Presented by the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau
www.visitmuskegon.org
Festival of Trees
November 25 – December 1
The Muskegon Museum of Art Festival of Trees opens November 20 and runs through December 1, 2019.The beauty and spirit of Christmas inspire the Festival of Trees as it returns to the MMA for its 15th year as a Muskegon community holiday tradition. Visitors will see professionally designed holiday trees and decorations, most available in a silent auction to benefit the MMA.
Festival Hours & Admission
Nov. 20 – Dec. 1: Open daily 10:00 am – 5:00 pm / Sundays 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm / Closed Thanksgiving
Admission: $10 adult / $5 for MMA members / $3 ages 3-17 (under 3 free) / $15 All-Festival Pass
Special Events
Visit with Santa at Festival of Trees
Saturday, November 23, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Friday, November 29, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Saturday, November 30, 12:00 – 2:00 pm
First Day Food Drive
Wednesday, November 20
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Bring a food donation for Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry on the first day of Festival of Trees and receive half-off Festival adult admission.
Deck Your Halls
Holiday Decorating Demo Event
Sunday, November 24
1:00 – 3:00 pm
Floral designers Deb Moon from Le Fleur Shoppe and Skeeter Parkhouse from Wasserman’s Flowers and Gifts will demonstrate how to create unique holiday décor during this event. Items created during the demo will be raffled to the audience. Light snacks and coffee will be served. Advance Ticket: $35 per person/$30 MMA member. Call 231.720.2580 to purchase.
Underwritten by Webb Chemical Services Corp.
Senior Day
Tuesday, November 26
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Special Senior Day half-off ticket price for ages 65 and older: $5
• Free coffee & cookies
• Vendor giveaways & information
• Door prizes
• Blood pressure clinic
Call ahead for group bookings: 231.720.2571.
Underwritten by Agewell Services.
Family Day
Friday, November 29
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Santa will stop in for a visit from 2:00 – 4:00 pm and the fun will include a kids’ craft activity and scavenger hunt. Special Family Day half-off adult ticket price: $5. Call 231.720.2571 for group bookings.
Underwritten by The Meijer Foundation
Holiday Concert
Featuring Max & Ruth Bloomquist and Julia & the Greensides
Friday, November 29
6:00 pm Cocktail Hour | 7:00 pm Concert
Special holiday performance program. Cash bar. Ticket includes Festival admission.
Ticket: $12 per person/$10 MMA Member. Call 231.720.2580 to purchase.
Teddy Bear Breakfast
Saturday, November 30
8:30 – 10:30 am
Ticket includes:
• Festive breakfast with fruit, sausage, muffins, quiche, juice, and coffee
• Teddy bear checkup by a certified teddy bear nurse
• A visit with Santa
• Teddy Bear Parade and Story Time
• Make-and-Take Craft
Tickets: Adults $15, Kids 12 and younger $10 (Tickets are limited; reservations are highly recommended. This event sells out.) Call 231.720.2580 to purchase.
Underwritten by Tom DeVoursney
Cocktail Hour
Partnering with the Muskegon Civic Theatre
Saturday, November 30
5:30 – 7:00 pm
Join us for a festive cocktail hour at the MMA. Free admission for ticket holders of the Muskegon Civic Theatre’s Saturday performance of “The Christmas Carol.” Admission: Present your MCT “Christmas Carol” ticket or pay $8 admission at the door. Cash bar.
The Muskegon Museum of Art is located in downtown Muskegon at 296 W. Webster Ave.
Visitor information: www.muskegonartmuseum.org or call 231-720-2570
MMA Store and advance ticket sales: 231-720-2580
Group sales: 231-720-2571.
MCC to Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with Exhibit & Powwow
November 25 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Muskegon Community College will celebrate Native American Heritage Month in November with a display of artwork and a powwow on campus. Native American art will be on display in the Overbrook Theater hallway from Friday, November 8 – 30. Works by Native American artists Steve Kequom, Waabishiki Meegwan Tony, and Ron Wittenberg will be featured, as well as a video of the artists describing their work.
On Monday, November 25, a powwow with participants from across Michigan will take place in MCC’s Collegiate Hall from 12:00pm – 4:00pm. Students and the public can drop in for any part of the ceremonies, which are free. The emcee and head drummer will be Al Metzgar.
The events are being organized by MCC student Bernadene Crampton and the MCC Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. For more information, contact Dan Rinsema-Sybenga at (231) 777-0569 or dan.rinsema-sybenga@muskegoncc.edu. For more information about the MCC Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, contact Trynette Lottie-Harps at (231) 777-0559 or trynette.lottie-harps@muskegoncc.edu.
Family Game Night at the Library
November 25 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
The last Monday of the month from 5:00pm – 7:00pm, come to Ravenna Public Library for Family Game Night! Would you like to try new or different board games? Join them as they partner with the Muskegon Area Gamers and The Gaming Annex for a night of family fun. Selection will vary, but could include games such as Ticket to Ride, Settlers of Catan, and Pandemic. This event is free and for ages 7 and up. For more information, call 231-853-6975.
Team Trivia Game Show
Mondays @ 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.
Feeding the Soul of the City Concert Series
November 26 @ 12:00 pm
The Feeding the Soul of the City concert series offers half-hour lunchtime concerts that feature a variety of musical styles, predominantly classical, jazz, and folk/Celtic. They are held in the historic and beautiful St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in downtown Muskegon. The concerts are free and open to the public and light refreshments are provided. One can also bring a lunch to enjoy before or during the concert. A few minutes of prayer are held in the church shortly before the performance. For more information about the concert series or to make a donation, please contact St. Paul’s at (231) 722-2112.
2019-2020 Concert Schedule:
• November 26 – Lee Murdock—“The Christmas Ship” concert (folk guitar and vocals)
• December 8 – Grand Rapids Choir of Men and Boys – Festival of Lessons and Carols (Sunday, 5:00pm)
• December 17 – Peter Kurdziel – “Christmas at the Organ” (organist)
• Februbary 25 – Grand Valley Faculty Brass Quintet (classical)
• March 24 – Grand Rapids Guitar Quartet (classical)
• April 14 – Gregory Maytan, violin (classical)
• May 26 – Quintessence, woodwind quintet (classical)
• June 9 – Denise Newell, mezzo soprano, and Caron Farmer, piano (classical)
Escape Box Challenge: Harry Potter & the Quidditch Quest
November 26 @ 6:00 pm
Tuesday, November 26 at 6:00pm, come to the Egelston Library for “Escape Box Challenge: Harry Potter & the Quidditch Quest!” Peeves has stolen the Quidditch golden snitch so all Quidditch practices and games have been suspended until it has been recovered. As members of your team, can you find the snitch in time to save the Quidditch season? This is perfect fun for the entire family. Call 231-788-6477 to register for this free event.
Music at the Library: Legal Rehab
November 26 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Tuesday, November 26 from 6:00pm – 7:30pm, come to Hackley Public Library for live music from Legal Rehab! This is amplified acoustic classic rock, folk and Irish from the 60’s to present. This band features passionate playing and conversational interaction with the audience, ensuring an exciting and enjoyable night of music. This music performance is free to the public and recommended for all ages. Performers include Britta Bujak Portenga on Violin/Fiddle, Roy Portenga on Guitar and vocals, and Scott White on Harmonica, Cajon and vocals. For more information call (231) 722-8000.
Wine & Canvas: Blue Forest
November 26 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Tuesday, November 26 from 6:00pm – 9:00pm, come to Sherman Bowling Center for Wine & Canvas: Blue Forest! Leave your cares at the door and dive on in to the paint party! The ticket price of $35 includes use of all necessary paint supplies and aprons, instruction by a professional and friendly local artist, and a 16 x20 take-home painting. This is an adult evening for those ages 16 & up.
Alcohol is not included, but Sherman Bowling Center has a fabulous selection of food and beverages available for purchase! No outside food or beverage is permitted. For more information call (616) 970-1082.
Planetarium Show: Mystery of the Christmas Star
Tuesdays and Thursdays @ 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm
November 5 – December 12 at 7:00pm, a holiday tradition returns to the Carr-Fles Planetarium with “Mystery of the Christmas Star!” No reservations are needed for this free, 30-minute show in room 1072 at Muskegon Community College. Be sure to come early and visit the John Barley Science Museum in room 1073, across the hall from the planetarium. The museum is open until 7:00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays; allow 20-30 minutes. For more information, or to schedule a private planetarium show for groups of 15 or more, call 231-777-0289.
*Note: The planetarium will not be open Thanksgiving Day*
Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Game
November 27 @ 7:00 pm
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. Catch a home game Wednesday, November 27 at 7:05pm at the L.C. Walker Arena as they take on the U17. It’s $2 Beer Night! Tickets range from $10 – $17. For more information call (231) 724-5225.
Main Street Dueling Pianos
November 27 @ 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Wednesday, November 27 from 7:00pm – 11:00pm, it’s Main Street Dueling Pianos at Watermark 920! These entertainers have an impressive repertoire of 1,000+ songs, giving the audience an unforgettable experience of singing, hand-clapping and dancing the night away! This is a 21+, All Request Party that may contain adult content, mature subject matter and strong language. Tickets are $15 and available through www.brownpapertickets.com.
Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot
November 28 @ 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28 from 9:00am – 10:00am, Lakeshore Fitness Center and Run Muskegon invite you to the Muskegon’s Annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot, taking place on the Lakeshore Bike Trail and the Muskegon Community College Fitness Center. The Muskegon Turkey Trot has been a community tradition for over 10 years. This family friendly 5k is the perfect way to jumpstart Thanksgiving morning. Get festive, wear a turkey hat and earn that extra helping at Thanksgiving dinner.
The Turkey Trot is a fun run and is not chip-timed, however, there is a gun start with a racing clock at the finish line. The race is happening rain, snow, freezing rain, blizzard or sunshine. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed at the race (for insurance purposes). Repeat: no dogs allowed.
Thanksgiving Morning Registration: You can still sign up Thanksgiving morning starting at 8:00am at the MCC fitness Center. Please show up early if you plan to register Thanksgiving morning. Cash, check and credit card registration will be accepted but signing up in advance is highly encouraged.
Thanksgiving Dinner at the Delta by Marriott
November 28 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Thursday, November 28 from 11:00am – 3:00pm, celebrate Thanksgiving surrounded by those you are most thankful for at the Delta Hotels Marriott Muskegon Downtown! They’re having a fantastic Thanksgiving Buffet featuring chef carved Whole Roasted Turkey with simmered natural gravy, Prime Rib, Smoked Ham, Omelet Station, a multitude of delicious sides, desserts and more! The cost is $22.95 for adults and $9.95 for children. Call 231-720-7105 for reservations.
Shopping for a Cause on Small Business Saturday
November 29 @ 10:00 am – November 30 @ 5:00 pm
Friday and Saturday, November 29 – 30, come to Art Cats Gallery to Shop for a Cause! This year they are raising money for JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Michigan Great Lakes West Chapter) and a portion of their sales will be donated to this cause. For more information call (231) 755-7606.
Frozen Fever Friday
November 29 @ 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Friday, November 29 from 1:30pm – 4:00pm, join Jumpin’ Jupiter Skate & Fun Center for a Frozen Fever Friday! Warm up your mittens for the largest Glow in the Dark Snowball Fight ever, as well as sled races and snowman building. It’s going to be snow much fun! Admission is $5. Regular skate rental is free, roller blades are $2 and premium rental is $6. You may, of course, bring your own skates or roller blades. This is a special event. No children drop offs, passes or coupons.
They are also offering a family Meal Deal! $17.50 gets you a large cheese & pepperoni pizza and a pitcher of pop. For $22.00, you’ll get a 12″ cheese & pepperoni pizza, cheesy bread and a pitcher of pop. For more information call (231) 773-5538.
The Blackout Thanksgiving Bash
November 29 @ 6:00 pm
Friday, November 29 from 6:00pm – Midnight, come to Verdonis Event Center for The Blackout Thanksgiving Bash! Get ready for the ultimate black party, sure to be the biggest and most luxurious event of the year. Elite socialites will gather to enjoy luxury, life and libations. Dress to impress (no gym shoes, athletic gear, sweats or white tees). Enjoy a full catered dinner included with entry. Limited tickets are available for $25. Table and sections are available for reservation. This will be a sold out event, so get your tickets soon by calling 313-350-4916 or at Eventbrite.com.
Muskegon Civic Theatre presents: A Christmas Carol
November 29 – December 1
Come to the Beardsley Theater as the Muskegon Civic Theatre presents, “A Christmas Carol!” The Academy Award-winning composer Michel Legrand has teamed with Sheldon Harnick, one of the theatre’s most celebrated Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winning librettists, and the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s prophetic Christmas Eve is reborn. From the pages of Dickens comes this scintillating musical adaptation of the Yuletide classic that continues to touch hearts and minds the world over. Tickets are $26.50. For more information call 231-727-8001.
Shop Western Market on Small Business Saturday
November 30 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Saturday, November 30 from 9:00am – 4:00pm, come to Western Market to celebrate Small Business Saturday! Support your favorite small businesses, like (hint, hint) the ones at Western Market! When you #ShopSmall, you make a big impact on them and the whole community. That’s something worth celebrating! For more information call (231) 724-6705.
Holiday Artisan Market
November 30 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Saturday, November 30 from 10:00am – 3:00pm, shop in the elegance of the Greater Muskegon Woman’s Club for an eclectic variety of items created by local artists and artisans. It’s one stop shopping for that special gift that is sure to impress. For more information call 231-725-9220.
Shop Lakeside Local on Small Business Saturday
November 30 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday, November 30 from 10:00am – 5:00pm, shop unique, shop local, shop Lakeside during Small Business Saturday and every day! Discover and support the small locally owned businesses of Lakeside. For more information call 231-755-6113.
Free Chance to Win $100 on Small Business Saturday
November 30 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
The City of Muskegon invites you downtown Saturday, November 30 from 11:00am – 3:00pm, to enjoy Small Business Saturday! There are five $100 visa gift cards to win and all you have to do is be one of the first 250 people in at any of the participating downtown retail stores listed below. At each store, fill out a ticket with your name and phone number. Visit all of these stores to have 30 chances to win! Winners will be contacted the following week. To all, good luck and happy shopping! For more information call (231) 724-6705.
Participating Retailers:
– BoomTown Market 351 W. Western Ave.
– Century Club Retail Center 356 W. Western Ave.
– The Cheese Lady Muskegon 808 Terrace St.
– City Hub Cyclery 585 W. Clay Ave.
– The Griffin’s Rest 1221 3rd St.
– Hot Rod Harley-Davidson 149 Shoreline Dr.
– Lakeshore Museum Center Gift Shop 430 W. Clay Ave.
– Muskegon Farmers Market 242 W. Western Ave.
– Muskegon Museum of Art Gift Shop 296 W. Webster Ave.
– Radium Photo 835 Terrace St.
– Skye Blu Boutique and Jewelry 930 2nd St.
– Third Coast Vinyl 1115 3rd St.
– Vintage Redefined 471 W. Western Ave.
– Y-Knot Embroidery & Screen Printing & Skee’s Tee’s 880 Jefferson Ave.
– Western Market (All 16 Vendors) 307 W. Western Ave.
~ Book Nook Too
~ B.Unique Designs
~ Clean Ocean Clothing
~ Gems Near The Lakeshore
~ GirodiGelato
~ Happy Matt’s Kettlecorn
~ Harris & Willow
~ Good Moo’s
~ Maggie’s Gourmet Foods & Gifts, LLC
~ Muskegon Inspired
~ MidWest SiliPint Muskegon Port City Dry Goods
~ Skee’s Tees
~ Soap Dude Cosmetics
~ Tatterweave Designs
~ Thoughfully Thrifted
~ Village Baker
Wherehouse Studio Presents “Introduction to Liquid Flow Art with Tanya Tice”
November 30 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Saturday, November 30 from 1:00pm – 3:00pm, Wherehouse Studio invites you to join them for their Pop Up event at the Lakeshore School of Fine Arts. Special guest artist, Tanya Tice, will be on hand to teach how to experiment with liquid flow. Experience how color can be used to expand your creative possibilities! No experience is necessary! Learn “pour, pull and skim” from Tanya, who has been working with and teaching this technique for many years and has been successfully selling her work in the West Michigan area. All materials are provided are you create your own 16″ X 20″ work of art during the class. Paintings take approximately 2 days to dry and may be left at the studio to pick up on Tuesday, or transported with care in a box in your vehicle. Boxes will be provided.
The registration deadline is Thursday, November 28. The cost for the class (including supplies) is $35. Limited seating and supplies are available, so please secure your seat with a paid reservation! Ages 12 and above are welcome (with an adult). Call 231-206-4013.
Hackley & Hume Holiday Tours Kick-off Event
November 30 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Saturday, November 30 from 4:00pm – 8:00pm, experience the Hackley & Hume homes decorated for the holidays by Muskegon’s local community groups, with period-appropriate artifacts, ornaments and more! They’re kicking off their holiday tours with ornament decorating, cookies, and hot chocolate in the courtyard. Tickets can be purchased at the door and are $10 per person, $8 for seniors 65+ and $5 for kids ages 2-12. For more information call 231-722-7578.
Hackley Park Christmas Tree Lighting & Reindeer
November 30 @ 5:00 pm
Saturday, November 30 at 5:00pm, Muskegon kicks off the holiday season in Hackley Park! Enjoy festive lights, hot chocolate, meeting a friendly pair of reindeer, and photo opportunities with the jolly ol’ man himself. Events will take place in Hackley Park as well as Hackley Public Library. This event is free to the public and recommended for all ages! For more information call 231-722-8000.
Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Game
November 30 @ 7:00 pm
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. Catch a home game Saturday, November 30 at 7:05pm at the L.C. Walker Arena as they take on the Chicago Steel. It’s Teddy Bear Toss Night! Tickets range from $10 – $17. For more information call (231) 724-5225.
Hackley & Hume Holiday Tours
December 1, 14, 21, 27 & 28
Experience the Hackley & Hume homes decorated beautifully for the holidays by Muskegon’s local community groups with period-appropriate artifacts, ornaments and more! Tickets can be purchased at the door and are $10 per person, $8 for seniors 65+ and $5 for Kids ages 2-12. For more information call 231-722-7578.
Tour Dates:
• December 1 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm
• December 14 from 4:00pm – 8:00pm
• December 21 from 4:00pm – 8:00pm
• December 27 from 4:00pm – 8:00pm
• December 28 from 1:00pm -4:00pm
Circle of Trees
December 1 @ 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
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.
• 3:00pm – Tree Lighting Testing (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
Black History Month Calendar Contest
December 2 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Participate in Hackley Public Library’s annual calendar contest, where they’ll showcase artwork from all ages to celebrate African American achievements. Everyone is invited to submit drawings. To enter, draw a picture from African American history. The best pictures will be published in a free calendar which will be available throughout Muskegon. Don’t forget to pick up an entry form at Hackley Library. All submissions are due by Friday, January 10. They’ll announce the winners at the Awards Ceremony on February 3 during Open Mic Night. All ages are recommended to participate in this calendar contest which is free to public. For more information call (231) 722-8000.
Open House: City of Muskegon
December 2 @ 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Monday, December 2 from 5:00pm – 6:00pm, join the City of Muskegon at City Hall for an Open House! They will be thanking those that have served as a commissioner or as a member of a board. There will be city staff available in the hallway to learn about our various boards/committees and applications available to apply for January openings. They will dedicate a plaque for Muskegon’s 150th Anniversary at 5:30pm. Light snacks will be provided. They hope to see you there!
Nutcracker Craft
December 2 @ 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
It’s time to deck those halls! Monday, December 2 from 6:00pm – 7:30pm, come to Fruitport Library and join artist Mary C. Riley as she teaches you how to make a sturdy standing ornament to enjoy for many holiday seasons to come! Please bring a good pair of scissors and tweezers for your individual use. All other supplies are provided at this free workshop, geared toward ages 13 and up. Space is limited, so reserve your spot by registering at fruitportdistrictlibrary.org or by calling 231-366-6107. Participants younger than 17 must be accompanied by an adult.