Ring in holiday season with Silver Bells

By Sophia Potter
Editor in Chief

Silver Bells, happening Friday, Nov. 22 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., is a holiday extravaganza that ties together several magical Lansing traditions into one action-packed evening.

Guests have plenty of options to make the event their own: exciting events like a light parade, fireworks and drone light show, or more traditional holiday experiences like the tree lighting ceremony, holiday shopping, and a community sing-a-long.

LCC will participate in the tradition of Silver Bells in several ways this year – through the annual Watch Party hosted in Gannon Commons, as well as our very own Star and Paralympic Medalist Jayci Simon serving as grand marshal of the parade.

“Growing up in Michigan, I would always look forward to going to Silver Bells with my family. It really gets you in the Christmas spirit and it’s a good way to kick off holidays!” Simon said.

The electric light parade led by Simon begins at 6 p.m., and spans from the corner of Lenawee and South Washington to the capitol steps where the tree lighting will take place at approximately 7:30 pm. Right after the tree lighting ceremony the evening will conclude with community carols led by previous American Idol contestant David Archuleta.

To finish the evening off there will be fireworks, as well as a drone light show set to music. Several sponsors of the event have even partnered together to distribute 10,000 LED wristbands that will “synchronize with the night’s musical performances,” according to the Silver Bells brochure.

Guests can start their holiday shopping at the Silver Bells Village, located on the 100 block of E. Allegan Street between South Washington Square and Grand Avenue from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. All sorts of handmade goodies can be purchased for the holidays, including this year’s commemorative ornament.

Tiffany Luke, owner of La Fille Gallery at 336 E. Michigan Ave, has been designing the ornaments through a partnership with The Board of Water and Light for over a decade now and loves both the challenge and the impact the ornaments have had on the community.

“The first year it took me 6 months to make 300 ornaments with about 30 steps in creating each one.” Luke recalled. “As the years passed, I would be able to eliminate a few steps per ornament. Now in 2024 We make 400 with still 21-23 steps per ornament.”

All that hard work is well worth it according to Luke, who loves seeing how the ornaments have become a tradition for many families.

“Some people bring their grandchildren for the first time, and some of those grandchildren return and have memories of coming to the Silver bells in the city events. The ornament gives them a little piece of that memory.”

Those looking for an indoor space to enjoy the festivities are encouraged to stop by the Annual Silver Bells Watch Party hosted right here at the Downtown LCC campus.

“The watch party is such a cool event!” said Kelly Hekler, conference services manager.

“Students, staff and the community can enjoy free hot cocoa and cookie decorating bars, pet Santa’s reindeer or a therapy dog, visit a caricature artist or face painter, or make a craft […] all while staying dry, warm and watching the parade on one of our many screens in the Gannon Building.”

“New this year, The Grinch will be playing in one of the conference rooms; great for the kids that just aren’t into the parade.”

This year Silver Bells has also partnered with the Mid-Michigan Autism Association to make the experience more sensory-friendly. Headphones, sensory maps and more items will be available at their booth in the Silver Bells Village. To learn more and plan your perfect Silver Bells Experience, visit the Silver Bells official website.