5 things to know about Silver Bells in the City

UPDATE: The pop singer Tiffany cancelled her performance at Silver Bells as of Nov. 20. 

CORRECTION: The CATApillar accordion will be decorated the same as previous years. 

Silver Bells in the City is expected to attract more than 50,000 people to downtown Lansing this Friday. 

“We love Silver Bells. It’s a fun family event that brings tons of people to Lansing, which is important to us,” said Breina Pugh, community relations manager at Lansing Board of Water & Light, one of the event’s presenting sponsors. 

Founded in 1984, the annual holiday celebration of the lights and arts will mark its 35th anniversary by throwing it back to the decade of its birth. 

The 1980s featured big hair, bright colors and giant boomboxes. And pop star Tiffany was climbing the charts with hits like “I Think We’re Alone Now.” 

Not only will Silver Bells represent the '80s visually, but organizer Lansing Entertainment and Public Facilities Authority also snagged Tiffany for a performance at the Lansing Center, where an '80s cover band will also hit the stage. 

Whether you’re seeking entertainment or traditional holiday festivities, here are five reasons Silver Bells is one of the must-attend holiday events of the year. 

1. Watch the parade

The Electric Light Parade will illuminate downtown Lansing. Starting at 6 p.m. near South Washington Square and Lenawee Street, the parade will feature 80 floats, including 12 new ones. 

Ten high school marching bands and three carriages will also participate. 

Capital Area Transportation Authority will be bringing back its 60-foot CATApillar float. 

“We love being a part of this Lansing tradition, and we love how excited everyone gets to see the CATApillar each year,” said Kathleen Maher, a marketing assistant for CATA.

Introduced in 2003, the CATApillar bus has undergone several transformations over the years. The accordion center of the bus will be designed differently than the rest of the bus, according to Maher. 

Two CATA staffers added LED lights to the bus and programmed the destination sign to appear as a set of blinking eyes.

BWL is bringing two floats to the parade, a decorated bucket truck that its line crews use and one inspired by "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," according to Pugh. 

The latter float will include the city-utility’s branding colors, and “Whoville trees,” Pugh added. 

2. Don’t miss the lights

Silver Bells is a huge display of lights: Christmas trees, wreaths, floats, fireworks, buildings and more.

But there are two lighting events on Friday night that you may not want to miss, the Christmas tree lighting and fireworks display.   

BWL crews spend a week adding 10,000 lights to a 6-foot-tall Christmas tree. Topping the tree is a 5-foot-tall star that features 122 white LED lights.

“They wrap every branch so that it’s nicely lit when turned on,” Pugh explained. 

An eight-minute fireworks display will also take place above the Capitol dome, depending on weather conditions. 

3. Catch diverse entertainment

What’s an '80s-themed holiday event without entertainment? 

Singer Tiffany and a cover band called The Mega 80s will represent the era at the Lansing Center. The concert kicks off at 8 p.m. 

Catch jazz and soul singer Ben Sharkey during the community sing near the Capitol at approximately 7:35 p.m. 

Overall, there will be performances from nearly 50 regional arts and cultural organizations at the event.  

4. Enjoy special offers, extended hours

More than 10 downtown arts and cultural institutions will offer free admission and entertainment. This includes Impression 5 Science Center, which will be open to the public for free from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

The public also can take self-guided tours at the Capitol. 

Several locations will be offering refreshments and snacks. CATA, in particular, will offer cookies and cider on a first-come, first-served basis at its downtown transportation hub, according to Maher. 

Many downtown restaurants and stores will stay open later than usual, allowing the public to take advantage of dining and shopping. 

5. Meet Santa Claus and family

The whole family can meet Santa, Mrs. Claus and their reindeer at Silver Bells this year. 

There are two opportunities on Friday. Santa will make his first appearance at BWL’s annual toy drive, the Toy Mill, near north Washington Square and Ottawa Street at noon.  Also, families can visit the Claus family at the the Lansing Center’s Riverfront Plaza from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

Troppo, a restaurant on Michigan Avenue, will host a Brunch with Santa at 8 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. 

Children will write letters to Santa. They can also make holiday arts and crafts and decorate cookies with their parents. 

Contact LSJ reporter Kristan Obeng at KObeng@lsj.com or 517-267-1344. Follow her on Twitter @KrissyObeng.

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