Spring Lake Sparkle Festival makes a dazzling return

The Spring Lake Sparkle Festival has returned in 2022, bigger and better than ever. The waterfront community has been transformed into a winter wonderland of holiday lights, sights, and sounds.

This holiday extravaganza runs through Jan. 3. 

The shops along Savidge St. were decked out with Christmas lights for viewers to enjoy. (Brittany Meyers)

Over 120,000 multicolored lights decorate the trees lining Savidge Street between Division and Buchanan streets, as well as the buildings along Savidge. 

“This was such a fun experience to share with my grandkids,” says Jill Bonthuis, a local Sparkle attendee. “It was so much fun watching them take in all the lights and getting to watch their faces light up when they met Santa.”

Trees and shops along Savidge St. lit up with Christmas lights for viewers to walk or drive by to enjoy. (Brittany Meyers)

Food court, fireplace, and Santa

Festivalgoers can eat at any of the food court’s various restaurants, located in the heart of Sparkle, warm up by the fireplace with hot cocoa or social district drink, and even get to meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus in Santa’s Workshop (in the Grand Finale Bakeshop & Café, 5-8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays).



“This is a really special event, and I am so happy we are able to put it on again this year,” says Tyra Jonas, Spring Lake communications specialist. “I hope everyone who wants to can make it out here and be a part of this joyful event.”

Santa’s workshop where festival goers can get photos taken with Mr. and Mrs. Clause. (Brittany Meyers)

While roaming down the village sidewalk, festival attendees can take in the whimsical lights. Those looking to avoid the traffic and admire the sparkling lights may consider utilizing Harbor Transit’s Lakeshore Trolley, which runs on the weekends through Dec. 17.

Santa hours for when the Clause’s will be available for photos. (Brittany Meyers)

“The trolley ride was the icing on the cake,” says Bonthuis. “We all had so much fun, and we can’t wait to come again next year.”

The lights will decorate the streets of Spring Lake from now through the new year. Want to enjoy more festive fun this holiday season? Check out what else you can do in December Along the Lakeshore.