Discover the magic of the holiday season in Lansing, Michigan, where a variety of festive events offer something for everyone. From the dazzling Silver Bells in the City, where downtown transforms into a sparkling wonderland, to the harmonious melodies of the Wharton Center Holiday Pops Concert featuring the Lansing Symphony Orchestra, there’s an abundance of holiday spirit in the air.
Visitors can also enjoy the MSU Holiday Arts & Crafts Show, showcasing handmade treasures from over 200 local artisans. Lansing's holiday events promise unforgettable experiences for both locals and visitors alike, making it the perfect destination to celebrate the season.
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The Top Christmas Events in Lansing
- Silver Bells in the City
- Christmas at the Capitol
- Cooley Law School Stadium Holiday Lights
- Lansing Turkey Trot
- Festival of Trees
- Holiday Scavenger Hunt
- Pancake Breakfast with Santa
- Capital City Kwanzaa Celebration
Lansing Holiday Light Displays
Silver Bells in the City
What to Expect:
Massive electric light parade
Description:
Lansing's downtown transforms into a glittering spectacle during Silver Bells in the City. The event's centerpiece, a massive electric light parade, illuminates the streets with dazzling floats and costumed performers. Visitors can join the community sing-along, a tradition dating back to the event's inception in 1984. The night sky erupts with a breathtaking fireworks display over the Capitol building, celebrating Michigan's rich history. As you stroll through the bustling streets, the aroma of roasted chestnuts fills the air, evoking nostalgic holiday memories.
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Cooley Law School Stadium Holiday Lights
What to Expect:
Drive-through light display at a baseball stadium
Description:
Cooley Law School Stadium, home of the Lansing Lugnuts, transforms into a twinkling wonderland for the Holiday Lights event. This innovative drive-through experience reimagines the baseball diamond as a canvas for elaborate light displays. Visitors cruise through the stadium, marveling at animated scenes that bring holiday stories to life. The event cleverly incorporates baseball themes into its holiday motifs, creating a unique fusion of America's pastime and winter festivities. As you wind through the displays, the stadium's architecture provides a distinctive backdrop for the dazzling lights.
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Cooley Law School Stadium Holiday Lights
Lansing Holiday Giving Opportunities
Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Showcases creatively decorated trees for charity
Description:
The Festival of Trees transforms a local venue into a forest of creativity, showcasing uniquely decorated Christmas trees. Each tree, adorned by local businesses, organizations, and individuals, tells a story through its ornaments and design. Visitors can vote for their favorite trees, with proceeds benefiting local charities. The event includes a silent auction, allowing attendees to bid on the most impressive creations. This tradition, which began in the 1990s, has become a beloved part of Lansing's holiday season, blending artistic expression with community giving.
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Lansing Other Holiday Activities
Christmas at the Capitol
What to Expect:
Historic Capitol building decorated for the holidays
Description:
Christmas at the Capitol transforms Michigan's historic seat of government into a holiday showpiece. The 19th-century building, completed in 1879, dons its seasonal best with elegant decorations that complement its Victorian architecture. Visitors can embark on guided tours, learning about the Capitol's rich history while admiring the holiday adornments. The rotunda houses a towering Michigan-grown Christmas tree, decorated with ornaments representing the state's diverse regions. The event honors Michigan's heritage, blending holiday cheer with civic pride in a uniquely governmental setting.
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Lansing Turkey Trot
What to Expect:
Thanksgiving Day run with costume contest
Description:
The Lansing Turkey Trot invigorates Thanksgiving morning with a spirited run through the city's scenic routes. This annual event combines physical activity with holiday cheer, featuring a lively costume contest that sees participants dressed as turkeys, pilgrims, and other Thanksgiving-themed characters. Runners can choose from various distances, accommodating both seasoned athletes and casual joggers. The event supports local charities, embodying the spirit of giving associated with the holiday. As participants cross the finish line, they're greeted by the aroma of hot apple cider, a warming reward for their efforts.
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Holiday Scavenger Hunt
What to Expect:
City-wide scavenger hunt with holiday themes
Description:
Lansing's Holiday Scavenger Hunt turns the entire city into a playground of discovery. Participants solve holiday-themed clues that lead them to landmarks, businesses, and hidden gems throughout the area. The hunt encourages exploration of Lansing's diverse neighborhoods, revealing the city's rich history and cultural tapestry. Teams can compete for prizes while learning fascinating facts about local holiday traditions. This interactive event, which began as a small community activity, has grown into a beloved annual tradition that brings together residents and visitors in a shared adventure.
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Pancake Breakfast with Santa
What to Expect:
Interactive breakfast experience with Santa and his elves
Description:
The Pancake Breakfast with Santa offers a delightful morning of holiday cheer and delicious food. Children and adults alike can savor fluffy pancakes while interacting with Santa and his merry band of elves. The event features a special North Pole-inspired menu, including "snowflake" pancakes and "reindeer" sausages. Guests can participate in holiday craft-making stations, creating personalized ornaments to take home. This tradition, which began in the 1970s, has become a cherished part of Lansing's holiday season, creating lasting memories for generations of families.
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Capital City Kwanzaa Celebration
What to Expect:
Week-long celebration of African American culture and heritage
Description:
The Capital City Kwanzaa Celebration honors African American culture with a week of enlightening and joyous events. Each day focuses on one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa, featuring workshops, performances, and communal meals that bring these values to life. Visitors can participate in traditional candle-lighting ceremonies and learn about the holiday's history and significance. The celebration showcases local African American artists, musicians, and speakers, highlighting the community's talents and achievements. This event, which has grown significantly since its inception, reflects Lansing's commitment to cultural diversity and inclusion.
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Capital City Kwanzaa Celebration
Nearby Events
Wharton Center Holiday Pops Concert (East Lansing)
What to Expect:
Blend of classical and contemporary holiday music
Description:
The Wharton Center Holiday Pops Concert elevates the season with a harmonious blend of classical and contemporary holiday music. This annual performance showcases the Lansing Symphony Orchestra alongside guest vocalists, creating a rich tapestry of sound. The concert features unique arrangements of beloved carols and modern holiday hits. Audience members can participate in a festive sing-along, becoming part of the musical experience. The Wharton Center, opened in 1982, has been a cultural cornerstone of East Lansing, hosting world-class performances and nurturing local talent for decades.
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Wharton Center Holiday Pops Concert
MSU Holiday Arts & Crafts Show (East Lansing)
What to Expect:
Showcases handmade items from local artisans
Description:
The MSU Holiday Arts & Crafts Show spotlights the creativity of local artisans, offering a diverse array of handmade treasures. This long-standing event, held on the Michigan State University campus, brings together over 200 exhibitors from across the state. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of traditional crafting techniques, gaining insight into the artisans' processes. The show reflects Michigan's rich artistic heritage, with many crafts inspired by the state's natural beauty and cultural diversity. As you browse the stalls, the soft strains of acoustic holiday music create a relaxed atmosphere for shopping and exploration.
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MSU Holiday Arts & Crafts Show
Broadway Holiday Spectacular (East Lansing)
What to Expect:
Broadway-style performances of holiday classics
Description:
The Broadway Holiday Spectacular brings the glitz and glamour of New York's theater district to Lansing. This high-energy show features professional performers delivering Broadway-caliber renditions of holiday classics and winter-themed showtunes. The production incorporates elaborate choreography and stunning costume changes, elevating familiar songs into show-stopping numbers. Audience members can marvel at the performers' vocal prowess during intimate ballads and rousing ensemble pieces. The show pays homage to the golden age of musical theater while infusing contemporary flair, creating a cross-generational appeal.
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Holiday Makers Market (East Lansing)
What to Expect:
Focuses on locally made, sustainable gift options
Description:
The Holiday Makers Market champions sustainability and local craftsmanship, offering an alternative to mass-produced gifts. This curated event showcases artisans who use eco-friendly materials and processes to create unique holiday items. Visitors can engage with makers, learning about their techniques and the stories behind their creations. The market emphasizes zero-waste practices, encouraging shoppers to bring their own bags. Live acoustic performances by local musicians create a relaxed atmosphere for browsing. This event reflects Lansing's growing commitment to supporting small businesses and promoting environmental consciousness.