Events

December 1 — Starmakers Breakfast, Lansing. Junior Achievement’s annual Starmakers Breakfast features Okemos High School and Haslett Middle School students. Special Guest WLNS Anchor, Evan Pinsonnault. Held at the Radisson Hotel Lansing — Capitol Ballroom, 111 N. Grand Ave. from 7:30-9 a.m.. Visit www.jamidmichigan.org.

December 1-17 — 12 Days of Christmas, Lansing. St. Lawrence Hospital Gift Shop, 1210 W. Saginaw St. will be celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas (excluding weekends). Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with some mornings opening earlier. Each day special items will be on sale at 20 percent off. You must come to the Shop each day to see what is on sale. A drawing will be held on the Dec. 17 for special prizes. No advance notice is given for what is on sale each day.

December 2 — 2^nd Annual Crazy Holiday Sweater Party, Lansing. Crazy sweaters, dresses, sweater dresses and pants are all encouraged. This is also the time to break out your holiday pins, earrings, necklaces, hats, socks and other wild holiday accessories. Deck the halls … and deck out yourself in your silliest holiday attire. Event held at Motion Marketing & Media, 614 Seymour Ave. (Victorian building — south of Saginaw St.) from 6-8 p.m. Mingle with Westside Commercial Association members, partners, business and property owners, managers and employees, volunteers and neighbors. Enjoy delicious food and drinks and support a great cause with your tax-deductible contribution. Suggested donation: $30/person, $45/couple or $20/person. Any Westside restaurant wishing to contribute refreshments, contact Virginia ginsinnot@yahoo.com or call (517) 203-8212.

December 3 — Annual Christmas Parade, Grand Ledge. Family fun to kick off the Holiday Season including a Lighted Float Parade through town ending with Santa at the Sun Theater. Step Off time will be 7 p.m. Call (517) 627-2383 or visit www.grandledgemi.com/events.

December 4 — Williamston Light Parade, Williamston. The Williamston Area Chamber of Commerce hosts its 14th Annual Holiday Light Parade at 6 p.m., with illuminated floats and vehicles, marching bands, animals, and more! The event is free to attend. After the parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus will help with the lighting of the Christmas tree in front of City Hall, 161 E. Grand River. Information, www.williamston.org

December 4 — 8th Annual Craft Show & Festival of Trees, St. Johns. The Clinton County Chamber of Commerce will host this wonderful event which includes Breakfast with Santa, Festival of Trees, Children’s Make It & Take It Crafts and a Craft Show. All events held at the CC RESA Bldg., 1013 S. US 27. For times and small fees call (989) 224-7248 or visit www.clintoncountychamber.org.

December 4 — Old Town Dickens Village, Lansing. This free event starts the holiday season by celebrating Old Town’s Victorian heritage. Enjoy family-friendly activities such as horse-drawn carriage rides, puppet shows, a holiday market, carolers and more. Carriage rides, scenes from A Christmas Carol and a greens market are just some of the activities planned from noon to 8 p.m. Call (517) 485-4283 or visit www.oldtownfestivals.com.

December 4 — Songs of Winter, East Lansing. Join us at the Wharton Center for the Performing Arts for a celebration of the winter season, an evening that will set the tone for one of the holiest times of year, no matter how you celebrate. Winter from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons evokes swirling snow and icy rain, brought to life by Concertmaster Seunghee Lee. Rutter’s When Icicles Hang showcases the chorus in a cycle of songs celebrating winter. And finally, Bloch’s Sacred Service invokes the spirit of a synagogue service with its use of chorus and cantor, delivered by powerful and dramatic Baritone David Small. With its rich, harmonic language, Bloch’s Sacred Service has the power to rejuvenate any winter evening from 8-10:30 p.m. Call (517) 487-5001 or visit www.lansingsymphony.org.

December 5 — Christmas in the Village, Okemos. Join Santa and friends for an old-fashioned Christmas in the Meridian Historical Village, 5113 Marsh Rd. Historic buildings will be open and decorated for the holidays. Volunteers in period-dress will share some of the old traditions of Christmas a long time ago. Gift shop open. Free event from 2-5 p.m. Call (517) 347-7300 or visit www.merhistvill.org.

December 5 — Winter Bowl Soup & Chili Cook-Off, East Lansing. Those who attend will enjoy everything from free chili and soup sampling to reindeer petting, horse and carriage rides, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, ice carving, a marshmallow roast, musical performances, roaming carolers, hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts and much more. In addition, participating downtown merchants will have holiday activities and treats in store for their visitors. All activities and parking are free from 1-4 p.m. The hub of the activity will take place at Ann Street Plaza and the East Lansing Marriott, although all of downtown will be ringing with holiday excitement. Visit www.cityofeastlansing.com.

December 7 — Designing Women of Postwar Britain, East Lansing. Spend your lunch time, starting at noon, on a gallery walk at the Kresge Art Museum for an informative tour of the exhibition, led by museum education staff. Call (517) 884-0659 or visit www.artmuseum.msu.edu.

December 10-12 — Liquidation Sale, Lansing. The Lansing Center, 333 E. Michigan Ave., will host this event with such items as computers (laptops and desktops), electronics, mp3 players, games and gaming equipment, GPS, clothing, shoes, perfume, gold and tons more. Admission: adults $8, kids: 12 and under are free. For show times call (517) 483-7400 or visit www.lansingcenter.com.

December 11 — Jingle Belle 5K Run/Walk for Women, Lansing. This road race will be held at the Delta Township District Library, 5130 Davenport Dr. Start time is 10 a.m. Call Cherry Hamrick (517) 321-4014 or email delta5k@dtdl.org.

December 11 — Breakfast with Santa, Lansing. Don’t miss this special family holiday experience breakfast with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. Each child will have a chance to meet and chat with Santa personally, please bring your own camera. After breakfast, guests are invited by the Docents to a special hands-on experience with the education animals. Make a reservation for the 8:30 or 10:30 a.m. breakfast and to obtain pricing. Call (517) 342-2718 or visit www.potterparkzoo.org.

December 11 — 2^nd Annual Chili Cook-Off, Leslie. All the while the Lighted Christmas Parade is strolling down the road, stop by the Leslie Events Center from 5:30-9:30 p.m. to cast your vote for your favorite chili. This event is sponsored by the LAEF. Call Pete (517) 896-3651.

December 11-12 — Cat Show, Lansing. Come and see the bald Sphynx, the wild-looking Bengal, the folded eared Scottish Fold and many more breeds. Lots of vendors of cat-related products and gifts. Cats from all over the world will compete in six separate divisions for titles, regional and international awards. The only Cat Show and Rescue Adoption Event in Lansing. Hosted by Great Lakes Cat Consortium at the Lansing Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: $3/person-all ages; helps support local rescue groups. Want to show your pedigreed or mixed breed cat? Before Dec. 5 visit www.toledocatshow.com.

January 9 — Bridal World, Lansing. The Lansing Center hosts this professionally produced bridal fashion show with the latest wedding styles in bridal gowns and wedding tuxedos from the hottest designers. Lots of area wedding exhibitors specializing in everything for your wedding: bridal gowns, bridal hair and makeup, honeymoons, caterers, cakes, tuxedos and everything related to weddings. Special savings from area wedding exhibitors, including the chance to win exciting door prizes for your wedding. Event is from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and the fashion show is from 1-3 p.m. Tickets: $4 in advance at Fantastic Finds or $6 at the door. Call (517) 347-7288 or visit www.bridalworldshows.com.

January 14-16 — The Lansing Boat Show “H20-11″, Lansing. Get a boat? Now’s your chance during this weekend-long event at the Lansing Center. Check out what’s new for 2011 and get special pre-season deal on a pontoon, speed, fishing and/or personal watercraft — got to have more than one boat! The show is free. Show hours: Friday is noon to 8p.m., Saturday is 10 a.m. to 8p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call (517) 367-2132 or visit www.lansingboatshow.com.

January 20-23 — Family RV Show, East Lansing. This fabulous, must-see show is at the MSU Agricultural Pavilion, Mt. Hope and Farm Lane. Come see what’s new in RV’ing for 2011. There will be more than 100 units on display at special show pricing. These include motor homes, travel trailers, fifth wheels and pop-up campers. Lenders will be on hand with special financing. Vendors include: Campgrounds, RV service & accessories and area credit unions. $6/adult, 17 and under are free. Call (517) 432-5566 or email pavilion@msu.edu.

Arts

December 4-5 — MSU Holiday Arts & Crafts Show, East Lansing. Oh by golly, 200 artists will gather on four floors of the MSU Union, corner of Grand River and Abbott. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free! West Circle Drive and the Grand River Parking Ramp will be open to parking. This show was voted one of the top 50 shows in the nation by Sunshine Artist Magazine and is one of the largest holiday arts and crafts shows in Michigan. Some items available at this year’s show include pottery, jewelry, photography, clothing, aromatherapy, personalized home décor, woodworking, stained glass and holiday-themed items. Call (517) 355-3354 or visit www.uabevents.com.

December 10 — Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver Holiday Concert, Charlotte. Awarded the Vocal Group of the Year for seven consecutive years (2001-2007) by the International Bluegrass Music Association and a National Endowment for the Arts Heritage awardee, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver’s energetic stage performance can bring an audience to its feet with their hot picking and silence a crowd with their soaring gospel singing. Dinner & Show package is $35/person. Fees: $28/person and held at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 378 State St, at 7:30 p.m. Call (517) 541-5690 or visit www.cpacpresents.com.

December 18 — A Jazzy Little Christmas, East Lansing. Join the MSU Professors of Jazz as they celebrate the holiday season with jazzy renditions of their own holiday favorites at the Pasant Theatre, Wharton Center. Led by artistic director and acclaimed jazz bassist, Rodney Whitaker, the world-class musicians and faculty members of the MSU jazz studies program are sure to whip up a magical night for all. Show is 8-10 p.m. Call (800) 942-7806 or visit www.whartoncenter.com.

January 7 — Russian National Ballet Theatre: Romeo and Juliet, East Lansing. The world’s most famous love story returns to the stage at Cobb Great Hall, Wharton Center, in a full-length ballet performed by the Russian National Ballet Theatre. With their families locked in a bitter feud, Romeo and Juliet’s fate is doomed. While they will do anything to be together, their families will do anything to keep them apart. This highly dramatic and visually stunning production features more than 50 dancers Showtime: 8-10 p.m. Call (800) 942-7806 or visit www.whartoncenter.com.

Exhibits

September 26 – February 12 — Petticoat Patriots: How Michigan Women Won the Vote, Lansing. In celebration of the 90th anniversary of women’s suffrage, the Michigan Women’s Historical Center, 213 W. Main St., is proud to present a new history exhibit that explores how the women’s suffrage movement unfolded in Michigan and features the stories of more than 20 Michigan women who became leading suffragists. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the engaging stories, images and artifacts. The exhibit also features many interactive elements, such as a voting booth and places for visitors to share their own ideas. Wednesday-Saturday noon to 4 p.m., Sunday 2-4 p.m. Call (517) 484-1880 or visit www.michiganwomenshalloffame.org.

December 4-29 — Woodland Indian Art Market, Okemos. Nokomis Learning Center, 5153 Marsh Rd., will be open Saturdays and Sundays during this event from noon to 6 p.m. Great Lakes Native American artists will display their work for the entire month of December. We will feature a different artist every weekend. They will be on hand demonstrating their style of work and to sell some of their work. Come and meet the artists, and see them at work. There will be a variety of items: Jewelry, black ash baskets, corn husk dolls, porcelain masks, Christmas ornaments, and Native-made lotion, soap, candles, and body wash. Free event. Donations welcome. Call (517) 349-5777 or visit www.nokomis.org.

Through December 17 — Designing Women of Postwar Britain: Their Art and the Modern Interior, East Lansing. The contribution of woman designers, such as Lucienne Day, Marian Mahler and Jacqueline Groag, significantly shaped the history of textile design in Britain after WW II. Their works featured in this exhibition offered radical changes in textile design that contrasted dramatically with the monotony of what the textile industry had to offer prior to their arrival on the scene. Explosions of color and playfulness abound, reflecting contemporary artistic trends of geometric and abstract art. Held at the Kresge Art Museum. Call (517) 884-0659 or visit www.artmuseum.msu.edu.

Through December 17 — The Power of Design, Perspectives Gallery, Kresge Art Museum, East Lansing. Chinese textiles, costumes and costume accessories culled from the Wicker Collection, housed within MSU’s Apparel & Textile Design Program, Department of Art & Art History, comprise this exhibition. Many of these Q’ing Dynasty artifacts traveled from Peking in the early 20^th century and show how design can symbolically communicate order and hierarchy as well as religious-philosophical thought, and reveal the technical expertise of Q’ing Dynasty artisans. Call (517) 884-0659 or visit www.artmuseum.msu.edu.

Clinics

December 1 — CPR for Infants and Children, Lansing. Imagine finding a child or infant not breathing. Do you know what to do? The Family and Friends Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training program teaches you the life-saving skills. Sparrow Children’s Center, Mid-Michgan’s leader in pediatric care, offers you the American Heart Association’s Family and Friends CPR for Infants and Children. This class teaches infant/child CPR, infant choking, child Heimlich maneuver and safe sleep general infant safety tips. Class is the first Wednesday of every month from 6-8 p.m. at the Sparrow Professional Building, 1200 E. Michigan Ave., Rm. G, 2^nd floor. Cost $25/ person, $40/ couple. Call (800) 772-7769 or visit www.sparrow.org.

December 1 — Photographic Event, Lansing. This free workshop is held at Perspective2, 319 E. Grand River in Old Town from 6-7 p.m. Better photos with your Smart phone! How many of us have a great digital camera, but still take tons of photos from our smart phones? Lots of us … why? Because, it is easy, convenient and with us 24/7. This cafe style meet-up is designed to connect photographers at all levels and highlight techniques for taking better photos with your smart phone. Brian Knoblock of Lansing IT leads this new monthly, Photo Cafe! For more information and to RSVP visit www.perspective2studio.com/happenings.

December 4 — Pure Meditation Foundation Class for Adults, Bath. Conquer stress, improve concentration and find inner peace with Joanne Rowe, certified SRMHC UK teacher from the Self Realization Meditation Healing Centre 11-12:30. Cost is $49/person. Preregistration required. Call (517) 641-6201 or visit www.selfrealizationcentremichigan.org.

December 8 — Fibromyalgia Workshop, Lansing. Develop coping skills to improve sleep, improve quality of life and decrease pain from a behavioral perspective. Workshop is free, your friends and family are welcome. Please leave young children at home. Class is 6:30-8 p.m. at the Sparrow Professional Blding., 2^nd floor with Cam Riessinger, Ph.D. The goal is to provide information about fibromyalgia and various treatments. Also, given the sensitivity of many fibromyalgia patients to scents and chemicals, we request attendees refrain from using scented care products. Free parking in the ramp and enter the building from the first floor of the parking ramp. Call Jennifer at (517) 364-5314 or visit www.sparrow.org.

Fundraisers

December 3, 4, 5 — Festival of Trees, Lansing. Help local non-profits and get into the holiday spirit during the Festival of Trees. The event runs 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday at the Lansing Center. Families are invited to check out holiday craft vendors, enjoy live entertainment, a puppet show, a giant gingerbread house display and more. Most importantly, residents are invited to check out the more than 150 trees and wreaths decorated by local non-profits, churches and schools. Sunday the trees and wreaths will be raffled off to benefit the organization that decorated the items. Entry to the event is $5, raffle tickets sold separately.

December 3 — Holiday Boutique 2010, Lansing. This annual event held by the Ingham County Medical Society Alliance welcomes all to the Sparrow Professional Building in their Atrium from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with all proceeds to support local medical and nursing scholarships. Additionally, this year a donation to the SANE Room (Sexual Assault Nurse Examination Room) at Sparrow’s ER will be made. Event features more than 20 exceptional local vendors for unique shopping opportunities, local choirs, Bob McCloy guitar and mandolin, Sparty, Santa …who doesn’t show up for Holiday Boutique? Call (517) 336-9019 or email tguastella@msms.org.

December 4 — Toys for Tots, Lansing. During Potter Park Zoo’s Wonderland of Lights, from 5-8 p.m., each person who brings in a new, unwrapped toy will be admitted to Wonderland of Lights for free. All toys will be donated to Toys for Tots. Call (517) 342-2718 or visit www.potterparkzoo.org.

December 9 — A Decade of Giving: Decadent Dessert & Silent Auction, Lansing. You’re invited to this delicious fundraiser from 5-8 p.m. at NorthWest Initiative, 530 W. Ionia St. Tickets are $35/person and include desserts and beverages and the ability to bid on wonderful silent auction items — perfect gifts for the holidays! We are also looking for individuals willing to make a dessert for our event. All proceeds will be used to support programs of the NorthWest Initiative. Call (517) 999-2894 or email peggy@nwlansing.org.

December 11 — Quilt Show & Reception, Lansing. A quilt show, silent auction and reception will be held at the home of Bob Shaw, 1508 W. Kalamazoo, and co-hosted by Cindy Meilock from 4-8 p.m. Handmade quilts from local artisans will be auctioned off to raise funds for the Women’s Center of Greater Lansing. Come enjoy beverages, appetizers and seasonal cookies. $10 minimum donation at the door. Call (517) 372-9163.

January 1 — Resolution 5k, Lansing. Our Savior Lutheran Church and School, 7910 E. St. Joe Hwy. will host this accurate 5k on paved, plowed roads. Fee before 12/25: $18, day of race $25. Packet pickup at Playmakers. Medals and awards grouped by age. Proceeds will go to Our Savior Lutheran School Athletic Fund. Call Jim (517) 882-3550 or visit www.oursaviorchurch.org.

January 22 — A Healthy Living Seminar, East Lansing. Kick-start your New Year fitness resolutions! On Target Living is a health and fitness program created by Chris Johnson, a national speaker and author. Chris is making a rare Mid-Michigan appearance to support the efforts of the Greater Lansing Food Bank. The morning includes a health and wellness presentation followed by a host of healthy food and product samplings. Held at the Eagle Eye Golf Club from 9 a.m. to noon. Tickets: $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Call (517) 339.6909 or visit www.ontargetliving.com.

January 27 – Into The Woods, Nashville. Theatre Event The American Business Women’s Association is hosting their Annual Education Fundraiser, Into The Woods, performed by The Revue, 301 N. Main St. Into The Woods blends various familiar fairy tales with an original story of a childless baker and his wife, who attempt to reverse a curse on their family in order to have a child. The characters must deal with what happens after “Happily Ever After.” The evening also includes a fabulous hor d’oeuvre reception, desserts and a gift basket raffle. Reception begins at 6 p.m. with the performance at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15, available at Eaton Federal Savings Banks or call Lesli (517) 627-1261.