Events of November 30, December 1 and 2, 2018

November 30

Wizards of Winter.  A holiday rock event for the whole family featuring former members of The Trans-Siberian Orchestra. The Wizards of Winter bring their musical intensity, stage theatrics and holiday fun to the Potter Center. This 12-member ensemble boasts soaring vocal harmonies, precision string instrumentation, powerful percussion and stunning keyboard work, layered around a rich storyboard that evokes December’s past. Celebrate the season with The Wizards!Tickets: $35 | $32 | $25.  7 PM, Jackson College Potter Center Music Hall. iccmi.edu.  Tickets 517-796-8600.

Red Cross Blood Drive.  12 PM to 5:45 PM.  Blackman Township Hall, 1990 West Parnall Road, Jackson. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, blood donations decline due to the busy season.  Give the gift of life.

Live Music at Jackson Coffee Company.  Tonight, Steve Berkemeier.  For more than 20 years now, Berkemeier has combined the strength of his original songs with popular, classic and contemporary songs by other artists, to entertain audiences all over the State of Michigan and Ohio. His frequent appearances at area festivals and venues have made him one of the region’s most popular entertainers. 7 PM to 10 PM.  Jackson Coffee Company, corner of Mechanic and Cortland, Downtown Jackson. 

Lumen Christi Drama presents “Christmas in Two Acts”.  A light-hearted look at Christmas.  When things get too complicated the kids come to the rescue.  7:30 PM, Lumen Christi Catholic School.

Old Man and a Gun. Michigan Theatre.  At the age of 70, Forrest Tucker makes an audacious escape from San Quentin, conducting an unprecedented string of heists that confound authorities and enchant the public. Wrapped up in the pursuit are detective John Hunt, who becomes captivated with Forrest’s commitment to his craft, and a woman who loves him in spite of his chosen profession.  Doors: 6:30 pm Film: 7:00 pm.  Admission $5.

Albion Aglow. 2018 Albion Aglow Parade and Downtown Open House! We’re bringing back the Albion Land Game, which helps support out local businesses and can get you some prizes like a meeting room package from the Courtyard by Marriott – Albion, tickets to ZooLights at Binder Park Zoo, free pizzas from Hungry Howie’s, and much more! Downtown Open House begins at 5 PM, Parade at 7 PM.

Holiday in the Hills.  Businesses throughtout the Irish Hills are offering specials, entertainment, gift and decorating demonstrations, food, drink and more.  See the event facebook page for a listing of all participating businesses and offerings.

Nite Lites Drive Thru Christmas Show and Winter Wonderland.   Today through through Dec. 31.  Michigan International Speedway, US-12 Entrance only, 12626 US-12, Brooklyn, Michigan.  Time: 5:30 pm – 9 pm Sunday thru Thursday, 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm Friday & Saturday.  Pricing: $25 per car / vehicle, $40 per mini-bus, Limo / motor home, $70 per tour bus. All major credit cards accepted.  Fun for the whole family!

December 1

The The 10th Annual MIS Cares Charity Track and Toy Drive returns to Michigan International Speedway on December 1, 2018 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All guests are welcome to spread some holiday cheer to local charities and take a lap around the two-mile oval. Donate a non-perishable food item or a new, unwrapped toy and take a lap around the track in your own vehicle. The event helps the Brooklyn Food Bank, St. Mary’s of Good Counsel Food Pantry, Toys for Tots and MIS Cares. Photos with Santa will be available for purchase! Refreshments provided by Americrown and MIS Cares. Track drive participants should enter the speedway through the tunnel gate off of Brooklyn Highway and follow the signs to the Infield entry point. Guests will be directed to enter the racetrack via the Pit Road Suite building underpass, where they will take a lap at 25 mph around the two-mile oval.  The track laps are limited to passenger vehicles only, no motorcycles.  The driver of the vehicle must be 21 years of age, provide a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. 

Dahlem Holiday Bazaar.  Looking for that one-in-a-million gift?  At Dahlem’s annual Holiday Bazaar, a collection of unique, hand-crafted gifts ready for the season of giving.  Fresh wreaths, swags, greens, nature and gardening books, plus a festive assortment of goodies for your shopping pleasure.  10 AM to 5 PM.  Dahlem, 7117 South Jackson Road, Jackson.

Nite Lites Drive Thru Christmas Show and Winter Wonderland.   Today through through Dec. 31.  Michigan International Speedway, US-12 Entrance only, 12626 US-12, Brooklyn, Michigan.  Time: 5:30 pm – 9 pm Sunday thru Thursday, 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm Friday & Saturday.  Pricing: $25 per car / vehicle, $40 per mini-bus, Limo / motor home, $70 per tour bus. All major credit cards accepted.  Fun for the whole family!

Holiday in the Hills.  Businesses throughtout the Irish Hills are offering specials, entertainment, gift and decorating demonstrations, food, drink and more.  See the event facebook page for a complete list of participating locations and hours.

The Nutcracker.  The JSO is pleased to join forces with Ballet Chelsea to present its 21st annual performance of The Nutcracker on December 1-2 and 8-9, 2018. The annual production is a full-length, narrated ballet, choreographed by Ballet Chelsea Artistic Director Wendi DuBois and will feature a live symphony orchestra. Audiences young and old from all over southern Michigan return year after year for this family friendly holiday favorite.  This weekend, performances are at Chelsea High School.  2 PM.  Tickets and more information here.

Lumen Christi Drama presents “Christmas in Two Acts”.  A light-hearted look at Christmas.  When things get too complicated the kids come to the rescue.  7:30 PM, Lumen Christi Catholic School.

JSO Holiday Ball.  This year the annual fundraising event will take you back in time during the years of prohibition at The Grand Hotel – “Behind the Secret Door – an Elegant Speakeasy”.Guests will enjoy music by the Jackson Symphony Orchestra, a delicious dinner, live and silent auction and dancing!  Country Club of Jackson.  For more information, click here.

Christmas on the Farm at Waterloo Fam Museum will take place on December 1, 2018 from 10am to 4pm and December 2, 2018 from Noon to 4pm.  This re-creation of the holiday’s traditions will include tours of the 15 room farmhouse adorned in decorations from the period and the Dewey School Museum. Hand-crafted greens, home-made baked goods and gift items will be available for purchase. Refreshments and live music will be on hand. Admission-Adults $5, Seniors $4, Children 5-12 yrs $2, under 5 yrs. and WAHS members free.

December 2

All A Merry Can Christmas Show.  “Music from the Movies”.  2 PM, Michigan Theatre, one show only!  The All A Merry Can Christmas Show will be held Sunday, December 2nd at 2 p.m. at the Michigan Theatre in downtown Jackson. Admission – donation of non-perishable food(s) (canned or dry goods) or personal care items (toothpaste, shampoo, etc.) All donations to benefit the Emmaul Lutheran Church Pantry, Jackson Community Food Pantry and the Jackson Personal Care Pantry. 

Nite Lites Drive Thru Christmas Show and Winter Wonderland.   Today through through Dec. 31.  Michigan International Speedway, US-12 Entrance only, 12626 US-12, Brooklyn, Michigan.  Time: 5:30 pm – 9 pm Sunday thru Thursday, 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm Friday & Saturday.  Pricing: $25 per car / vehicle, $40 per mini-bus, Limo / motor home, $70 per tour bus. All major credit cards accepted.  Fun for the whole family!

Holiday in the Hills.  Businesses throughtout the Irish Hills are offering specials, entertainment, gift and decorating demonstrations, food, drink and more.  See the event facebook page for a complete listing of participating locations and hours.

The Nutcracker.  The JSO is pleased to join forces with Ballet Chelsea to present its 21st annual performance of The Nutcracker on December 1-2 and 8-9, 2018. The annual production is a full-length, narrated ballet, choreographed by Ballet Chelsea Artistic Director Wendi DuBois and will feature a live symphony orchestra. Audiences young and old from all over southern Michigan return year after year for this family friendly holiday favorite.  This weekend, performances are at Chelsea High School.  2 PM.  Tickets and more information here.

Christmas on the Farm at Waterloo Fam Museum will take place on December 1, 2018 from 10am to 4pm and December 2, 2018 from Noon to 4pm.  This re-creation of the holiday’s traditions will include tours of the 15 room farmhouse adorned in decorations from the period and the Dewey School Museum. Hand-crafted greens, home-made baked goods and gift items will be available for purchase. Refreshments and live music will be on hand. Admission-Adults $5, Seniors $4, Children 5-12 yrs $2, under 5 yrs. and WAHS members free.