LANSING, Mi. – Serving as Michigan’s official beginning of the holiday season, the long-standing yearly tradition, Silver Bells in the City, presented by Lansing Board of Water & Light and the City of Lansing, is set to kick off Friday, Nov. 18.

This year’s electric light parade steps off at 6 p.m. on the corner of Lenawee Street and South Washington Square in downtown Lansing with floats decorated with lights, high school marching bands illuminating their instruments, and the eagerly awaited arrival of Santa.

Crowds will congregate near the state Christmas Tree after the parade for the countdown to the tree lighting and community sing. This year’s official State Christmas tree is 63-foot spruce selected by the MI Department of Technology Management and Budget (DTMB) and will be harvested in St. Johns in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Donated by Mary Ann and Caitlin Beck, the spruce arrives on the Capitol grounds on Oct. 29. This tree is the first pick from Clinton County in the history of the State Christmas trees.

Following the tree lighting, 20^th season American Idol contestant, Jacob Moran will take to the stage. A Dansville, Michigan native, Jacob grew up in a multigenerational musical family and made it into the top 20 contestants of American Idol. He is excited about the release of his new album; until then, he wants to create music that is relatable and inspiring to all who hear it, one show at a time.

Increasing the ante from last year, there will be 200 drones performing a Firefly Drone Light Show, lighting up the sky while synchronizing to music after Jacob Moran’s performance. 

And, the highly anticipated reappearance of the stunning firework display over the Capitol marks the evening’s grand finale.

Make a note of these exciting events on your calendars for Friday, Nov. 18, and Saturday, Nov. 19.

Friday, Nov. 18:

• The 25^th Annual Electric Light Parade beginning at 6 p.m.
• Following the parade, the lighting of the State Christmas Tree with a performance by Silver Bells headliner, Jacob Moran.
• After the tree lighting, a Firefly Drone Holiday Light Show will illuminate the sky, choreographed to music.
• The Silver Bells Village is filled with vendors from throughout Michigan. Shop for the holidays, 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.
• Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and their live reindeer at Riverfront Plaza next to the Lansing Center.
• The 2022 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.

Live Broadcasts:

• Sponsored by Capital Steel & Wire Inc., Delta Dental, Tripp’s Collision and Red Cedar Lodge, 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 Q106FM.

Saturday, Nov. 19:

• The Silver Bells 5k Race starts at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19. 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 virtually from home.  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, Metronet and Planet Fitness. Sign up at www.runsignup.com/silverbells. 

This yearly tradition is made possible thanks to numerous sponsors, including:

Presenting sponsors

• Lansing Board of Water & Light
• City of Lansing

The Electric Light Parade sponsors

• International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union 665
• Lansing Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association

Community Sings sponsor

• Greater Lansing Convention and Visitor Bureau

Christmas tree lighting sponsor

• Granger Waste Services

Drone light show sponsor

• Lansing Board of Water & Light

Firework sponsor

• Lake Trust Credit Union

Broadcast sponsors

• Capital Steel & Wire
• Delta Dental
• Red Cedar Lodge
• Tripp’s Collision

Silver Bells 5K presenting sponsor

• Blue Cross Blue Shield and Blue Care Network

Silver Bells 5k supporting sponsors

• AF Group
• Dean
• Metronet
• Planet Fitness

Media Partners

• Lansing Public Media Center
• Lansing State Journal
• FOX 47 WSYM
• Q106 FM

Gold Bell sponsor

• M3 Group

Bronze Bell sponsors

• Adams
• Arts Council of Greater Lansing
• CATA
• Capital City Market
• Ciesa
• City Pulse
• Foster Swift Collins & Smith
• Ingham County
• Michigan Lottery
• MSUFCU
• 101.7 Mike FM
• Power 96.5

Brass Bell sponsors

• 1800PitClean
• Auto-Owners Insurance
• BRD Printing
• CADL
• Comerica Bank
• EDGE
• Effect TV
• Eyde Development
• First National Bank of Michigan
• Hager Fox
• High-Ball Crane
• Michigan Association of Counties
• Marshall Music
• Sparrow

Jingle Bell sponsors

• Capital Region International Airport
• Davenport University
• Delux Tents & Events
• Dickinson Wright PLLC
• Gillespie Group
• Lansing Economic Area Partnership
• Lansing Community College
• McLaren Greater Lansing
• Michigan Department of Technology Management & Budget
• Michigan Retailers Association
• Media Advantage
• Northside Service Inc.
• Summit Electrical Contractors

Sleigh Bell sponsors

• Michigan State Capitol Commission
• Sohn Linen

  For more information, visit www.silverbellsinthecity.org.

###