Fireworks explode over the Capitol Building after the lighting of the tree during Silver Bells on Nov. 23, 2013, in downtown Lansing. Community members gathered from across the greater Lansing area to view the lighting of the tree. Danyelle Morrow/The State News
—The city of Lansing is set to reprise a 37-year tradition this Friday, Nov. 19, with Silver Bells in the City, an annual celebration marking the start of the holiday season in the capital region.
Presented by the Lansing Board of Water and Light, this year’s Silver Bells in the City will feature an electric light parade, shopping in the Silver Bells Village and the lighting of the official State of Michigan Christmas tree.
Events will kick off at 5p.m. on Friday, beginning with shopping and the parade. Immediately following will be the tree lighting and a drone light show.
This year’s parade grand marshal will be Olympic bronze medalist Taylor Manson, a graduate of East Lansing High School. The parade will include 60 floats and several area high school marching bands, and is set to step off from the corner of Lenawee Street and South Washington Square at 6 p.m.
Detroit singer/songwriter Zania Alaké, a top-17 contestant on “The Voice” in 2021, will lead a community sing-on-the-lawn of the Capitol building following the tree lighting ceremony. The parade and ceremony can be watched live on FOX47 and locally on Channel 12.
On Saturday, Nov. 20, participants can run in the 11th annual Silver Bells in the City 5k Race through downtown Lansing or virtually at home.
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