LANSING — It’s nearly time for Silver Bells in the City, the annual parade and light show in downtown that typically draws the city’s largest crowd of the year.
The annual Friday night celebration includes a parade, drone show and the lighting of the state Christmas tree in front of the capitol building among other activities.
The event is expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors into downtown, which can snarl traffic and parking, even without a myriad of street closures to allow for the event.
Here’s what to know about the event and how to navigate it and get the best Silver Bells experience.
When is Silver Bells?
The main event, including the parade and tree lighting, is Friday, but it’s actually a two-day event. Here’s the schedule :
- 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Silver Bells Village, featuring a 40th anniversary Silver Bells ornament , 30 vendors and seven food trucks.
- 6 p.m.: 27th Annual Lights Parade begins at Lenawee Street and Washington Square, with 70 entries including 11 marching bands. Paralympian silver medalist Jayci Simon of St. Johns is scheduled to be the parade’s grand marshal. You can pick up light bands at one of about 15 stations around downtown. The wristbands will light up in sync with music during the event.
- 7:25 p.m.: Christmas tree lighting, a 60-foot spruce donated by Eagle residents Rich and Dorcas Albertson .
- 7:30 p.m.: Community sing-a-long, featuring American Idol star David Archuleta.
- 7:35 p.m.: Drone light show.
- 7:50 p.m.: Fireworks over the capitol building.