Unwrap Some Holiday Cheer With Lansing’s Favorite Tradition

Last year after freezing our toes off trick-or-treating, I declared that in our house Christmas festivities will start right after we get home from our Halloween adventures around town. Our new favorite family tradition? Silver Bells in Downtown Lansing.

From the famous lighting of the Christmas Tree to a morning 5K, there’s an endless amount of merriment.

This year, Silver Bells in the City is celebrating 40 years of tradition on November 22, 2024, so help bring a little joy to our little piece of the world by caroling along!

Ready to Start Holiday Shopping? Stroll Through the Silver Bells Village and Downtown Entertainment

The celebration begins at 5 PM on November 22. 

Head to Silver Bells Village until 9 PM to start (or finish!) your holiday shopping.

Visit Cambells Creations and Artistic Whimsey to deck your home’s halls in holiday festivity while snacking on delicious baked goods from Dolls Cookie Basket, Fluff & Stuff and many more.

Don’t forget to pick up a “40 Years of Silver Bells 2024” commemorative ornament for your own tree.

Silver Bells Village is located on the 100 block of E. Allegan Street between South Washington Square and Grand Avenue.

Santa Claus is Coming to the Electric Light Parade

You will not want to miss the Electric Light Parade! It’s full of festive, lighted  floats – past years have included over 60 participants.

This signature Electric Light Parade has been a Silver Bells staple since 1997.

The Parade kicks off at 6 PM at Lenawee Street and South Washington Square.

This year’s Grand Marshall is St. Johns native and para-Olympian, Jayci Simon.

Root for your favorite high school marching band as the Best Illuminated Band winners will receive $500 from the Lansing Board of Water and Light and a $500 Marshall Music gift card.

The man of the evening will make his grand appearance at the end so don’t miss Santa’s big arrival.

Don’t Miss the Magic of the Official State Christmas Tree Lighting

After the parade wraps up, make your way to the Capitol for the tree lighting.

The tree lighting will take place in front of the State Capitol at approximately 7:25 PM, featuring this year’s official State Christmas tree from Eagle, Michigan.

Immediately after the tree lighting, spread some holiday cheer by singing loud for all to hear in the community sing featuring American Idol runner-up David Archuleta.

A Firefly Drone Show and Fireworks Will Light up the Skies of Lansing

The magic doesn’t stop there!

Following the tree lighting and community sing, a spectacular Firefly Drone Light Show synchronized to music will light up the sky, beginning approximately 7:35 PM.

This holiday display is crafted by renowned artists and engineers who have previously created light shows for Amazon Music, the Capital One Orange Bowl, Disney+, and Ford Motor Company so you won’t want to miss it.

If Michigan weather cooperates, Fireworks over the Capitol will finish out the fun evening of festivities at approximately 7:50 PM.

Run to Register for the Silver Bells 5K

Run or walk the streets of downtown Lansing in the chip-timed Silver Bells 5K on Sunday, November 23, 2024, at 9 AM.

Registration includes a long-sleeve tee, finisher’s medal, and awards for the top finishers, along with a costume contest. 

The Silver Bells 5K is presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network, with support from AF Group, Dean, Metronet, and Planet Fitness. 

Lace up those running shoes and know that you are also supporting a great cause! To date, the proceeds have benefited the Chris & Louise Holman Foundation and Silver Bells in the City, with over $52,000 donated to local organizations supporting at-risk youth in mid-Michigan.

Parking Tips

Make sure to snag a free parking spot at 4 PM in the following State of Michigan surface lots: Allegan and Library visitor lots, Elliott-Larsen Lot (not Executive), Allegan, Ottawa, Butler and Pine.

Plan on staying for all the festivities? There is also free parking at 5 PM in the State of Michigan Roosevelt ramp. Please note: if you park in the Roosevelt ramp, you will not be able to get back into the Walnut St. entrance until 30 minutes after the fireworks show (approximately 8:30 PM) due to safety rules.

There is additional parking in any City of Lansing parking ramps or surface lots for a flat fee of $5.

Can’t Make It? Watch at Home to Join in the Holiday Fun

Live Broadcast of the Silver Bells Light Parade for those who wish to watch on TV or watch a re-broadcast replays on FOX 47:

• Thursday, 11/28 (Thanksgiving Day) from 8-10 AM following “FOX 47 Morning News”
• Friday, 11/29 from 9-11 AM following “FOX 47 Morning News”
• Sunday, 12/22, from 4:30-6:30 PM. following “Detroit Lions Football on FOX”
• Wednesday, 12/25 (Christmas Day) from 10 AM – 12 PM

You can also catch a broadcast on the City of Lansing-TV (Lansing Public Media Center) immediately after the live broadcast, and on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7 PM through New Year’s Eve.

Start Your Holiday Festivities Early with Silver Bells in Lansing

Kick off the holiday season with a night of pure fun!

From starting your holiday shopping early to sipping on some delicious hot chocolate, and watching the streets aglow, there’s plenty of reasons to Silver Bells on you family’s holiday calendar.

Silver Bells is a rain or shine event. For weather, traffic, and/or emergency alerts and updates for Silver Bells in the City only, text SilverBells to 78015.

Join family and friends to watch the Lansing skies light up, spreading joy with the community!

More Lansing Family Fun