Events of December 20, 21, and 22, 2024

Friday, December 20

Jackson Symphony Orchestra Holiday Aglow. Join us for our Holiday Concert Aglow, a collaboration with the County Fair, where music and light blend to create magic. Enjoy an evening with a JSO string quartet playing holiday favorites all in the cozy glow of candlelight. It’s a moment to unwind, share with loved ones, and feel the holiday spirit in a way that’s both comforting and special. Seating is first come, first served. There are no assigned seats when you purchase your tickets.  Details and tickets: https://www.jacksonsymphony.org/…/concert-aglow…/ SHOW – 7PM, DOORS OPEN AT – 6PM.  Jackson County Tower Ballroom, Downtown Jackson.

Grand River Winter Farmer’s Market.  A year-round community-driven market prioritizing fresh local products and Michigan made goods. Fridays 10 am – 3 pm. ood Assistance Programs:  We accept most food assistance programs, including WIC, Bridge Cards, Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB), Project Fresh, and Senior Project Fresh.  You can double your $ when using a Bridge card with the DUFB program ($10 becomes $20).   Found Church, 141 E Michigan Ave., Downtown Jackson.

Christmas Cookie Craze at the Five Forks.  5 PM to 7 PM.  Join us for our first ever Christmas Cookie Craze. Each ticket purchased gets a box that you can stuff to your hearts content by choosing from a huge assortment of classics, best sellers, and some new and different cookies. Boxes fit an estimated 2-3 dozen cookies… but we think you’re up for a challenge.And because it’s such a special event, we’re going all out with the cozy vibes. There will be a complementary cocoa bar and we’re welcoming a few special guests like The Front Porch Jxn for a build your own stem bar, musical entertainment, and more. For the best price, pre-order your tickets here.  1194 N. West Avenue, Jackson.

Marcus & Tiffany at Veritas.  6 PM to 9 PM.  Marcus and Tiffany are classically trained singers who have been married for over 20 years. In his longtime opera career, Marcus was honored to sing on stages around the world, and with some of the biggest names in the business; and Tiffany has largely focused her music degree and velvety pipes on jazz and musical theatre. They will be performing their signature mix of genres and styles, including: classic rock, opera, 90s alternative, mellow 70s gold, country, big band favorites, and more! Requests always welcome.  Veritas, 151 West Michigan Avenue, Downtown Jackson.

Saturday, December 21

Winter Solstice and Its Meanings. 7 PM.  Jackson College invites the community to a special educational and celestial event, “The Winter Solstice and Its Meanings,” on Saturday, Dec. 21, at 7 p.m. in the Jets Hangar. This free evening offers an engaging opportunity to explore the science and traditions surrounding the shortest day of the year. Travis Marlow, the College’s Astronomical Observatory Coordinator, will offer a fascinating presentation on the winter solstice. Attendees will learn about the mechanics of this astronomical event — what causes the solstice and its significance in marking the change of seasons. Marlow will also delve into the cultural history tied to the solstice, exploring how civilizations across the globe have celebrated and interpreted this event through time. Weather permitting, the event will conclude with a laser night sky tour and a chance to observe celestial wonders through the College’s state-of-the-art Astronomical Observatory. This hands-on experience offers a rare glimpse into the beauty of the winter night sky, guided by an expert astronomer. Whether you’re an astronomy enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about the natural world, this event is perfect for individuals and families alike. Don’t miss this chance to gather, learn, and stargaze under the winter sky.  Admission is free, and everyone is welcome.

Jackson Symphony Orchestra Holiday Aglow. Join us for our Holiday Concert Aglow, a collaboration with the County Fair, where music and light blend to create magic. Enjoy an evening with a JSO string quartet playing holiday favorites all in the cozy glow of candlelight. It’s a moment to unwind, share with loved ones, and feel the holiday spirit in a way that’s both comforting and special. Seating is first come, first served. There are no assigned seats when you purchase your tickets.  Details and tickets: https://www.jacksonsymphony.org/…/concert-aglow…/ SHOW – 7PM, DOORS OPEN AT – 6PM.  Jackson County Tower Ballroom, Downtown Jackson.

Winter Solstice Celebration with Live Music by Pinter Whitlock. The darkness has come and gone! Bring friends & family to celebrate light with us, in the stars & the sun! We’ll be open late ’til 10pm with live music from 6-9pm by Pinter Whitnick!  Sandhill Crane Vineyards, 4724 Walz Rd, Jackson.

Downriver Dan at Ironbark Brewing Company. 7 PM to 10 PM.  Dan’s got mad skills on the guitar and a voice that’ll give you goosebumps! He’s bringing the soul of the blues and the storytelling of folk rock together for one epic musical experience. Don’t miss out on this chance to witness the magic of DownRiver Dan live!

Ogma Double Bottle Release Event.  We’re excited to announce the double release of Coronal Mass Extinction and Nightmare Fyule! Coronal Mass Extinction is our first-ever bourbon barrel-aged barleywine. Nightmare Fyule is a limited-edition barrel-aged imperial stout, aged 21 months.  The event kicks off this Saturday at 11 a.m.  Ogma Brewing Co., 129 East Michigan Avenue, Jackson.

Center Stage Jackson Auditions. 5 PM to 8 PM.  Center Stage Jackson auditions for “Escanaba in da Moonlight,” directed by Charles Packard, will be held Saturday, December 21st from 5-8pm at the First Presbyterian Church (743 W Michigan Ave, Jackson, MI) in the activity room. Performance dates are February 14-16 and 21-23 in the freshly remodeled Ruth Day Theater in the Potter Center at Jackson College.

Sunday, December 22

Ugly Sweater Party with Live Music by Brian and Steve Tucker.  1 PM to 4 PM.  Throw on your favorite ugly sweater and bring your friends for a holiday outing with live music by Steve & Brian Tucker from 1-4pm!  Sandhill Crane Vineyards, 4724 Walz Rd, Jackson.

2nd Annual Breakfast with Santa. 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM.  We are excited that Santa made time to stop in at Suburban and enjoy breakfast with us! We will be serving scrambled eggs (plain & ones with peppers and onions) biscuits and gravy, bacon, sausage patties, homefries, and pancakes. Drinks will be regular and decaf coffee, tea, orange juice and apple juice. $14.99 for adults and $7.99 for kids and under 5 free. Please call 517-764-3200 or use this event to RSVP.  Suburban Lanes, 3801 Ann Arbor Road, Jackson.

Breakfast with Santa.  8 AM to 11 AM.  Join Breakfast with Santa at the American Legion Richard F. Smith Post 29 on Lansing Ave, Jackson, MI 49202. Come join us!!  3200 Lansing Ave, Jackson.

The Detroit Lions on the Big Screen.  1 PM to 4 PM.  The Detroit Lions face the very intense Chicago Bears for an inter conference rivalry. Always a game to remember since Dick Butkus graced us with his eloquence and athleticism. Doors open at 12:30 pm. Hot dogs, coney sauce, freshly cut onions, chips, and cookie available for $5. The hot dogs are all beef. Every game is a big one.  Admission is FREE!!!  Michigan Theatre, Downtown Jackson.