Events of December 8, 9 and 10, 2017

Spring Arbor University Hanging of the Greens. The event is free and open to the public, and provides a time for the Spring Arbor community and its friends to gather and experience the amazing sights and sounds of Christmas. The evening festivities will kick off at 7 p.m. as university students perform a festive Christmas concert, held in the Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church. Following the concert, the community is invited to participate in a candle-lighting ceremony, featuring a Christmas carol sing-along and fireworks, sponsored by American 1 Credit Union. Community Reception in the Student Life Center at 8:30 p.m. All are welcome to decorate Christmas cookies, sip hot cocoa, enjoy roasted almonds and balloon animals, and visit with Santa Claus. Throughout the evening, families may also ride though campus on horse-drawn Christmas wagons. For those who have an eye for art, the Ganton Art Gallery will be open at 8:30 p.m., displaying the best student artwork of the semester. This biannual show is the pinnacle event of the art department at Spring Arbor University.

Three Men and a Tenor, “Ha Ha Holiday Show” Live at the Michigan Theatre. Doors open at 7pm, concert starts at 8pm. Ticket prices $19-23. Tickets available at the Michigan Theatre Box Office and the Believe Center 745 Lansing Ave Jackson. Featuring high-energy versions of the best songs of the season including White Christmas, Silver Bells, Carol of the Bells, Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town and much more. Fun for the whole family!

Ballet Chelsea presents its 20th Anniversary performance of The Nutcracker with live accompaniment by the Jackson Symphony Orchestra. Choreographed by Wendi DuBois, Ballet Chelsea Artistic Director, the full-length, narrated production keeps audiences from all over south-eastern Michigan returning year after year. Adding to the excitement of celebrating 20 years, this December’s Nutcracker will feature new sets and costumes, as well as live musical accompaniment by the Jackson Symphony Orchestra. Experience the magic this December: Friday, Dec. 8 @ 7pm at George E. Potter Center. Saturday, Dec. 9 @ 7pm at Chelsea High School’s Performing Arts Complex. SUNDAY’S PERFORMANCE IS SOLD OUT. FRIDAY AND SATURDAY ARE NEARING SELLOUT. GET TICKETS NOW HERE.

The Science of Star Wars at Hurst Planetarium. Join us for an evening devoted to all things Star Wars. This special event features MeggaXP, Star Wars trivia, a presentation in the Hurst Planetarium, and so much more! At 6 p.m., the show begins with “The Science of Star Wars: Science Fiction vs. Science Fact” in the Hurst Planetarium with contributors from the Concatenation Convention, followed by Star Wars trivia conducted by MeggaXP at 7 p.m.! Seating is limited to 60, please purchase tickets here.

Artist Reception at the Orange Peacock Gallery at the Ella featuring Barrie Bouman. 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The Orange Peacock at Ella Sharp Museum, 3225 Fourth St., Jackson. Artist Barrie Bouman has a Master’s Degree in teaching with a year of design school and has taken numerous art classes across the country. She is a mother of four whose new passion, after raising her kids, is water color painting. The natural yet vibrant landscapes she paints are inspired by summers spend in northern Michigan. Enjoy complimentary beer and wine.

Friday Night Skate and Laser Tag at Allskate Fun Center. Friday Night 6-9pm Skate & Laser Tag! Admission is only $8 and skate rental is $4 (Skates or Blades). Laser Tag: 1 play $6, Double play $9. Family & Group Rates Available. Pizza & Pop only $3.50. Friday 8-11pm Skate & Laser Tag! Ages 12 & Older. Uncensored music after 9pm. Admission is only $10 and skate rental is $4 (Skates or Blades). Laser Tag: 1 play $6, Double play $9. 1313 West North Street, Jackson.

Nite Lites Holiday Light Display. Opening Night at their new location: Michigan International Speedway. November 23 to December 30. Michigan International Speedway. US-12 Entrance only, 12626 US-12, Brooklyn, Michigan 49230 Time: 5:30 pm – 9 pm Sunday thru Thursday. 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm Friday & Saturday. Pricing: $20 per car / vehicle, $35 per mini-bus, $65 per tour bus.

The Christmas Art Show by K Gallery. We will be hosting 30+ outstanding regional artists in a variety of mediums for four weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas at the Southpoint Plaza in Jackson. (1931 Horton Road, Suite 12) Open Wednesdays through Saturdays Noon to 7 pm, Sundays Noon to 4 pm.

Sauk presents “It’s A Wonderful Life”. All performances take place at the Sauk Theatre, 240 E. Chicago St. in Jonesville. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (55 and up) and students and $8 for children (12 and under). Tickets can be purchased at www.thesauk.org or by calling 517-849-9100.

Saturday December 9

JCFCU presents a free movie, “Elf” tonight at the Michigan Theatre. Free for the whole family! Doors open at 6PM, movie starts at 7 PM. There will be games, balloon animals, the ROse Queen and more! Presented by Jackson Community Federal Credit Union.

Jackson School of the Arts presents Holiday Extravaganza. 2 PM, Michigan Theatre. $6 for adults, $4 for children (2-17). Featuring dance, art and theater students and the Haus of Dance Company of Jackson School of the Arts. Special guests are Detroit street dance artists “Fresh Classics” and Annelise Senkowski from the University of Michigan. All are welcome. More info at jacksonarts.org.

Jackson YMCA Gift Wrapping. Save time this Holiday season. The Jackson YMCA will wrap your presents while you workout! Donations are greatly appreciated and will go to the Capital Campaign. 10 AM to 1 PM.

Total Performance Training Center presents a Baseball Performance Camp with Coach Gary Goodwin today from 3 PM to 5 PM. All participants will receive a free T-shirt and the players with the best test scores will get a free water bottle and drawstring bag. The ORS Fieldhouse, Shirley Drive, Jackson, intended for ages 9 to 13. Call 517-768-2255 ext 2 for more details.

Annual Santa Event at The Hobbit Place. 5PM to 8PM. FREE Photographs with Santa & Mrs. Claus by Photographer, Accalia Shroads — (Pets also welcome) Accalia does this for free each and every year because of the Jackson County Animal Shelter donations we accept at this event. FREE Kids Craft, Live Reindeer, and Wagon Rides. Write a letter for Santa and give a return address, and he will write a letter back! Every year we collect donations, items or monetary for the Jackson County Animal Shelter.

Napoleon Craft Fair. Saturday December 9th at the Napoleon Middle School from 9:00 am to 3:00. Admission proceeds go towards a family in need: $1 adults & kids 12 – under free.

Ballet Chelsea presents its 20th Anniversary performance of The Nutcracker with live accompaniment by the Jackson Symphony Orchestra. Choreographed by Wendi DuBois, Ballet Chelsea Artistic Director, the full-length, narrated production keeps audiences from all over south-eastern Michigan returning year after year. Adding to the excitement of celebrating 20 years, this December’s Nutcracker will feature new sets and costumes, as well as live musical accompaniment by the Jackson Symphony Orchestra. Experience the magic this December: Saturday, Dec. 9 @ 7pm at Chelsea High School’s Performing Arts Complex. SUNDAY’S PERFORMANCE IS SOLD OUT. SATURDAY IS NEARING SELLOUT. GET TICKETS NOW HERE.

Redeemer Lutheran Church presents it’s “Living Nativity” from 6:00-8:00 p.m. The event is free and located in the Lower Level Activity Center. The Address is 3637 Spring Arbor Road, Jackson. Come walk through the sights and sounds of the tiny village of Bethlehem at the time of Jesus’ birth. Street shops, the Synagogue, the Inn that was full and of course the Holy Family. A Bell Choir and refreshments are featured. Watch your step! The Roman guards are in town, too.

Live Music at ARTitude with Billy Joe Hunt, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. ARTitude, 416 Wildwood Ave., Jackson. Billy Joe Hunt is a local singer/Songwriter playing acoustic folk, blues & Americana. Mixing covers and originals in a style listeners are sure to enjoy. Enjoy shopping with live music and complimentary beer and wine.

The Christmas Art Show by K Gallery. We will be hosting 30+ outstanding regional artists in a variety of mediums for four weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas at the Southpoint Plaza in Jackson. (1931 Horton Road, Suite 12) Open Wednesdays through Saturdays Noon to 7 pm, Sundays Noon to 4 pm.

Sunday December 10

ART 634 Second Sunday. Join the ART 634 tenants for a relaxing Holiday gathering from 12 to 4 PM. During this 2nd Sunday, we will be sharing it together with a meal, potluck style, so come and grab some tasty treats on us. There will be an easy make-n-take project on site. Bring an instrument if you have one and of course your holiday spirit. Come reflect about this year or chat about upcoming 2018 happenings. Celebrate the arts and ART 634. We hope to see you there!

The All A-Merry-Can Christmas Show, Jackson’s favorite food charity Christmas Show since 1984. One show only, today at 3 PM at the Michigan Theatre. Price of admission: a donation of non-perishable food goods and/or personal care items. Bring the kids to visit Santa! Monetary donations benefit the Michigan Theatre.

Point of Grace and Aaron Shust Christmas. The women of Point of Grace have provided a soundtrack to our lives for over two decades. With faith-filled and passionate lyrics, their memorable melodies and soaring harmonies have inspired generations. With more than 8 million recordings sold, three Grammy nominations, multiple Dove awards, and countless accolades, the story of a few gifted college girls with a passion for sharing their music continues to evolve and engage thousands of fans. Joining them in concert is Aaron Shust. Shust was named the Songwriter of the Year at the GMA Dove Awards of 2007, and his song, “My Savior My God,” received the Song of the Year award. He is also known for his hits “My Hope is in You,” “No One Higher,” “Ever Be,” and “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” which has become a perennial holiday favorite. Tickets $40, $35 and $28. Tickets here.