LANSING, Mi. – The city of Lansing will glow with thousands of lights for the return of the 37th annual Silver Bells in the City presented by Lansing Board of Water and Light and City of Lansing on Friday, Nov. 19.

Bringing together family and friends from across the Midwest, Silver Bells in the City officially kicks off the holiday season. Generations of families and over 45,000 people anticipate this long-standing tradition.

The event features numerous activities and special outdoor performances, all highlighted with the 24th Annual Electric Light  Parade with more than 60 illuminated floats, high school marching bands sparkling with thousands of lights, and the arrival of Santa. The parade steps off at 6 p.m. on the corner of Lenawee Street and South Washington Square. This holiday tradition promises smiles to light up the holiday season in a safe way. 

Lansing native Taylor Manson, Tokyo Olympic bronze medal winner serves as this year’s Grand Marshal. East Lansing High School graduate Taylor had a decorated high school track performance. She continued her track career at the University of Florida where her many career highlights include two-time All-SEC Outdoor Second Team (2018, 2019), two-time All-SEC Indoor Second Team (2019, 2021), 2020 USTFCCCA Indoor

All-American (400m & 4x400m) and 2021 Indoor First-Team All- America (4x400m). This year, Manson represented Team USA in the Summer Olympic Track & Field Team and helped her team win the bronze in the 4x400-meter mixed relay. 

Immediately following the parade, crowds will gather around the state Christmas Tree for the countdown to the lighting of the tree and community sing. This year’s tree is a 63-foot spruce will be harvested in the western Upper Peninsula. Donated by Carla Fletcher and her family, the spruce arrives on the Capitol grounds 

After the tree lighting, Zania Alaké will take to the stage. She is a singer/songwriter from Detroit and has been performing for over 15 years. Zania’s buttery jazzy tone will captivate you with every song. Alaké was the second-place winner for Motown’s Amplify competition and, most recently, a 2021 contestant on NBC’s The Voice, where she was coached by John Legend and made it to Top 17. 

A Firefly Drone Light Show caps off the evening. This holiday light show is designed and orchestrated by world-class artists and engineers who have done light shows for Amazon Music, Capitol One Orange Bowl, Disney+, Ford Motor Company, and more. 

Mark your calendars for this exciting lineup of activities Friday, Nov. 19, and Saturday, Nov. 20.

Friday, Nov. 19:

The 24th Annual Electric Light Parade beginning at 6 p.m.

Following the parade, the lighting of the State Christmas Tree with a performance by Zania Alaké.

After the tree lighting, Firefly Drone Light Show will illuminate the sky, choreographed to music.

The Silver Bells Village is filled with vendors from throughout Michigan. Do your holiday shopping, grab refreshments or purchase a commemorative ornament. The Village is located on the 100 block of E. Allegan St. between South Washington Square and Grand Avenue.

The 2021 Silver Bells in the City commemorative ornament is available for purchase at the Village or online, at www.silverbellsinthecity.org. Handcrafted by local artist and La Fille Gallery Owner, Tiffany Marie, each ornament is one-of-a- kind, handmade and signed. The cost is $25 each. 

Saturday, Nov. 20:

The Silver Bells 5k Race starts at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 20. Enjoy a chip-timed 5K race to celebrate Silver Bells in the City. Participants have the choice to run/walk the 5K marked course in downtown Lansing or from home virtually. All finishers receive medals, commemorative bib and a long-sleeve tee. There will also be a costume content. The Silver Bells 5K is presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network with support from AF Group, Dean Trailways and Planet Fitness. Sign up at www.runsignup.com/silverbells.

Live Broadcasts:

Sponsored by Delta Dental and Liberty Tax and Loans, a live broadcast of Silver Bells in the City airs on FOX 47 from 6-8 p.m. with hosts Bob Hoffman, Mark Buzzitta and Erica Murphy. Event media partners are FOX 47 WSYM, Lansing Public Media Center, Lansing State Journal and Q106