Flint Festival of Lights

Let’s celebrate the holidays with a free holiday festival in downtown Flint, wearing our favorite ugly sweaters!
Let’s meet at 5:00 at the Dryden Building to start and continue to the party from there. I’ll be wearing a red beret near santa.
Get ready to light up downtown Flint at the Flint Festival of Lights — a brand-new holiday celebration presented in partnership with the Flint Institute of Music, RICH Kids, Inc., the City of Flint, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), and many others! Enjoy music, ice skating, dazzling lights, and community cheer — all in a warm and welcoming atmosphere with heated tents and outdoor warming stations throughout the event area.
Ice Skating, Treats, Giveaways, and More (5:00–8:00 PM)
Lace up for a night of free skating under the twinkling lights featuring Flint Firebirds Hockey! Free skate rentals will be available on-site. Enjoy festive tunes, free coffee and hot cocoa, and sweet treats.
Check out a real fire truck, ambulance, and police cruiser — all decked out for the holidays!
Step inside the Dryden building to snap photos with Santa, enjoy some holiday crafts, and get a little shopping done at the Shops on Saginaw!
Does your kid need a new winter coat? RICH Kids, Inc. will be giving away 100 cozy winter coats, along with ski goggles to add some extra winter fun!
Ugly Sweater Christmas Party (5:00–8:00 PM)
Step inside the heated 2nd Street Tent for a holiday bash hosted by DJ Sic Musiq — winner of the 2025 FIM DJ Battle and one of Flint’s hottest entertainers!
A cash bar will be available featuring festive holiday drinks. Show off your best (or worst!) holiday sweater — prizes will be awarded for the ugliest, funniest, and most creative looks!
Later in the evening, enjoy a live band performance by High Definition featuring Lateena Martin, keeping the party going with soulful holiday vibes.
Tree Lighting and Caroling by the tree (5:45–6:15 PM)
Join event organizers, city leaders, and Santa Claus himself in front of the tree!
At 6:00 PM, Mayor Sheldon Neeley will lead the official City Lights Countdown — a spectacular moment as we light up the beautiful tree in Rotary Park.
Join in the holiday magic as Lateena Martin and her daughters, accompanied by George Warren on keyboard, perform a heartwarming Christmas medley in front of the tree.
Party On! (6:15–8:00 PM)
The celebration continues inside the tent with the DJ spinning festive beats from 6:20–7:00 PM, followed by the live band kicking off at 7:00 PM.
Come early, skate late, and be part of the first-ever Flint Festival of Lights celebration! 🎄✨