Who's ready for the holidays?

Officials in Lansing have announced plans for the 38th "Silver Bells in the City" celebration.

"Silver Bells in the City" will take place on Friday, November 18, 2022, from 5pm to 9pm in downtown Lansing. The city and state will be offering free parking after 5pm at several downtown locations, including the North Capitol and South Capitol Ramps, the North Grand Ramp, and the Townsend Ramp.

The Electric Light Parade

The annual electric light parade is slated to begin at 6pm at the corner of Lenawee Street and South Washington Square. Spectators may view the parade from along Washington or Capitol Avenues between Ottawa and Hillsdale Streets. Dozens of local businesses and organizations will be represented on lighted floats, and several area high school marching bands will play as well. Of course, the guest of honor is Santa--kids will be delighted to spot him at the end of the parade.

Lighting of the state Christmas tree

For the first time ever, a Clinton County tree will serve as the state's official Christmas tree. A 63' blue spruce from St. Johns will be delivered to the grounds of the State Capitol just before Halloween, in preparation for the official tree lighting expected around 7:25pm the evening of "Silver Bells in the City".

Dansville's Jacob Moran to perform

Jacob Moran, who made it to last season's Top 20 on American Idol, will headline the community sing downtown immediately following the lighting of the state Christmas tree.

"Silver Bells" in the Sky

Be sure to look up! (It'll be hard not to.) Organizers are promising a Firefly Drone Light Show after Moran's performance featuring 200 drones synchronized to music. The evening's grand finale will be a fireworks display over the State Capitol.

Related Events

A trip downtown for "Silver Bells in the City" won't be complete without a stop at Silver Bells Village. The 100 block of East Allegan Street between South Washington Square and Grand Avenue will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland with vendors from throughout the state, and a wide assortment of holiday refreshments available.

Children will be able to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Riverfront Plaza (next to the Lansing Center). They'll be there after the parade, along with their live reindeer!

On Saturday, November 19, 2022, the Silver Bells 5K Race will be held along a marked course through downtown Lansing. Runners/walkers may also participate virtually from home.

"Silver Bells in the City" is presented each year by the Lansing Board of Water and the City of Lansing.

Here's a look at last year's lighting of the state Christmas tree, and a view of the fireworks that followed:

Michigan's 12 Days of Christmas

There are only so many times you can hear the same version of the same song. So sometimes, you've got to take it upon yourself to change things up. That's exactly what I did with the 12 Days of Christmas. I decided I didn't want to hear about any more partridges in pear trees. Instead, I took the song and headed in a Pure Michigan direction. Take a look at the gallery below to see the most Michigan 12 Days of Christmas one could possibly have.

Old Fashioned Michigan Christmas