Lansing City Market to host free, family-friendly Winter Solstice event Lansing, Michigan — December 14, 2017 — On Saturday, December 16th, the Lansing City Market is hosting its annual Winter Solstice Celebration, a free family-friendly event with activities for both adults and kids to enjoy. Highlights include free horse-drawn carriage rides, Santa and Mrs. Claus, live music, merchant specials, visiting vendors, and an ugly sweater contest with prizes. Two carriages will be running free 15 minute rides downtown, first come, first served, from 12 pm until 3 pm. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for pictures via self-provided cameras from 12:30 pm until 3:30 pm. Christmas cookies and cider will be available and D. Hibbert and Associates will be performing live to contribute to the atmosphere. An ugly holiday sweater contest will be held from 1:30 pm until 3:00 pm with a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prize of $25 from the Waterfront Bar and Grill, $25 from River Town Adventures, and $20 from Hills Cheese, respectively. Capital Loop Gifts, LS Jewelry Designs and Florals, Hills Cheese, the Waterfront Bar and Grill, and River Town Adventures will be open and offering a wide array of gifts. Candy Painted Treats and B.Houze Originals will be our visiting vendors to add to the variety. Attendees are encouraged to bring their purchases and other gifts to be wrapped for a small fee by We Come to You. LS Jewelry Designs and Florals will be holding a jewelry-making class for $12. Materials will be provided for participants to create their own bracelet, necklace or earrings. Arrive anytime from 12 pm until 4 pm. The jewelry making will take about 45 minutes. Advance signup is required via email at lsjewelrydesigns1@gmail.com. Now through December 20th, the City Market will be a Toys for Tots drop-off location during normal Market hours. Please bring a new, unwrapped toy to the Toys for Tot box on display. The schedule of events at a glance: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm carriage rides 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm: Santa and Mrs. Claus 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm: jewelry-making class 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm: live music 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm: ugly sweater contest “There is no better way to enjoy the season and the beautiful river trail in downtown than the horse-drawn carriage rides,” said Scott Keith, CEO of Lansing Entertainment and Public Facilities Authority, who manages the Lansing City Market. “And there is no other time during the year can you get this experience in this setting.” -####- About the Lansing City Market Lansing City Market was established in 1909. The urban market is home to a variety of merchants offering artisan cheese, specialty foods, gifts, flowers, jewelry, kayaking, biking, and a full bar and restaurant experience on the riverfront. Hours for the year-round market are: Tuesday – Friday 10 am – 6 pm.; Saturday 9 am – 5 pm. For more information, visit the Lansing City Market website.