Events of December 5, 6, and 7, 2025

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 Church.

Grand River Farmers Market Indoor Market. 10 AM to 2 PM. It’s our “Second Season” Winter Market! Found Church, 141 East Michigan Avenue, Downtown Jackson.

Jackson Host Lions Club Holiday Nut Sale. An annual tradition supporting the charities and initiatives of the Jackson Host Lions Club. Choose from a selection of popular gifts from Koeze and Durhams. Great Christmas gifts! Location: Jackson Crossing Mall, Target Wing, up from the Post Office. Fridays 10 AM to 6 PM, Saturdays 10 AM to 4 PM and Sundays Noon to 4 PM. Weekends through December 21st.

Jackson College Virtual Adjunct Hiring Fair. Adjunct instructors are part-time college professors who may teach one or two classes each semester or serve as clinical instructors for health programs. Teaching part-time for Jackson College can offer additional income along with the opportunity to share your knowledge with today’s students. The College is in high demand for in-person adjuncts for the following high-need areas: CEP Facilities (St. Louis, Milan, Huron Valley and more), English Composition, Accounting, and Natural Sciences. Additional subject areas are also welcome to apply. Adjuncts are needed for in-person, online, and Corrections Education Program courses across Michigan. Compensation ranges from $46–$56 per hour, depending on discipline and credentials. Individuals with strong subject-matter knowledge and a commitment to student success are encouraged to apply. Please apply online before to event: https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/jccmi/transferjobs. Register for the Virtual Hiring Fair here: https://forms.office.com/r/ERbRbBE0zL.

Holiday Open House at the Mann House. The Mann House is a wonderful example of a Victorian-era house. Located in the picturesque village of Concord, MI, the home and its contents illustrate typical family life in the 1880s. The Mann House will once again be open this December for a Holiday Open House series! Take a tour while the house is decked out in holiday splendor. FREE ADMISSION. Friday, December 5, 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Saturday, December 6, 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Sunday, December 7, 2:00 to 4:00 and 4:00 to 6:00 pm. 205 Hanover Street, Concord.

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 thru our spectacular Pre Show. WEST bound – use Gate 8 Entrance, EAST bound – use Graves Farm Entrance Gate 14. Info and tickets here.

Saturday, December 6

Simply Queen. 7 PM. A World Class Act! This show performs the iconic songs that have made Queen one of the most legendary rock bands of all time. Simply Queen faithfully recreates the grand scope of Queen’s LIVE shows, musically and visually capturing the amazing Queen experience with incredible 4-part harmonies, dreamy guitar interludes, authentic outfits and instrumentation. From ‘Killer Queen’ and ‘We are the Champions’ to ‘Another One Bites the Dust’ and ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’….Simply Queen’s playlist delivers the hits along with choice album cuts from the famed Queen catalog. For tickets visit jccmi.edu/pottercenter Or call 517-796-8600. Jackson College Potter Center.

Grass Lake 2025 Festival of Lights and Cookie Tour. Activities and events all day long beginning at 8 AM. Light up your calendars for the Grass Lake 2025 Festival of Lights & Cookie Tour. Breakfast with Santa, Cookies, Raffle Drawings, Music, Craft Show, Light Parade, Lighting of the Tree and much more! Music courtesy of Ghost Rider DJ. FULL DETAILS HERE. 5:15 PM Parade Line-Up, 6:00 PM Parade. Parade Participation Form Version A or Version B.

Jackson Symphony Guild Holiday Ball. The Jackson Symphony Guild invites the community to an unforgettable evening of music, elegance, and celebration at the 2025 Holiday Ball: The Music Man, taking place Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Jackson’s historic Theodore. There will be live entertainment from the Jackson Symphony Guild, a barbershop quartet, and Tony Fields Music. An exciting live auction will take place with exceptional items: A musical sculpture, a trip to St. Maarten for two, a dinner with the Maestro, and a guided Pheasant Hunt. Join us for a night to remember! Tickets here.

Vandercook Lake 2nd Annual Christmas Parade. 6 PM. Downtown Vandercook Lake. Santa will be at the Lions Club following the parade (next to Bone Island Grill). Family fun after the parade at the Lions Club. Food trucks will be at Obtain Graphics on Francis Street. To participate contact Tammy Alger at tammyalger@yahoo.com.

Holiday Open House at the Mann House. The Mann House is a wonderful example of a Victorian-era house. Located in the picturesque village of Concord, MI, the home and its contents illustrate typical family life in the 1880s. The Mann House will once again be open this December for a Holiday Open House series! Take a tour while the house is decked out in holiday splendor. FREE ADMISSION. Saturday, December 6, 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Sunday, December 7, 2:00 to 4:00 and 4:00 to 6:00 pm. 205 Hanover Street, Concord.

Christmas Town Craft Show. 10 AM to 4 PM. Get in the holiday spirit by shopping over 100 handmade craft vendors! $3 admission at the door. American 1 Event Center, Keeley Park.

Artisan Holiday Market at Sandhill Crane Vineyards. 11 AM to 5 PM. A variety of artisans and vendors will be on premises, along with live music, food, and wine! 6 packs of Gourmet Take & Bake Cinnamon rolls will be sold on Special from Kitchen Little for $36 During the market, we’ll be holding a variety of special classes in our intimate upper room, The Aviary. Purchase your tickets to these events now as they have limited space available! Tons of vendors and live music throughout the day. 4724 Walz Road, Jackson.

Art 634 Gifts in the Gallery. 6 PM to 9 PM. Step into the season of giving with Gifts in the Gallery, a holiday market that celebrates local artistry and heartfelt craftsmanship. Sip complimentary coffee, cocoa, or tea as you browse one-of-a-kind pieces from regional artists – each thoughtfully priced and ready to take home the moment you fall in love. From ceramics and woodwork to fabric art, paintings, ornaments, cards, and stocking stuffers, there’s something for everyone on your list—and maybe a little something for yourself, too. Opening night offers light refreshments while your favorite music tunes get twisted by DJ CEECH. As always, our shows are free and open to the public. Every purchase supports the maker directly, with 100% of sales going back to the artist. 634 N. Mechanic Street, Jackson.

Sunday, December 7

Pearl Harbor Day Observance. 2 PM. The Jackson County Veterans Council invites you to join in the 4th annual observance of Pearl Harbor Day. The ceremony will take place at the State of Michigan memorial to the USS Arizona, located in Sparta Foundation Park. Special guest dignitaries and featured Guest Speaker John Wake, USN Commander Executive Officer Talent Acquisition Group-Heartland. Parking is available courtesy of the Cascades Baptist Church.

Tuba Christmas. 3 PM. Celebrate the sounds of the season with Tuba Christmas, a beloved musical tradition returning to Jackson College on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, at the Robert Snyder Dining Commons, Potter Center. The concert begins at 3 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Tuba Christmas brings together tuba and euphonium players of all ages to perform classic holiday favorites in rich, warm harmony. This festive gathering creates a joyful sound unlike any other—an uplifting celebration guaranteed to brighten your holiday spirit. Attendees and performers alike can enjoy a snack or a burger before or during the event, as the Dining Commons will be open. Join us this holiday season with a one-of-a-kind musical celebration! Potter Center, Jackson College.

Christmas Collage Concert. 3 PM. First United Methodist Church Music Ministry presents their annual Christmas Collage Concert. This free concert is presented by our Chancel Choir, Belle Canto WEOmen’s ensemble, Journeymen, our Men’s ensemble and our Carillon Ringers. A great way to user in the Advent Season. 275 West Michigan Avenue, Downtown Jackson.

Miss Crossroads 2026. Now representing Jackson, Ingham, and Hillsdale Counties! Join us for an inspiring evening of talent, leadership, and scholarship as we crown our next Miss Crossroads and Miss Crossroads’ Teen! Formerly known as Miss Jackson Crossroads, our program has proudly expanded to include Ingham and Hillsdale Counties, opening the door for more young women to participate, grow, and shine. As a local affiliate of the Miss America Opportunity, one of the nation’s largest scholarship providers for young women, the Miss Crossroads Program empowers participants through education, community service, and personal development. Contestants compete in private interviews, talent, evening wear, and on-stage questions — showcasing not just their skills, but their heart, purpose, and drive to make a difference. Come celebrate our Current titleholders Payton Perry-Radcliffe and Natalie Schmidt as they crown one of these remarkable young women as they share their stories and represent the future of leadership in our community. Tickets available at the door $20 Cash or Venmo. 10 and younger are $10. Michigan Theatre, Downtown Jackson.

Hanover-Horton Area Historical Society Heritage Christmas Celebration. Hanover-Horton Area Historical Society will host 2 weekends of Heritage Christmas Celebration! Sunday, December 7 (1-4 p.m) Santa arrives by fire truck at 1:30 and entertainment begins at 2. There will be refreshments, door prizes and kids activities. Santa’s Sweet Shoppe will be open and there is an end of the year sale in the Gift Shoppe. See the Museum all decorated and view the Accordion exhibit and Santa Needlework display. Make sure you vote for your favorite Christmas Tree decorated by local businesses and community members. 105 Fairview Street, Hanover.

Holiday Open House at the Mann House. The Mann House is a wonderful example of a Victorian-era house. Located in the picturesque village of Concord, MI, the home and its contents illustrate typical family life in the 1880s. The Mann House will once again be open this December for a Holiday Open House series! Take a tour while the house is decked out in holiday splendor. FREE ADMISSION. Sunday, December 7, 2:00 to 4:00 and 4:00 to 6:00 pm. 205 Hanover Street, Concord.