Silver Bells in the City

Silver Bells in the City started in 1984 under the Arts Council of Greater Lansing, with 2,500 luminaries framing Washington Square Mall and a community sing. The State Tree joined in the third year. A Santa Parade arrived in 1995, the Electric Light Parade two years later, Santa and reindeer at the Lansing City Market in 2000, and fireworks behind the Capitol dome in 2001. IBEW Local #665 helped add rooftop lights on more than a hundred buildings in 2003. The parade now leaves Lenawee Street and South Washington Square with more than sixty units and bands vying for Best Illuminated Band awards. Silver Bells Village on East Allegan Street joins a Community Sing, a Firefly drone show, and capitol fireworks when weather allows.

Our take: Stand near Lenawee Street and South Washington Square if the Electric Light Parade is the part you most want to see.