Fireworks during 2019 Silver Bells in the City
Fireworks explode over the Capitol after the state tree lighting during Silver Bells in the City on Nov. 22, 2019 in downtown Lansing.
Nick King, Lansing State Journal
LANSING — Tonight’s Silver Bells in the City is expected to be mostly dry, a bit windy and well above freezing.
Silver Bells kicks off with an evening parade, drone show, sing-a-long led by David Archuleta and the lighting of the state Christmas tree in front of the capitol among other activities.
There is a slim chance of isolated rain showers, about 10% to 15% odds, so there may be a brief couple of rain drops but it should mostly be dry in Lansing, said Scott Thomas, a National Weather Service meteorologist at the Grand Rapids station, which covers the Greater Lansing area.
Thomas said temperatures should be around 40 degrees around the 6 p.m. parade and 7:25 p.m. tree lighting times. There could be winds of up to 25 miles an hour, he said.
The event is expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors into downtown, and several roads in downtown will be closed or have limited access.
Here’s what to know about the event and how to navigate it and get the best Silver Bells experience.
When is Silver Bells?
The main events, including the parade and tree lighting, are Friday, but it’s actually a two-day event. Here’s the schedule:
Friday:
5 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Silver Bells Village, featuring a 40th anniversary Silver Bells ornament, 30 vendors and seven food trucks.
6 p.m.: 27th Annual Electric Light Parade begins at Lenawee Street and Washington Square, with 70 entries including 11 marching bands. Paralympian silver medalist Jayci Simon of St. Johns is scheduled to be the parade’s grand marshal. You can pick up light bands at one of about 15 stations around downtown. The wristbands will light up in sync with music during the event.
7:25 p.m.: Christmas tree lighting, a 60-foot spruce donated by Eagle residents Rich and Dorcas Albertson.
7:30 p.m.: Community sing-a-long, featuring American Idol star David Archuleta.
7:35 p.m.: Drone light show.
7:50 p.m.: Fireworks over the capitol building.
Saturday:
9 a.m.: 5K run, with registration available on the same day
Sensory experiences available
For people wishing for a less-intense experience, there will be a stretch of the parade route with typically smaller crowds at the end of the route on Capitol Avenue between Washtenaw and Hillsdale streets.
There will be sensory maps showing where the big lights and sounds will be coming from, mostly near the state Capitol grounds where fireworks and a drone show will be concentrated but visible for miles.
There is a sensory room available at Grewal Hall, 224 S. Washington Square. No registration is necessary. There will also be alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for purchase. Grewal Hall is open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and is wheelchair accessible.
Where do I park?
- Free parking starts at 4 p.m. in State of Michigan surface lots: Allegan and Library visitor lots, Elliott-Larsen Lot (not the executive lot), Allegan, Ottawa, Butler and Pine.
- Free parking starts at 5 p.m. at the State of Michigan Roosevelt ramp. The lot will not dismiss until around 8:30 p.m., following the fireworks show.
- Parking in city of Lansing parking ramps (North Capitol, North Grand, and South Capitol) or surface lots available for a flat fee of $5.
- Parking is available on Musuem Drive starting at 4 p.m. for $10. Proceeds will benefit Riverwalk Theatre.
Beware the road closures
Starting Wednesday until Saturday: Northbound North Capitol Avenue will be closed from Michigan Avenue to Ottawa Street for the Showmobile.
Starting Friday through noon Saturday: Allegan Street closed between Washington Square and Grand Avenue for Silver Bells Village. Lane restrictions begin.
Closed for the Silver Bells Events, Friday: (Actual times will vary, these times are approximate.)
- Southbound Capitol Avenue from Lenawee Street to Joseph Street – 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Washington Avenue from St. Joseph Street to Lenawee Street – 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Hillsdale Street from Capitol Avenue to Grand Avenue – 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Southbound Grand Avenue at Kalamazoo Street to Hillsdale Street – 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Southbound Capitol Avenue from Ottawa Street to Michigan Avenue – 3:45 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Allegan Street at South Capitol Avenue – 3:50 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Southbound Capitol Avenue from Kalamazoo to St. Joseph Street – 3:55 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Washington Square from Lenawee Street to Ottawa Street – 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Michigan Avenue at Grand Avenue – 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Ottawa Street from Grand Avenue to Seymour Avenue – 5 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
- Washtenaw Street between Townsend Street and Grand Avenue – 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Lenawee Street between Capitol Avenue and Grand Avenue – 4:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
- Kalamazoo Street between Townsend Street and Grand Avenue – 4:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
- Allegan Street between Pine Street and Washington Square – 5:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.
- Washtenaw Street between Pine and Walnut Streets – 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Walnut Street between Washtenaw and Ottawa streets – 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Lane restrictions on Ottawa Street between Walnut Sand Pine streets – Noon to 9:30 p.m.
- Lane restrictions on Kalamazoo Street West of Grand Avenue – Noon to 9:30 p.m.
- Lane restrictions on northbound Washington Avenue, from West Malcolm X Street to St. Joseph Street – 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Contact Mike Ellis at mellis@lsj.com or 517-267-0415
