Silver Bells in the City - 2013 Edition

In keeping up with the recaps, I wanted to share one of my favorite holiday traditions.  My friends and I have been partaking in this holiday tradition since way back in 2003 (minus the few years that we were living in Germany)...  Seems crazy to think that we've been doing this for 10 years now!!  Anyways, during the month of November, the city of Lansing (i.e. Michigan's capital)  hosts "Silver Bells in the City" to help kick off the holiday season.  Every year the city is filled to the brim with festivities such as an electric light parade through the downtown area, all of the downtown shops are open late and filled with holiday goodies, a concert for kids, carriage rides through the city, visits from Santa, a North Pole village for children, and carolers on every corner.  Once the electric light parade ends, the highlight of the event begins... Everyone (meaning thousands upon thousands of people) gather near the state Christmas tree, sing Christmas carols, and count down to the lighting of the tree.  As soon as the tree is lit, a huge fireworks display is set off behind the capital building!  I can honestly say, it's quite a spectacular sight!  Afterwards, my friends and I hightail it to our favorite downtown watering hole to gather with the rest of holiday crowds to enjoy some cups (or pints) of "cheer" and enjoy the festive atmosphere! :)  Silver Bells in the City is one of my favorite holiday traditions and such a fun and festive way to kick off the holiday season!

In keeping up with traditions, Brian and I headed to Lansing this past November to meet up with friends and celebrate Silver Bells in the City... And, as usual, it was the perfect start to our holiday season! :)

Kory and I eagerly awaiting the tree lighting...
This was our 7th Silver Bells in the City together!
Love this girl! :)

Gathering with the rest of the mid-Michigan population to witness the lighting of the state Christmas tree!

Such fun!
Due to the mobs of people, the three of us watched the tree lighting from this location and then met up with our friends afterwards...  There were too many people to try to fight our way through.  Instead, we found a nice little spot on the corner of Kalamazoo Ave. and enjoyed the festivities from there. :)

The tree has been lit!!

Let the fireworks begin! :)

Happy Silver Bells in the City!!
(I have to admit that it never fails... This part of the evening gives me goosebumps every time!  I love this view! :))

Our favorite place to go for the after party! :)

In keeping with traditions, here's Kory and my traditional picture in front of the state Christmas tree! :)
Oh, how I'm such a sucker for traditions! :) 

Happy Holiday greetings from Brian and I (a little late)! ;)