Events of December 15, 16, and 17, 2023

Friday, December 15

Capital City Brass Band Christmas Joy Concert. 7:00 pm. Come join an evening of joy with music performed by the Capital City Brass Band at Bethel Church in Jackson, 1691 Springport Rd, Jackson. This is a free admission performance, but donations are greatly appreciated if you are able. Our group is entirely funded by donations, so anything you can give is a blessing to us so we can keep making music and spreading joy and inspiration.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. 7 PM. Join us for our yearly Christmas movie sponsored by Derek Dobies. The screening is dedicated to Derek’s father as a celebration of their family’s yearly event. Come dressed as your favorite Christmas movie character. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the movie starts at 7:00 pm. Admission is FREE!!! Michigan Theatre, Downtown Jackson.

Jackson Symphony Orchestra and Ballet Chelsea present “The Nutcracker”. Ballet Chelsea proudly presents its 26th annual performance of The Nutcracker, a Christmas Eve tale about a young girl named Marie and her magical journey to the enchanted Kingdom of Sweets. The Ballet Chelsea company artists and the Jackson Symphony Orchestra musicians will come together for the fifth year to present this annual full-length, narrated ballet. Friday at 7 PM, Saturday at 2 and 7 PM, Sunday at 7 PM. More information and tickets here.

Grand River Farmers Market. The Grand River Farmers Market crew has moved inside for their first winter market! Found Church, 141 E Michigan Ave, Jackson. Open Fridays 10-3.November thru April.

The Future of Comedy Show at 308 Brass Rail. On this episode of The Future of Comedy Show we have the DYNAMIC DUO of Mike Ball and Big Juicy! Plus FOCS regulars Steve Kaz Ronnie Rohrbeck and introducing Rio Riojas. Please remember doors at 7pm and show begins at 8pm. 308 West Prospect Street, Jackson.

Slim Nichols at Mancino’s. Come on down to hear Mike Slim Crupi and Kevin Nichols at Mancino’s at 6:00 P.M. till 9:00 P.M. It will be a rocking good time for everyone! 3017 Wildwood Avenue, Jackson.

Girls Try Hockey for Free. 6 PM. Girls Try Hockey for Free is designed to provide girls ages 4 to 9 the opportunity to try hockey in a FUN, safe environment with trained coaching staff.
Any questions email: growthcoordinator.jaha@gmail.com
Must Register: https://www.tryhockeyforfree.com/event_detail/2574 Optimist Ice Arena, 1300 West North Street, Jackson.

Russ Kendrick Martin Live at Ironbark. 7 PM to 10 PM. Join us for an evening of folk, country, and Americana stylings that will transport you to the heartland of music with the incredible Russ Kendrick Martin! Prepare to be captivated as he takes the stage, delivering soul-stirring melodies and heartfelt lyrics that paint vivid stories of love, loss, and the beauty of life. With his raw talent and genuine passion for music, you’ll be swept away by an unforgettable performance. 2610 Kibby Road, Jackson.

Nite Lites Drive Thru Christmas Light Show. Michigan International Speedway, US-12 Entrances only. 12626 US-12, Brooklyn. Now through January 7, 2023. Sunday – Thursday 5:30 – 9 pm. Friday and Saturday 5:30 – 10 pm. Learn about how you can purchase exclusive tickets to ride through on the Nite Lites Express!

Saturday, December 16

Jackson Symphony Orchestra and Ballet Chelsea present “The Nutcracker”. Ballet Chelsea proudly presents its 26th annual performance of The Nutcracker, a Christmas Eve tale about a young girl named Marie and her magical journey to the enchanted Kingdom of Sweets. The Ballet Chelsea company artists and the Jackson Symphony Orchestra musicians will come together for the fifth year to present this annual full-length, narrated ballet. Saturday at 2 and 7 PM, Sunday at 7 PM. More information and tickets here.

Wreaths Across America. 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm. St. Johns Catholic Cemetery403 E. South St., Jackson. St. John Catholic Cemetery, an official Wreaths Across America location, will host its 7th annual wreath-laying ceremony with local veterans, joining more than 4000 other locations across the country for National Wreaths Across America Day. All are welcome to help place wreaths on the graves of our veterans and thank them for their service after the short opening ceremony. More Information.

5-Second Rule at Ironbark. Get ready to feel the heat with 5-Second Rule a power trio that’s all about soulful blues and rock! These guys bring the fire with their scorching sound and electrifying performances. From soulful blues ballads to hard-hitting rock anthems, they’ll have you hooked from the first note. Embrace the heat and let 5-Second Rule ignite your passion for music. Playing from 7:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. 2610 Kibby Road, Jackson.

Coffee and Canvas: Cozy Up Art Class for Grown-Ups. 10 AM to 11:30 AM. Paint on canvas, come with some friends or meet new friends, enjoy a coffee, and explore your creativity! Your instructor will lead you through a beautiful seasonal-inspired painting. No worries if you feel you’re not an artist, we will lead the way. For the expert painters, there’s always room to add your own creative flare! December painting theme: “Holiday Wishes”*Coffee and Supplies are provided. Tickets here. Jackson School of the Arts, 135 W. Cortland Street, Downtown Jackson.

“What’s the Buzz About in Bethlehem” Christmas Program. 12 PM to 1:30 PM. Come and find out what the Buzz is all about in Bethlehem. This is a heartwarming performance about the story of Christmas told from the perspective of a fly on the wall. Felix, Fran, Fonzi and Superfly will take us on a journey to find the real reason for the season. Free Admission. Performance begins at 12:00PM. Cookie Social following. Calvary Apostolic Church, 260 W. Prospect St., Jackson.

Tossed and Found Artist Reception. 4 PM. Come spend some time with our Tossed and Found artists, and enjoy the art. We will be having a cash bar, Hor D’Oeuvres, and kids’ crafts. Ella Sharp Museum. Tickets are $8 for the general public and $5 for Members.

Winter Solstice Party. 6 PM to 10 PM. Honor the Winter Solstice with music, a wine release and friends! Hear a variety of live music by Marcus & Tiffany Shelton from 6-9 pm and try our semi-sweet Riesling, it’s back and full of flavor! We’ll be open ’til 10 pm for this special event. Sandhill Crane Vineyards, 4712 Walz Road, Jackson. Tasting Notes: Honeysuckle, baby powder, chamomile, tropical fruit with clementine on the finish.

A Very Nerdy Christmas. 5 PM to 9 PM. Join us for our first annual, “A Very Nerdy Christmas!” Wear your favorite ugly sweater and we’ll provide the pizza as we build gingerbread houses and watch some nerdy Christmas specials from our favorite universes, like Star Wars, Guardians of the Galaxy, and more! Nerd Church JXN, 1208 Greenwood Avenue, Jackson.

Third Annual Whoville. 3 PM to 7 PM. Join us for a day of family fun, activities, tacos, pizza, sweets, entertainment, gift giveaway and raffles. Free for families, please register at whovision.org. Take pictures with the Grinch and Santa! 1203 First Street, Jackson.

Sunday, December 17

Jackson Symphony Orchestra and Ballet Chelsea present “The Nutcracker”. Ballet Chelsea proudly presents its 26th annual performance of The Nutcracker, a Christmas Eve tale about a young girl named Marie and her magical journey to the enchanted Kingdom of Sweets. The Ballet Chelsea company artists and the Jackson Symphony Orchestra musicians will come together for the fifth year to present this annual full-length, narrated ballet. Final performance! Sunday at 7 PM. More information and tickets here.

Home for the Holidaze Variety Show. 4 PM. Produced by: Out of The Box Theater. Director: Annissa Sumner. Doors. 3:00 pm Show time 4:00 pm. A comical look at the holiday season over the last 50 years. Using a unique blend of drama, music, dance, and poetry to cover everything from the gifts to the get-togethers! Featuring talented residents right from Jackson, MI, this is a wonderful Christmas experience for the whole family! Featuring musical performances under the direction of Larry (Big L) Sumner with many local artists. $9 General Admission $5 student/seniors; Family of three or more $20. Bring a toy and receive a FREE SMALL COMBO.All ages show. Bring the family! Michigan Theatre, Downtown Jackson.

Third Annual Live Nativity. Come and Behold! 6 PM Pious Union of St. Joseph. 953 East Michigan Avenue, Grass Lake. Our annual outdoor presentation of the Live Nativity. Free! Refreshments following. More info here.