One thing that I truly love about living in downtown Belleville, is that there are fun, family friendly events offered downtown throughout the year. Events that our family is lucky enough to be able to walk to, just blocks from our own front door. Winter is no exception! Downtown Belleville kicks of the winter and holiday seasons annually the first weekend in December with Winterfest.
Here’s just a quick preview of what there is to look forward to:
Throughout the weekend, adults, kids, families…anyone can enjoy a free opportunity to ice skate in 4th Street Square. You can bring your own skates or grab some of the free loaners that are available in various sizes.
As a runner myself, I am always excited when downtown Belleville plays host to an organized race. The Jingle Bell Run 5K is an annual event that supports the Van Buren Public Schools Education Foundation. Prizes are given not only to the fastest participants at this run, but also to some of the best dressed in the holiday spirit. Runners can sign up in advance at Here or on site prior to the start.
Among the most popular and anticipated events of Winterfest is the night-time light parade on Saturday evening which welcomes a very special visitor to our town….Santa Clause! The parade steps off from Belleville High School at 6 PM, travels east down W. Columbia, then north onto Main Street. Local organizations participate with themed floats and/or walkers and must complete an entry form and follow general rules outlined by the Belleville Area Chamber of Commerce. The theme for 2015 is Norman Rockwell Christmas.
Following the parade, children are given an opportunity to visit Mr Clause at the Belleville First United Methodist Church at 417 Charles Street. Here they may sit on his lap and get to take away a little treat, including a coloring book sponsored by local businesses. While at the church, families may also enjoy a Living Nativity scene.
Saturday night closes out with a bang with a firework display at approximately 8PM. This show is beautiful to enjoy from Horizon Park, watching the lights and colors reflecting over Belleville Lake.
Be sure to check out the schedule below for all the great things going on throughout Winterest weekend.
2015 Winterfest at a glance:
Friday December 4
- 12:00-4:00PM Ice Skating (4th Street Square)
- 6:00PM Animal Magic (Museum)
- 7:00-8:00PM Lac La Belle (Museum)
Saturday December 5
- Ice Sculpture (Main Street)
- 9:00AM-3:00PM Craft Show (Van Buren Township Hall, Gym)
- 9:00AM-9:00PM Ice Skating (4th Street Square)
- 9:45AM Jingle Bell 5K (Horizon Park)
- 2:00PM Bates Hot Dog Stand (Museum)
- 2:00-3:00PM Ice Carving Demonstration (Belleville Area Chamber of Commerce)
- 2:00-6:00PM Soup Crawl (4th Street Square)
- 2:00-6:00PM Kids Fun Zone (Belleville Area Chamber of Commerce)
- 3:00-5:30PM Carriage Rides (Downtown)
- 3:00-5:45PM Caroling (Museum)
- 4:30PM Gingerbread Cookie Decorating *While supplies last (Library)
- 6:00PM Light Parade (Downtown)
- 8:00PM Fireworks (Denton Road Bridge)
- Following Parade: Tree Lighting (Museum), Living Nativity (First United Methodist Church), Santa Visits (First United Methodist Church)
Sunday December 6
- 9:00AM-2:00PM Ice Skating (4th Street Square)
- 7:00PM Angel Of Hope Ceremony (Hillside Cemetery)
(Times are approximate, schedule subject to change)
