What's up in Lansing: "The Nutcracker" and more

Good day on this hopefully-not-rainy Friday.

Sugarplum fairies take the Wharton Center stage this weekend as the Children's Ballet Theatre of Michigan presents a holiday classic, "The Nutcracker." Under the direction of choreographer Gregory M. George, the young dancers waltz, gallop and pas de deux to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score.

7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets from $14. Wharton Center, 750 E. Shaw Lane, East Lansing. (517) 432-2000, whartoncenter.com.

Lansing's Silver Bells is over, but the sounds of festive parades and fairs are still ringing in Mid-Michigan.

Mason celebrates the holidays Friday with its own holiday parade, light show and an assortment of activities for all ages, including music, games, treats and a visit from Santa Claus himself.

Storefronts and homes throughout the downtown area will add to the glamour and glitz with their own decorations as part of Mason's Light up the Town campaign.

6 p.m. FREE. Courthouse Square, 500 E. Michigan Ave., Mason. (517) 676-1046, masonchamber.org.

Finally, if you're looking to avoid the crowded department stores this Black Friday, a local alternative can be found at the Nokomis Learning Center in Okemos.

Today's Holiday Open House will highlight unique gift options, including hand-crafted beaded tree ornaments. Children are invited to make their own peanut butter pine-cone craft to put in the backyard for bird and animal neighbors, and there is a seasonal card-making station with supplies provided.

1-5 p.m. FREE, donations welcome. Nokomis Learning Center, 5153 Marsh Road, Okemos. (517) 349-5777.

For more local events, see below.

Classes and Seminars

Aux Petits Soins-Explorers 1-3. French immersion for babies/toddlers. 9:30 a.m. (ages 2-4) , 10:30 a.m. (0-2) & 5:15pm (ages 4-6). $15/$12 students. 1824 E. Michigan Ave., Ste. F, Lansing. (517) 643-8059, facebook.com/auxpetitssoinsllc.Events

Holidays in Mason. Parade, games and tree lighting. 6 p.m. FREE. Courthouse Square, 500 E. Michigan Ave., Mason. (517) 676-1046, masonchamber.org.

Wonderland of Lights. Light show at the zoo. 5-8 p.m. $7/$5 kids. Potter Park Zoo, 1301 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing. (517) 342-2710, ow.ly/UUf7c.

Michigan Native American Art and Crafts Holiday Open House. Works of art for sale. 1-5 p.m. Nokomis Learning Center, 5153 Marsh Road Okemos. (517) 349-5777.

Kids Skate. First 25 get free hot dog, pop. 6-8 p.m., ages 13 and under. 8-11 p.m., ages 14 and up. $8. Skate City Roller Rink, 905 Southland Ave., Lansing. (517) 894-8429.Theater

Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol. Classic story from a new point of view. 8 p.m. $35. Williamston Theater, 122 S. Putnam St., Williamston. williamstontheatre.com.

Nutcracker. Performance by Children's Ballet Theatre of Michigan. 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $14. Cobb Great Hall, Wharton Center, MSU Campus, East Lansing. 1-800-WHARTON, whartoncenter.com.

A Christmas Carol. Humorous, musical version of classic tale. 7 p.m. $7/$5 kids. Riverwalk Theatre, 228 Museum Drive, Lansing. (517) 482-5700, riverwalktheatre.com.