Holiday Happenings

Friday, November 28
Wonderland of Lights. Families can expect to see their favorite light displays from years past, as well as some new surprises, including more animal sculptures and more environmentally-friendly LED lighting. 5 to 8 p.m. $4, $3 seniors, $2 children under 15. Potter Park Zoo, 1301 S. Pennsylvania Ave. Lansing. (517) 483-4222. www.potterparkzoo.org.

Toys for Tots Drive. Donations of new, unwrapped toys will be accepted at the Board of Water & Light Toy Mill. The U.S. Marines will also accept cash donations to buy toys for needy children in the Greater Lansing Area. 4 - 7 p.m. Eastwood Towne Center, 3000 Preyde Blvd., Lansing. (517) 316-9209.

“Every Christmas Story Ever Told.” A dramatic holiday spectacular in which Scrooge meets the Grinch, the Peanuts Gang, George Bailey and more. 8 p.m. $24. Williamston Theatre, 122 S. Putnam, Williamston, (517) 655-SHOW. www.williamstontheatre.org.

The Nutcracker. The holiday classic is presented by the Children’s Ballet Theatre of Michigan. 7:30 p.m. Wharton Center, MSU Campus, East Lansing. $22-$10. 1-800-WHARTON. www.whartoncenter.com.

Saturday, November 29
Winter Wonderland. See Santa Claus and his live reindeer and enjoy story time with Mrs. Claus at Schuler Books & Music, as well as samples from various Eastwood merchants and more. There is also a Toys for Tots drop off. 4 - 7 p.m. FREE. Eastwood Towne Center, 3000 Preyde Blvd., Lansing. (517) 316-9209.

1st Annual Shop Local for the Holidays. A holiday art market featuring clothes, jewelry, pottery and more. Noon - 7 p.m. FREE. Magdalena’s Tea House, 2006 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. (517) 487- 1822. www.magdalenasteahouse.com.

“Every Christmas Story Ever Told.” 3 and 8 p.m. $20 - 24. (Please see details November 28.)

The Nutcracker. 7:30 p.m. (Please see details November 28.)

Wonderland of Lights. 5 - 8 p.m. (Please see details November 28.)

Sunday, November 30
Holiday Wreath Workshop. Learn how to make holiday wreaths. 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. $20. Van Atta’s Greenhouse & Flower Shop, Old M-78, Haslett. (517) 339-1142. www.vanattas.com.

“Every Christmas Story Ever Told.” 2 p.m. $20. (Please see details November 28.)

The Nutcracker. 2 p.m. (Please see details November 28.)

Wonderland of Lights. 5 - 8 p.m. (Please see details November 28.)

Tuesday, December 2
Holiday Glitter Gala. Featuring the Arts Council of Greater Lansing’s arts advocate awards, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, libations and live entertainment by the Rhythm Society Swing Orchestra. 6 to 9 p.m. $100. Radisson Hotel, 111 N. Grand Ave., Lansing. (517) 372-4636. www.radisson.com.

Wednesday, December 3
“Polar Express” Book Party. Ages 6 - 12 can read and celebrate “Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg. 4 p.m. FREE. South Lansing Library, 3500 S. Cedar St., Lansing. (517) 272-9840.

Grand River Radio Concert Series. Lee Murdock presents a holiday concert commemorating the turn-of-the-century tradition of carrying Christmas trees to Great Lakes port cities during the Days of Sail. 7 p.m. $10, $8 members. Creole Gallery, 1218 Turner St., Lansing. (517) 483-1000. www.wlnz.org.

“Hymm and Carol.” A blend of music and storytelling by Paul Slade Smith that offers an innovative and refreshing look at the Christmas story. 7 p.m. $12 - 30. BoarsHead Theater, 425 S. Grand Ave., Lansing. (517) 484-7805. www.boarshead.org.

Thursday, December 4
Candlelight Walk Through and Dinner. Take a tour of Ella Sharp’s 19th century home, lit with candles and lanterns as the Sharps might have. Then enjoy a feast of potato leek soup, winter salad, chicken cordon bleu in puff pastry, wild rice, orange and honey glazed yams and a decadent chocolate and raspberry dessert. 5:30 p.m. $3 walk, $40 dinner. Ella Sharp Museum of Art & History, 3225 Fourth St., Jackson. (517) 787- 2320. www.ellasharp.org.

Holiday Open House. Food, fun and fellowship. Also, rooftop reindeer in the garden, musician Joel Allen performs holiday music and a special surprise guest visits with children. 4 - 6 p.m. FREE. Haslett Library, 5670 School St., Haslett. (517) 339-2324.

“Every Christmas Story Ever Told” 8 p.m. $18 (Please see details November 28.)

Wonderland of Lights. 5 - 8 p.m. (Please see details November 28.)

“Hymm and Carol.” 7 p.m. (Please see details December

Friday, December 5
Holiday Parade. The 37th annual parade starts at the Fire Barn on Bridge Street. 7 p.m. FREE. Downtown Grand Ledge, Bridge Street, Grand Ledge, (517) 627-2383.www.grandledgemi.com.

“Firehouse Follies.” Lansing Civic Players presents this holiday special straight out of 1965, featuring music, laughter and innuendo. 8 p.m. $15, $13 seniors and students, $10 children.

Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Road, East Lansing. (517) 484-9191. www.lansingcivicplayers.org.

Discover First Friday. After hours shopping. 6 - 9 p.m. Downtown Williamston, Grand River Ave., Williamston. (517) 655-2998. www.williamston.org.

Holiday Art Market Reception. Featuring the art works of more than 100 Michigan artists, including jewelry, sculpture, paintings, pottery and more. Works range from fine art to small gifts and hand made crafts. 7 - 9 p.m. FREE. Lansing Art Gallery, 113 S Washington Square, Lansing. (517) 374-6400. www.lansingartgallery.org.

Winter Recital. The String Connection invites you to hear students of all ages showcase their talents on all instruments at this performance and benefit for the Greater Lansing Area Food Bank. 6:30 p.m. Admission is one non-perisable food item. Vineyard Christian Fellowship Church, 3448 Hagadorn Road. Okemos. (517) 664-1111. www.lansingmusiclessons.com.

“On Christmas Night.” The Steiner Chorale opens its 40th season with this performance, which pairs traditional carols with modern and lesser-known works, each focused on Christmas Eve. 8 p.m. $12, $10 seniors and students. First Presbyterian Church, 510 W. Ottawa St., Lansing. (517) 482- 9839. www.steinerchorale.org.

Christmas Belles. Starlight Dinner Theatre presents Christmas-time in the small town of Fayro, Texas, with the Futrelle Sisters and a Christmas program spiraling into chaos. 6:30 p.m. dinner, 7:30 p.m. show. $30, $25 seniors and students. $15 show only. Waverly East Intermediate, 3131 W. Michigan Ave., Lansing. (517) 243-6040. www.starlightdinnertheatre.com.

“Every Christmas Story Ever Told.” 8 p.m. $24. (Please see details November 28.)

“Hymm and Carol.” This performance is the gala opening. 8 p.m. (Please see details December 3.)

Wonderland of Lights. 5 - 8 p.m. (Please see details November 28.)

Saturday, December 6
MSU’s Home for the Holidays. This festive holiday showcase features the talents of the MSU Symphony

Orchestra, Men’s and Women’s Glee Clubs, and the Grammy Award-winning MSU Children’s Choir. 8 p.m. $15 - $25. Wharton Center, MSU Campus, East Lansing. 1-800-WHARTON.www.whartoncenter.com.

Holiday Hounds Program. Join Santa on a guided walk with your canine friend. 1 to 3 p.m. $2. Harris Nature Center, 3998 Van Atta Road, Meridian Township. (517) 349-3866.

Dickens Village. Old Town transforms into a Victorian wonderland, featuring horse-drawn carriage rides, a holiday market, music and carolers. Visitors will also get the chance to meet Scrooge, Tiny Tim, the Christmas ghosts and all of their favorite characters from Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. FREE. Old Town, Grand River Avenue and Turner Street, Lansing. (517) 485-4283. www.iloveoldtown.org.

Breakfast with Mrs. Claus. Join Santa’s wife for a breakfast buffet, stories, songs and special surprises. 9 a.m. $10, $7 children. Ella Sharp Museum of Art & History, 3225 Fourth St., Jackson. (517) 787-2320. www.ellasharp.org.

Civil War Christmas. Join the celebration of a farm family eager to have their soldier home on furlough for Christmas during the Civil War. The log cabin will be the site of happy preparations and German Christmas traditions. Noon - 3:30 p.m. $5. Ella Sharp Museum of Art & History, 3225 Fourth St., Jackson. (517) 787-2320. www.ellasharp.org.

Light Parade. The 12th annual parade features floats and more. 6 p.m. FREE. Downtown Williamston, Grand River Ave., Williamston. (517) 655-1549. www.williamston.org.

Make a Gingerbread House. All materials provided. Registration required. 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. FREE. Downtown Lansing Library, 401 S. Capitol Ave., Lansing. (517) 367-6367. www.cadl.org.

Holiday Open House. Enjoy refreshments, tours of the museum’s history galleries, half off many items in the gift shop and a jewelry show featuring the designs of Lansing’s Rachele Dagley. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. FREE. Michigan Women’s Historical Center and Hall of Fame, 213 W. Main St., Lansing. (517) 484- 1880. www.michiganwomenshalloffame.org.

Winterfest 2008. Music, dance, arts and crafts. Featuring native flute music, Ballet Maria Luz, the art of henna, Grand Paraders, the Irish Dance Company of Greater Lansing and the MSU Russian Chorus. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. FREE. Michigan Library and Historical Center, 702 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing. (517) 373-1300. www.michiganhistory.org.

MSU Holiday Arts and Crafts Show. One of the state’s largest holiday shows, with more than 200 exhibitors. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. FREE. MSU Union, MSU Campus, East Lansing. (517) 355- 3354. www.uabevents.com.

“Every Christmas Story Ever Told.” 3 and 8 p.m. $20 - 24. (Please see details November 28.)

Winter Wonderland. 4 - 7 p.m. (Please see details Novem-ber 29.)

Wonderland of Lights. 5 - 8 p.m. (Please see details November 28.)

Winter Recital. Noon and 3 p.m. (Please see details December 5.)

Christmas Belles. 6:30 p.m. dinner, 7:30 p.m. show. (Please see details December 5.)

“Firehouse Follies.” 8 p.m. (Please see details December 5.)

“Hymm and Carol.” 8 p.m. (Please see details December 3.)

Sunday, December 7
Winter Bowl. A serving of hot chili and soup, a seat on Santa’s lap, musical entertainment, a warm and fuzzy encounter with furry reindeer friends and more. 1 - 4 p.m. FREE. Downtown East Lansing. Grand River Avenue, East Lansing. (517) 319-6888. www.cityofeastlansing.com.

Clayworks Holiday Sale. Shop for hand-made, one-of-akind treasures. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Clayworks Pottery Studio, 13121 Wacousta Road, Lansing. (517) 626-1160. www.clayworkspottery.net.

Holiday Traditions Tour: Homes, Tables, Trees and Trims. Featuring festive tables, decorated trees, main street miniatures, a Santa display and a holiday market. Also, tour decorated homes around downtown Grand Ledge. 1 - 5 p.m. $10. Grand Ledge Opera House, 121 S. Bridge St., Grand Ledge, (517) 627-7247. www.gdledgehistsoc.org.

Holiday Art Sale. Local artists display more than 100 pieces of original work, including ornaments, paintings, jewelry, textiles, pottery and more to benefit the Women’s Center of Greater Lansing. Noon - 4 p.m. Perspective 2, 319 E. Grand River Ave., Lansing. (517) 372-9163. www.womenscenterofgreaterlansing.org.

Christmas in the Village. Witness the lighting of the community Christmas tree. 2 - 5 p.m. FREE. Meridian Historical Village, 5113 Marsh Road, Okemos. (517) 347-7300. www.merhistvill.org.

Messiah Sing-along. Featuring all the best known choruses from Handel’s Messiah, including “And the Glory of the Lord,” “For Unto Us a Child Is Born,” “O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings to Zion,” and the famous “Hallelujah” Chorus. Arias will be sung by vocal arts students from MSU’s College of Music. Accompaniment provided by pianist Judy Kabodian. 7 p.m. $10. Plymouth Congregational Church, 2001 E. Grand River Ave., Lansing. (517) 353-9122. http://www.music.msu.edu.

The Irish Tenors. The Celtic music kings present a special “Christmas in Ireland” program. 3 p.m. Wharton Center. $50- $30. 1 (800) WHARTON. www.whartoncenter.com.

“Firehouse Follies.” 8 p.m. (Please see details December 5.)

MSU Holiday Arts and Crafts Show. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Please see details December 6.)

Winter Recital. 3:00 p.m. (Please see details December 5.)

“Every Christmas Story Ever Told.” 2 p.m. $20. (Please see details November 28.)

Wonderland of Lights. 5 - 8 p.m. (Please see details November 28.)

Holiday Wreath Workshop. 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. (Please see details November 30.)

“Hymm and Carol.” 2 p.m. (Please see details December 3.)

Monday, December 8
Holiday Open House. Join the library for refreshments, plus crafting with origami artist Tom Novak and music from the Tony Viviano Trio. 6 - 8 p.m. FREE. South Lansing Library, 3500 S. Cedar St., Lansing. (517) 272-9840.

Tuesday, December 9
Holidays at BoarsHead. A one-night-only musical performance featuring The Good Company. Enjoy holiday-inspired treats and beverages before and after the show. 8 p.m. $30. BoarsHead Theater, 425 S. Grand Ave., Lansing. (517) 484-7805. www.boarshead.org.

Holiday Concert. The Arts Chorale of Greater Lansing presents seasonal pieces, holiday treats, audicence sing-a-longs and more. 8 p.m. FREE, donations accepted. University Luthern Chuch, 1020 S. Harrison, East Lansing. (517) 332-4495.

Wednesday, December 10
“Hymm and Carol.” 7 p.m. (Please see details December 3.)

Thursday, December 11
Holiday Concert. The State of Michigan employees will give a holiday mini-concert in the lobby. Noon - 12:45 p.m. FREE. Downtown Lansing Library, 401 S. Capitol Ave., Lansing. (517) 367-6363. www.cadl.org.

“Every Christmas Story Ever Told.” 8 p.m. $18. (Please see details November 28.) Wonderland of Lights. 5 - 8 p.m. (Please see details November 28.) “Hymm and Carol.” 7 p.m. (Please see details December 3.)

Friday, December 12
“A Christmas Carol.” The Mid-Michigan Family Theatre group brings all the familiar characters to life. 7 p.m. $6. Mid Michigan Family Theatre, 440 Frandor Ave., Lansing. www. freewebs.com/midmichfamilytheatre.

Holiday Concert. Featuring the MSU Children’s Choir. 7 p.m. $9, $7 seniors, FREE for students. Plymouth Congregational Church, 2001 E. Grand River Ave., Lansing. (517) 355-3345. www.msu-cms.org.

Holiday Community Sing. Hosted by Sally Potter and sponsored by the Ten Pound Fiddle Coffeehouse. 8 p.m. $10, $8 students and members. Unitarian Universalist Church, 855 Grove St., East Lansing. (517) 337-7744. www.tenpoundfiddle.org.

“Every Christmas Story Ever Told.” 8 p.m. $24. (Please see details November 28.)

Wonderland of Lights. 5 - 8 p.m. (Please see details November 28.)

Christmas Belles. 6:30 p.m. dinner, 7:30 p.m. show. (Please see details December 5.)

“Firehouse Follies.” 8 p.m. (Please see details December 5.)

“Hymm and Carol.” 8 p.m. (Please see details December 3.)

Saturday, December 13 Holiday Cookie Decorating. Decorate and then enjoy a holiday cookie. Registration required. 1 p.m. FREE. South Lansing Library, 3500 S. Cedar St., Lansing. (517) 272-9840.

A Not So Silent Night. A silent auction and holiday sing-along to benefit the Reach Studio Art Center. 7 - 9:30 p.m. $12. Turner Dodge House, 100 E. N. Turner St., Lansing. (517) 999- 3643 or www.reachstudioar.org.

A Jazzy Little Christmas. Featuring the MSU Professors of Jazz with jazzy renditions of their personal favorites. 8 p.m. $25. Wharton Center, MSU Campus, East Lansing. 1-800- WHARTON. www.whartoncenter.com.

A Holiday Spectacular. A show filled with a variety song and dance. 7 p.m. $15, $10 children. Living Arts Dance Studio, 120 E. Grand River Ave., Williamston. (517) 819-9361. www. livingartsdancestudio.com.

“Every Christmas Story Ever Told.” 3 and 8 p.m. $20 - 24. (Please see details November 28.)

Winter Wonderland. 4 - 7 p.m. (Please see details November 29.)

Wonderland of Lights. 5 - 8 p.m. (Please see details November 28.)

Christmas Belles. 6:30 p.m. dinner, 7:30 p.m. show. (Please see details December 5.)

“A Christmas Carol.” 7 p.m. (Please see details December 12.)

“Firehouse Follies.” 8 p.m. (Please see details December 5.)

“Hymm and Carol.” 8 p.m. (Please see details December 3.)

Sunday, December 14
MSU Children’s Choir Teddy Bear Tea. Children and their favorite teddy bears are invited to attend an afternoon of holiday magic featuring the MSU Children’s Choir, crafts, a holiday story, food and more. 12:30 - 2 p.m. or 3 - 4:30 p.m. $18, $14 children. Country Club of Lansing, 2200 Moores River Drive, Lansing. (517) 355-7661. www.teddybeartea.org.

Nutcracker. Presented by the Greater Lansing Ballet Co. 2 p.m. $22.50, $15.50 students. Wharton Center, MSU Campus, East Lansing. 1-800-WHARTON. www.whartoncenter.com.

“Every Christmas Story Ever Told.” 2 p.m. $20. (Please see details November 28.)

Wonderland of Lights. 5 - 8 p.m. (Please see details November 28.)

“A Christmas Carol.” 2 and 4:30 p.m. (Please see details December 12.)

“Firehouse Follies.” 2 p.m. (Please see details December 5.)

“Hymm and Carol.” 2 p.m. (Please see details December 3.)

Tuesday, December 16 Holiday Open House. Enjoy the refreshments and a concert featuring the Okemos High School Someko singers. 5 - 9 p.m. FREE. Okemos Public Library, 4321 Okemos Road, Okemos.(517) 347-2021. www.cadl.org.

Wednesday, December 17
“Hymm and Carol.” 7 p.m. (Please see details December 3.)

Thursday, December 18
Jingle All The Way. The 19th Annual Holiday Wishes Community Concert. 7 p.m. $10, $5 seniors and students, FREE for children under 3. Grand Ledge Opera House, 121 S. Bridge St., Grand Ledge. (517) 627-1443. www.gloperahouse.com.

“Ha-Ha” Holidays Concert. The YMCA of Lansing and popular, nationally-touring vocal group, Three Men and a Tenor, combine to raise money for the YMCA of Lansing’s 2008 Open Arms Campaign at this family holiday concert. $10 - 20. 7 p.m. Wharton Center, MSU Campus, East Lansing. 1-800-WHARTON. www.whartoncenter.com.

“Every Christmas Story Ever Told.” 8 p.m. $18. (Please see details November 28.)

Wonderland of Lights. 5 - 8 p.m. (Please see details November 28.)

“Hymm and Carol.” 2 and 7 p.m. (Please see details December 3.)

Friday, December 19
December Dreams And Wishes. A concert presented by Sistrum, Lansing’s Women Chorus, and the Greater Lansing Gay Men’s Chorus. 8 p.m. $10 - 25. Dart Auditorium, Lansing Community College, 500 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing. www.glgmc.org.

“Every Christmas Story Ever Told.” 8 p.m. $24. (Please see details November 28.)

Wonderland of Lights. 5 - 8 p.m. (Please see details November 28.)

“A Christmas Carol.” 7 p.m. (Please see details December 12.)

“Hymm and Carol.” 8 p.m. (Please see details December 3.)

Saturday, December 20
Barons of Brass Holiday Concert and Benefit. WKAR radio personality Bob Blackman hosts and narrates this benefit for the Eaton Community Hospice. 8 p.m. FREE, donations accepted. Grand Ledge Opera House, 121 S. Bridge St., Grand Ledge. (517) 627-1443. www.gloperahouse.com or www. baronsofbras.com.

Holiday Music. Musicians Pete Wittig and Steve Pickney will provide music in the front lobby. 2 - 3 p.m. FREE. Downtown Lansing Library, 401 S. Capitol Ave., Lansing. (517) 367-6363. www.cadl.org.

“Every Christmas Story Ever Told.” 3 and 8 p.m. $20 - 24. (Please see details November 28.)

Winter Wonderland. 4 - 7 p.m. (Please see details November 29.)

Wonderland of Lights. 5 - 8 p.m. (Please see details November 28.)

“A Christmas Carol.” 7 p.m. (Please see details December 12.)

“Hymm and Carol.” 8 p.m. (Please see details December 3.)

Sunday, December 21
Holiday Pops. Music Director Timothy Muffitt leads the Lansing Symphony Orchestra, along with guest soprano Diane Penning, through many favorite holiday carols. 3 p.m. $10 - 33. Cobb Great Hall, Wharton Center, MSU Campus, East Lansing. (517) 487-5001. www.lansingsymphony.org.

“Every Christmas Story Ever Told.” 2 p.m. $20. (Please see details November 28.)

Wonderland of Lights. 5 - 8 p.m. (Please see details November 28.)

“A Christmas Carol.” 2 and 4:30 p.m. (Please see details December 12.)

“Hymm and Carol.” 2 p.m. (Please see details December 3.)

Thursday, December 25
Wonderland of Lights. 5 - 8 p.m. (Please see details November 28.)

Friday, December 26
Winter Break Cinema. Join the library for a big-screen showing of a popular family film. 2 p.m. FREE. Downtown Lansing Library, 401 S. Capitol Ave., Lansing. (517) 367-6367.

Wonderland of Lights. 5 - 8 p.m. (Please see details November 28.)

Saturday, December 27
Wonderland of Lights. 5 - 8 p.m. (Please see details November 28.)

Sunday, December 28
Trans Siberian Orchestra. This performance combines the arena-rock spectacles of Pink Floyd and the musicality of Queen with classic Christmas songs and stories to create a genre all its own. An extravagant light show accompanies the music. 7:30 p.m. $39.50 - 49.50. Breslin Center, MSU Campus, East Lansing. (517) 432-5000. www.breslincenter.com.

Wonderland of Lights. 5 - 8 p.m. (Please see details November 28.)

Wednesday, February 11
Spark of Insanity. Keep the holiday spirit going, when Jeff Dunham presents a comedic extravaganza that is certain to become a holiday tradition for the millions that love his humor. 7:30 p.m. $42.50. Breslin Center, MSU Campus, East Lansing. (800) 968-2737. www.breslincenter.com.