UPDATE: Everything you need to know about Silver Bells
It's beginning to look at a lot like Christmas and soon people will be singing carols at the top of their lungs when a holiday tradition returns to Lansing for its 34th year.
Of course, I'm referring to Silver Bells in the City.
Downtown Lansing transforms into a holiday wonderland and the streets get lit up by the 22nd annual Electric Light Parade.
The parade will have 76 illuminated floats and marching bands, including one from the WILX Weather Authority.
The parade starts at 6 p.m. from the corner of South Washington Square and Lenawee Street. It will head north on Washington Square, travel west on Ottawa, and south on Capitol Avenue.
"Leading the way are our grand marshals, the Detroit Lions cheerleaders and mascot, Roary. There's also Detroit Tigers mascot, Paws. He's a special guest in the parade," said Mindy Biladeau, executive director of Downtown Lansing Inc.
After the parade, the lighting of the state Christmas tree commences with caroling in the streets.
"It's a beautiful 62-foot-tall spruce from Alpena. Nearly 10,000 lights are on it so it's going to shine bright," said Biladeau.
However, visitors to the event will not see fireworks this year.
The City of Lansing said it's because of a geothermal field installation taking place on the west side of the Capitol. Organizers say that fireworks will return as part of the event next year.
Check out all of the Silver Bells festivities Friday, Nov. 16, through Sunday, Nov. 18. here:
• The 22nd Annual Electric Light Parade steps off at 6 p.m.
• Following the parade, the State Christmas Tree will be lit with
a performance by Meagan McNeal and Phil Denny.
• The Silver Bells Village, sponsored by the Lansing State
Journal, located on East Allegan Street between South Washington
Square and Grand Avenue, will feature a variety of vendors selling
novelty toys, baked goods, Michigan-themed items and other
delights.
• The 2018 Silver Bells in the City commemorative ornament is
available for purchase online at silverbellsinthecity.org. The
handcrafted ornament was made by local artist, Tiffany Marie
of La Fille Gallery in Lansing. They will also be sold the night of
the event at the Silver Bells Village and La Fille Gallery. The
cost is $20 each.
• The festival welcomes vocalist John Splithoff, who will be this
year’s headline performer from 8-9 p.m. at the Lansing
Center. The concert is presented by Lake Trust Credit Union.
Returning this year is the Lansing Board of Water & Light Toy
Mill. Bring new unwrapped toys and books to the corner of
Ottawa and North Washington Square starting at 12 p.m. Friday, Nov.
16. All toys will be distributed to children in need through the
Marine Corps’ Toys-for-Tots program.
• Additionally, new books will be collected at the downtown
Capital Area District Libraries branch.
• Come visit with Santa and his reindeer on the riverfront plaza
near the Lansing Center, and enjoy free cider and cookies
(while supplies last).
• Enjoy performances by nearly 50 regional arts and cultural
organizations, school groups, storytellers, theatrical troupes,
hand-bell choirs and many others around downtown.
• Other event entertainment includes free admission and
entertainment at more than 10 downtown arts and cultural
institutions, including self-guided tours of the State Capitol.
• In addition to these festivities, downtown stores and
restaurants will be open late to kick-off holiday shopping and
dining. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and stay late
to take in all that downtown Lansing has to offer.
• Brunch with Santa will be offered Saturday, Nov. 17, and
Sunday, Nov. 18, with seating from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring your
children for a special brunch with Santa and Mrs. Claus at
Troppo. Includes a digital photo with Santa, cookie
decorating, writing letters to Santa and holiday arts and crafts.
Reservations can be made at troppoitailiankitchen.com for $20 each, children 2 and under receive free admission.
• Silver Bells 5K starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17. This
chip-timed run/walk supports Silver Bells in the City and the
Chris and Louise Holman Foundation. The Silver Bells 5K is
sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue
Care Network and Dean Trailways and is coordinated by the
Michigan Fitness Foundation. Register for the Silver Bells 5K at
runsignup.com/silverbells.
The downtown area will be full of people enjoying the festivities, taking in the scene, and eating and drinking at local establishments, so get there early to get your best spot along the parade route.
"Silver Bells is a huge economic boost to the economy. People are traveling not only from the Lansing, but from throughout the state and beyond, and staying the night here, patronizing local businesses," said Biladeau.
Free parking is available after 5 p.m. in all city of Lansing-owned lots during the event.
There will be some
so plan accordingly when heading downtown.
For traffic alerts for Silver Bells, you can sign up to receive text messages by texting "silverbells" to 888-777.