A Lansing Tradition
Friday, November 17, 2023 from 5-9:00 PM
Downtown Lansing
A Lansing Tradition
Friday, November 17, 2023 from 5-9:00 PM
Downtown Lansing
Millions of lights. Thousands of people. One very special guest.
Are you ready for Lansing’s premier holiday event?
The entire city will glow with thousands of lights for the Silver Bells in the City celebration, bringing together family and friends from across the state of Michigan and beyond to kick-off the holiday season.
Silver Bells in the City is a Lansing tradition that is loved by generations of families. Silver Bells in the City attracts more than 45,000 people to the capital city each year and takes place annually on the Friday before Thanksgiving in Lansing, Michigan.
Silver Bells is a rain or shine event. For weather, traffic, and/or emergency alerts for Silver Bells ONLY, sign up to receive text messages by texting "silverbells" to 888-777.
Silver Bells in the City is presented by the Lansing Board of Water and Light and the City of Lansing and is coordinated by a dedicated Coordinating Committee under the direction of the Lansing Entertainment and Public Facilities Authority. Silver Bells in the City is produced with the assistance of many passionate volunteers and remains free to all through the support of many generous sponsors along with assistance from the State of Michigan and City of Lansing.
About Our Event
About Our Event
About Our Event
Started from humble beginnings in 1984 by the Arts Council of Greater Lansing, to the full blown extravaganza the city experiences today, Silver Bells in the City has been providing fun, merriment and joy to thousands for a quarter century. Silver Bells in the City started as a modest event, enveloping the city in the holiday spirit with 2,500 luminaries that framed the Washington Square Mall. A community sing was led by Mayor Terry McKane. It wasn’t until the third year that the State Tree was lit during Silver Bells festivities.
Over the years the event grew adding more attractions including ice sculptures, carriage rides and local venues open to the public free of charge. In 1995, a small Santa Parade was introduced on Saturday morning. Two years later, the first Silver Bells Electric Light Parade dazzled onlookers on Friday night and attendance jumped significantly. Santa and his reindeer made their first appearance in 2000 at the Lansing City Market, and in 2001 fireworks lit up the sky behind the Capitol dome. In 2003, through a partnership with IBEW Local #665, roof top lighting was added to more than a hundred downtown buildings framing the city in lights for all to see.
In 2010, the torch was passed to Downtown Lansing Inc. to keep the cherished tradition that is Silver Bells in the City alive. In 2010 the first Silver Bells Village will make its debut on E. Allegan Street. This holiday market features unique goods, refreshments and artist wares from twenty vendors for those who want to get started on their holiday shopping.
Downtown cultural institutions and venues will also be open and free to the public featuring nearly 50 arts and cultural entertainers. In addition, free cookies and cider will be available at five locations throughout the city. The evening will culminate with a concert at the Lansing Center.
In 2019, the Lansing Entertainment and Public Facilities Authority took the reins and Silver Bells in the City promises to be all that it has been and so much more for years to come.
Attractions
Attractions
The Parade
The Electric Light Parade welcomes the holiday season in the capital city with lighted floats and the arrival of Santa. The Electric Light Parade steps off at 6:00 pm at the corner of Lenawee Street and South Washington Square. More than sixty units and several high school marching bands will sparkle with thousands of lights as they make their way through the streets of downtown Lansing.
The participating high school marching bands will compete for the Best Illuminated Band awards during the parade. Awards are given in two categories: large band and small band. The high school bands that are most well-lit in each category will win $500 courtesy of the Lansing Board of Water and Light and a $500 gift card to Marshall Music, courtesy of Marshall Music.
The Electric Light Parade is proudly sponsored by IBEW Local #665 and NECA.
The Village
The Silver Bells Village is the perfect place to start your holiday shopping, get some refreshments or purchase your Silver Bells commemorative ornament. The Village is made up of local vendors from throughout Michigan and is located on the 100 E. Block of Allegan Street between South Washington Square and Grand Avenue.
Events
Silver Bells in the City is a family event with something for everyone. Main attractions include the Electric Light Parade, lighting of the State Christmas tree, Community Sing, a Firefly drone light show and a stunning fireworks display over the Capitol (weather permitting).
Commemorative Ornament
Commemorative Ornament
Remeber ringing in the holidays at Silver Bells in the City for years to come. The 2023 ornament is proudly created for you in Lansing, Michigan by artist Tiffany Marie of La Fille Gallery. The ornament has a colorful musical note adorned with a sparkling Swarovski crystal with metallic silver lettering. Plus, special musical notes on the back. Each ornament is handcrafted and signed.
Ornaments are $28 each and quantities are limited.
Ornament shipping will begin at the end of October.
Front and back of the 2023 ornament