Winter Glow
UPDATE (11/17/20): The 2020 Winter Glow event has been canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
There is something for everyone at the popular annual Winter Glow event – East Lansing’s free, outdoor winter festival. This winter-inspired annual tradition will take place on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019 in downtown East Lansing with a wide variety of fun-filled seasonal activities from 2-5 p.m. It’s free and rain or shine! The Winter Glow activities will be located in Ann Street Plaza, Fountain Square and inside the East Lansing Marriott. The outdoor spaces are adjacent to the Albert-M.A.C. intersection. Parking will be free in gated garages and lots from 2-6 p.m. on Dec. 7 for the event.
2019 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. *Thanks to a sponsorship from Newman Lofts, each family will receive one free photo with Santa. Additional photos are $5.
Green Friday (& Saturday too!), Dec. 6-7
Support local businesses! This year’s Green Friday shopping event will take place in conjunction with the Winter Glow! Shoppers are invited to downtown for a special East Lansing version of the popular day-after-Thanksgiving Black Friday sales.
Outdoor Holiday Farmers Market
A special outdoor holiday farmers market will feature many of the popular East Lansing Farmers Market vendors. Vendors will include Nut Brothers, Jenny's Sweets & Treats, Steffey Farm/Para Para Creamery, Where the Wild Things Bloom, Sapo de Solis and Droscha Sugarbush.
Jingle Jam Music Tent
The Jingle Jam Music Tent will feature a free, live performance by the Sea Cruisers from 2-5 p.m. There will also be special appearances by Sigh Studio of Music.
Program Guides
Printed copies of the 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.
Volunteer
Community volunteers are needed for the 2019 Winter Glow! Those interested in serving as a volunteer can sign up here.
Sponsors
The 2019 Winter Glow event 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.