Lansing Family Fun is where the fun's at! We're your local guide to family adventures, and cool events, with a mix of travel information, guides, and helpful content galore.
Useful Lansing area tidbits for families
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 41 years of tradition on November 21, 2025, so help bring a little joy to our little piece of the world by caroling along!
The celebration begins at 5 PM on November 21.
Be a part of the jolly ambience as the first 10,000 attendees can snag a commemorative LED wristband that will be synchronized to the night’s musical entertainment!
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.
Silver Bells Village is located on the 100 blocks of East and West Allegan Street, between South Washington Square and Grand Avenue.
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 the Lions legend Herman Moore.
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.
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 7:30 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.
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 or walk the streets of downtown Lansing in the chip-timed Silver Bells 5K on Saturday, November 22, 2025, 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! The proceeds have benefited the Chris & Louise Holman Foundation and Silver Bells in the City, with over $52,000 donated in the past to local organizations supporting at-risk youth in mid-Michigan.
Make sure to snatch 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.
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:
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.
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!
Cutting down your own Christmas tree is one of the best holiday traditions. Start making memories with your family at these 13 Lansing-Area Christmas Tree Farms plus extras like hot cocoa, Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides. bonfires, and more.
Find Tree Lighting Ceremonies, Drive-Through Light Shows, Holiday Parades, Decorated Houses and Neighborhoods, Immersive Walk-Through Experiences, and Light Displays happening all around the Lansing area this year.
Fun Things to Do Thanksgiving Weekend in Lansing For many, Thanksgiving means more than just a plate piled high with […]
Find Holiday and Christmas Events, Live Nativity Scenes, Parades, Reindeer, Tree lightings, Santa Finder, and more! Read on for all things Holiday and Christmas in the Lansing area.
Christmas Activities Checklist – How Many Will You Check Off This Year? If you’re like me, you want to soak […]
Set up the babysitter and try these unique date night ideas in Lansing to keep the spark alive.
Ashley is a stay-at-home mom to her two favorite humans, golden retriever, and two cats. She loves going on family adventures across Michigan, taking their dog for long walks by the river, reading, and cheering on her alma mater, MSU! She is very excited to be a part of the HeyMI team.
Share
