Welcome to the Silver Bells Village, your one-stop destination to kick off the holiday season! Following its popular expansion, the village offers a delightful atmosphere for holiday shoppers. Discover the perfect gifts from more than thirty vendors, treat yourself to a variety of refreshments from several food trucks, and secure a special Silver Bells commemorative ornament. The Village is located on the 100 blocks of East and West Allegan Street.
A beloved tradition since 1997, the signature Electric Light Parade will dazzle spectators with over 70 brilliantly lit entries. Watch as nine high school marching bands, festive dignitary carriages, and Santa Claus himself parade down the streets of the capital city. Don't miss special performances by the Drum KINGZ and the Petoskey Steel Drum Band, along with a special appearance by Paws, the Detroit Tigers' mascot! The parade kicks off at 6 p.m. from the corner of Lenawee Street and South Washington Square.
Following the parade, the festivities continue with the annual state Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Capitol building. Dignitaries will flip the switch that sets it aglow. This year’s state tree is a gorgeous 68-foot-tall spruce donated by Sault Ste. Marie resident Linda Reid, who donated the tree in honor of her grandparents, Lawrence and Nettie Richey.
We’ve got a musical treat for you! Acclaimed indie-pop singer/songwriter Zach Seabaugh will be performing live at the tree lighting. Known for his warm stage presence and honest lyrics from his debut album, Mr. Nobody, Seabaugh is a versatile talent who has also penned songs for major artists like Kane Brown, Change Pena, and Shaboozey. Come for the lights, stay for the music!
The unforgettable evening continues after the final notes of the community sing fade with a brilliant spectacle showcase in the night sky. Enjoy a synchronized Firefly Drone Show featuring 200 drones.
A stunning fireworks display over the capitol building marks the evening’s grand finale. (Weather Permitting)
The Silver Bells in the City Electric Light Parade is going to be broadcast LIVE on FOX 47 and local Comcast Channel 12 from 6-8 p.m.
FOX 47 Replays:
Thursday, 11/27 (Thanksgiving Day) from 8 AM - 10 AM.
Friday, 11/28 (Black Friday) from 9 AM - 11 AM
Sunday, 12/21 from 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Thursday, 12/25 (Christmas Day) from 10 AM - 12 PM
City of Lansing-TV (Lansing Public Media Center)
Immediately after the live broadcast, and on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. through New Year's Eve.
Enjoy a chip-timed 5K race to celebrate Silver Bells in the City and the start of the holiday season. Participants can run/walk the 5K marked course in downtown Lansing. Registration includes a long-sleeve tee, finishers medal and awards for the top finishers. There will also be a costume content. The 13th annual Silver Bells 5K Race is presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network with support from AF Group, Dean, Metronet, and Planet Fitness. Any realized proceeds benefit the Chris & Louise Holman Foundation and Silver Bells in the City. To date, more than $58,000 has been donated to local organizations supporting at-risk youth in our mid-Michigan communities.
Register for the Silver Bells 5K Race at www.runsignup.com/silverbells or on site the morning of the event.
5:00-6:00 pm: Join the caroling princesses, Elsa, Anna and Belle, for a holiday sing-a-long.
5:30 - 6:30 pm: TBA
4:00 - 8:00 pm: Warming station with restrooms available. Serving hot chocolate from the Ottawa Street entrance.
5:00 - 9:00 pm: Holiday Open House. Swing by to warm up with some hot chocolate, check out the space, and enjoy free activities for the kids.
5:00 pm opening: Concessions and restrooms
5:00-5:30 pm: Capitol GEMS Community Choir
6:15-7:00 pm: Capital Acapella
7:15-8:00 pm: Glen Erin Pipe Band
Following Parade: Lighting of Michigan’s official state Christmas tree, Community Sing, Drone Light Show and Fireworks.
5:00 PM: Stop by for complimentary hot cider while supplies last.
5:00-8:00 pm: Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and their live reindeer inside at the Lansing Center. Take your own photos.
Restrooms open
4:00-8:00 pm: 2025 Silver Bells ornament sale (and past years)
5:00-8:00 pm: Live music featuring Caitlin Cusack
6:00-7:30 pm: Mott Campus Clowns, performing walk-arounds with red noses, stickers, posing for photos and telling jokes.
5:15-6:15 pm: Capital City Chordman (strolling)