Presented by the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau
www.visitmuskegon.org
Planetarium Christmas Show:
Mystery of the Christmas Star
Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:00 pm – 7:35 pm *FREE
November 2 – December 14, come to Carr-Fless Planetarium at Muskegon Community College for the Christmas show, “Mystery of the Christmas Star!” This modern look at the Christmas story is an annual favorite. As we look at significant astronomical events visible in the sky in the time of Jesus’ birth, we’ll see which of the “sky signs” was remarkable enough to have caused the Wise Men to travel over 600 miles through the desert from Babylon to Bethlehem, and investigate possible dates for the sighting of the “star” which lead them to Jesus. This is a 35-minute presentation. For more information, call (231) 777-0289.
KWANZAA
Through December 30, 2:30pm-5:30pm
James Jackson African American Museum *FREE
This is FREE for everyone at the James Jackson African American Museum across from the Muskegon Heights City Hall. 7 East Center St. For more information call 231-739-9500
Santa at the Library
December 11 – December 14 *FREE
Santa will be taking time out of his busy schedule to visit all nine branches of Muskegon Area District Library to meet boys and girls of all ages! Bring the whole family and start your holiday season with stories, crafts and, of course, Santa! Don’t forget your camera. You won’t want to miss this free photo opportunity.
Monday, December 11
10:30am Muskegon Township Branch: 231-760-4329
6:00pm Montague Branch: 231-893-2675
Thursday, December 14
4:00pm Dalton Branch: 231-828-4188
The Muskegon Area District Library is a public library system with ten branch locations. It serves 105,000 residents of 20 municipalities, comprising most of Muskegon County. Serving the community six days a week, the Muskegon Area District Library offers programs, library services and life-long learning for county residents. For more information about events at any branch library please contact the branch library directly. For more information contact pr.info@madl.org, or 231 737-6248.
Indoor Farmers’ Market
Dec-April @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Muskegon Farmers Market, 242 W. Western Ave.
The Muskegon Farmers’ Market invites you to come inside their warm barn and shop this winter! They’re open every Saturday from 9:00am – 2:00pm through April. They will be closed Saturday, December 30. For more information, call (231) 722-3251.
Music at the Library: Folias Duo
December 11 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Hackley Library, 316 W. Webster Ave. *FREE
Come to Hackley Library for FREE live music from Folias Duo! American Record Guide calls the Folias Flute and Guitar Duo “daring in self written music.” Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, this unique performer/composer duo was founded in 2003 by husband and wife Carmen Maret and Andrew Bergeron. In performance, Folias combines their classical music training, their experience as tango dancers and bandleaders, their love of Astor Piazzolla and their knowledge of the jazz idiom. They have performed in concert halls, clubs and for tango events across the United States, in Europe and in Argentina. Folias’ four critically acclaimed albums on the Blue Griffin Recording label feature their work together as collaborative composers and arrangers. For more information, visit www.hackleylibrary.org.
Movies at the Library: La La Land
December 12 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Hackley Public Library, 316 W. Webster Ave. *FREE
Join Hackley library to see a free showing of the film “La La Land” (PG-13)! Bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. A jazz pianist falls for an aspiring actress in Los Angeles. This original musical about everyday life explores the joy and pain of pursuing dreams. The movie runs 128 minutes. Brought to you through the generosity of the Friends of Hackley Library. For more information, visit www.hackleylibrary.org.
Minecraft at the Museum
December 12 @ 4:30 pm – December 13 @ 7:00 pm
Lakeshore Museum Center
Minecraft at the Museum is back! December 12 and 13, the Lakeshore Museum Center challenges all Minecraft players to come to the museum and test their discovering and crafting skills. Players will search the museum to find as many resources as they can, then craft them to get all the supplies they need to navigate their way through the nether! Whether you are new to Minecraft at the Museum, or have tested your skills with them in the past, there is something for everyone! Choose either the 4:30pm or 6:00pm session. You can register online using PayPal or call the museum at 231-722-0278 to pay over the phone. The cost is $7 for the general public, or $5 for museum members. This is recommended for ages 6 and older. There is no cost for an accompanying adult.
It’s Gonna Get “Ugly” at the Norton Shores Library!
December 13 @ 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
Norton Shores Library, 705 Seminole Rd. *FREE
It’s gonna get “ugly” at the Norton Shores Library as they host their annual ugly holiday sweater contest. In a fun-spirited holiday tradition, voting for the ugliest Christmas sweater worn by a Norton Shores Library staff member could win you a surprise. Stop by and choose your favorite or vote on the Muskegon Area District Library’s Facebook page. 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 just for fun! This program, funded by the Friends of the Norton Shores Library, is free and open to the public with no registration required. For additional information, contact Alison Purgiel, lead librarian, at 231-780-8844 or apurgiel@madl.org.
Make Quill Paper Snowflakes
December 13 @ 6:30 pm
Norton Shores Library, 705 Seminole Rd. *FREE
You’re invited to the Norton Shores Library to create Quilled Paper Snowflakes! Quilling, also called paper filigree, originated in Europe more than five hundred years ago. It involves rolling and combining strips of paper into highly detailed designs. Create a few beautiful quilled snowflakes that can work as ornaments, gift tags or simple but delicate seasonal decorations. This program, funded by the Friends of the Norton Shores Library, is free and open to the public ages 18 and up, with registration required. For additional information or to register, contact Alison Purgiel, lead librarian, at 231-780-8844 or apurgiel@madl.org
Opening Reception and Lecture: Sarah Wagner
December 14 @ 5:30pm-7:30pm
Muskegon Museum of Art, 296 West Webster Avenue
You’re invited to the Muskegon Museum of Art for the opening reception of “Vegetable Lamb of America: The Art of Sarah Wagner!” Sarah sculpts in wood and fabric, creating animals and environments that address the fragility and resilience of Nature and humanity’s impact on its surroundings. Support for Sarah Wagner: Vegetable Lamb of America has been provided by MMA Michigan Artist Series Media Sponsor Blue Lake Public Radio. This event is free and open to the public with the reception beginning at 5:30pm, followed by a lecture by Sarah Wagner at 7:00pm. For more information, call 231-720-2570
West Michigan Symphony Presents: Celtic Christmas
December 15 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Admission ranges from $10 – $57
Come to the Frauenthal Center as the West Michigan Symphony presents Celtic Christmas! Scott Speck, conductor Guest Artist – Cathie Ryan, vocals WMS Children‘s Choir Irish vocalist Cathie Ryan and her band return to the West Michigan Symphony with a program she has created us, reflecting her Celtic roots in a wide array of holiday works. Ring in the holidays with Ryan, the West Michigan Symphony orchestra and the West Michigan Symphony Children’s Choir as they bring traditional, popular and Irish-themed music of the season to West Michigan. For more information, call 231-726-3231.
Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Game
December 15 & 16 @ 7:00 pm
955 Fourth St., downtown Muskegon
The Muskegon Lumberjacks are proud and dedicated members of the United States Hockey League (USHL), the nation’s only Tier I junior hockey league and leading producer of NCAA players and National Hockey League draft picks in the United States, for five years running! Catch a home game, Friday, December 15 and Saturday December 16 at 7:15pm as the Jacks take on Chicago Steel at the L.C. Walker Arena. Purchase tickets by calling 231-724-5225.
Movies at the Library: Polar Express
December 16 @ 12:30 pm
Hackley Public Library, 316 W. Webster Ave.*FREE
Hop on “The Polar Express” and discover the magic of the season at Hackley Public Library! The kids will love this animated holiday favorite starring Tom Hanks while keeping warm with hot chocolate and plenty of festive activities! For more information, call (231) 722-8000.
Reindeer!
December 16 @ 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Lawn of Hackley Administration Building *FREE
Hackley Public Library invites you to meet them on the lawn of the Hackley Administration Building to learn all about reindeer! Does Rudolph really have a red nose? Can reindeer actually fly? The only way you’ll find out is if you meet these visiting reindeer in person! For more information, call 231-722-8000. This is a FREE event for everyone!
Muskegon Center for the Arts
Red Lotus Gallery: Open Mic Night
December 16 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Red Lotus Gallery, 356 W. Western Ave. *FREE
The Muskegon Center for the Arts presents Open Mic Night at the Red Lotus Gallery every third Saturday of the month from 7:00pm – 9:00pm. If you have a love for the stage and can perform an activity such as music, theater, 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. For more information, find them on Facebook.
The Block: Cathie Ryan – Irish Folk Music
December 16 @ 7:30 pm – 10:00 pm
The Block, 360 W. Western Ave. 2nd Floor
Come to The Block for Irish folk music from Cathie Ryan! Cathie and her band follow a Friday evening holiday concert with the West Michigan Symphony with an evening of Irish folk music. Admission is $10-$25. Join Cathie as she warms up West Michigan with heartfelt lyrics, beloved ballads and traditional tunes of the Emerald Isle. Call 231-726-3231 x223 for tickets and more information. Doors and bar open at 6:15pm and the concert begins at 7:00 pm.
West Michigan Lake Hawks Home Game
December 16 @ 5:00 pm
Reeths-Puffer HS Rocket Centre 1545 N. Roberts Rd.
The West Michigan Lake Hawks strive to provide a professional level of sports entertainment and to enrich the lives of student athletes. Home games are played at Reeths-Puffer High School. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door, and season passes are $90 which saves you 25%. Ages 4 and under are free. Call 231-769-9617 for group sales. Catch their game Saturday, December 16 at 5:00pm as they take on the Chicago Fury!
Holiday Brunch with Santa at SE4SONS
December 17 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
SE4SONS Banquet Center, 2801 Lakeshore Drive
Sunday, December 17 from 11:00am – 2:00pm, bring the family to SE4SONS for a holiday brunch with Santa! It will be a fun filled day of great food, holiday crafts and family! This is a fun event for all involved and the public is welcome! The cost is $27 for adults, kids 5-12 are $1 and 4 & under are free! Please make your reservations ahead of time by calling 231-755-3737. Spaces will fill up fast!
Lessons and Carols
December 17 @ 5:00 pm
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1006 3rd St. Muskegon
Everyone is welcome to attend the free concert by the Grand Rapids Choir of Men and Boys, “Lessons and Carols” at the beautiful St Paul’s Episcopal Church in downtown Muskegon. For more information, call (231) 722-2112.
The Nutcracker
December 17 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Frauenthal Center, 425 W Western Ave # 200
Bring the family to the Frauenthal Theater for the “Nutcracker!” Join Clara and her magical friends as the West Michigan Youth Ballet brings performs this timeless classic. Want to meet Clara and the Prince? Join them for the Nutcracker Pre-Party! The pre-Party includes a Meet & Greet with Clara and the Prince, kid’s activities and refreshments. This event starts at 12:30pm with early admission at 1:15pm. Tickets for the Pre-Party are only $7 and must be purchased by December 12 at the Frauenthal Center Box Office in person or by calling 231-727-8001. Tickets for the show are $11 for youths, $21 for adults, and family tickets are $60.
West Michigan Lake Hawks Home Game
December 17 @ 5:00 pm
Reeths-Puffer HS Rocket Centre 1545 N. Roberts Rd.
The West Michigan Lake Hawks strive to provide a professional level of sports entertainment and to enrich the lives of student athletes. Home games are played at Reeths-Puffer High School. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door, and season passes are $90 which saves you 25%. Ages 4 and under are free. Call 231-769-9617 for group ticket sales. Catch their game December 17 at 5:00pm as they take on the Chicago Nights!
Hackley & Hume Holiday Tours
December 26 – December 27
Hackley & Hume Historic Site, 484 W. Webster Ave.
Enjoy holiday tours of the Hackley & Hume Historic Site! These amazing late 1890’s homes from Muskegon’s lumbering days have been decorated for the holidays with period appropriate artifacts, ornaments and more. Special Holiday Tours will be offered on the following dates: Tuesday, December 26 from 4:00pm – 8:00pm. Wednesday, December 27 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm. The cost is $5 – $7. For more information, visit www.lakeshoremuseum.org.
Free Family Movie Day: The Princess Bride
December 27 @ 3:00 pm
Frauenthal Center, 425 W Western Ave. *FREE
Get out of the house over the holiday break for some free family fun! Wednesday, December 27 at 3:00pm, the historic Frauenthal Center will be showing the classic fairytale, “The Princess Bride” (PG). This beloved classic fairytale begins with a grandfather reading his favorite book to his hard-to-impress grandson. This book, he promises, has everything – “Fencing. Fighting. Torture. Revenge. Giants. Monsters. Chases. Escapes. True love. Miracles.” – and all that he promised comes to life before the boy’s enchanted eyes as his grandfather reads him the adventures of Buttercup, the most beautiful woman in the world, and Westley, the man she loves. This film is free and no tickets are required. Concessions will be available for purchase. For more information, call 231-727-8001. Have extra coats, mittens, hats or scarves you would like to donate? The Frauenthal Center will be running their annual coat drive and donating them to a local charity! The donation box is in the Frauenthal Center lobby now through December 22.
Pomander Make and Take
December 28 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Lakeshore Museum Center
Stop by the Lakeshore Museum Center for a Make & Take Open House between 11:00am – 2:00pm to create your own Pomander (also known as cloved orange) to add the smell of the holidays to your home or share with a friend! There is a $2 cost per craft for supplies. The pomander is a traditional Christmas ornament and New Year’s gift. The word pomander comes from French pomme (which means apple, also the root of Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruits, and pommel, the decorative hilt of a word or dagger) and ambre. Ambre derives from either ambergris, an early perfume ingredient or another one of its meanings: golden in color. For more information, call 231-722-0278.
Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Game
December 29 @ 7:00 pm
955 Fourth St., downtown Muskegon
The Muskegon Lumberjacks are proud and dedicated members of the United States Hockey League (USHL), the nation’s only Tier I junior hockey league and leading producer of NCAA players and National Hockey League draft picks in the United States, for five years running! Catch the home game tonight at 7:15pm as the Jacks take on Team USA at the L.C. Walker Arena. Purchase tickets by calling 231-724-5225. It’s also Youth Hockey Camp night!!
Best New Year’s Eve Family Party in Muskegon!
December 31
Northway Lanes, 1751 Evanston Ave. Muskegon
If your family is looking for fun things to do in Muskegon New Years’ Eve 2017, come to Northway Lanes to enjoy a two hour Ultra Cosmic bowling experience, prize giveaways, and party favors while you feast on a taco and pizza buffet with soda. It’s great family interaction featuring music, food, bowling, party favors, and prizes. $74.95 per family with all you can eat pizza. There is an early bird evening beginning at 5:00pm. Call now to sign up 231-767-BOWL
New Year’s Eve Celebration
December 31 9:00pm – 1:00am
Shoreline Inn & Conference Center
750 Terrace Point Dr.
Make plans to spend your New Year’s Eve at the Shoreline Inn & Conference Center! There’ll be live music from Pop Fiction, an open bar from 9:00pm – 1:00am, a midnight toast and balloon drop. Their special New Year’s Eve packages also include overnight accommodations for two, champagne upon arrival, a gourmet dinner buffet and breakfast, as well as midnight snacks and appetizers. Packages start at $339 + tax. For reservations, call 231-727-8483.
Magic of Motown New Year’s Eve
December 31 @ 6:00 pm
513 W. Pontaluna
Relive the Magic of Motown on New Year’s Eve at Bella Maria’s beginning at 6:00pm, December 31! The awesome buffet will include Prime Rib, Shrimp, Chicken, Cod Florentine and so much more! There will also be an extensive dessert buffet, Champagne toast at midnight and one of the best review shows in Michigan, Danielle Cosby and the Motown Review! Tickets are $75.00 per person. For tickets or more information, call 231-563-6914.
New Year’s Eve Ballroom Bash
December 31
Holiday Inn & Conference Center Downtown Muskegon, 939 Third St., Muskegon
Ring in the New Year at the Holiday Inn & Conference Center in Downtown Muskegon! Ballroom packages include: Overnight accommodations Champagne upon arrival Dinner Buffet Open Bar from 9:00pm – 1:00am Balloon Drop Champagne Toast and Midnight Snacks Breakfast Buffet New Year’s Day Late Check-out of 1:00pm Live Entertainment: Westside Soul Surfers. Photo Booth with Props. Packages start at $279.99 + tax. Make your reservations today by calling 231-722-0100.
Planetarium Show: Faster than Light!
The Dream of Interstellar Flight
January 1, 2018 @ 7:00 pm – 7:35 pm *FREE
January 1 – March 29 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, come to Carr-Fles Planetarium for “Faster than Light! The Dream of Interestellar Flight!” The impulse to strike out into the unknown, to see what’s over the horizon is as old as humanity. Scientists now believe that our galaxy is filled with solar systems, including up to 9 billion Sun-like stars with planets similar to Earth. Astronomers are racing to find habitable worlds, including any that might exist in the neighborhood of our Sun. But if we find one, how will we ever get there? How long will it take? What rocket designs might one day conquer the voids of space? Faster Than Light! The Dream of Interstellar Flight will dazzle audiences with virtual rides aboard spacecraft of the future. This is a 35-minute presentation. (The campus will be closed March 6 and March 8 for College Spring Break) For more information, call (231) 777-0289.
Please check our website www.visitmuskegon.org for a complete listing of events!