Flint Festival of Lights, presented by Flint Downtown Development Authority
Date and Time
Friday Dec 5, 2025
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM EST
Friday, Dec. 5
5 - 8 p.m.
Location
Rotary Park
S. Saginaw St, at Second Street
Downtown Flint
Fees/Admission
Free and open to the public
Description
Friday, Dec. 5
5:00–8:00 PM
Rotary Park, Downtown Flint
Get ready to light up downtown Flint at the Flint Festival of Lights
Join us for a brand-new holiday celebration presented in partnership with the Flint Institute of Music, Downtown Development Authority, Downtown Small Business Association, RICH Kids, Inc., the City of Flint, 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.
5:00–8:00 PM
Rotary Park, Downtown Flint
Get ready to light up downtown Flint at the Flint Festival of Lights
Join us for a brand-new holiday celebration presented in partnership with the Flint Institute of Music, Downtown Development Authority, Downtown Small Business Association, RICH Kids, Inc., the City of Flint, 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.
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Ice Skating, Treats, Giveaways, and More
5:00–8:00 PM
5:00–8:00 PM
- Lace up for a night of free ice skating under the twinkling lights with Flint Firebirds' Hot Wing! Free skate rentals will be available on-site, with outdoor heaters nearby to keep you warm between laps.
- Enjoy festive tunes with free coffee, hot cocoa, provided by Coffee Beanery.
- Join Patriot Ambulance and City of Flint staff to 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, and enjoy holiday crafts, gifts, and treats provided by Uptown Reinvestment Corporation. Shop local and support the Shops on Saginaw and 100K Ideas!
- 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 p.m.
5:00–8:00 p.m.
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.
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Tree Lighting & Caroling by the Tree
5:45–6:15 p.m.
5:45–6:15 p.m.
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.
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Party On!
6:15–8:00 p.m.
6:15–8:00 p.m.
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.
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Come early, skate late, and be part of the first-ever Flint Festival of Lights celebration!
This event is free and open to the public.
