Today in the J

Friday, December 12 The Nutcracker presented by Ballet Chelsea and the Jackson Symphony Orchestra.  Immerse yourself in a magical holiday tradition as Ballet Chelsea proudly presents its 28th Annual Performance of The Nutcracker! Join Clara and her charming Nutcracker Prince on a fantastical journey through the whimsical Land of Sweets, accompanied by the Jackson Symphony Orchestra. Under the direction of Artistic Director Michelle Quenon, this enchanting production blends the beauty of classical ballet with the wonder of the season. Featuring Ballet Chelsea’s talented students and professional company dancers, The Nutcracker is sure to delight audiences of all ages. Potter Center, Jackson College Campus.  Performance Dates: Friday, December 12 | 7:00 PM, Saturday, December 13 | 12:00 PM & 5:00 PM, Sunday, December 14 | 2:00 PM.  Sugar Plum Tea | Sunday, December 14 at 12:00 PM.  Don’t miss this beloved holiday tradition that fills hearts with joy and wonder! Get your tickets today: www.balletchelsea.org/tickets Orange Peacock Gallery Holiday Open House. 5 PM to 7 PM.  Enjoy wine, beer, and yummy holiday cookies while you shop.  Orange tag sale:  $15% off anything with an orange tag during the event.  We always have free gift wrapping!  510 West Michigan Avenue, Jackson. Making Holiday…

Wake Up Jackson Holiday Edition.  7:30 AM to 9 AM.  Let’s wrap up the year with a little extra holiday cheer! Enjoy a continental breakfast, coffee, community, and conversation as we celebrate the season together. Take part in card-making stations (cards provided by Chelsea State Bank), light holiday fun, and our annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Competition! Bring your best (or worst) holiday sweater and compete for the title of the ugliest sweater in the room. In the spirit of giving, admission can be covered in two ways:  $10 (members) | $20 (non-members) OR Bring items to donate to the Interfaith Shelter, such as non-perishable foods, hats, gloves, toiletries, gift cards, and more. See their full wish list here: [https://www.amazon.com/.../ls/3MV37T5V7PSK6/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex]   Forty Nine South | 2527 Helena Ave., Jackson. Pinter Whitnick at Ogma. 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.  Catch some festive tunes and classic 80/90's covers with us as we welcome 'Pinter Whitnick' to kick off the holidays at Ogma! This free 2-hour indoor show features your favorite songs from your favorite duo, plus a killer little light show. See you Thursday, December 11 and ugly sweaters are encouraged!  129 East Michigan Avenue, Downtown Jackson. Pride Holiday Party. 6 PM to 8 PM.  Join us…

Free Family Movie Night: Home Alone (1990). Free admission presented by The Walton Insurance Group.  Walton Insurance Group is bringing Home Alone to the big screen at the historic Michigan Theatre!  Doors 5:30 PM, Movie 6:00 PM.  Home Alone (1990) – Kevin’s on a mission, the Wet Bandits are in trouble, and Christmas magic is everywhere!  Popcorn’s on us, drinks included.  Just bring your family, friends, and holiday cheer! All ages welcome.  Don’t miss this festive night of laughs, fun, and classic Christmas mischief—thanks to Walton Insurance Group!  Michigan Theatre, Downtown Jackson. Concord’s Candlelight Tour.  6 PM to 8 PM.  Step back in time and experience the warmth and wonder of the holiday season at the Village of Concord’s Candlelight Tour on Wednesday, December 10, from 6-8 PM. Visitors are invited to stroll through Concord’s beautifully lit historic village, where soft candlelight will guide the way to beloved landmarks including the Concord Library, Paddock-Hubbard House, Universalist Church, and other local churches and businesses. The village will be illuminated with glowing votives, transforming the streets into a magical, old-world scene that captures the spirit of the season. Guests can enjoy light refreshments at the Concord Opera House, and several local businesses…

Eastern Branch Holiday Party. 6 PM to 7:30 PM.  Santa is coming to the Eastern Branch, so join us for a visit and a free book! You can also explore the library in a scavenger hunt for a special holiday prize.  Light refreshments will be provided.  Eastern Branch, Jackson District Library. Northwest High School Holiday Choir Concert. Join us on December 9th for the NWHS Choir Holiday Concert at 1st United Methodist Church. 1st Concert begins at 6PM and 2nd Concert begins at 7:45PM.  275 West Michigan Avenue, Downtown Jackson. Improv Comedy & Performance Workshop.  7:15 Pm to 9:30 PM.  An Improv Comprehensive will benefit both the beginner and the professional by allowing students to advance at their own pace. There is no pre-requisite and all are welcome.  Enroll at  https://www.monsterboxtheatre.com/classes-1  Monster Box Theatre, 130 East Washington, Downtown Jackson. Tinsel Tuesday Film Series:  Polar Express (2004). 7 PM.  Join us in December for our Tinsel Tuesday film series. Every Tuesday evening we will be showing a holiday classic on the big screen. See these films on the big screen the way they were intended. Add a small Combo popcorn and drink for just $6.  Bohm Theatre, 119 S. Superior Street,…

Jackson BPW Nutcracker Suite Holiday Party. 12 PM. Join our festive Nutcracker Suite Holiday Party and enjoy a delicious lunch, cheerful games, and a chance to make connections that might lead you to a new career opportunity. Feeling lucky? There will be a 50/50 raffle and prizes to win, plus a silent auction for raffle baskets to benefit the Salvation Army! Grab your advanced ticket on our Eventbrite page because we can't wait to see you there! Cascades Manor, Jackson. Jackson Fire Department Car Seat Inspection.  1 PM to 3 PM.  Jackson area families wanting to make sure their children travel safely can take advantage of the Car Seat Inspection Program from the Jackson Fire Department.   The inspections are free and no prior sign up is needed. The inspections will take place at the Jackson Central Fire Station, 518 N. Jackson St. When visiting the Jackson Central Fire Station, pull into the south driveway of the fire station off of N. Jackson Street. Drive around the building past a yellow tower. There will be three large bay doors and a parking lot in front of them to park in. Firefighters will greet you once you've parked. Firefighters request parents…

Friday, December 5 Grotto Breakfast Benefit. 7 AM to 11 AM.  Fore a donation, enjoy breakfast and support The Jackson Community Food Pantry, Toys for Tots, and the Salvation Army Bucket Brigade.  Menu inclusses scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage links, biscuits and gravy, hash browns, toast, juices and coffee.  Grotto Club, 102 East Washington Avenue, Downtown Jackson. Hanging of the Greens. 7 PM to 10 PM.  Spring Arbor University will host the 25th annual Hanging of the Greens! It’s a fun night filled with Christmas music, candle lighting, fireworks, and a community reception that includes horse and wagon rides, balloon artists, kids’ activities, roasted almonds, cookies, cocoa, and more! The event begins with a Christmas concert at The Arbor Church featuring students from the SAU Music Department and a candle lighting ceremony. Fireworks will follow the candle lighting and kick off the community Christmas party. The School of Education faculty and students will provide fun Christmas activities for kids, horse and wagon rides will carry guests through campus, cookies, cocoa and other yummy Christmas treats will be served, and more! All events are free and open to the general public. All ages are encouraged to attend. Parking is available at The Arbor…

Vocal Point Holiday Concert.  Jackson College invites students, employees and community members to enjoy an evening of festive music at the Vocal Point Holiday Concert, set for Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, at 7 p.m. in the Jets Hangar. This annual holiday performance will highlight the talent and creativity of Jackson College’s Vocal Point ensemble. Guests can expect a warm, spirited program featuring a variety of group pieces that highlight the choir’s harmony and musicianship. In addition, audience members will enjoy numerous solos, giving individual vocalists the opportunity to shine. All are welcome to join in on with an audience sing-along of favorite holiday carols. Instructor Bethany Bickel directs Vocal Point. The event is free and open to the public. All are welcome to attend and share in the holiday spirit! Poetry Out Loud. 9 AM to 5 PM.  Poetry Out Loud offers high school students a chance to compete! Jackson College is hosting area high school students in a dynamic poetry recitation competition.In recognition of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, the 2025-2026 Poetry Out Loud program will focus on poems that celebrate the rich tapestry of American history and culture. Judges will evaluate performance based on voice, articulation, understanding and accuracy. Presented in partnership with…

Aware Shelter Campus Visit. 11 AM to 2 PM.  The AWARE Shelter will be on Jackson College Central Campus to discuss their services and volunteer opportunities! The AWARE Shelter provides services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Our advocates are here to support survivors at every stage, from creating a personalized safety plan to coordinating pet care through local partnerships like the Cascades Humane Society. We’re dedicated to ensuring that survivors have the resources, support, and comfort they need during this critical time.  Potter Center Dining Commons. Browse & Borrow Book Fair.  11 AM to 2 PM.  Join us at the Jackson College Library to relive the magic of school book fairs, with a twist! Everything at this book fair is free--check out items with your JDL/Jackson College card and browse our selection of giveaways. Book selection will be geared towards teens and adults. Nite Lites Drive Thru Christmas Display.  It’s an experience like no other, and a tradition you don’t want to miss! The Nite Lites Drive-Thru Christmas Show is approximately 6 1/2 miles long.  November 22 through January 5,.  Sunday - Thursday 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm;  Friday and Saturday 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm.  Open Rain or Snow. …

Jackson College Holiday Concert. 7 PM.  Celebrate the holidays with Jackson College’s instrumental ensembles! The Jackson College Community Concert Band, Jazzy Jets and JC Drumline will present a holiday concert at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2 in the Harold Sheffer Music Hall, Potter Center. Enjoy festive favorites that capture the magic of the season, including a lively medley of holiday songs, timeless selections from “The Nutcracker Suite,” and a powerful, crowd-pleasing arrangement of Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24.” Audiences will be treated to a variety of musical styles and moods — from traditional classics to contemporary holiday hits — promising a warm and spirited evening for all ages. Jackson College musical ensembles are comprised of both college students and community members. Director of Instrumental Activities and Music Professor Dan Bickel directs the Concert Band and Jazzy Jets, while Instructor Benjamin Crockett directs the JC Drumline. Admission is free, and all are welcome. 12th Annual Village of Hanover Christmas Tree Lighting.  6 PM.  Hanover Township Fire Department, 129 W. Allen Street, Hanover.  The community is invited to join the Township for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.  Pizza, hot chocolate, raffle baskets, music and more! Bring a food pantry donation for a raffle entry! Improv Comedy and…

Just Desserts Book Club.  12 PM.  Enjoy great stories, thoughtful discussions, and warm community. Whether you’re a lifelong book lover or just getting back into reading, all are welcome.  Spring Arbor Branch, Jackson District Library. Yoga at Carnegie. 3 PM.  Join us for a relaxing yoga session at Carnegie. Please bring your own mat.  Carnegie Branch, Jackson District Library. Monster Box Improv at Ironbark. 7 PM.  Always new and original, the Improv Team creates a unique evening of fun, live comedy from audience suggestions.  A quick-witted, fast-moving show that will keep you laughing throughout.  Come out and have some laughs with us.  No cover!  2610 Kibby Road, Jackson. Nite Lites Drive Thru Christmas Display.  It’s an experience like no other, and a tradition you don’t want to miss! The Nite Lites Drive-Thru Christmas Show is approximately 6 1/2 miles long.  November 22 through January 5,.  Sunday - Thursday 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm;  Friday and Saturday 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm.  Open Rain or Snow.  Open both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.  Michigan International Speedway US-12 Entrances only, 12626 US-12, Brooklyn.   Ticket Booth is 15 minute Drive off of US 12.   Entrances Gate 8 Or Gate 14…