Events of December 6, 7, and 8, 2024

Friday, December 6

Grotto Breakfast Benefit. 7 AM to 11 AM. For a donation, enjoy breakfast and support the Jackson Community Food Pantry, Toys for Tots and the Salvation Army Bucket Brigade. Menu includes scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage links, biscuits and gravy, hash browns, toast, juices and coffee. Grotto Club, 102 East Washington Avenue, Downtown Jackson.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Get ready to laugh your way into the holiday season as former Jackson Mayor Derek Dobies hosts a special screening of the classic holiday comedy National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation on Friday, December 6, at 7:00 PM at the Michigan Theatre in downtown Jackson. Dobies is sponsoring the event in honor of his late father, who was a big fan of the Griswold family’s full-blown, four-alarm holiday chaos. Before the film begins, Dobies will take the stage to share a few memories of his father and maybe even his best Clark Griswold impression. Guests are encouraged to wear their ugliest Christmas sweaters, or dress up like a character from the movie, for a best-dressed competition with prizes including a one-year subscription to the jelly of the month club. The movie is free and open to the public, with doors opening at 6:30 PM.

Hanging of the Greens. 7 PM to 10 PM. Spring Arbor University will host the 24th annual Hanging of the Greens this December. 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 concert at The Arbor Church (7 PM) featuring students from our music department. Following the concert, everyone will walk to the university plaza for a candle lighting and “Silent Night” sing-a-long. 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. Event page here.

RESCHEDULED TO JANUARY 10 Culinary Class with JACC. Join the Ella Sharp Museum for a one-of-a-kind culinary experience inspired by Julia Child: A Recipe for Life. Watch the Jackson Area Career Center culinary students bring Julia’s iconic recipes to life with a live demonstration of Caesar salad, Chicken Fricassee, and decadent Chocolate Mousse—straight from Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Indulge in a three-course meal featuring these classic dishes! Doors open at 5pm to tour galleries, dinner will be served at 6 pm. Registration and event page here.

Jackson Pottery and Clay Guild Pottery Sale. 10 AM to 5 PM. You’re invited to the annual Jackson Pottery and Clay Guild Pottery Sale, featuring beautiful work by the Guild members. First Congregational Church, 120 North Jackson Street, 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.

Classics & Christmas Concert. Celebrate the holiday season with the Jackson Symphony Orchestra Community Strings performing festive favorites like Sleigh Ride and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, along with classics by Vivaldi, Haydn, and Bach. Free and fun for the whole family! Weatherwax Hall, Downtown 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.

Julia Child: A Recipe for Life. Traveling Exhibit at Ella Sharp Museum. Julia Child: A Recipe for Life, explores the key ingredients in Julia’s personal journey, which became part of America’s culinary revolution, through a series of immersive experiences. Julia’s insatiable curiosity and tenacious spirit drove her to endlessly try, test, and teach how to make delicious food. Learning empowered Julia and she in turn empowered others, profoundly transforming American cuisine and food culture. Julia Child: A Recipe for Life is a traveling exhibition produced and toured by Flying Fish, developed in collaboration with Napa Valley Museum, supported by The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts, the Schlesinger Library, Harvard Radcliffe Institute, and generously sponsored by Oceania Cruises. Tuesday – Friday: 10 am – 5 pm, Saturday: 11:30am – 4pm, Sunday – Monday: Closed. Admission includes Museum Galleries and Hurst Planetarium Shows. Check here for updates.

Nite Lites Drive Thru Christmas Display. An experience like no other! Nite Lites is a five-mile long holiday lights drive through experience, running every day through Jan 5, 2025. Drive Thru tickets can also be purchased at the gate. Train tickets must be purchased online in advance. Sun – Thurs 5:30pm – 9:00pm, Fri – Sat 5:30pm – 10:00pm. $35 Per Car. Michigan International Speedway US-12 Entrances only, 12626 US-12, Brooklyn, Michigan.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.

Saturday, December 7

“Christmas in the Air” at Potter Center. 7 PM. Experience the magic of the season as the Potter Center at Jackson College presents “Christmas in the Air”. This awe-inspiring holiday production promises an unforgettable evening of precision dance, Broadway-caliber entertainment, and festive cheer for audiences of all ages. “Christmas in the Air” brings a snow globe to life with dazzling performances by synchronized, high-kicking dancers reminiscent of the famed Rockettes, accompanied by world-class singers and actors. Featuring special appearances by Santa and his holiday friends, the show is a heartfelt celebration of the season, wrapped in an enchanting story told by two of Santa’s most mischievous elves. This Broadway-style variety production is filled with timeless holiday classics and contemporary hits, paired with stunning choreography, intricate costumes, and delightful audience participation moments. The show is designed to deliver joy, laughter, and the magic of Christmas to every member of the family. Tickets start at just $25, with special youth pricing available; bring the family and enjoy the show! Secure your seats today by contacting the Potter Center Ticket Office at 517.796.8600 or visiting www.jccmi.edu/pottercenter/christmas-in-the-air.

St. John’s Vendor/Craft Show. 10 AM to 3 PM. 405 E. North Street, Jackson. Please use the North Street entrance for admission to the show. Presented by St. John’s Elementary School. Admission: $2.

Winter Quarters. 4 PM to 8 PM. Join us on the grounds of the Ella Sharp Museum an immersive Civil War Living History event this winter, where you can step back in time and experience the harsh realities faced by soldiers during the winter months of the American Civil War. Set against the backdrop of a meticulously recreated winter encampment of the 26th Michigan Infantry Regiment at Camp Jackson in. 1862, visitors will have the unique opportunity to witness firsthand the daily struggles and resourcefulness of soldiers as they endured the cold. Reenactors will demonstrate various aspects of camp life, including the construction of winter quarters, the preparation of meals over open fires, cannon firings, and the intricate details of period uniforms and equipment. Local Jackson civilians will be found in the nearby buildings showcasing civilian efforts and 1860s Christmas traditions. The inside of the Ella Sharp Museum will future an array of displays from various organizations, original civil war artifacts, activities, more. Presented by Jackson Civil War Society and Ella Sharp Museum.

Grass Lake Festival of Lights & Cookie Tour. 8 AM to 8 PM. A full day of Christmas festivities in Grass Lake. Let’s mingle and jingle! Breakfast with Santa, enjoy delicious cookies, participate in raffle drawings, take a stroll through the tree walk, savor tasty food, listen to festive holiday music, explore a craft show, witness the dazzling light parade, experience the grand lighting of the tree, chat with the Grinch and his friends, and so much more! Map, details and event page here.

MIS Track & Toy Drive. The 16th annual MIS Cares Charity Track & Toy Drive will be happening Saturday, December 7 from 9am-12pm. Donate a non-perishable food item or a new, unwrapped toy in exchange for a drive around the track in your personal vehicle! The event supports the Brooklyn food Pantry, St. Mary’s of Good Counsel Parish Food Pantry, Jackson County Toys for Tots, and Lenawee County Toys for Tots.

Capital City Ringers. 4 PM. The Divine Artist Series presents the Capital City Ringers with “Sounds of the Season”. You’re invited to a concert featuring the Capital City Ringers, from Lansing, under the direction of Mark Loring, Artistic Director. Jackson First Presbyterian Church, 743 West Michigan Avenue, Jackson. No admittance charge, free will offering.

Christmas Town Craft Show. Join us for our 4th Annual Christmas Town Craft Show at the American 1 Event Center located at 128 W. Ganson Street, Jackson MI. Our craft show offers over 110 quality, handmade craft vendors! 10am to 4pm. Admission: $3/person.

Winter Craft Show. 9 AM to 3 PM. Napoleon Middle School, 204 West St, Napoleon.

Springport Christmas Tree Lighting. The Annual Christmas Tree Lighting will be held on December 7th at 6:00pm at Sykes Memorial Park next to the Village Office. Our office is located at 137 E. Main Street, Springport

Christmas in the Village. 9 AM to 8 PM. Saturday, December 7th, Parma, MI is having it’s ‘Christmas in the Village’ Downtown. We will update this as we get confirmation on additional happenings that day! Santa is coming to the Fire Station Craft/Food/Gift fair Cookie decorating for kids Scavenger Hunt Western Choir will be performing More to come! We are currently accepting applications for Gift/Craft/Food Vendors for the indoor Craft Fair. Go to villageofparma.org for more info, vendor application, details, and instructions.

Sunday, December 8

Christmas Open House at the Conklin Museum. Dec 08, 2024, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Conklin Museum , 105 Fairview St, Hanover. View more than 18 decorated trees throughout the Museum. Live Entertainment. Vote for your favorite tree.

Worldwide Candle Lighting Day. 6:45 PM to 8 PM. Catholic Charities of Jackson Lenawee & Hillsdale Counties. 3425 Francis Street, Jackson. This is a free event. Be a part of this worldwide event in remembrance of loved ones who have died, but will never be forgotten. Candles are lit around the globe for one hour (7 to 8 pm local time) until the light has moved around the globe and continuously for 24 hours. Candle and tree lighting are outdoors, refreshments served indoors. Sign up on the ADAM Facebook page here.

Home for the Holidaze Variety Show 2024 Sunday, December 8, 2024 5:00 PM Michigan Theatre of Jackson 124 N. Mechanic Street Jackson, MI 49201 Event Policy: This event has a no refund policy. Experience a humorous and heartwarming journey through the holiday season over the past 50 years. This one-of-a-kind production blends drama, music, dance, and poetry to capture the magic of everything from festive gifts to joyful gatherings! Featuring the incredible talent of Jackson, MI residents, this is a Christmas celebration the whole family will cherish. Don’t miss the unforgettable musical performances with contributions from many talented local artists. A truly special holiday experience! Presented by Out of the Box Theatre Company.