Silverbells 2023_Christine McCallister-8066

Parking, eating, dressing, warming up, watching, safety, photos + a printable map from the City of Lansing!

Silver Bells in the City is one of the most magical nights in Greater Lansing in a moment downtown transforms into a sparkling kickoff to the holiday season with the Electric Light Parade, the tree lighting, music, drone show, and that unmistakable festive energy.

It’s also… a lot. There are crowds, road closures, cold toes, long walks, unpredictable weather, and kids who go from thrilled to frozen in 12 minutes flat. And that’s exactly why GLAMoms created this guide,to help your family enjoy Silver Bells stress-free, warm(ish), and safely.

Below is everything you need to know, from where to park and where to eat, to the best parade spots, drone-viewing tips, and a printable checklist at the end.

Where to Park (Without Losing Your Mind)

Parking can make or break the night, so plan ahead.

Best Bet Ramps (fill early!)

Capitol Avenue ramp, North & South Grand* ramps, Townsend ramp

Low-Stress Options

LCC lots, Downtown side streets, Park a little farther away and enjoy a 10–15 minute walk in.

Pro Tips

Consider a drop-off near Washington Square if you have littles, then send one adult to park farther out.. Do not attempt to enter downtown after 5 pm, road closures hit fast.

Avoid if you want a quick escape

The inner downtown ramps (Capitol ramp, North Grand, Townsend). Great for convenience arriving, yet slow, 10–20+ minute delays leaving

Best lots for an easier exit after Silver Bells:

LCC parking lots, Easy in/out, you avoid the tight downtown grid completely and short, manageable walk to the Capitol

Best strategy overall

Park slightly outside downtown and walk in. You’ll be out of the city in 5 minutes while everyone else sits in ramp lines. Ie. Near the Cooley Law School Stadium area (not in residential blocks), near the Grand Ave / Lenawee area, but not inside the parade footprint, west of Pine St (walkable + easier to exit)

Where to Eat Before the Parade

Silver Bells + hungry kids = disaster. Eat early. We have packed food or picked up something on the way in town and found a spot and especially on years with milder temps. And there are plenty of places to eat downtown and around the area.

Sit-Down, Family-Friendly

Lansing Brewing Company, Nuthouse Sports Grill and Soup Spoon Café (slightly farther but warm + consistent)

Quick Bites

Stop by Capital City Market and dine with snacks, Midtown Brewing Company

Street Food Options

Pizza slices sold right on the streets, last year Cottage Inn was out selling -zas on the street. Food trucks and other options at Silver Bells village on the 100 blocks of east and west Allegan.

Mom Tip: Go between 4–5 PM to avoid long waits.

What to Wear (AKA How to Stay Happy All Night)

If you think you’re wearing enough layers… add one more. Maybe even bring a wagon – yes a wagon – to tote the stuff around and also grab a bit more real estate along the parade route. Or an extra bag to carry the stuff when they start peeling off the layers and then want them again and then off and then on. And the bag can a stash a snack or five 🙂

Bright colors and maybe grab the glow sticks not yet used from Halloween for some extra fun maybe some other light up fun. And also another way to spot them if they wander.

Warm-Up Spots

Options seem to change each year and there are many spots all over downtown and also, under the stairs at the Capitol is a spot for a break from the elements and an interesting pit stop.

Where to Watch the Parade

This is where strategic planning pays off and there are SO many options. If you do not have a view from above at an area business, here are a couple of ideas. Remember, the parade line up near Washington and Hillsdale… and then ends Capitol and Hillsdale and you’ll pick your spot along the route.

Some other spots are near the intersections of the roads closed between Washington Square and Capitol Avenue, ie. Allegan, Washtenaw, Kalamazoo, Lenawee Street are often less crowded. And when you sit near the intersections (and depending if you are seated) on Washington or Capitol, you either get a preview of what is coming or a second glance of what has already passed by.

Also, just read some suggestions for spots to enjoy the parade for attendees with sensory sensitivities along Capitol avenue between Washtenaw and Hillsdale streets and there is a Sensory Room at Grewal Hall.

A couple of places to avoid:

The inside corners of intersections (visibility issues + crowd surges).
Any spot where people constantly step into the street. This just happens and your view is blocked, often.

At times people will make room for you to sit on the ground with your kids in front of them. It is a true testament to the spirit of the season when someone offers a better view when sitting down in front. Also, you may be breaking the wind a bit for them so it is win-win.

One last thought about where to sit. If you have no intention of leaving early, the inside of the parade route is perfect for moving around during the parade but you are stuck until the parade is over.

Safety Tips (Mom-Approved + Experience-Approved)

Once we have picked the spot, we stay on that side of the street. That CATA bus “dressed up in lights” and the Capital Region International Airport rescue vehicles do not stop on a dime and they may not even be able to see a child dart in the road. And speaking of blind spots, students in the area marching bands have areas they cannot see well when carrying an instrument, staying in formation and marching. They are not the size of BWL or Lansing Fire Department parade entities but the bands will not stop quickly either.

Use the buddy system and hold hands, we Sharpie phone numbers on plastic bracelets or if we forgot the bracelets, wrote numbers on their forearms.

If we do get separated we have a family meeting spot. And not the base of the tree of the Capitol steps, perhaps something on the parade route, but not a hot spot. And if all else fails, my kids know to look for a mom. Last year we used AirTags. I mean, we have the technology to find my keys quickly and for the evening, “mom’s keys” tag is pinned in a pocket.

Oh and fully charge your phones and consider a portable charger.

Should You Bring Your Dog?

Some people do and you’ll see dogs. We vote to leave pups at home because our dog-child is not crowd-savvy and while she is a friendly, loves people kind of pooch, she also goes into squirrel mode with loud noises, fireworks, crowds and she will probably enjoy the alone time at home!

Tree Lighting + Photo Tips

The tree lighting is beautiful and chaotic.

Consider avoiding being near the base of the tree because of lots of moving crowds trying to get the front row view and really, standing back a bit is the best view!

Personally, I am fond of standing in the middle of Michigan avenue between Capitol and Washington. Not sure you will beat the Capitol building as the backdrop.

A couple other options are near Capitol/Ottawa intersections or Capitol/Allegan intersections and this year we may watch from the west side of the capitol so we can get close to where the drones launch.

If you are hoping to get a photo of your family during Silver Bells in the City, perhaps consider this: just take one where you all can huddle in. THEN plan to come back another evening for the perfect photo in front of the state tree! Why? The streets are quieter without large crowd pressure and much better lighting – all making for happier kids.

Drone Show Viewing Tips – some spots are no-show zones

This truly is out of this world. And it is better each year. If you want to actually see the drones, don’t wing it. As a reference, if you are standing in the intersection of Capitol and Michigan avenue and the tree is right in front of you with the Capitol behind it, you will not see the drones well. But if you move a bit to the south – closer to Allegan or north – closer to Ottawa – it will be much better viewing. And if you were to walk west on either Allegan or Ottawa, as you move past the capitol a bit the view is unobstructed

If you are close to the Capitol itself – it will be cramped and limited visibility and if you are on Washington Square you will not see the drones because the buildings are too tall.

Sharing my own bucket list of places to watch the drone show someday: atop of Boji Tower, the top of the BCBS ramp (although this may be obstructed too yet for the fireworks behind the Capitol – perfect), and the Michigan History Center parking lot. And we may just work on this list this year 🙂

Leaving Downtown After the Event

Expect slow going at first. Ramps take a bit of time to clear. Lansing Police Department will be directing traffic at some intersections.

Sometimes we go west to MLK and then north to home, but we are north of campus in Bath and have found going eastbound on Michigan avenue is at times an experience in itself.

If you have Sirius / XM, tune into Holly (channel 70) and extend the sounds of the season.

Enjoy the Magic!

Silver Bells in the City is one of the most festive traditions in Greater Lansing and with a little planning, it can be truly magical for your family.

If you have your own tips, favorite viewing spots, or traditions, share them with us so we can add them next year!