Visit Downtown
When you come downtown to Santa's Workshop, consider parking in the Kalamazoo Mall Parking Structure (130 Portage Street) or the Epic Center Parking Structure (150 E. South Street). Both ramps offer free 90-minute parking. Santa's Workshop can be accessed off of Farmer's Alley and The City Centre (143 Farmers Ally), on the second floor of the building. If you need access to an elevator for parking, please use the South Street elevator for either ramp.
Great Experiences
Our Downtown Kalamazoo Shops and Restaurants are ready to serve families both before and after visiting at Santa's Workshop. Please visit www.downtownkalamazoo.org for a complete listing of the stores and restaurants. We also recommend, just taking a stroll down the Kalamazoo Mall to explore the great shops. Remember, both Michigan Avenue, South Street and Portage feature great stores and restaurants.
Special Events
Santa’s Workshop Opens Saturday, November 29 12:00 p.m.
Art Hop (Arts Council) Friday, December 5 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
First Friday (Downtown Kalamazoo Shops) Friday, December 5 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Kirk Newman Art School Holiday Sale 2025 Friday, December 5 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 6 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Ginger Bread Wonderland Kickoff Saturday, December 5-21
December to Remember Thursday, December 11 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Moonlight Madness Friday, December 12 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
New Year’s Fest Sunday, December 31 6 p.m. to midnight
Festive Glow
Bronson Park is just 2 blocks from Santa's Workshop and provides a great photo opportunity with all the amazing lights and decorations. You can jump on the Trolley from Mall Plaza (152 S. Kalamazoo Mall), but, a walk will allow you to also see the great shops along the way.
Delicious Destinations
Kids will especially love the opportunity to grab food at the City Centre Market and Deli, along with hot chocolate from Cherri's Chocol'art. And it's never too cold to have ice cream at The Spirit Shoppe. And, of course you can't leave downtown without a bag of candy from Rocket Fizz. There are so many other great shops, but these will get you started.
Giant Fun
There are two "giant" photo opps on the Kalamazoo Mall. See if you can find them.
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Hint: Follow the lights, up the street you'll go, to a mall that's bustling, where shoppers flow.