I have enjoyed Silvers Bells long before I had children.  I loved being outside in the cool night air making my way through the mass of merry makers for the perfect location to watch the festivities.  Now that I have three little ones, the experience is completely different... I have to be smarter about packing for the event and do a little planning ahead of time. 

5:00 - 9:00 Village - Local vendors are set up on the 100 E. Block of Allegan Street between South Washington Square and Grand Avenue.


5:00-6:00 Radio Disney - Music and games on the capitol building steps.

6:00 Parade - The parade starts on the corner of Lenawee and South Washington Square.  

7:20 Community Sing -  The Larry Callahan and Selected of God Choir will lead the crowd in the singing of Joy To The World.  


7:35 Lighting of the Tree - The tree is located in the front yard of the Capitol building.

7:45 Fireworks - Presented over the Capitol Dome.

8:00 Live Concert - Enjoy the music from the band ARJ.

Here is what I have learned throughout the years! 

Before you head out door make sure everyone is bundled from head to toe (I was afraid of losing toes a few years back because I wore thin socks).  Pack blankets and snacks to have on hand during the parade and while waiting for the tree lighting.  

If you have small children you can battle the cold and crowd by bringing a wagon, stroller, or both.   Line the bottom, wrap them up and make way.  Wagons force people to give you space and acts as step stool if you find yourself in the back of the crowd.  

The closer to 5:00 you get there the better the view.  This is a very popular event, so most likely you will have to park a fair distance away.  There are couple of parking structures to choose from.  Otherwise, look for parking meters lining the streets.

Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the festivities!
See you there!

Karen Delaney

Check out the completed "Birthdays" page.  Know of a really cool venue not listed?  Email me and I'll add it to the site.  

Karen Delaney

Today we took the kids for a drive so I could get some pictures of Holt Parks.  Our first stop was to Valhalla Park.  What a gem!  I can't believe we've visited this amazing park.  The kids loved the playground and even begged to walk the trails through the woods.  This park has officially become one of my top five favorite parks.