VISIT HOME

Silver Bells in the City

November 17, 2023, in Downtown Lansing

Kick off your holiday season with Silver Bells in the City!

Experience millions of lights, a superb electric light parade, the lighting of Michigan's official Christmas tree, a community sing-along, a firefly drone light show, and fireworks. Visit the Silver Bells Village with Michigan vendors selling all kinds of tasty treats and merchandise. 

Schedule of Events

From 5 to 9 p.m., visit the Silver Bells Village and start your holiday shopping! You can also get some refreshments and your commemorative Silver Bells ornament. The village is located on the 100 E. Block of Allegan Street between South Washington Square and Grand Avenue.

Steps off at 6 p.m. and begins at the corner of Lenawee and S. Washington Sq. Grand Marshal is Lansing's own India Graham.

More than 60 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 parade is a sight to behold, delighting people of every age.

The participating high school marching bands will compete for the Best Illuminated Band awards during the parade.

At approximately 7:25 p.m., Michigan's Official State Christmas Tree will be lit up! This year's tree is a beautiful 60-foot spruce from Onaway located in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Vic Ruppert and his family donated the tree in honor of his late wife Shirley Ruppert. This is the first tree from Presque Isle County.

Starting at approximately 7:30 p.m., enjoy a community sing with Grace West. Grace captured second place on season 23 of NBC's The Voice with her unique sound that blended her Michigan roots with southern living as a modern country-pop artist.

Choose Lansing is proud to sponsor the Community Sing. Did you know that Silver Bells in the City began as a simple community sing? The event now offers something for everyone and brings families together who travel from across the state and beyond to kick off the holiday season in this annual tradition. On behalf of everyone in the tourism and hospitality industry, we wish you a joyous holiday season.

At approximately 7:35 p.m., there will be 200 drone performing a Firefly Drone Light Show, lighting up the sky and synchronizing with the community sing.

Following the Drone Show at approximately 7:50 p.m., the stunning firework display over the Capitol marks the evening's grand finale.

Weather Permitting.

Parking Information

Map of area

There will be free parking at 4 p.m. in the following State of Michigan surface lots:

  • Allegan and Library Visitor Lots
  • Elliott-Larsen Lot (not Executive)
  • Allegan
  • Ottawa
  • Butler
  • Pine

There will be free parking at 5:00 p.m. in the State of Michigan Roosevelt ramp.

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

triangle solid triangle stripes

Discover More Fun Activities

Visit Santa & Mrs. Claus

On Friday, November 17 from 5-7:00 p.m., visit Santa, Mrs.Claus, and their reindeer at Riverfront Plaza - Lansing Center.