Presented by the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Beatrix Potter’s 150th Birthday
December 12 – January 22 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
The Muskegon Community College Hendrik Meijer Library is commemorating the 150th anniversary of the birth of world famous English author Beatrix Potter, with a display of her books and a personal collection of 50 miniature Warne animal characters. An iconic author, illustrator, natural scientist, and conservationist, Potter is best known for her children’s books featuring animals, such as those in The Tale of Peter Rabbit. She was a trailblazer for women of her time. This informative exhibit can be viewed now through Sunday, January 22. For more information on the exhibit, contact Darlene DeHudy at (231)-777-0268 or (231) 777-0269 for library hours.
Ornament Extravaganza
December 12 – 24 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Now through Christmas, you are invited to the Red Lotus Gallery/Muskegon Center for the Arts for their Ornament Extravaganza! Christmas ornaments have been created by local artists and will be available during the months of November and December. They make wonderful Christmas gifts. For more information, call 231-206-0426.
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 12 @ 6:30 pm
The city of Muskegon Heights is welcoming everyone to a Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony 6:30pm, Monday, December 12 outside City Hall. The Muskegon Heights Alumni Band will play and a choir will lead Christmas Carols. A community bonfire with smores and cocoa will be offered along with a holiday address from Mayor Kimberley Sims. The Christmas tree was donated by Marty Hulka of Marty’s Christmas trees in Fruitport Township. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 231-733-8999.
Feeding the Soul of the City: Christmas at the Organ
December 13 @ 12:15 pm – 12:45 pm
December 13 from 12:15pm – 12:45pm, everyone is invited to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Downtown Muskegon for a Feeding the Soul of the City lunchtime concert. Caron Farmer, a member of the American Guild of Organists and current organist at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, will perform this year’s traditional program of solo organ music devoted to the Christmas season. For more information, call (231) 722-2112.
West Michigan Junior Strings Winter Recital
December 13 @ 7:00 pm
The West Michigan Junior Strings will present their Winter Recital on Tuesday, December 13, at 7:00pm at United Methodist Church of Montague. String students of all ages, from Muskegon to Mason County, will come together to share their progress and love for music with family, friends, and the community.
Since 2009, the West Michigan Junior Strings, a program of the Arts Council of White Lake, has offered violin and cello instruction to students ages 3 to 18, using a creative blend of the Suzuki Method and traditional string pedagogy. It has grown into a program serving students in over three counties with highly-skilled and committed faculty who are dedicated to fostering Suzuki’s vision that “every child can.” Dr. Suzuki’s philosophy embraces the idea that all children are born with musical ability which can be nurtured at an early age through their environment, listening, imitation, and by working closely with a parent at home.
The public is invited to come and support wonderful developing talent in young people and stay for the reception that follows the concert. For more information, visit www.artswhitelake.org.
Book Nook and Java Shop Holiday Party
December 13 @ 7:00 pm
Tuesday, December 13 at 7:00pm, come to the Book Nook & Java Shop for their Holiday Party featuring the Choral Belles Singalong. Enjoy Christmas treats, martinis and more! For more information, call 231-894-5333.
3rd Annual Ugly Sweater Contest
December 14 @ 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
The Norton Shores Library presents the 3rd Annual Ugly Sweater Contest , Wednesday, December 14 from 9:00am – 8:00pm! In a fun-spirited holiday tradition, voting for the ugliest Christmas sweater worn by a Norton Shores Library staff member could win you a $25 Meijer gift card! Stop by anytime all day long and choose your favorite. Voting is open to ages 12 and up. Wearing your own holiday sweater, ugly or not, could get your picture on the Library’s Facebook page!
For additional information, contact Alison Purgiel, branch manager, at 231-780-8844 or apurgiel@madl.org .
Open Public Tours at the Muskegon Museum of Art
December 15 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Enjoy free docent-led guided tours at the Muskegon Museum of Art on Thursdays, December 1 – February 16 from 5:00-7:00pm! www.muskegonartmuseum.org
Quick Art Crash Course
December 15 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
December 15 from 6:00-7:30pm, come to the Muskegon Museum of Art for the Quick Art Crash Course “Impressions: Printmakers take on Expressions of Faith” with Lee Ann Frame and Andy Jagniecki. Printmaking can take on many forms, from woodblock cuts to etching; each print is unique in its creation. Join contemporary printmakers, Lee Ann Frame and Andy Jagniecki as they walk through Expressions of Faith and talk about their favorite prints, technique, and overall impression of the prints on display. Q & A will follow the half-hour program. There’s a cash bar and admission is free! www.muskegonartmuseum.org
West Michigan Symphony Presents: Classical Christmas
December 16 @ 7:30 pm
Friday, December 16 at 7:30pm, come to the Frauenthal Theater as the West Michigan Symphony Presents “Classical Christmas!” Enjoy the majesty of Christmas with Scott Speck and special guest, soprano Martha Guth. This spectacular soprano joins the symphony and the Muskegon and Grand Rapids Chamber Choirs for an evening of classical holiday works, inspiring the true meaning of Christmas. Single ticket prices are $23-$54. Student tickets are $10. Call Rita at 231-726-3231 x223 for tickets and more information.
Clifton Johnson Children’s Christmas
December 17 @ 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
The city of Muskegon Heights will host the annual Clifton Johnson Children’s Christmas, 9:00am – Noon, Saturday, December 17 in City Hall Council Chambers. Candy, gifts and snacks will be offered to children up to age 16. Santa will be on hand, possibly with Muskegon Heights firefighters and police officers to talk to the children. The Clifton Johnson Memorial Christmas Party is named for former Muskegon Heights Police Chief Clifton D. Johnson Sr., who passed away unexpectedly at age 47 in 2009. For more information, call 231-733-8999.
Creative Saturday
December 17 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Join Muskegon Center for the Arts members in creative idea exchanges, inspiration and camaraderie as you work on your own project the 3rd Saturday of every month from 10:00am-1:00pm at the Red Lotus Gallery. “Creative Saturdays” are for ages 12 and up and are free to the public, but donations are always welcomed. Bring a new or current working project and your own supplies for your artwork; whether it be sewing, drawing or painting projects. Artists’ trading cards are also available. For more information visit www.muskegonca.org.
Santa at the Library
December 17 @ 2:00 pm
Saturday, December 17 at 2:00pm, Santa Claus will be stopping by Hackley Public Library to see who’s been naughty and who’s been nice! Drop off your wish list and snap a picture with the big man (please bring your camera). You can also create a “make and take” ornament to hang on your own tree. The library will supply the materials. For more information, call 231-722-8014.
West Michigan Lake Hawks
December 17 @ 6:00 pm
Back to Back North Central Division Champions! Catch their home games at Reeths-Puffer High School located north of Muskegon at 1545 N. Roberts Rd. Today they play Detroit Fast Forward at 6:00pm. All tickets are just $8 each. Ages four and under are FREE! Purchase Lake Hawks tickets at the Frauenthal Center or at the door. www.lakehawksbasketball.com
The MCA – Red Lotus Gallery Open Mic Night
December 17 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Muskegon Center for the Arts presents Open Mic Night at the Red Lotus Gallery, located in the Century Building, from 7:00pm – 9:00pm. If you have a love for the stage and can perform an activity such as music, anything theatrical, poetry or readings, you may want to express it here or just show up to watch the show. There is always something new and unique to enjoy. This event happens on the third Saturday of every month and is for persons 18 years and older. This is a free event. For more information, call (231) 206-0426.
Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Game
December 17 @ 7:15 pm
Saturday, December 17 at 7:15pm, come to the L.C. Walker Arena as the Muskegon Lumberjacks take on the Chicago Steel! The Muskegon Lumberjacks are proud members of the United States Hockey League, the nations only Tier I junior hockey league and the leading producer of NCAA players and National Hockey League draft picks in the United States. The Lumberjacks’organization prides itself on developing not just premier hockey talent, but also exceptional young men outside the arena of sports. For more information, visit www.muskegonlumberjacks.com.
Performances @The Block: Martha Guth
December 17 @ 7:30 pm
Tickets: $25-$35, $10 Student tickets with ID
Saturday, December 17 at 7:30pm, Soprano Martha Guth brings consummate musicianship, intelligence and a distinctive tonal palette to a wide range of musical styles. Guth presents a follow up to the Friday night holiday concert with the West Michigan Symphony with an evening of classical song at The Block. Call Rita at 231-726-3231 x223 for tickets and more information. Doors and bar open at 6:45pm, concert begins at 7:30pm.
Joshua Davis in Concert
December 17 @ 7:30 pm
Saturday, December 17 at 7:30pm, the Howmet Playhouse is pleased to welcome Joshua Davis for an evening of American roots music. Joshua writes songs that blend the roots of American music with gritty rock n’ roll and vintage soul. Performing Songwriter Magazine called the result, “Some of the liveliest and most rocking roots music around.” There will be a VIP meet and greet one hour before showtime that includes an acoustic song performed by Joshua, Q&A time, a photo op, and signing. These packages are limited and are a separate fee from ticket prices. Beer and wine will be available for purchase courtesy of the Friends of the Playhouse.
Tickets in advance are $25/adult, $20/students
VIP Packages (includes show ticket price) $65/adults $60/students. Ticket prices will rise at the door.
Back Alley Comedy Club
December 17 @ 8:00 pm
Saturday, December 17, come to the Back Alley Comedy Club inside Sherman Bowling Center for fantastic stand-up comedy from Ben Wilke and special guest, Carl Johnson. Tickets are only $5! Doors open at 7:00pm and the show begins at 8:00pm. For more information, call 231-755-1258.
Holiday Brunch with Santa at SE4SONS
December 18 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Bring the whole family for a delicious brunch with Santa at SE4SONS! Kick off the holidays with fun for the whole family including great food, kids holiday crafts and Santa! Reservations will fill up fast, so reserve your spot from 11:00am to 2:00pm on Sunday, December 18 by calling 231-755-3737. The cost is $27 for adults and $12 for kids 5-12. Kids 4 and under eat free!
The Nutcracker
December 18 @ 2:00 pm
Sunday, December 18 at 2:00pm, come to the Frauenthal Center for the West Michigan Youth Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker!” The Nutcracker comes to life in this wonderful ballet for the entire family! Want to meet Clara and the Prince? Add the Family Activities to your experience for just $6.00 (Show not included). This also includes early entry, pizza slice, drink and popcorn. Tickets for the show are $11 & $21. For more information, call 231-727-8001.
Holiday Open House
December 18 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Sunday, December 18 from 2:00-5:00pm, everyone is welcome to the annual celebration of three local artists at Terrestrial Forming Pottery Studio. Pottery, jewelry, ornaments, cards, and more by Peter “the Potter” Johnson, Cara O’Brien, and Missy Morrow will be featured. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call 231-894-2341.
Feeding the Soul of the City – Grand Rapids Choir of Men & Boys
December 18 @ 5:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Sunday, December 18 from 5:00-5:30pm, everyone is invited to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Downtown Muskegon for the Feeding the Soul of the City concert featuring the Grand Rapids Choir of Men & Boys. The traditional “Festival of Lessons and Carols” will return to St. Paul’s to highlight the holiday season with carols and readings of the Christmas story from both Old and New Testaments. For more information, call (231) 722-2112.
West Michigan Lake Hawks Basketball Game
December 18 @ 6:00 pm
Back to Back North Central Division Champions! Catch their home games at Reeths-Puffer High School located north of Muskegon at 1545 N. Roberts Rd. This is an exciting weekend with back to back nights of basketball! Tonight the Hawks play Northern Indiana Monarchs at 6:00pm. All tickets are just $8 each. Ages four and under are FREE! Purchase Lake Hawks tickets at the Frauenthal Center or at the door. www.lakehawksbasketball.com