A lengthy calendar of holiday happenings

With Thanksgiving on Thursday and the arrival of December on Monday — and as our cover states — the holiday season is alive and well in Greater Lansing. Holiday events will continue to ramp up through the days leading into Christmas, giving those with time off from work or school a chance to celebrate, travel or just relax. Happenings run the gamut from concerts, plays and a burlesque show to markets, ugly sweater parties, parades and galas, bringing seasonal cheer for families, couples, groups of friends and die-hard holiday heads whose loved ones can’t take any more celebration. While the following list is sizeable, make sure to check out our weekly Out on the Town section and weekend events e-newsletter in the month ahead for additional announcements and updates.

Friday, Nov. 28

24th Mason Holiday Lighted Parade – Join us for the tree lighting ceremony, where the Citizen of the Year will give the command to light the tree. The holiday parade, with its lights all aglow, will arrive shortly after. 6-7:30 p.m. Downtown Mason. facebook.com/masonchamber.

Saturday, Nov. 29

South Lansing Holiday Market – South Lansing Farmers Market is hosting 60+ local vendors on Small Business Saturday! Throughout the event, we’ll have live music, children’s activities and raffle drawings every 15 minutes. Make sure you come hungry, because our international food court is fire! 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Lansing Mall, 5412 W. Saginaw Hwy., Lansing. facebook.com/SouthLansingFarmersMarket.

Sunday, Nov. 30

Vienna Boys’ Choir: “Christmas in Vienna” – In this special concert for the season, the Vienna Boys’ Choir performs everything from sacred music to traditional Christmas carols, popular holiday favorites and songs from around the world. 3 p.m. Wharton Center Cobb Great Hall, 750 E. Shaw Lane, East Lansing. whartoncenter.com.

Dec. 5

LanSINGout Gay Chorus Winter Concert: “Thank You for Being a Friend” – We’re honored to welcome Patrick Hinds, co-host of the “Golden Girls Deep Dive” podcast, as our emcee. We’re equally excited to be partnering with Lansing women’s chorus Sistrum. 7:30-9 p.m. The Peoples Church, 200 W. Grand River Ave., East Lansing. lansingout.org.

A Magical Christmas Extravaganza – A Talent Show in support of The Eaton Area Senior Center! 7 p.m. Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 378 State St., Charlotte. facebook.com/eatonareaseniorcenter.

Making Spirits Bright, with Ann Hampton Callaway – In her latest pops celebration, Tony-nominated Ann Hampton Callaway sings a wonderland of holiday favorites like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Winter Wonderland,” “I Wonder as I Wander” and many more. 7:30 p.m. Wharton Center Pasant Theatre, 750 E. Shaw Lane, East Lansing. whartoncenter.com.

Night Lights Christmas Parade & Festivities – The annual Night Lights Christmas Parade is a spectacular nighttime parade packed full of lights and music! Other activities include a tree lighting, visits with Santa, a chili cookoff and more. 5 p.m. Bridge Street, downtown Grand Ledge. grandledgechamber.com/night_lights_christmas_parade.php.

Rear View Mirror Ugly Holiday Sweater Party – Come on out for the last Rear View Mirror reunion gig of 2025 and show off your ugly sweater! Enjoy great food, holiday drinks and fun music from the 1970s to today. 6-10 p.m. Brookshire Inn & Golf Club, 205 W. Church St., Williamston. 517-655-4694.

Roadside Attraction Christmas Special – Roadside Attraction takes the stage for a high-energy show featuring your favorite rock hits from the ’70s and ’80s, along with a few festive holiday tunes to keep things seasonal. 7-10 p.m. UrbanBeat, 1213 Turner St., Lansing. urbanbeatevents.com.

Stage One Presents: Free Ugly Sweater Swing Dance Party & LCC Jazz Band – Swing into the holiday season with the jolliest dance party in town! 6:30-9:30 p.m. 2200 Lake Lansing Road, Lansing. facebook.com/stageonemi.

Williamston Winter Wonderland Jingle & Mingle Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl – Crawl runs from 5 p.m. to close at several Williamston bars. Afterglow party with Good Times DJ and photo booth to follow from 8-11 at Williamston Pub. For venue list, visit williamston-mi.us.

“A Winter’s Song,” Men of Orpheus Chorus Christmas Concert – We will perform a variety of classic holiday music as well as several new works. 7-8:30 p.m. Central United Methodist Church, 215 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing. menoforpheus.org. 

Dec. 6

Big Red Ball – Join DLI for the Second Annual Big Red Ball, a black-tie celebration of Downtown Lansing’s transformation. Expect bold looks, big energy and a shared mission to build Michigan’s Downtown together! 7-10 p.m. Knapp’s Centre, 300 S. Washington Square, Lansing. downtownlansing.org.

DeWitt Santa Run – Run dressed as Santa and spread some holiday cheer! Proceeds benefit the St. Jude’s and Redeemer UMC food pantries. 5 p.m. Bridge Street, downtown DeWitt. facebook.com/DewittSantaRun.

Eaton Rapids Hometown Family Christmas Event – Featuring a tree lighting, a lighted parade and many more holiday activities. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Downtown Eaton Rapids. facebook.com/CityOfEatonRapids.

Holiday in the Square – We’re bringing holiday cheer to the south side with Santa, s’mores, hot cocoa, pony rides and all your favorite holiday jams. 4-6 p.m. Pleasant Grove Town Square (behind 1910 Food Market, 2203 W. Holmes Road, Lansing). facebook.com/lansingswag.

“Jazzy Little Christmas” – Join the Lansing Concert Band Big Band and Clique Vocals for an elegant evening of jazz standards and swinging holiday tunes. Holiday treats and light refreshments served. Doors 6 p.m., show 6:30 p.m. Grand Ledge Opera House, 121 S. Bridge St., Grand Ledge. gloperahouse.com.

Krampusnacht – Inspired by the legendary Alpine tradition, Krampusnacht celebrates the shadowy companion of St. Nick with music, fire, costumes and a healthy dose of mischief. 4-9 p.m. Old Town, Lansing. iloveoldtown.org.

MSU Symphony Orchestra and choirs: “Alegría Navideña” – The Symphony Orchestra joins the Choral Union, State Singers and University Chorale for a program highlighting the spirit of the season through music sung in Spanish. 7:30 p.m. Wharton Center Cobb Great Hall, 750 E. Shaw Lane, East Lansing. whartoncenter.com.

A Not So Silent Night – Proceeds from this festive event will benefit REACH Studio Art Center. The evening will include light appetizers, music, the Featured Artist Exhibition and an art-filled silent auction. 6:30-9 p.m. 1804 S. Washington Ave., Lansing. reachstudioart.org.

Phil Denny & Friends Christmas Collective – This year, Phil welcomes Detroit sax man Randy Scott, vocalist Bobbi Storm and trumpeter Evan Taylor. Together, they’ll perform a collaborative mix of fresh, lively arrangements of holiday favorites and original music. 7:30 p.m. Eastern High School, 626 Marshall St., Lansing. facebook.com/pdchristmascollective.

St. Nicholas Day Craft Bazaar – Holiday shopping galore! Join us for our 23rd annual craft bazaar featuring talented artisans from across the region. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. St. David Episcopal Church, 1519 Elmwood Drive, Lansing. stdavidslansing.org.

Williamston Winter Wonderland – Join us for a Christkindl market, visits with Santa, carriage rides, a Santa dash, a lighted parade, a cookie crawl and much more. Noon-8 p.m. Downtown Williamston. williamston-mi.us.

Dec. 7

Capital City Ringers Retro Holiday Spectacular – Join the CCR handbell ensemble for a family-friendly concert with a wide variety of holiday music. 7 p.m. Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 1315 Abbot Road, East Lansing. capitalcityringers.com.

Generator Holiday Show – This seven-piece powerhouse brings its high-energy mix of blues, funk, rock and soul to the stage for a festive night of music. 6-8 p.m. UrbanBeat, 1213 Turner St., Lansing. urbanbeatevents.com.

Holiday Brass – The Musician Series offers a unique space where classical music takes center stage, brought to life by the talented musicians of the Lansing Symphony Orchestra. 3 p.m. Molly Grove Chapel, First Presbyterian Church, 510 W. Ottawa St., Lansing. lansingsymphony.org.

Lange Choral Ensemble: “The Story & Promise of Christmas” – Our program will be full of the beautiful Christmas music of John Rutter, JS Bach, Benjamin Britten, Old Gjeilo, Dan Forrest, Moses Hogan and others. Accompanying the singers will be organ, harp and string quartet. Admission is a free-will offering. 3 p.m. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 218 W. Ottawa St., Lansing. facebook.com/langechoralensemblelansing.

MSU Christmas Brass Extravaganza – Outstanding MSU instrumentalists perform a variety of classics and Christmas songs, ending with a festive sing-along. Light refreshments will be served at intermission. 7-9 p.m. The Peoples Church, 200 W. Grand River Ave., East Lansing. facebook.com/PeoplesChurchEL.

Dec. 9

WITL Country Christmas Party – A benefit for Ele’s Place, featuring performances by Josh Ross, Preston Cooper and Matt Cooper. 7 p.m. Grewal Hall, 224 S. Washington Square, Lansing. hall224.com.

Dec. 12

All-of-Us Express Children’s Theatre Presents: “The Nutcracker” – 7 p.m. Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Road, East Lansing. www.allofusexpress.org.

Annual Holiday Sing – Sing along to seasonal songs led by Sally Potter, with special guests Doug Austin, Doug Berch and Ruelaine Stokes. Lyric booklets are provided. 7:30-10 p.m. University Lutheran Church, 1020 S. Harrison Road, East Lansing. www.tenpoundfiddle.org.

Holiday Road Rally – A citywide photo and video scavenger hunt for teams of 4–6 adults. You’ll race across Lansing, completing hilarious challenges, snapping creative photos and capturing videos at local landmarks and businesses. 6 p.m. Gier Community Center, 2400 Hall St., Lansing. www.facebook.com/LansingParksandRecreation.

Kanin Wren’s Holiday Pop Show – Enjoy festive Christmas classics, holiday pop favorites and special performances by the DeWitt Chamber Choir, Rodney Page and more surprise guests. Plus, get ready for a big Christmas singalong to close out the night! 7 p.m. Grewal Hall, 224 S. Washington Square, Lansing. www.hall224.com.

Murder Myster Dinner Holiday Show: “The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year” – Silver bells are ringing at a seasonal standup performance, but the jolly jokester gets upstaged by an event far worse than bad holiday comedy: a murder! With humbug hovering over the holiday, it’s up to the unamused audience to unravel the mystery of whodunnit. 6-8 p.m. UrbanBeat, 1213 Turner St., Lansing. www.urbanbeatevents.com.

Pancakes with Santa – Join us for a jolly time with Santa while enjoying all you can eat pancakes and spreading holiday cheer! 5:30-7 p.m. Eaton Area Senior Center, 804 S. Cochran Ave., Charlotte. www.facebook.com/eatonareaseniorcenter.

TGIF Christmas Holiday Dance Party – Doors open at 7 p.m., dance lesson 7:5-7:45, dance runs 8-midnight. Hawk Hallow Banquet Center, 15101 Chandler Road, Bath. www.tgifdance.com.

Dec. 13

Charlotte’s Merry Little Christmas – A free Christmas concert for the whole family, featuring the Charlotte Community Band, Jazz Ensembles and chamber ensembles, as well as the Charlotte UCC Choir, plus caroling, a gift basket auction and a visit by old St. Nick himself. 6 p.m. Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 378 State St., Charlotte. www.facebook.com/charlottecommunityband.

The Dangling Participles Holiday Show – The Dangling Participles is a Lansing-based indie-folk band with an eclectic repertoire and a feel-good vibe. Opening the show is Pinter Whitnick, an ‘80s/‘90s duo with a full-band sound. 6:30-9:30 p.m. UrbanBeat, 1213 Turner St., Lansing. www.urbanbeatevents.com.

GLADL Holiday Market – You’ll find handcrafted items, food and preserves, baked goods, holiday decorations, and more to enjoy or to gift. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 131 E. Jefferson St., Grand Ledge. www.gladl.org.

“A Jazzy Little Christmas” – Get into the holiday groove with the MSU Professors of Jazz as they return for a festive evening filled with seasonal favorites reimagined through the lens of swing, soul and classic jazz. Joining the lineup is celebrated jazz vocalist Carmen Bradford. 7:30 p.m. Fairchild Theatre, 542 Auditorium Road, East Lansing. www.music.msu.edu.

Lincoln Brick Lights Festival – Light up the night with Eaton County Parks staff. This event will include a holiday light driving path at the historical Lincoln Brick Ruins, with other family fun activities provided. 5-8 p.m. 133 Fitzgerald Park Drive, Grand Ledge. www.facebook.com/EatonCountyParks.

Living Nativity – Cars can slowly make their way past eight stations of the Christmas story, featuring live actors and animals. You’ll even see the three wise men and their camel journeying toward the star over the manger! 5:30-8:30 p.m. First United Methodist Church, 201 E. Ash St., Mason. www.masonfirstumc.org.

Naughty or Nice Dash – Join Lansing Pride for a gay ole time with Lansing’s very own version of the Santa Speedo race! This will be an untimed social dash to celebrate the season. Come in your best naughty or nice attire! 2:30 p.m. Fish Ladder, 216 E. Grand River Ave., Lansing. www.lansingpride.org.

REO Town Holiday Market – REO Town’s jolly small-business community invites you to enjoy the extra-festive vibes at our annual holiday market! Stroll the neighborhood and discover a variety of sales and special offerings, as well as a host of seasonal community events. 11 a.m. www.facebook.com/reotown.

Tease A Gogo Presents: “The Naughty List” – Join us for beverages that are sure to land you underneath the mistletoe, a reason to break out that ugly sweater, and incredible burlesque variety to put you in the festive spirit! 8 p.m.-midnight. The Studio at 414, 410 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. www.teaseagogo.com.

Dec. 14

Christmas in the Village – Join the Friends of Historic Meridian and Santa for an afternoon of Christmas traditions from the Victorian Era! 2-4 p.m. Meridian Historical Village, 5151 Marsh Road, Okemos. www.meridianhistoricalvillage.org.

Holiday Harp Concert – All are welcome to take in the holiday music by the MSU Harp Studio. 2 p.m. St. Katherine’s Episcopal Church, 4650 Meridian Road, Williamston. www.facebook.com/stkatherinesepiscopalchurch.

Making Holiday Memories with the Capital City Brass Band – Join the Capital City Brass Band for a festive afternoon of music, featuring a variety of seasonal favorites and traditional brass band repertoire that’s sure to put you in the holiday spirit. 3 p.m. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 218 W. Ottawa St., Lansing. www.ccbrassband.com.

Dec. 16

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas – Experience the magic as the spirit of the season comes alive with the signature sound of “18th-century classical rock” ensemble Mannheim Steamroller, led by Grammy Award winner Chip Davis. 7:30 p.m. Wharton Center Cobb Great Hall, 750 E. Shaw Lane, East Lansing. www.whartoncenter.com.

Dec. 18

“Unwrapped & Unscripted”: A Bare Bones Improv Holiday Special – Join us for an evening of unholy holiday chaos: a sharp comedy show raising funds for Riverwalk Theatre’s community programs. 7 p.m. The Robin Theatre, 1105 S. Washington Ave., Lansing. www.therobintheatre.com.

Dec. 19

Golden Gatherings: A Season of Stability – Join DAP Services & Resources for a joyful holiday brunch celebrating stability, community and hope for aging adults. Enjoy a free meal, prizes and fellowship while supporting Harbor House, DAP’s transitional home for unhoused seniors. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Lansing Center, 333 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. www.facebook.com/DAPServiceResources.

Time2Play Holiday Show – Join us for a festive evening with Time2Play, a fan-favorite Lansing band known for its lively mix of rock, pop, blues, and country. 7-10 p.m. UrbanBeat, 1213 Turner St., Lansing. www.urbanbeatevents.com.

Dec. 20

6th annual Christmas Giveaway – Free. Items available: adult and children’s clothing, toys and shoes. Noon-3 p.m. Against All Odds Foundation, 5742 W. Saginaw Hwy., Lansing. www.againstalloddsfoundation.com.

Candy Cane Course – Join us for the annual Candy Cane Course 1-mile/5K/12K, a fun, Christmas-themed event perfect for the whole family. 9 a.m.-noon. Burchard Park, 220 E. Maple St., Lansing. www.runsignup.com/Race/MI/Lansing/CandyCaneCourseLansing.

Heather Lake Bays and Friends: A Christmas Cabaret – Celebrate the season with the return of Heather Lake Bays, whose voice has been featured on Grammy-winning albums, Disney projects, and stages from Carnegie Hall to Disneyland. She brings her powerhouse vocals and signature cabaret style to UrbanBeat for a festive evening of holiday music alongside a talented lineup of friends. 7-10 p.m. 1213 Turner St., Lansing. www.urbanbeatevents.com.

Urban Dance Pack Holiday Party – Expect high-energy music, top-level dancing, a festive buffet and VIP red-carpet treatment for those who want to go all out. 7 p.m. The Venue by Eleven 11 Events, 5660 W. Saginaw Hwy., Lansing. www.venue1111.com.

Dec. 21

“Home for the Holidays” – Step into the season with the Lansing Symphony Orchestra! This festive concert brings holiday favorites to life with symphonic brilliance and the soaring voice of tenor Ben Gulley. 3 p.m. Wharton Center Cobb Great Hall, 750 E. Shaw Lane, East Lansing. www.lansingsymphony.org.

“Welcome in!” Delta Community Choir Holiday Concert – Admission is free. Donations will support the work of Mitten Misfits Farm Sanctuary, a local nonprofit where rescued farm animals find a home. 3 p.m. Our Savior Lutheran Church, 7910 St. Joseph Hwy., Lansing. www.deltacc.org.

Dec. 24

“A Timeless Christmas Eve”: An Elegant Candlelight Performance by Rodey Page – Surrounded by the soft glow of candles, you’ll be swept away by graceful violin melodies and beloved Christmas classics that fill the room with peace and joy. 5:30 p.m. We Church, 415 E. Maple St., Mason. www.facebook.com/wechurchlansing.

Multi-day events:

Elfburg Winterfest – From festive fun to community favorites, there’s something for every little elf and every big heart. Nov. 30-Dec. 7. Downtown Laingsburg. www.facebook.com/LaingsburgBCA.

Festival of Trees – Holiday trees decorated by various businesses, organizations and individuals will adorn all three floors of the historic mansion. Dec. 12-31. Noon-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Turner-Dodge House, 100 E. North St., Lansing. www.facebook.com/turnerdodgehouse.

“Holiday at Lebowsky” – With captivating dance performances, enchanting singing, stunning choreography, and incredible sets, this show is sure to kick off your holiday season in style! Dec. 5-7 and 12-14. Lebowsky Center for Performing Arts, 122 E. Main St., Owosso. www.lebowskycenter.com.

Holiday Nights of Lights – Experience the magic as you drive through Frances Park and delight in the beautiful holiday scenes adorned with stunning lights. Dec. 5-21. 6-9 p.m. Friday-Sunday. 2701 Moores River Drive, Lansing. www.lansingmi.gov/967/Holiday-Nights-of-Lights.

Mid-Michigan Art Guild’s Holiday Exhibit — Small Works – In conjunction with the play “A Sherlock Carol,” the Mid-Michigan Art Guild invites you to visit its holiday exhibit in the Williamston Theatre Gallery. Through Dec. 21. 2-4 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. 122 S. Putnam St., Williamston. www.midmichiganartguild.org.

“Miracle on 34th Street”: A Live Radio Play – Performed in person by local Island City Players and Generations Community Theater actors. Proceeds benefit the Mason Area Historical Society. Dec. 12-14. Mason Area Historical Museum, 200 E. Oak St., Mason. www.masonmuseum.org.

Nokomis Cultural Heritage Center Holiday Art Market – Shop with local artists for one-of-a-kind Native American-themed gifts. Jewelry, books, cards, ornaments, copper work and much more! Dec. 6-7, 13. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 5153 Marsh Road, Okemos. www.nokomis.org.

“A Sherlock Carol” – Two beloved classic tales. One thrilling new mystery. Thursdays-Sundays through Dec. 21. No show Thursday, Nov. 27. Williamston Theatre, 122 S. Putnam St., Williamston. www.williamstontheatre.org.

Williamston Farm & Artisan Market Holiday Market – Shop for gifts and all you need for your Thanksgiving and holiday feasts. Dec. 7 and 14. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Williamston Area Senior Center, 500 Williamston Center Road, Williamston. www.facebook.com/WilliamstonFarmandArtisanMarket.

Wonderland of Lights – Take a leisurely stroll through the zoo’s festively illuminated pathways, where you’ll be surrounded by the warm, inviting glow of twinkling lights. Through Dec. 23. 5-8 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. Potter Park Zoo, 1301 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing. www.potterparkzoo.org.

World Ballet Company: “The Nutcracker” – 7 p.m. Dec. 17-18. Wharton Center Cobb Great Hall, 750 E. Shaw Lane, East Lansing. www.whartoncenter.com.