With winter rolling in and final exams just around the corner, many students at Grand Valley State University feel bogged down by the pressure of finishing homework, completing projects and preparing for tests.

But for those moments when students need to relieve pressure, downtown Grand Rapids serves as a hotspot for entertainment even as the days grow colder.

The Lost Boys

An evening relaxing before a stage of dedicated actors is just the thing to get your mind off of impending final exams. The Grand Rapids Civic Theatre will run a month-long showing of “Peter Pan.” Opening night is set for Friday, and the show will run through Dec. 19. Ticket prices vary by showtime, group size and membership status.

According to the play’s post on the Experience Grand Rapids website, Tinker Bell, Peter, the Lost Boys and even the crocodile will make appearances in the play.

For more information, visit the GRCT website at www.grct.org.

Santa’s coming to town

If you’re looking for a family-friendly and inexpensive outing, Grand Rapids will feature two Christmas-related events to ring in the holiday season.

The Gerald R. Ford Museum will hold its annual outdoor tree-lighting at 7 p.m. on Thursday. The event will feature a sing-a-long, refreshments and free admission to the museum following the ceremony.

The museum is located at 303 Pearl St. NW in Grand Rapids.

Two days later, Jaycees will hold its 42nd annual Santa Parade on Saturday in downtown Grand Rapids.

The parade will begin at the intersection of Monroe Avenue and Michigan Street and will move south-southeast along Monroe Center, south along North Division Avenue, west along West Fulton Street and southwest along Marked Avenue.

According to the parade’s website, the parade is an annual tradition that kicks off the holiday season in West Michigan. It is always held on the Saturday morning prior to Thanksgiving.

Ice skating

Ice skating at Rosa Parks Circle will begin Dec. 3, weather permitting.

Skating hours are 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays, noon to 9:30 p.m. on Thursdays and Sundays and noon to 10 p.m. for Fridays and Saturdays.

Admission to the rink, located in the middle of downtown Grand Rapids, is $1 and skate rental is free with a driver’s license.

Adult entertainment

For those seeking a more adult-like atmosphere Parkway Tropics, a gentlemen’s club located at 814 Lake Michigan Drive in Grand Rapids, offers an opportunity for students to enjoy food, drinks and exotic entertainment. The club includes a full bar with a variety of bottled beers and premium liquor, and admission is free before 7 p.m. every day of the week.

For more information, visit the club’s website at www.parkwaytropics.org.

A complete listing of upcoming events in Grand Rapids can be found at grnow.com

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