EAST LANSING, Mich. — The popular, annual Winter Glow event – East Lansing’s free, outdoor winter festival – will take place on Saturday, Dec. 1 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 intersection of Albert and M.A.C. avenues.
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, a winter barnyard, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus (3-6 p.m. inside the Marriott, photos are $5), family friendly activities and games, winter photo scenes, marshmallow roasting, roasted nuts, a community art project and donation-based hot chocolate with the East Lansing Art Festival, a Toys for Tots toy drive, merchant activities 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. The photos are $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 45th Parallel Pickle and Clothing Company, Where the Wild Things Bloom, Guiding Light Garlic Farm, The Cheese People of Grand Rapids, Jenny’s Sweets & Treats, Fins n’ More (Fresh Lake Whitefish Company), Sapo de Solis, El Burrito Mexicano, For the Love of Grain, Clyde’s Pit, Droscha Sugarbush, Applegarth Honey, Tomac Pumpkins, Para Para Creamery-Steffey Farms, 517 Coffee Company and Nut Brothers.
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, featuring holiday ukulele music.
Toys for Tots – Toy Drive
New this year! There will be a Toys for Tots toy drive during the event and the first 400 people to donate an unwrapped toy will receive one free professionally printed photo with Santa. Toys will be collected near the Santa photo area in the lobby of the Marriott. This special activity is sponsored by The Christman Company, Landmark on Grand River and Newman Lofts.
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 Nov. 30-Dec.1; 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
Winter Glow program guides will be available at the festival information booth in Fountain Square, located at the corner of M.A.C. and Albert avenues, and inside participating businesses during the event.
Free Parking
Parking will be free in downtown East Lansing's gated lots and garages on Saturday, Dec. 1 from 2-6 p.m. for the event. Visitors remaining in the lots/garages after 6 p.m. will need to pay to park.
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 Downtown East Lansing, the MSU Federal Credit Union, the East Lansing Marriott, the Center for Autism & Related Disorders, The Christman Company, Landmark on Grand River and Newman Lofts.