, a non-profit organization that provides education, awareness, and hope for those affected by suicide or mental/brain health illness and pain.

      Come sip, vote, and spread some cheer as local participants transform 15 Christmas trees into dazzling works of art!Enjoy appetizers, a chili bar, and holiday treats while browsing the trees, casting your vote, and taking part in the silent auction.

      The top three trees will win gift certificates and prizes, and two decorated trees will be donated to the Salvation Army to brighten the holidays for families in need.

    • East End Christmas Tree Lighting Bolt Park
      Date: Nov 29
      Time: 6:00 PM
      Calendar: Community Calendar
  • Sat 6 Dec
    • Jingle Bell Parade (presented by The Chamber of Commerce)
      Date: Dec 6
      Time: 6:00 PM
      Location: Downtown Grand Haven
      Calendar: Community Calendar

      Join us for a beloved holiday tradition! The Chamber's Jingle Bell Parade returns to downtown Grand Haven on Saturday, December 6. Get into the festive spirit with over 80 entries of sparkling, holiday-themed floats, joyful music, and special appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus! This year we're welcoming Eric and Amanda Kaelin from 103.5 WAWL as our Grand Marshals!

      The parade kicks off at 6:00pm, beginning on Franklin, it travels west to Harbor Drive, heads north along Harbor, and turns east onto Washington Avenue, concluding at Central Park for a magical tree-lighting ceremony.

      At Central Park, gather with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and friends for a Christmas carol sing-along. The Salvation Army will be on hand with hot chocolate, and local businesses will be spreading cheer by handing out candy to the crowd.

      Please Note: All floats and vehicles will be required this year to have a fire extinguisher with them at all times.

      Bundle up and bring your family for an enchanting night of holiday lights, music, and memories! 

  • Sat 13 Dec
    • Santa in Centertown 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
      Santa in Centertown
      Date: Dec 13
      Time: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
      Location: The Momentum Center for Social Engagement, 401 N 7th Street, Grand Haven, MI, 49417
      Calendar: Community Calendar

      Come down to Grand Haven's Centertown neighborhood for Santa in Centertown!- Santa, Mrs. Claus, and his reindeer will be visiting at the Momentum Center on Saturday, December 13 from 11am-1pm. Before or after you see Santa, stop by other Centertown shops to participate in fun holiday activities and get your picture taken with a "Who" in Jingletown!- FREE hot chocolate for children 12 and under, while supplies last.The week leading up to the event, you can participate in Elf in the Window! Participating Centertown shops will have an Elf in the Window that you can search for! Playing cards will be offered at designated shops.

  • Wed 24 Dec
    • CLOSED - Christmas
      thru Thu Dec 25
      CLOSED - Christmas
      Date: Dec 24 - Dec 25
      Calendar: Community Calendar
      All non-emergency City of Grand Haven offices will be closed in observance of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Calendar
Last Month Previous November 2025 Next Next Month
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16 17
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26 27
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  • Thu 27 Nov
    • CLOSED - Thanksgiving
      thru Fri Nov 28
      CLOSED - Thanksgiving
      Date: Nov 27 - Nov 28
      Calendar: City Meetings Calendar
      All non-emergency City of Grand Haven offices will be closed in observance of Thanksgiving.
  • Mon 1 Dec
    • CANCELLED - Brownfield/EDC 4:00 PM to 11:59 PM
      CANCELLED - Brownfield/EDC
      Date: Dec 1
      Time: 4:00 PM to 11:59 PM
      Location: City Hall – City Council Chambers, 519 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI, 49417
      Calendar: City Meetings Calendar
    • City Council - Regular Meeting
      Date: Dec 1
      Time: 7:30 PM
      Location: City Hall City Council Chambers, 519 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI, 49417
      Calendar: City Meetings Calendar
  • Wed 3 Dec
    • Parks and Recreation Board 6:00 PM to 11:59 PM
      Parks and Recreation Board
      Date: Dec 3
      Time: 6:00 PM to 11:59 PM
      Location: City Hall – City Council Chambers, 519 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI, 49417
      Calendar: City Meetings Calendar
  • Mon 8 Dec
    • Cemetery Board
      Date: Dec 8
      Time: 3:00 PM
      Location: Cemetery Chapel, 1304 Lake Ave, Grand Haven, MI, 49417, United States
      Calendar: City Meetings Calendar

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Mission Statement

The City of Grand Haven respects, values and celebrates the unique attributes, characteristics and perspectives that make people who they are. The pillars of equity, diversity and inclusion are vital to a vibrant community, and we believe that bringing diverse individuals together and encouraging all voices to be heard allows us to build a stronger community. The City of Grand Haven upholds these pillars as crucial to healthy people and a healthy community.

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