Bellaire's Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony & Santa Visit. Special thanks to our Presenting Sponsor: BC Pizza
Also special thanks to the 9 participating restaurants cooking soup this year! BC Pizza (at Paddles & Pedals), The Pelican Nest (at the Library), Antrim Dells Golf Course (at Stonewaters Inn), Corner Bistro, Chloe's Chophouse, Toonies, Spice & Tea Exchange, Shorts Brewing, Fireside Lounge & Ducky's Cajun Food.
Light Up the Night Parade: A nighttime holiday parade through downtown Bellaire with illuminated floats, vehicles, and festive decorations.
Christmas Tree Lighting: A traditional tree lighting ceremony in the village to officially kick off the holiday season.
Soup Cook-Off: Local restaurants, chefs, and home cooks compete to offer their best soups, with attendees sampling and voting for their favorites. 9 soups - tickets will go on sale November 1st - $15 at the Holiday Gift Fair and then the following week at participating establishments (see list below).
Visits with Santa: Families can meet Santa & Mrs. Claus, perfect for children and holiday photos.
Downtown Festivities: Shops stay open late for holiday shopping, Bellaire HS band ensemble perform, live nativity scene, fire pits & warm drinks available.
This event is organized to bring the Bellaire community together, support local businesses, and celebrate the holiday season in a cozy, small-town atmosphere.
Soup tickets STILL AVAILABLE at:
- Bellaire Chamber office
- Bellaire Hardware
- Fireside Lounge
- Antrim Dells (Dave Hill)
Event Itinerary
10am-7pm: Friends of the Library Auction @ the Bellaire Library (ongoing all week) www.bellairelibrary.org
10am-7pm: Toys for Tots Drive - drop off box @ Edward Jones (ongoing all week)
10am-11am: 5K Elf Run - hosted by the Bellaire Cross Country Team - pre-register at Annual Elf Run Bellaire
11:30 am: Polar Plunge (following the 5k run) @ Riverside Marina - PLUNGE OR SPECTATE!!!
10am-3pm: Last Chance Craft Fair @ ASI Community Center
10am-2pm: FREE Kids Scavenger Hunt - downtown Bellaire - (14 & under) get game card at The Flying Pig
12pm - 6pm: Bellaire Schools Class of 2027 Bake Sale @ Bellaire Theater
2:30pm: FREE matinee at the Bellaire Movie Theater (bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to the Bellaire Food Pantry for admittance. Limited Seating.)
4p-4:45pm: FREE minute to win it games hosted by Miss Bellaire @ the Village Hall
4pm-7pm Artisan pop-up & Holiday Card Making hosted by Crosshatch Center (@ formerly known as Uniquely North building) & Shorts South End
4:30pm-5:30pm: Live Nativity Scene (hosted by Bellaire United Methodist Church)
4:30pm-7pm: Soup Cook Off (pre-purchase tickets)
4:30pm:7pm: FREE bread samples at Ruthann's Gourmet Bakery
4:30pm-7pm: Warming stations with hot chocolate, s'mores and treats (throughout town) hosted by Glacial Hills, Mammoth Distilling, Inspire Health, Fireside Lounge
5:30pm: Parade of Lights Community Parade - "CANDY theme" - downtown
5:45pm: Bellaire HS Band Ensemble, Tree Lighting and Visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus
7pm: Soup Cookoff Voting Closes - winners will be announced after 8pm on Destination Bellaire Facebook page!
Live Music by Jake Slater at Stonewaters Inn starting at 6:30pm and Live Music by Spencer Opperman and After Party at Fireside Lounge starting at 7pm!
If you would like to participate in the night parade, click on the parade registration button at the bottom of this page.
Thank you to our restaurant soup participants, volunteer organizations and sponsors of this event! You all make this holiday event possible for our community!
