Santa sightings and Christmas tunes: A 2019 guide to the Jackson area holiday events

JACKSON COUNTY, MI – When is it time to start out celebrating Christmas? Some begin adorning the day after Halloween. Others wait till after Thanksgiving.

Within the Jackson space, the celebrations begin this week. The vacation season kicks off Friday, Nov. 22 with the Downtown Jackson Christmas Parade, and can maintain going robust all through the county from late November till the top of the yr.

This contains 106.9 HOME FM radio station enjoying 24/7 Christmas music from Thanksgiving till Christmas Day, mentioned the station’s normal supervisor Rachel Buchanan.

Right here’s a listing of native occasions for the 2019 vacation season.

Downtown Jackson Christmas Parade

Particulars: Friday, Nov. 22 at 6 p.m., beginning at nook of W. Michigan Avenue and Blackstone Avenue in downtown Jackson.

This yr’s Downtown Jackson Christmas Parade is all about nostalgia.

The theme is “A long time of Christmas,” which goals to rejoice the various vacation traditions of households, occasion organizer Ed Hatfield mentioned.

Quite a few floats will likely be joined by marching bands from Vandercook Lake, East Jackson, Northwest, Jackson, Lumen Christi and Napoleon excessive colleges.

Mr. and Mrs. Claus will deliver up the rear of the parade, as all the time. They are going to be obtainable for footage with youngsters contained in the Shoppers Vitality headquarters, 1 Vitality Plaza, instantly after the parade. Cookies and sizzling cocoa will likely be obtainable.

Extra info, together with registration particulars, may be discovered right here.

Nite Lites on the Michigan Worldwide Speedway

Particulars: Nov. 28 to Dec. 31, 5:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday by means of Thursday, 5:30 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Positioned at 12626 US-12 in Brooklyn.

Drive your automotive by means of the 5 miles of bouncing, vacation lights on the Michigan Worldwide Speedway for this yr’s Nite Lites. The route options seven tunnels illuminated by lights synchronized with vacation music.

Value is $25 per automotive, however is free to all veterans and active-duty army personnel on Dec. four.

A 5K Enjoyable Run and Stroll supplies an early have a look at the lights on Nov. 23. Registration is open to the general public at nitelitesshow.com.

The Winter Wonderland show, with crafts and concessions, is open from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday by means of Sunday, Nov. 29-Dec. 1 and Dec. 6-Eight, 13-15 and 20-22. Kids can inform Santa Claus their Christmas want record and take a free practice journey from 6 to eight:30 p.m. Reside reindeer are there from 6 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 6, 13 and 20.

Nebraska Theater Caravan’s “A Christmas Carol”

Particulars: Friday, Nov. 22 from 7 to 10 p.m. on the Potter Heart at Jackson Faculty, 2111 Emmons Highway in Summit Township.

The Nebraska Theater Caravan is coming all the way in which from Omaha to carry out the Charles Dickens basic for Jackson residents.

The 23-person ensemble all act, sing and play stay music in a Broadway-esque present.

Tickets vary from $25-$35. Tickets are $10 for youngsters 12 and underneath, however these should be bought with no less than one grownup ticket. You may order by calling the Potter Heart Ticket Workplace, 517-796-8600, or on-line at www.jccmi.edu/pottercenter.

Michigan Theatre

Particulars: Varied vacation film showings beginning on Friday, Nov. 22 and ending on Jan. 2, 2020. Positioned at 124 N. Mechanic St. in downtown Jackson.

The 89-year previous Michigan Theatre is exhibiting the next Christmas films in a basic venue all all through the vacations:

• Free admission for “House Alone” from 7 to 9 p.m after the Christmas parade
• The 2019 model of “The Grinch” is exhibiting on Tuesday, Dec. three from 6 to eight p.m., in addition to on Thursday, Dec. 19 from 7 to 9 p.m.
• “A Christmas Story” on Thursday, Dec. 5 from 7 to 9 p.m.
• Mayor Derek Dobies will current a free exhibiting of “Nationwide Lampoon’s Christmas Trip” on Friday, Dec. 6 from 7 to 9 p.m.
• “White Christmas” on Thursday, Dec. 12 from 7 to 9 p.m.
• “Abominable” will present on Dec. 26, twice on Dec. 27 and on Jan. 2 of subsequent yr

Extra info on the Michigan Theatre of Jackson web site.

Breakfast with Santa and Small Enterprise Saturday

Particulars: Saturday, Nov. 30 from Eight to 11 a.m. on the Michigan Theatre, 124 N. Mechanic St. in downtown Jackson

Share some flap jacks with Santa on Small Enterprise Saturday.

Junkyard Canine is promoting breakfast on the Michigan Theatre the Saturday after Thanksgiving to attract of us to downtown Jackson. Meals for youngsters value $three and $Eight for adults.

Kids can take footage with Santa at 9 a.m. Afterward, dad and mom can get pleasure from offers at native small companies, as occasion organizer Cory Mays mentioned the day is an opportunity for folk to “store small.”

The occasion is sponsored by @House Mortage, Manufacturing Actuality and CP Federal Credit score Union, Mays mentioned.

For extra info, go to the occasion’s Fb web page. To volunteer, name Mays at 517-768-6410.

Downtown Brooklyn Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade

Particulars: Friday, Nov. 29 at 6 p.m. beginning at 221 N. Predominant St. in downtown Brooklyn.

Collect within the Sq. in downtown Brooklyn for his or her tree lighting and parade. The parade comes first, adopted by caroling because the tree lights up. Admission is free.

There will even be sled races that begin on Chicago Avenue after the parade, in addition to a group bonfire. Name 517-592-8907 for extra info.

Toys for Tots Drive at Albion Motors Ford

Particulars: Saturday, Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1411 N. Eaton Avenue in Albion.

Santa will likely be at Albion Motors Ford to gather donations for the American Legion Submit “Toys for Tots” marketing campaign. Each baby who brings a brand new and unwrapped toy for youngsters ages new child to 12 will obtain a free present from St. Nick himself.

Refreshments will likely be served. No buy is important to take part. The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Division will even offer security suggestions for households reminiscent of biking and looking.

Taking part households will obtain particular coupon for “The Works” which incorporates as much as 6 quarts of Premium Artificial Mix oil, a Motorcraft oil filer, tire rotation, and courtesy security inspection. The inspection features a battery check, plus a belts and hoses examine for $29.95.

Extra info at 517-629-9111.

Extra charity drives:

Christian charity accepting donations all through Jackson space

Toys for Tots gearing up for Jackson vacation season

Walton Insurance coverage Group Vacation Stroll-Via

Particulars: Thursday, Dec. 5 from four to 7 p.m. at 2929 Spring Arbor Highway in Summit Township.

The Walton Insurance coverage Group is opening its doorways to Jackson space households for the 16th straight yr. Greater than 60 workers are are adorning the workplace in conventional Christmas themes for households to take a holiday-centric tour.

Santa, Mrs. Claus, their elves and even the Grinch will greet youngsters and their households, an organization press launch mentioned. Kids can pet stay reindeer, drink sizzling cocoa, eat Christmas cookies and watch vacation films. Kids will obtain a toy on the finish from Mrs. Claus.

For extra info, name Stu Kail at 517-787-2600 ext. 196, or electronic mail skail@waltoninsurancegroup.com.

Mini Pine Cone Christmas Tree

Particulars: Thursday, Dec. 5 from 2 to three p.m. on the Jackson District Library Napoleon Department, 6755 Brooklyn Highway in Napoleon.

The Napoleon Department of the JDL can train you find out how to make a mini-pine cone Christmas tree. Use it on your personal decorations and provides one as a present.

House and provides are restricted. Name 517-536-4266 to register.

An Night with Mr. and Mrs. Claus

Particulars: Friday, Dec. 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Funday’s Household Enjoyable Cafe, 2151 Ferguson Highway in Jackson.

Right here’s a protected approach to introduce your babies to the massive man with the fuzzy, white beard.

Kids are capable of strategy Santa in their very own time and method once they really feel comfy. Admission is $5, and really useful ages are 5 and underneath.

Extra info at jacksonfundays.com/occasions/an-evening-with-mr-mrs-claus.

Music Notes Annual Christmas Live performance

Particulars: Saturday, Dec. 7 from 7 to 10 p.m. at Arbor Grove Congregational Church at 2621 McCain Highway in Jackson.

College students from throughout the Jackson space will play conventional, up to date and basic items on the piano, in addition to vocally.

Tickets are $10 per particular person or $5 for any one who brings a donation for the Jackson County Meals Pantry or the Jackson County Animal Shelter. Santa will likely be obtainable for footage earlier than and after the present.

Extra info right here.

Jackson Symphony Guild Vacation Ball

Particulars: Saturday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. on the Nation Membership of Jackson, 3135 Horton Highway in Summit Township.

Help classical music within the Jackson space on the 38th Vacation Ball for the Jackson Symphony Guild.

This black-tie occasion features a dinner, dancing, raffles, and each stay and silent auctions for leisure. Tickets are $150 for anybody over the age of 40, and $100 for anybody underneath.

You might also donate extra to the guild on prime of a ticket buy. Register right here.

Grass Lake Pageant of Lights

Particulars: Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to eight p.m. on the Whistle Cease Park Depot, 215 E. Michigan Ave. in Grass Lake

It’s a full first weekend in December in Grass Lake, beginning with the 10th version of the Pageant of Lights, delivered to you by the Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The day begins with the Cookie Quest on the Whistle Cease Park Depot. Tour taking part companies and eat their cookies till 1 p.m. (or till they’re all gone).

There will likely be raffle baskets, a silent wreath public sale and picture alternatives with Santa. You may eat lunch with Kris Kringle from 2 to three:30 p.m.

The day ends with a parade that heads east by means of downtown, ending at Lake Avenue.

For extra info, electronic mail susan.cobb-starrett.gckt@statefarm.com.

Christmas on the Farm

Particulars: Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. o four p.m. and Sunday, Dec. Eight from midday to four p.m on the Waterloo Farm Museum and Dewey College, 9998 Waterloo-Munith Highway in Grass Lake.

Discover vacation traditions from the realm’s farming roots, together with excursions of the 10-room farmhouse, the authentically-recreated log home, eight outbuildings and the one-room Dewey College.

Farm-picked greens, home-made baked items, and different present objects will likely be obtainable for buy. Free refreshments and stay music all weekend. Contact 517-851-7890 for admission and present costs.

Christmas with the Jackson Chorale

Particulars: Sunday, Dec. Eight at four p.m. on the United Methodist Church, 275 W. Michigan Ave. in Jackson.

The Jackson Chorale will likely be joined by the Lumen Christi Excessive and Western Excessive choirs to carry out vacation classics.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for college students and youngsters. Particular person tickets can be found for buy right here. Season tickets for the chorale go for $35.

Extra info on the occasion’s Fb web page.

Calvary United Methodist Church Christmas Live performance

Particulars: Sunday, Dec. 23 at 7 p.m. at 925 Backus St.

The Cavalry United Methodist Church is internet hosting its 13th annual “We Want You” A Merry Christmas Live performance and Celebration.

There will likely be an hour of Christmas music that includes the Cavalry Brass, Bell Choir and Jim DeBruler on the organ. There will even be carol singing and different enjoyable for the who household.

Free refreshments will likely be supplied. Extra informaton at jacksoncalvaryumc.org.

four:12 Disciples Christmas Get together

Particulars: Sunday, Dec. Eight from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Encounter Church, 620 Robinson Highway in Jackson.

Encounter church is opening its doorways to 3rd, fourth and fifth graders for a child-temed Christmas celebration. Chill out, eat Christmas cookies and different snacks and play some enjoyable video games.

Extra info on the occasion’s Fb web page.

“The Nutcracker” by the Jackson Symphony Orchestra and Ballet Chelsea

Particulars: Dec. 7-Eight at 2 p.m. at Chelsea Excessive College, 740 N Freer Highway, and Dec. 14-15 at 7:30 p.m. on the Potter Heart of Jackson Faculty, 2111 Emmons Highway in Summit Township.

For the third yr in a row, the Jackson Symphony Orchestra will present the music for Ballet Chelsea’s performances of “The Nutcracker.”

Because the JSO website places it, it’s the “Christmas Eve story a couple of younger woman named Marie and her magical journey to the enchanted Kingdom of Sweets.”

Tickets vary from $10 to $30 at each venues. You should purchase tickets at jacksonsymphony.org/special-events.

Tuba Christmas in Jackson

Particulars: Sunday, Dec. 22 at three p.m., Jackson Symphony Orchestra, 215 W. Michigan Ave.

Some individuals like to listen to their Christmas music in deep, resonant tones. The Tuba Christmas of Jackson wants your assist to make this occur.

This indoor efficiency will likely be carried out by Dr. Invoice Waterman, and desires your low brass experience. You may register at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 22 and rehearse for 2 hours earlier than showtime.

Small music books can be found for $20 and huge ones for $25. Participant registration price is $10. Extra info with coordinator John Fenton, 517-914-3670.

Did we miss one thing? In case you have a vacation occasion for this record, electronic mail sdodge@mlive.com.