Fantasy of Lights
Visitors can explore State Street to shop with local merchants, pick up refreshments, and stop by to visit Santa and his reindeer. The evening features a 5K race and family run/walk where participants dress in holiday attire, costumes, and lights. Festivities culminate with an illuminated parade featuring glowing floats, marching bands, first responders, and Santa traveling down Grand River.
What to Expect
Holiday festival featuring illuminated parade floats, live entertainment, and Santa visits.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Howell
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Howell Area Chamber of Commerce
Food & Drink
Refreshments and hot chocolate are mentioned on State Street; the page also mentions local dining but gives no specific options.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday parade fans
Vibe
Festive and lively
Energy Level
Moderate
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: Festival street opens at 3:00 PM; live entertainment is scheduled 4:00–7:00 PM; the Fantasy of Lights Parade is at 7:00 PM.
- Pets: Dogs are not allowed in the Fantasy 5K or the family run/walk.
Tips & Advice
- Register ahead for the Fantasy 5K and wear holiday clothes, costumes or lights, then enter the costume contest at the library before the race.
- Grand River is closed to traffic for the parade, so expect detours via Clinton, Byron Road, Sibley and National when you drive in.
- Get to State Street early if you want photos with Santa, since they're only offered for part of the afternoon before the parade.
- Leave your dog at home if you plan to run or walk, because dogs aren't allowed in the 5K or family run/walk for safety reasons.
- Stop at the Letters to Santa writing station on State Street so the kids can write to Santa, then grab a hot chocolate for the parade.
Special Events & Promotions
- Fantasy 5K & Family Run/Walk along the parade route, with separate registration
- Fantasy 5K Costume Contest at the library before the race
- Fantasy of Art Show at the Howell Opera House
- Santa's arrival and photos with Santa on the Meijer Merry & Bright Holiday Lane before the parade
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do on State Street before the parade?
State Street becomes the Meijer Merry & Bright Holiday Lane. You can shop with local merchants, get refreshments, catch live entertainment and visit Santa and his reindeer. There's also a Letters to Santa writing station.
Can the kids meet Santa?
Yes. Santa arrives on the Meijer Merry & Bright Holiday Lane, and photos with Santa are offered for part of the afternoon. Kids can also write to him at the Letters to Santa station.
What is the Fantasy 5K?
It's a 5K race plus a one-mile family run/walk along the parade route. Runners wear holiday clothes, costumes and lights, crowds cheer along Grand River, and there's a costume contest at the library before the start.
Who performs during the afternoon?
At the library: Sorella Acapella, Voices of Voyager, Howell High School, Livingston Lamp Lighters, Parker Middle School and Livingston Chorale. On State Street: Keith Ozment. Community Howell Theatre and the Livingston Lamp Lighters also stroll through the crowd.
How can I get involved?
You can volunteer, build a float with the online float application, apply as a food vendor or sponsor Fantasy of Lights.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
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