Rochester Life

The Big Bright Light Show Shines!

Downtown Rochester brightens the sky with 1.5 MILLION Lights!

On Monday, November 22nd, 2021, Downtown Rochester became a beacon to all those seeking comfort in what is good. The glow was beyond measure and the spirit of Christmas and the Holiday Season swelled in our hearts, as thousands immersed themselves in Downtown Rochester’s “Lagniappe” and 2021 Big Bright Light Show.

The “Lagniappe” celebration is in it’s 49th year and always requires a bit of an explanation. According to Merriam-Webster, Lagniappe, pronounced “lan-yap” with only two syllables, means “a small gift given to a customer by a merchant at the time of a purchase”. In a broader sense, it has also come to mean “a little something extra”. We may have to redefine the term to “a LOT of something extra”, because that’s what Downtown Rochester delivered on Monday night!

Santa Lands Safely On Haig's Jewelers Rooftop!

When the switch was flipped the 2021 Big Bright Light Show was upon us, bringing ooo’s and ahh’s from smiling faces throughout downtown. The Big, Bright Light Show is a holiday display unlike any in the Midwest. The buildings of Main Street joyfully shine with more than 1.5 million points of light. The glimmering glow begins at the South Bridge and extends to University Drive. Additionally, buildings on Fourth Street from Walnut to Water Street were also glowing.

“The debut of The Big, Bright Light Show was nothing short of magical. It was heartwarming to see our community come together to kick off the holiday season and make memories. Even in it’s 16th season, it was clear to see that The Big, Bright Light Show hasn’t lost any of its sparkle!”, stated Kristi Trevarrow, Executive Director of the Rochester Downtown Development Authority (DDA). “This holiday tradition is one-of-a-kind, and the perfect complement to the unique shopping experience one will find in Downtown Rochester.”

These magical holiday lights will be lit nightly, Monday, November 22 through Thursday, Jan. 2, 2022, from 5:00 pm to Midnight.

The Big, Bright Light Show Fans Stream Into Downtown!

One of the many visitors to Downtown Rochester on Monday night was Alanna Constance. Alanna, a resident of Armada and a school teacher in Richmond, was in town for dinner.

Alanna shared, "I was having dinner at Kruse and Muer when I heard the customers counting down. I didn't realize the lights were turning on. That was a nice surpirse.I've been here before to see the lights and they're always fantastic." Alanna especially liked seeing businesses offering little extras in front of their shops. She made her way over to see Santa's reindeer.

Turns out that Cupid and Vixon, usually reside in the North Pole, however, this year they came into town from Santa's Christmas Farm in St. Clair, Michigan. Rochester is blessed to have Santa Claus (Sam Miletello) since he's in high demand. He'll also be "The" Santa Claus for the Detroit Thanksgiving Day Parade!

Alanna Constance visits the reindeer from Santa's Christmas Farm!

Cupid and Vixon taking a break from Santa's ride to Rochester

Santa and Mrs. Claus Ready to Greet Fans!

Family pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus!

Giant Christmas Wreath at Antiques and Fine Jewelry by Pamela

Snowman Posing in Plain and Fancy Window Display

Rochester.Life caught up to Amy Picone and Chad Crawford of Rochester.

Chad shared, "We were driving back home through town and saw the extra traffic and crowds walking around, then the lights went on. What better time for us to walk through downtown, get something to eat, check out the stores and head home with a few desserts".

For Amy, it was her first time seeing The Big Bright Light Show. Amy offered, "Getting a chance to see the lights for the first time was amazing, there's really nothing like it."

It was also the first time Amy and Chad had stopped at Zoet's Belgian Chocolates. Amy shared, "The chocolates in Zoet's window display make great teacher gifts and ideal stocking stuffers!"

Chad and Amy perusing Zoet's Belgian Chocolates!

Fans Flocked to Food Trucks

Window Display at Arizona Saddlery

Christmas Window at Haig Jewelers

HOME BAKERY WINNER WINDOW: Take a Close Look!

Lagniappe and The Big Bright Light Show would not be possible without the amazing efforts of our community's First Responders. A big thank you to the Rochester Police Department and all those who created a safe and magical evening for the Rochester Community!

© 2021 Rochester.Life