EAST LANSING, Mich. — The popular, annual Winter Glow event – East Lansing’s free, outdoor winter festival – will take place on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 2-5 p.m. in downtown East Lansing. The majority of activities are free.
This winter-inspired tradition will feature a wide variety of fun-filled seasonal activities located in Ann Street Plaza, Fountain Square and inside the East Lansing Marriott, 300 M.A.C. Ave. The outdoor spaces are adjacent to the Albert-M.A.C. intersection.
Winter-Inspired Activities
This year’s Winter Glow will feature ice carving, horse and carriage rides, a special outdoor holiday farmers market, a heated music tent, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus (3-6 p.m. inside the Marriott), family-friendly activities and games, winter photo scenes, marshmallow roasting, merchant activities, roasted nuts, a community art project and donation-based hot chocolate with the East Lansing Art Festival and much more.
Photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus
Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus will take place inside the East Lansing Marriott from 3-6 p.m. Thanks to a sponsorship from Newman Lofts, families will receive one free photo with Santa. Additional photos can be purchased for $5.
Outdoor Holiday Farmers Market
A special outdoor holiday farmers market will feature many of the popular East Lansing Farmers Market vendors. Participating vendors will include Nut Brothers, Civil Ferments, Jenny’s Sweets & Treats, Steffey Farm/Para Para Creamery, Guiding Light Garlic Farm, Where the Wild Things Bloom, Sapo de Solis and Droscha Sugarbush.
Jingle Jam Music Tent
The Jingle Jam Music Tent will feature live music by the Sea Cruisers from 2-5 p.m. There will also be special appearances by Sigh Studio of Music.
Green Friday (& Saturday too!)
Community members are encouraged to support local businesses, while taking advantage of some great sales/specials during downtown East Lansing’s Green Friday shopping event, taking place Dec. 6-7. Hours will vary among participating businesses. The Saturday sales take place in conjunction with the Winter Glow each year. Visit www.cityofeastlansing.com/GreenFriday to learn more.
Program Guides
A Winter Glow and Green Friday program guide will be available at the festival information booth in Fountain Square, located at the corner of M.A.C. and Albert avenues. Program guides will also be available at participating downtown East Lansing businesses.
Get Involved
Volunteers for Winter Glow are vital to the success of the event each year. Community members interested in volunteering at Winter Glow can sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0a4eaba62aa7f85-20191.
Free Parking
Parking will be free in downtown East Lansing’s gated lots and garages on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 2-6 p.m. for the event. Parking validation will also be provided to businesses participating in the Green Friday sales to hand out to customers during the two-day shopping event (while supplies last).
Visit www.cityofeastlansing.com/WinterGlow or call (517) 319-6888 for more information.
The Winter Glow is produced by the City of East Lansing and is sponsored by the East Lansing Downtown Management Board, Newman Lofts and the MSU Federal Credit Union. Additionally, in-kind support is provided by the East Lansing Marriott and the East Lansing Public Library.