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Michigan Has an Official Christmas Tree for 2023

Author Anne Erickson
Photo by Anne Erickson

It’s not even Halloween yet, but Christmas is on the way. I know, it might be a bit early, but that’s okay. If you can’t beat them, join them. The Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB) has picked the official 2023 state Christmas tree. The massive tree, a 60-foot spruce, will be harvested from Onaway in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. This should make a beautiful official Christmas tree for the Mitten. Onaway resident Vic Ruppert and his family have actually donated the tree to the State to honor his late wife, Shirley Ruppert. The spruce will be in downtown Lansing on Saturday, Oct. 28, so well before the holidays.

According to the DTMB, “The tree will be harvested Thursday, Oct. 26, and transported to the Capitol with help from the Michigan Association of Timbermen, the Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association, and DTMB’s Christmas tree crew. Once at the Capitol, local Boy Scout troops will continue the tradition of untying the tree.” Also, the HI-Ball Company of Lansing will offer a crane and crew to hoist the spruce, and it will stand near the intersection of Capitol and East Michigan avenues.

The official tree lighting ceremony will take place on Friday, Nov. 17, at the 39th Annual Silver Bells in the City celebration. The event kicks off at 7:30 p.m. and offers “more than 70 entries decked out with thousands of lights, high school marching bands, horse drawn carriages, and the arrival of Santa Claus; lighting of the state tree; community sing; and drone holiday light show,” according to a release. Finally, visitors will get to watch a full fireworks display over the Capitol.

For more information on Silver Bells in the City and the events lined up for that evening, visit SilverBellsintheCity.org. Check out a photo of the official Christmas tree for Michigan in all of its glory here.

Michigan Has One of the Best Winter Getaways in the U.S.

  • 5. Savannah, Georgia

    If you’re looking for a mild getaway, Savannah, Georgia, is a great choice. It’s pretty mild in the winter, so not too cold or too hot. The Historic District is a popular winter vacation spot, too.

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  • 4. Asheville, North Carolina

    The beautiful area of Asheville, North Carolina, has plenty of gorgeous snowfall, and it’s less dangerous than many other areas with snowfall. Lately, Asheville has one up in population, but it’s still a popular tourist destination. One choice spot is the French Broad River, with lots of winter activities, breweries and restaurants.

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  • 3. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

    If you want to enjoy a winter vacation and learn about history, Philadelphia is a great vacation spot. Sure, it’s won’t be like sunny Florida. But, Philly has lots of great museums and historical spots to enjoy indoors, while staying toasty.

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  • 2. Traverse City, Michigan

    I know what you’re thinking. Why go to Michigan in the winter? Well, if you love snow, then it’s worth the trip. Traverse City, Michigan, is a quaint town, but it’s big enough to have lots of things to do and places to stay. It’s also cold in the winter but not as cold as, say the Dakotas.

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  • 1. Key West, Florida

    If you want to get away from the snow and ice, go to Key West, Florida. It’s considered one of the finest tropical spots in the U.S. during the winter months. Soak up the sun and have a margarita, because why not?

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Anne Erickson's love for music drew her into radio. She started on the airwaves shortly after graduating from MSU. Anne has a passion for rock and metal, and she also fronts the band Upon Wings. Email Anne at erickson@WRIF.com, follow her on Instagram at @EricksonAnne and tweet at her @AnneErickson! Anne covers the Detroit, Philadelphia and Las Vegas markets and beyond.

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