Saturday, December 5, 2026 | Downtown Bellaire, Michigan
There's something special about Christmas in Bellaire! Join us for one of our favorite holiday traditions as downtown comes alive with twinkling lights, festive activities, delicious soups, and plenty of holiday cheer.
From visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus to our illuminated Christmas parade and community tree lighting, Light Up the Night is a celebration of everything we love about the holiday season in our little village.
Bundle up, bring your family and friends, and make some wonderful holiday memories in Bellaire!
The Holiday Highlights
🎄 Christmas Tree Lighting – 6:45 PM
Gather downtown as we light Bellaire's community Christmas tree following the parade. A beautiful tradition to kick off the holiday season!
🎅 Santa & Mrs. Claus – 3:00–5:00 PM
Bring the little ones to the downtown pavilion for a special visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Don't forget your camera!
🥣 Soup Cook-Off – 4:30–7:00 PM
Taste your way through Bellaire! Eleven local restaurants and culinary teams will compete for bragging rights in our annual Soup Cook-Off. Sample their delicious creations and vote for your favorite! See list of soup cookers below.
Tickets: $15 per person
Tickets go on sale November 7 at the Holiday Gift Fair at Bellaire High/Middle School, followed by sales at participating establishments.
Tickets are limited, so purchase yours early!
✨ Parade of Lights – 6:00 PM
Watch downtown Bellaire sparkle during our nighttime holiday parade featuring illuminated floats, festive vehicles, and creative displays.
2026 Parade Theme: Christmas Traditions
Want to join the fun? Register your float, vehicle, or group using the parade registration button below!
There's holiday fun happening all day long! Come early, explore our shops, enjoy a festive activity or two, and stay for the evening celebration.
Time Activity
10-11am 5K Elf Run & Awards - hosted by the Bellaire Cross Country Team
10-3pm Last Chance Craft Fair - ASI Community Center
11:30-12:30 Polar Plunge - Riverside Marina. Plunge or spectate!
1-3pm FREE Holiday Matinee - Bellaire Movie Theater. Bring a non-perishable food donation for admission.
Limited Seating
1-6pm Bellaire Schools Class of 2027 Bake Sale - Bellaire Theater (tentative)
3-5pm Visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus - downtown pavilion
4:30-7pm Artisan Pop-up & Holiday Card Making (tentative)
4:30-7pm Soup Cook off - throughout downtown (tickets)
4:30-7pm FREE bread samples - Ruthann's Gourmet Bakery
4:30-7pm Warming Stations - hot chocolate, s'mores & holiday treats throughout town
5-6pm Live Nativity Scene - hosted by Bellaire United Methodist Church at Ruthie's Dairy Twist
6pm Parade of Lights Parade - downtown Bellaire
6:45pm Community Christmas Tree Lighting - following the parade
7pm Soup Cook-Off Voting Closes
After 8pm Soup Cook-Off Winners Announced on Destination Bellaire Facebook
and word of mouth throughout town!
Happening Throughout the Week
Friends of the Library Auction – Bellaire Public Library, 10 AM–7 PM
Toys for Tots Collection – Drop off new, unwrapped toys at Edward Jones, 10 AM–7 PM
Schedule is tentative and subject to change.
A big thank-you to our 11 participating restaurants and culinary teams bringing their best soups to this year's competition!
The Pelican Nest
Corner Bistro
Toonies
Spice & Tea Exchange
Short's Brewing
Fireside Lounge with Ducky's Cajun Food
Shanty Creek Resort
The Grind
Ambrosia Mobile Kitchen Catering
Bellaire Lanes & Games
Camp Hayo-Went-Ha
Who will take home this year's Soup Cook-Off honors? You get to help decide!
Take time to explore our charming downtown shops, enjoy a warm drink by a fire pit, discover unique holiday gifts, and soak up the magic of Christmas in Bellaire.
Special thanks to the Bellaire Fire Department, Glacial Hills, Mammoth Distilling, Inspire Health, and Fireside Lounge for helping keep our visitors warm and festive!
Want to be part of the Parade of Lights?
Click the parade registration button below to join the fun!
Light Up the Night is made possible by the generosity of our local businesses, restaurants, volunteers, community organizations, and sponsors.
We can't wait to celebrate the season with you!
Bellaire, Michigan – You Belong Here.
