Presented by the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau
www.visitmuskegon.org
Becky’s New Car
Through December 2
Through December 2, come to the Beardsley Theater for “Becky’s New Car,” presented by Muskegon Civic Theatre!
Have you ever been tempted to flee your own life? Becky Foster is caught in middle age, middle management and in a middling marriage—with no prospects for change on the horizon. Then one night, a socially inept and grief-struck millionaire stumbles into the car dealership where Becky works. Becky is offered nothing short of a new life…and the audience is offered a chance to ride shotgun in a way that most plays wouldn’t dare.
Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30pm. Sunday matinees are at 3:00pm. Tickets are $22 and $20. For more information, call the box office at 231-727-8001.
14th Annual Festival of Trees
November 21 – December 2
The Muskegon Museum of Art’s 14th Annual Festival of Trees community holiday celebration is on through December 2. The Festival will be open daily 11:00am to 5:00pm, noon to 5:00pm on Sundays, and closed on Thanksgiving. Professionally designed themed trees and décor will set a festive holiday mood and will be available for purchase through silent auction over the 10 days of the Festival. Raffles, music and holiday gift shopping will add to the fun. Special events include the popular Teddy Bear Breakfast, Senior Day, Family Day, Deck Your Halls holiday design workshop and more! Call 231-720-2580 to purchase tickets or for more information.
When Mark Twain Came To Michigan: Multi-media presentation with Al and David Eicher
November 26 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Monday, November 26 from 6:00pm – 7:00pm, join Hackley public Library for a compelling presentation in honor of Mark Twain’s birthday! Al and Dave Eicher will give a multi-media lecture focusing on the period of time Samuel Clemens took the name Mark Twain, and came to Michigan. After several years and research, Al and David have collected 150 (or more) old photographs of this time, plus a diary of his travels in Michigan. You will see the good years of Mark Twain and his times of great loss. For more information, call (231) 722-8000.
Trivia Night
November 26 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Monday, November 26 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, come to the Book Nook & Java Shop for Trivia Night! Test your wits with your team while enjoying food, fun and prizes. For more information call 231-894-5333.
Team Trivia Game Show
November 26 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Mondays at 6:30pm, come to Racquet’s Downtown Grill for the Team Trivia Game Show! Groups of any size are invited to play for free with prizes for the top three teams! Categories range from pop culture and entertainment, to sports, history, science, culture and general knowledge. Your live host will also offer many genres of music throughout the game, plus, you’ll enjoy food and drink specials each week. For more information, call (231) 726-4007.
Pianist Steve Thielman
November 27 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Tuesday, November 27 from 10:00am – 12:00pm, come to the Book Nook & Java Shop to enjoy your morning coffee and danish accompanied by tunes played by Steve Thielman on the piano. For more information call 231-894-5333.
Feeding the Soul of the City: Lafayette Woodwind Quintet
November 27 @ 12:00 pm
Tuesday, November 27 from 12:15pm – 12:45pm, come to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in downtown Muskegon for the “Feeding the Soul of the City” free lunchtime concert featuring The Lafayette Woodwind Quintet! Made up of members of the West Michigan Concert Winds, the Lafayette Woodwind Quintet will present a variety of classical pieces. This is their first performance for Feeding the Soul of the City. For more information, call 231-722-2112.
The concerts are free and open to the public. A soup and sandwich lunch is available for a small price or you may bring your own lunch. To join their mailing list for Feeding the Soul of the City, contact Elizabeth at ebsnflows@gmail.com.
Brown Bag Auction
November 27 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Tuesday, November 27 from 6:00pm – 9:00pm, you’re invited to join the Greater Muskegon Jaycees for a Brown Bag Auction to benefit the Old Newsies’ Goodfellows at Mibar! This is an event you do not want to miss! Bring an item or two (minimum of $5 value) in an unlabeled and unsealed brown paper bag to be auctioned off by special guest emcee, Greg Chase, co-owner of Rad Dad’s Tacos. Dinner will be appetizers and finger foods. Please bring a dish to pass. For more information, call (231) 412-0705.
Free Planetarium Show at Muskegon Community College
Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 7:00 pm – 7:35 pm
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:00pm, come to Carr-Fles Planetarium for the “Mystery of the Christmas Star!” This holiday tradition looks at possible dates and astronomical events for the sighting of the “star” that declared Jesus’ birth. No reservations are needed for this free, 35-minute show, which runs November 1 – December 13. This presentation includes a brief planetarium dome demonstration of the current night sky. There will not be a showing November 22. For more information, or to schedule a private show for groups of 15-44, call (231) 777-0289 or email tamera.owens@muskegoncc.edu.
MCC Improv Presents: Home for the Holidazed
November 28 – December 1
November 28 – December 1, at 7:30pm, come to the Overbrook Theater at Muskegon Community College as MCC Improv presents, “Home for the Holidazed,” a holiday review based on the play by Frank Wedekind. For more information or tickets, call (231) 777-0324. This is part of MCC’s ahFest!
America’s Tallest Singing Christmas Tree
November 29 – December 1
2018 marks the 34th anniversary of the Mona Shores Singing Christmas Tree which has been featured on both the Travel Channel and the Learning Channel! With its 25,000 colored lights that coordinate to the beautiful singing, 15 tiers that reach 67 feet up into the majestic Frauenthal Center, over 280 singers, and accompaniment by the 50 piece Mona Shores High School Orchestra, the Singing Christmas Tree must be seen to be believed. For more information, visit www.monashoressingingchristmastree.com.
Jazz Night: In the Blue Jazz
November 29 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Thursday, November 29 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm, come to the Book Nook & Java Shop for Jazz Night featuring In the Blue Jazz! This ensemble provides exciting live music from jazz standards to Motown, rock and funk. For more information call 231-894-533
Back Alley Comedy Club: Tom Green
November 30 – December 1
Friday, November 30 at 6:30pm and 9:30pm, and Saturday, December 1 at 6:30pm, come to the Back Alley Comedy Club at Sherman Bowling Center for stand-up comedy from Tom Green!
Tom Green exploded on MTV with the groundbreaking comedy show “The Tom Green Show.” Before reality TV, YouTube and social media existed, Tom Green’s man-on-the-street pranks changed television forever. He’s graced the cover of Rolling Stone, hosted Saturday Night Live, guest hosted Letterman, and appeared on Oprah, Jay Leno, Kimmel, Fallon, Conan, The Daily Show and more! The success of the Tom Green Show has landed him roles in mainstream Hollywood movies like Road Trip, Freddy Got Fingered, Stealing Harvard, Charlies Angels and more! Now Tom Green’s sold out Stand-Up Comedy Tour is getting 5 star reviews worldwide. His brilliantly cracked view of the world around him makes for non-stop laughter every time.
Tickets are $27 ($25 plus $2 online service charge). For more information, call 231-755-1258.
The Santaland Diaries
November 30 – December 1
Friday, November 30 and Saturday, December 1 from 6:30pm – 8:30pm, come to the Muskegon Museum of Art for “The Santaland Diaries” by David Sedaris!
Arranged by Joe Mantello and presented by Andrew Zahrt, “The Santaland Diaries” is the story of a Macy’s elf during the holiday crunch. At first the job is simply humiliating, but once the thousands of visitors start pouring through Santa’s workshop, he becomes battle-weary and bitter. When a new Santa is ushered into the workshop, one who seems to care about and love the children who come to see him, our hero experiences an uncharacteristic moment of goodwill, just before his employment runs out.
This show features adult content and is for mature elves only. Tickets are $12 for adults or $10 for MMA members in advance. Call 231-720-2580 to order advance tickets. The cost will be $15 at the door. Cocktail hour at the cash bar begins at 6:30pm. The performance begins at 7:30pm.
Holidays in Lakeside
December 1
Saturday, December 1 from 11:00am – 5:00pm, get in the spirit of the season with “Holidays in Lakeside,” a fun family event featuring visits with Santa, carriage rides, a gift basket raffle, merchant sales & specials and a free movie at the Harbor Cinema. The lighting of the Pocket Park Christmas Tree will be Friday, November 30 at 6:30pm. For more information, visit www.lakesidedistrict.com.
• 11:00am Santa Claus at the Harbor Cinema with on-site photographer available
• 11:00am – 3:00pm – Community Bake Sale at Lakeside Center
• 11:00am – 2:00pm – Horse-drawn carriage rides
• 12:00pm – Ice sculpting demo in front of Marine Tap Room
• 1:00pm Holiday movie, “The Santa Clause” at Harbor Cinema
Holiday Shopping Extravaganza 2018
December 1 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Saturday, December 1 from 10:00am – 4:00pm, come to the Lakes Mall for their “Holiday Shopping Extravaganza,” featuring over 40 pop-up businesses and crafters, baked goods, kettle popcorn, handmade items and more! Bring the kids to play in the mall’s play area and to take a picture with Santa! For more information, call (231) 798-7104.
Free Horse Drawn Wagon Ride
December 1 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Saturday, December 1 from 10:00am – 2:00pm, bring the family and enjoy a free wagon ride downtown with shopping stops at the Farmers’ Market and Western Market Chalets! It’s a great way to get in the Christmas spirit. For more information, call 231-724-6777.
Holiday Shopping Frenzy
December 1 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Saturday, December 1 from 11:00am – 3:00pm, come to the Mona Lake Boating Club for the Holiday Shopping Frenzy! Pick up some great gifts from many vendors selling homemade crafts, jewelry and much more! There’ll be a taco lunch served from 11:30am – 2:00pm and raffle drawings every half-hour beginning at noon. For more information, call (231) 798-4011.
Santa Clause Open House
December 1 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
The Fruitport Fire Department has recently spoken with Santa Clause and it has been revealed that the jolly old elf himself will be at station #2 Saturday, December 1 from 12:00pm – 2:00pm! Be sure to bring your Christmas list and appetite. Doughnut holes, punch and coffee will be served. For more information, call (231) 773-9312.
66th Annual White Lake Christmas Parade
December 1 @ 2:00 pm
Santa Claus is Coming to Town! Saturday, December 1, over 50 participants will line up and follow the parade route from Whitehall to Montague along Business 31/Colby Street. The American Legion and VFW will lead the event along with the proud Christmas Parade Title Sponsor, Shepherd & Shepherd Law. The parade begins at 2:00pm. Both Montague and Whitehall High School’s marching bands will be stepping out joined by area scout troops! The 66th annual parade promises to provide excitement with floats from area churches, civic organizations, businesses, area neighbors. Cartoon characters, clowns, parading fire trucks, and animals of all shapes and sizes are just a few of the local favorites who will be handing out candy and goodies. As the Grand Finale, Santa will make his entrance with a horse drawn carriage. He will be eager to see children of all ages following the parade at his house outside Montague City Hall located on Ferry St. For more information visit www.whitelake.org.
Stibitz Farms Family Weekend
December 1 – December 2
December 1 – 2 at 2:00pm, you’re invited to Stibitz Farms for their “Family Weekend” event! There’ll be hot cocoa, coffee and cake available as Mr. and Mrs. Claus visit with the kids and take pictures. Stibitz Farms is located just south of Whitehall and is open spring through fall. Christmas season sales begin right after Thanksgiving each year. Call 231-894-6341 for more information.
Global Fat Bike Day at the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex
December 1 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Saturday, December 1 from 5:00pm – 10:00pm, Michigan’s Edge Mountain Bike Association (MEMBA) invites you to bike under the lights at the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex as they celebrate Global Fat Bike Day! All types of bikes and all ages are invited to this fun event taking place on the designated trails in Muskegon State Park. Biking the trails will be followed by some live acoustic music and s’mores at the lodge! There is no cost for season pass holders. Non-members are $10 per person or $40 per family. Funds raised will benefit the complex and Mosquito Creek Trails. For more information, find the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex on Facebook.
Live Music: The Smiths
December 1 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Saturday, December 1 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm, come to the Book Nook & Java Shop for live music from The Smiths, Montague’s favorite husband and wife duo! For more information call 231-894-53
Performances @The Block: Cabaret with the Paul Langford Quartet
December 1 @ 7:30 pm
Saturday, December 1 at 7:30pm, come to The Block for a Cabaret with the Paul Langford Quartet! Paul Langford will perform an evening of jazz standards and pop favorites with his stellar quartet from Chicago. Think Buble and Diane Krall mixed with Cole Porter, Al Jarreau, the Gershwins, Gino Vanelli and James Taylor. Call 231-726-3231 ext. 223 for tickets and more information. Doors and bar open at 6:15pm.
Circle of Trees & Dog Parade
December 2
The Circle of Trees is held on the first Sunday in December. Trees are decorated in Walker Park, the annual “Dog Parade” is held on Ruddiman Ave. and the tree lighting ceremony, refreshments and visits with Santa follow immediately after. If you wish to participate, or for more information, contact Lee Ann Clausen at 231-744-1621.
• 12:00pm – 4:00pm/Tree Decorating (Walker Park)
• 5:15pm/Santa/Dog Parade (Fire Station)
• 5:30pm/Caroling (Walker Park)
• 5:45pm/Lighting of the Trees
• 6:00pm – 7:00pm/Visit with Santa
The Swan Series
December 2 @ 4:00 pm
The White Lake Music Society will present four dynamic lectures entitled “The Swan Series!” Join host Robert Swan as he shares many of his insights, experiences, and expertise gleaned from 36 years of performing in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under such famed conductors as George Solti, Daniel Barenboim, Leonard Bernstein, Leopoldo Stowkowski, Claudio Abbado, and many others. Each lecture will be held at the United Methodist Church at 4:00pm. The suggested donation is $7 at the door.
-December 2 – Christmas Inspiration!-
Composers throughout history have loved writing for the Christmas season. Bob will share about the many examples, from Corelli to Menotti, Bach to Brahms, and the beloved Handel’s Messiah, the Baroque-era oratorio that still awes listeners 259 years after the composer’s death. This was originally an Easter offering, but is now a fixture of the Christmas season.
-February 10 – The Radicals-
The Swan Series continues with an in-depth look at Beethoven’s Symphony #1 in C Major and Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring. Mr. Swan will show us how these composers, who were radicals in their day, paved the way for the music of the future.
-March 10 – Wagner’s Tristan Undisolde-
Ending the current Swan Series, Bob will discuss the Prelude and Liebestod from Wagner’s great opera “Tristan und Isolde” and how it is an incredible offering to music, beauty, and love. Looking closer at the inner workings of this enigmatic music will show us that it is both puzzling and yet pure.
The Swan Series is a program of the White Lake Music Society which produces world-class chamber music concerts, promotes and supports classical music learning opportunities for all ages, and creates awareness of the value and significance of fine music. More information may be found at www.whitelakemusic.org.
Back Alley Comedy Club: Matt Stofsky
December 2 @ 8:00 pm
Sunday, December 2 at 8:00pm, come to the Back Alley Comedy Club for Matt Stofsky! Matt is a stand-up comic and human person who traded the beards and flannels of Seattle for the beards and flannels of Brooklyn. He is a regular at Caroline’s on Broadway, where he has worked with the likes of Norm Macdonald, Kevin Nealon, Christopher Titus, Chris Hardwick, and many others. In addition to his work in the NYC clubs, Matt headlines colleges around the country and regularly opens for comedy legend Louie Anderson on the road, including a recent 9-show run through Ontario, Canada.
Doors open at 7:00pm. Tickets are $7 in advance or $10 the day of the show. For more information, call Don at 616-570-8765
From South Tyrol Italy with Sofia
December 3 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Monday, December 3 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, come to Kitchen 242 inside the Muskegon Farmers’ Market for the culinary class, “From South Tyrol Italy with Sofia!” South Tyrol is an autonomous province in northern Italy. It is one of the two autonomous provinces that make up the autonomous region of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol. Sofia will share her authentic recipes for Canederli, Spatzle and Kaisershmarren. This will be a meal, so come to class hungry. The cost is $35. For more information, call (231) 769-2202 or visit Eventbrite.com to sign
Evening of Elegance
December 3 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Evening of Elegance is a showcase of holiday themed tablescapes presented in the beauty of the Greater Muskegon Woman’s Club. Viewing only of the table designs will take place November 26 – December 1 from 10:00am – 5:00pm and December 2 from 12:00pm – 5:00pm. Viewing during these hours is free and open to the public. If you would like to dine in the beauty of these tablescapes, make reservations for Monday, December 3 at 6:30pm. Enjoy a catered dinner, holiday cheer, a live choral performance of the North Muskegon Choir and delicious desserts. Tickets are $25/person. Call (231) 725-9220 for more information.
Holiday Ornament Making
December 3 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Monday, December 3 from 7:00pm – 8:00pm, Robin Nidelcheff Studio invites you to participate in parent and child ornament making class. You will make 5 clay ornaments which will be fired and ready for pick-up on December 10. For more information, call 215-888-4779.