Green Friday and Winter Glow Coming to Downtown EL This Weekend
Just like that, the holiday season is here, and the City of East Lansing is offering two ways to kick off the arrival of wintry weather: Green Friday and Winter Glow.
Winter Glow is a celebratory festival in downtown East Lansing that will take place this Saturday, Dec. 4, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event, sponsored by the East Lansing Downtown Management Board, features live music, a winter farmers’ market, ice carving demos, a photo booth, and activities for kids hosted by the East Lansing Public Library and the East Lansing Art Festival.
Justin Drwencke, the City’s Community Events Coordinator, says the return of the event this year is exciting.
“Live music by The Dangling Participles will set the atmosphere for the winter festival and community members can watch an ice carving demonstration throughout the event,” Drwencke told ELi. “We’ll have a photo booth for community members to capture memories from the festival. Additionally, community members can purchase a variety of ready-to-eat foods and seasonal gifts at the winter market featuring several East Lansing Farmers market vendors.”

Courtesy of the City of East Lansing
Community members enjoy the Winter Farmers market at Winter Glow 2019Also coinciding with this festival are Green Friday and Saturday – downtown East Lansing’s version of Black Friday. The City encourages residents to shop small and support local businesses.
Bikram Yoga, Campus Corner, Clever Clover, Curious Book Shop, DBN Boutique, Douglas J. Aveda Institute, Mac Men Computers, Mad Eagle, Massage & Wellness, Moosejaw, Puff Puff Tobacco, Quark!, Seams, Sundance Jewelers, Woven Art Yarn Shop, and Yoga State will have special discounts and sales.
Peanut Barrel, Blue Owl Coffee, Campbell’s Market Basket, Foster Coffee Co., FieldHouse, and Zyara Grill will have special food and beverage items.
View the complete list of Green Friday and Saturday offerings here.
Ella Signs, a marketing and advertising creative specialist for the City, says the event is a terrific way to support local businesses.
“There are so many unique gifts that small, local businesses offer that you wouldn’t be able to find at big retailers, so I really hope community members feel encouraged to explore downtown East Lansing for some of their holiday shopping — and score some savings while doing so,” said Signs.
Renee Leone says she’s excited to offer unique gifts that provide lasting enjoyment during her first holiday season as the owner of Quark!.
“Small businesses like Quark! love going the extra mile, getting to know customers and neighbors, and offering personal service that only a small business can,” Leone told ELi. “Small businesses are the heart of a very, unique, and dynamic community and their customers are what make them tick.”
Parking is free in the Charles Street Garage (121 Charles Street) and Division Street Garage (181 Division Street) from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m on Saturday.
Check out our 2020 Spend Locally series to find out more about local businesses around town!
Help ELi bring attention to local businesses!