Entertainment Calendar: 12/05/2008

December 05, 2008 12:16 pm

—

Items for this calendar must be received by the Record-Eagle at least 10-14 business days in advance. All calendars are published on a space available basis. Information may be mailed to Entertainment Calendar, Record-Eagle, P.O. Box 632, Traverse City, MI 49685-0632; faxed to 946-8632; or e-mail features@record-eagle.com.

Friday, Dec. 5

Art

Exhibit of 1800s hunting and fishing prints, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Sat. or by appointment through December, original lithographs and hand-colored woodblock prints; Courtyard Fine Art, 914 E. Eighth St., TC; 929-9877.

Crystal Lake Art Center Holiday Market, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., handcrafted gifts by more than 20 local artists; Crystal Lake Arts Center, 111 10th, Frankfort; 352-4151.

Holiday Open House By the Bight, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., seasonal treats, By the Bight Art Gallery and Studio, East Woolsey Lake and Snyder roads, Northport; www.bythebight.com.

Art Babes Holiday Show opens, noon-8 p.m., fine art and crafts; City Studio, 1202 E. Eighth St., TC; 228-6042.

Babes and Fishes: A Cross-Town Holiday Happening, 5-8 p.m., art work displayed, refreshments served, artists on hand to discuss their work; City Studio, 1202 E. Eighth St., and Fish Studios, 230 E. 14th St., TC; 228-6042, 941-0077 or www.fishstudiostc.com.

Opening reception and book launch, 7-11 p.m., for "Beauty in Ruin: The Asylum Nudes" fine art photography by Geoffrey Vail Brown, on view through Jan. 7; InsideOut Gallery, 229 Garland St., TC.

Dance

Dance Arts Academy and Company Dance Traverse present "The Nutcracker," 7 p.m., $15 and $20; Milliken Auditorium, 1701 E. Front, TC; tickets available at Diva Dancewear, 941-4234.

"SwingShift and the Stars Dance-Off for Charity," couples compete before a panel of judges, audience may vote for favorite couples for a minimum $1 donation to benefit charities; City Opera House, 106 E. Front, TC; www.swingshiftandthestars.com.

Swing Dance by Jazz North, 8-11 p.m., $8 at the door, free beverages and snacks; Studio 7 Arts, 225 W. 14th St., TC; 313-4038 or 932-9809.

Etc.

Toys for Tots Toy Trolley, 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Meijer will match every toy purchased and donated from their store; Burger King, near Meijer, U.S. 31, TC; 933-0344 or www.mwmitoys.com.

Christmas Cookie Sale, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., by Friends of the Kalkaska County Library; at the library, 247 S. Cedar St., Kalkaska; 258-9411.

Toddler Time at the Great Lakes Children's Museum, 10 a.m.-noon, Indoor Snowmen theme, learning activities geared toward toddlers, included in admission, $6 ages 2/older; Great Lakes Children's Museum, 13240 S. West Bay Shore Dr., TC; 932-4526.

Holiday floor cloth class, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., $35 members, $45 non-members, plus $15 materials fee; Crystal Lake Art Center, 111 10th, Frankfort; 352-4151 or www.crystallakeartcenter.org.

Odaawe Gamik museum store, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., traditional and contemporary Anishinaabek arts, also educational materials; Eyaawing Museum & Cultural Center, 2304 N. West Bay Shore Dr., Peshawbestown; 534-7764.

Manistee Historical Museum's "Christmas in Toyland" exhibit, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., refreshments served 6-8 p.m.; Lyman Building, 425 River St., Manistee; admission $1 students, $3 adults, $5 adult couples, $7 parents and their minor children; 723-5331.

Santa's Workshop & Holiday Store, 1-8 p.m., shop for holiday gifts, plus bake sale, chili lunch, food drive, winter clothing drive, sponsored by Benzie Drop In Center and WellSpring Arts; at 1024 Michigan Ave., Benzonia; 352-5052.

Christmas in Mackinaw, 4:45 p.m. tree lighting procession from Marina parking lot to Central Avenue to Nicolet Street and Indian pathways; 5 p.m. parade of caroler wagons, walkers and decorated vehicles, "Tacky Tinsel Town Car Parade"; 5:15 p.m. community blessing, Santa's arrival, tree lighting, decorating and carols; 5:35 p.m. tacky award presentations, make an ornament, cocoa and cookies with Santa and Mrs. Claus and the elves, at MeMor's in Mackinaw Crossings; Mackinaw City; 436-5574.

Inn at Christmastime, 5-8 p.m., tour the restored 1905 Wellington Inn decorated for the holidays, entertainment by local musicians, refreshments, many displays available to purchase, $15 at the door, proceeds benefit GT Historical Society; Wellington Inn, 230 Wellington St., TC; 922-9900 or www.wellingtoninn.com; to schedule family portraits in advance, call Windborne, 946-2940.

Visits with Santa, 5-8 p.m., in his house at the corner of Cass and East Front, downtown TC.

Downtown Petoskey Holiday Open House, 6-9 p.m., lighting of the Christmas Tree in Pennsylvania Park 6-6:30 p.m., , music, sing-along, refreshments and more; downtown Petoskey; 487-1188.

Williamsburg Showcase Dinner Theater's "Very Merry Christmas" show, doors open 6 p.m., dinner/show 7 p.m., $44.95 adults, $30 children 12/younger, reservations required; 4230 E. M-72, Williamsburg; for available show dates or reservations, 938-2181 or www.conventionldinnertheater.com.

Book signing, 6-8 p.m., by Jeffrey Schatzer, author of "A Bump on Santa's Noggin," "A Bird in Santa's Beard" and "Fires in the Wilderness"; Up North Kids, 137 E. Front, TC; 946-2665.

Christmas in Kalkaska Holiday Celebration, 6:30 p.m., beginning with Pearl Harbor Day Memorial and Blessing of the Festivities, lighted Christmas parade, visits with Santa, refreshments, caroling around a bonfire, downtown Kalkaska.

Interlochen

For tickets or details, 276-7800, (800) 681-5920 or http://tickets.interlochen.org.

IAA Theatre presents "Little Women: The Musical," 7:30 p.m., $21 adults, $18 seniors, $9 students; Harvey Theatre.

IAA Choral Ensembles, 7:30 p.m., $9 adults, $6 students/seniors; Dendrinos Chapel.

Music

Leelanau Children's Choir and Youth Ensemble Madrigal Christmas Concert, 7:30 p.m., elaborate staging and costumes of a Renaissance Christmas and traditional procession of the boarshead, closes with cookie and punch reception, $15 adults, $5 students, free for ages 5/younger; Northport Community Arts Center, Northport School, Wing Street, Northport; advance tickets at The Painted Bird and Brilliant Books, Suttons Bay, Dog Ear's Books, Northport, and at the door.

Benzie Symphony Orchestra and Leelanau Community Choir Christmas Concert, 7:30 p.m., Benzie Central High School auditorium, Homestead Road, Benzonia.

The Breakers, 10 p.m.-2 a.m., band won 2007 NMC Talent Show, all door proceeds benefit Northwestern Michigan Student Peace Alliance; Union Street Station, 117 S. Union TC; 941-1930.

Theater

Traverse City College Preparatory Academy presents "The Omelet Murder Mystery," 7 p.m., a parody of Shakespeare's "Hamlet," $2 admission; at the academy, 1402 Carlisle, TC; 929-4539.

Saturday, Dec. 6

Art

Crystal Lake Art Center Holiday Market, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Crystal Lake Arts Center, 111 10th, Frankfort; 352-4151.

Holiday Open House By the Bight, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., seasonal treats, By the Bight Art Gallery and Studio, East Woolsey Lake and Snyder roads, Northport; www.bythebight.com,

Art Babes Holiday Show, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., fine art and crafts; City Studio, 1202 E. Eighth, TC; 228-6042.

Dance

Dance Arts Academy and Company Dance Traverse present "The Nutcracker," 2 and 7 p.m., $15 and $20; Milliken Auditorium, 1701 E. Front, TC; tickets available at Diva Dancewear, 941-4234.

Etc.

Cookie Sale, 8 a.m.-noon, $7/pound, by Old Mission Women's Club. all proceeds donated to local charities; Peninsula Township Fire Station #2, Center Road, TC.

Holiday City Market at the Depot, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., open air market, locally-grown agricultural products and wares from local artists and artisans; Railway Station, East Eighth Street and Woodmere Avenue, next to the Traverse Area District Library, TC; www.webrewstarbucks.com/citymarket.html.

Cookie Walk, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., $5/pound, also vintage jewelry, crafts, silent auction, baked goods and soup luncheon; Redeemer Lutheran Church, Interlochen; 276-9517.

St. Francis Parish "Come to CHRISTmas through Art and Music" Festival, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. art show, cookie sale ($7/pound), Chinese auction, silent auction; 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Children's Advent Sampler; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. soup and salad lunch; 6-10 p.m. Starlight Evening Celebration with music and desserts; St. Francis High School, East 11th Street, TC; for details, call 947-4620.

Holiday Craft Show, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., 8-9 a.m. Community Cookie Contest with judging 9 a.m.-noon, kids' make and take crafts, visits with Santa, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. storytime with Mrs. Claus, 1-3 p.m. free swimming and ice skating; Kaliseum, M-72 West, Kalkaska; 258-8629.

Odaawe Gamik museum store, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Eyaawing Museum & Cultural Center, 2304 N. West Bay Shore Dr., Peshawbestown; 534-7764.

Merry Marketplace, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., creations by 20 local artisans, free cookies and coffee served; Old Art Building Leland; 256-2131.

Lights of the Holidays, 10 a.m. winter survival program at Grass River Natural Area; 10:30 a.m. storytime at Bellaire Library; 11 a.m.-1 p.m. visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Village and Kearney Township Office; 1 p.m. movie matinee at Bellaire Theatre; 5 p.m. sing-along and Christmas Tree lighting followed by Bellaire Elf Run; for details, call Bellaire Chamber of Commerce, 533-6023.

Manistee Historical Museum's "Christmas in Toyland" exhibit, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Lyman Building, 425 River St., Manistee; admission $1 students, $3 adults, $5 adult couples, $7 parents and their minor children; 723-5331.

Chickadee Christmas, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., guided birding walks, children's crafts, backyard birding presentations, silent auction bidding 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on ornaments, wreaths and nature-based items by area artists and students, sponsored by michigan Audubon Society; at Lake Bluff Bird Sanctuary, 2890 Lakeshore Road, north of Manistee.

Dungeon and Dragons Quest, 10:30 a.m. open to ages 15/older; Traverse Area District Library, 610 Woodmere, TC; 932-8500.

Pond Hill Farm Winter Fest, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. visit with Santa, winter hayrides, wreath decorating, feed the farm animals, Christmas trees, holiday music, cookies, cocoa and more; M-119, five miles north of Harbor Springs; 526-FARM or www.pondhill.com.

Visits with Santa, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., in his house at the corner of Cass and East Front, downtown TC.

Santa's Workshop & Holiday Store, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., visit with Santa, shop for holiday gifts, plus bake sale, chili lunch, food drive, winter clothing drive, sponsored by Benzie Drop In Center and WellSpring Arts; at 1024 Michigan Ave., Benzonia; 352-5052.

Cadillac Garden Club Holiday Home Tour, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., free refreshments, $10 advance, $15 the day of the tour; Cadillac; advance tickets at Brinks Art and Frame Shop or by calling 779-0559.

Making Ornaments from Nature, 1-2 p.m., adults only, $5 materials fee, registration required; bring glue gun if you have one; Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Road, TC; 941-0960 or www.natureiscalling.org.

Holiday Greens Workshop, 1-3 p.m., create a wreath, swag, centerpiece or kissing ball, $20, presented by Alana Haley of Roots & Wings Herbs, registration requested; Pine Hill Nursery, 886 U.S. 31, Kewadin; 588-6391.

Book signing, 1-3 p.m., by Leslie Mertz, author of "Driving Michigan: Mile by Mile on I-75"; Borders Books, 2612 Crossings Circle, TC.

Book signing, 1-3 p.m., by Linda L. Lile, author of the children's book "Nonnie, What's God?" Evolve, Grand Traverse Mall, South Airport Road, TC.

Holiday Gift Trunk Show, 1-6 p.m., with 3-6 p.m. free wine and hors d'oeuvres reception, featuring handmade crafts and jewelry from Kenya; Higher Grounds Trading Co., 806 Red Dr., behind Building 50, the Village at Grand Traverse Commons, TC; (877) 825-2262 or www.highergroundstrading.com.

Cartooning program, 1:30 p.m., with local cartoonist Dick Evans, all ages, free; East Bay Branch Library, 1989 Three Mile Road, TC; 922-2085.

Warehouse District progressive Holiday Open House, 5-9 p.m., in-store give-aways, food, music and more, non-perishable food donations accepted for Goodwill Inn food pantry; Bay West Antiques, Be At Rest, By Candlelight, Boardman Paddle & Pedal, Cuppa Joe, Handz on Art, InsideOut Gallery, Lighting Center, NM3, Northern MI Men's Magazine, Rebecca's Studio & Gallery, Right Brain Brewery, Salon/Saloon, the Red Dresser, Vision Modern Salon and Waara Technologies, downtown TC.

Elizabethan Madrigal Feaste, 6 p.m., $30; West Senior High School Commons Banquet Hall, 5376 N. Long Lake Road, TC; reservations accepted by phone only, 933-7509.

Northport Tree Lighting Ceremony, 6 p.m., music, hot cider and cookies, appearance by Santa Claus, merchants' open house until 8 p.m., Northport.

Stardust Productions presents "A Christmas to Come Home To" dinner show, 7 p.m. buffet dinner, 8 p.m. show, $25 per person; Gio's Trattoria Grille, U.S. 131 North, one block north of Rite-Aid, Kalkaska; for details or reservations, call Gio's, 384-4444.

Interlochen

For tickets or details, 276-7800, (800) 681-5920 or http://tickets.interlochen.org.

Guest Artist Exhibition, 6 p.m., free, Gallery.

IAA Theatre presents "Little Women: The Musical," 7:30 p.m., $21 adults, $18 seniors, $9 students; Harvey Theatre

IAA Choral Ensembles, 7:30 p.m., $9 adults, $6 students/seniors; Dendrinos Chapel.

Music

Jingle Bell Jam, doors open 6 p.m., live entertainment 7 p.m. with Marty Yaple and Adam Priestly 7 p.m., Cherri & the Violators 8 p.m., Sufferin Suckatash 9 p.m., Shades of Black 10 p.m., admission is one new, unwrapped toy or a cash donation for Manistee County Toys for Tots/Gifts for Teens program, all ages, cash bar for ages 21/older, food and snacks; Manistee Eagles Aerie 1675, 55 Division St., Manistee.

The Breakers, 10 p.m.-2 a.m., band won 2007 NMC Talent Show; Union Street Station, 117 S. Union TC; 941-1930.

Theater

Traverse City College Preparatory Academy presents "The Omelet Murder Mystery," 7 p.m., a parody of Shakespeare's "Hamlet," $2 admission; at the academy, 1402 Carlisle, TC; 929-4539.

Sunday, Dec. 7

Art

Art Babes Holiday Show, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., fine art and crafts; City Studio, 1202 E. Eighth, TC; 228-6042.

Holiday Open House By the Bight, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., seasonal treats, By the Bight Art Gallery and Studio, East Woolsey Lake and Snyder roads, Northport; www.bythebight.com.

Holiday Art Bazaar, 2-4 p.m. with gourmet tea tasting hosted by Sojourner Teas; Crooked Tree Arts Center, 461 E. Mitchell, Petoskey; 347-4337 or www.crookedtree.org.

Advent Art Show opening, 2:30-4:30 p.m., art expressing the thems of blessing, los, exile and return on view during weekly worship gathering 5 p.m. Sundays during Advent; The Potter's House (at Grace Episcopal Church), 341 Washington St., TC; www.pottershouseucc.org.

Dance

Dance Arts Academy and Company Dance Traverse present "The Nutcracker," 2 p.m., $15 and $20; Milliken Auditorium, 1701 E. Front, TC; tickets available at Diva Dancewear, 941-4234.

Etc.

Manistee Historical Museum's "Christmas in Toyland" exhibit, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Lyman Building, 425 River St., Manistee; admission $1 students, $3 adults, $5 adult couples, $7 parents and their minor children; 723-5331.

St. Francis Parish "Come to CHRISTmas through Art and Music" Festival, 10:30 a.m.-noon family brunch; 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Children's Advent Sampler; 12:30-2:30 p.m. family dinner; 1:30 p.m. St. Francis Choir and Children's Pageant; 3 p.m. silent auction and raffle drawings conclude; St. Francis High School, East 11th Street, TC; 947-4620.

A "Grand" Grand Traverse Lighthouse Christmas (An Authentic McCormick Family Christmas)," noon-4 p.m., tour sheet for visitors to take a self-guided walking tour of the lighthouse, music and entertainment, Santa's arrival 3 p.m., free admission and refreshments; Grand Traverse Lighthouse, Leelanau State Park, north of Northport; 386-7195.

Santa Paws event, noon-4 p.m. digital photos of pets with Santa, $10; tours, open house, refreshments, door prizes, more; Cherryland Humane Society, 1750 Ahlberg Road, TC; 946-5116.

Mother/Daughter American Girl Tea, 1 p.m., high tea, crafts, music and a chance to win an American Girl doll, by reservation only, $25 ladies, $15 young ladies, dolls and teddy bears admitted free, sponsored by Saturn Booksellers; at Michaywe Inn the Woods, Gaylord; tickets at the bookstore, 133 W. Main St., Gaylord, at www.saturnbooksellers.com or by calling (989) 732-8899.

Antlers & Elves -- Live Reindeer Display, 1-4 p.m., visit with elves and observe a live reindeer, free, display area unheated, visitors encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations for Leelanau Christian Neighbor Food Pantry, Enerdyne, 223 St. Joseph St., downtown Suttons Bay; 271-6033.

Inn at Christmastime, 1-4 p.m., tour the restored 1905 Wellington Inn decorated for the holidays, entertainment by local musicians, refreshments, many displays available to purchase, $15 at the door, proceeds benefit GT Historical Society; Wellington Inn, 230 Wellington St., TC; 922-9900 or www.wellingtoninn.com; to schedule family portraits in advance, call Windborne, 946-2940.

Visits with Santa, 1-4 p.m., in his house at the corner of Cass and East Front, downtown TC.

Elizabethan Madrigal Feaste, 6 p.m., $30; West Senior High School Commons Banquet Hall, 5376 N. Long Lake Road, TC; reservations accepted by phone only, 933-7509.

Interlochen

IAA Theatre presents "Little Women: The Musical," 2 p.m., $21 adults, $18 seniors, $9 students; Harvey Theatre; 276-7800, (800) 681-5920 or http://tickets.interlochen.org.

Music

"Catch the Spirit" holiday concert by concert pianist David Chown, 2 p.m., carols, seasonal music, sing-along, free-will offering to benefit Benzie area residents using Dental Clinics North and Benzie Area Christian Neighbors, child care for ages 3/younger; St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 8190 Lincoln Road, Beulah.

Northwestern Michigan College Children's Choir Holiday Concert, 3 p.m., $8 adults, $6 children 12/younger and seniors 62/older; Lars Hockstad Auditorium, Central Grade School, West Seventh Street, TC; 995-1700.

Leelanau Community Choir concerts, free admission, 3 p.m., Suttons Bay Congregational Church, 218 Madison; and 7 p.m., Glen Arbor Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 6012 Lake St.; 228-5456.

Monday, Dec. 8

Art

Crystal Lake Art Center Holiday Market, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., handcrafted gifts by more than 20 local artists; Crystal Lake Arts Center, 111 10th, Frankfort; 352-4151.

Etc.

IndyFlix @ the State, 7:30 p.m. showing of "What Would Jesus Buy," preceded by surprise street theater with the TC Stop-Shoppin' Choir; State Theater, 233 E. Front, TC; tickets at the box office, www.statetheatretc.org or call 947-4800.

Tuesday, Dec. 9

Art

Crystal Lake Art Center Holiday Market, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Crystal Lake Arts Center, 111 10th, Frankfort; 352-4151.

Etc.

Christmas Cookie Sale, 5:30-9:30 p.m., sponsored by Kingsley Project Graduation, cookies and treats sold by the pound, bags provided or bring your own tins/boxes, in conjunction with Kingsley Bands' Christmas concerts; Kingsley High School, Kingsley.

Interlochen

IAA Creative Writing Student Reading, 8:30 p.m., free; Writing House.

Wednesday, Dec. 10

Art

Crystal Lake Art Center Holiday Market, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Crystal Lake Arts Center, 111 10th, Frankfort; 352-4151.

Open critique night, 6-9 p.m., with guest facilitator Jim Blue, members invited to bring up to two works of art for general discussion or more in-depth dialogue, $10; Artcenter Traverse City, 720 S. Elmwood, TC; for details or to reserve a spot, call 941-9488.

Etc.

Meet the Maestro luncheon, noon, with internationally renowned conductor Franz Anton Krager, $20, sponsored by Traverse Symphony Orchestra Ambassadors; TC Golf & Country Club, 1725 S. Union, TC; tickets available at the TSO office, 300 E. Front St., suite 230, or by calling 947-7120.

"Relaxation during the Holidays" seminar, 2-4 p.m., $10, bring bed pillows and mat/blanket, registration required; Nourish, Kids' Creek Shopping Center, South Division, TC; 421-3401.

Greening Up the Holidays, 6-7 p.m. for adults and teens, consider alternatives to help "green up" your holidays with environmental stewardship in mind, free; Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Road, TC; 941-0960 or www.natureiscalling.org.

Vegan Holiday Cooking Class, 6 p.m., free, no reservations needed, "Soup's On! Making Delicious Holiday Soup" theme; Cadillac Seventh-day Adventist Church, 801 E. Division, Cadillac.

Thursday, Dec. 11

Art

Crystal Lake Art Center Holiday Market, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Crystal Lake Arts Center, 111 10th, Frankfort; 352-4151.

Art Babes Holiday Show, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., fine art and crafts; City Studio, 1202 E. Eighth, TC; 228-6042.

Hand-painted silk scarf display public opening, 4-6 p.m., featuring silk scarves created by Terry Tarnow, opening also includes sale of her hand-crafted jewelry, scarves on view through Dec. 19; Children's House Art Gallery, 5363 N. Long Lake Road, TC.

Etc.

Holiday at the Heritage, 5-7 p.m., Festival of Trains preview, music, food, Yuletide surprises, $20 person, registration required; GT Heritage Center, 322 Sixth St., TC; 995-0313.

Ladies' Night, 5-9 p.m., specials, refreshments, free gift-wrapping, caroling and more. downtown TC.

Designer Fashion Sale drop-off, 5-9 p.m., bring items for the Dec. 12 sale to 300 E. Front St., TC; sponsored by Women's Resource Center, 941-1210.

Wooden Shoe Holiday Festival, 6-8 p.m., lighting of the Community Tree, Christmas caroling, cookies and hot chocolate or cider, take-home ornament craft for kids, candlelit indoor labyrinth, Twister Joe balloon artist; Banks Township Hall, Ellsworth; Alana Haley, 588-6391.

Adult Craft Night, 6:30 p.m., holiday craft project with local artist Jacqueline Southby, free, registration requested; East Bay Branch Library, 1989 Three Mile Road, TC; 922-2085.

Manga Book Club, 7-8 p.m., for fans of Japanese comics and print cartoons ages 13/older; Traverse Area District Library, 610 Woodmere, TC; 932-8500.

Meet the author, 7-9 p.m., featuring Paul Mobley, author of "American Farmer"; Horizon Books, 243 E. Front, TC; 946-7290, (800) 587-2147 or www.horizonbooks.com.

Music

GT Musicale Christmas Program to benefit student music scholarships, noon-12:45 p.m. craft and holiday bake sale, 1 p.m. program by TC Central High School Orchestra and TC West Senior High School Concert Choir, Christmas Tea follows, tickets $5; First Congregational Church, 6105 Center Road, TC; Barbara Thomas, 264-9448.

Friday, Dec. 12

Art

Crystal Lake Art Center Holiday Market, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Crystal Lake Arts Center, 111 10th, Frankfort; 352-4151.

Art Babes Holiday Show, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., fine art and crafts; City Studio, 1202 E. Eighth, TC; 228-6042.

Dance

Friday Night Dance, 7 p.m., $1 admission, Benzie Buss available for rides; The Gathering Place, Benzie County's Senior Center, Honor; 325-3720 or (877) 277-1306.

Etc.

Toddler Time at the Great Lakes Children's Museum, 10 a.m.-noon, Peek-A-Boo boxes theme, learning activities geared toward toddlers, included in admission, $6 ages 2/older; Great Lakes Children's Museum, 13240 S. West Bay Shore Dr., TC; 932-4526.

Holiday Cookie and Book Sale, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., wide selection of homemade cookies, new or gently used books, sponsored by Friends of the Darcy Library of Beulah, proceeds benefit the library's book fund; Betsie Valley Trailhead Building, Beulah; 882-4037.

Horizon Books, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. book signing, program and discussion, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., with Robert Underhill, author of "Death of the Mystery Novel"; 3-5 p.m. book signing by Bob Wilson, author of the "Grand Traverse Legends" series; 7-9 p.m. book signing by Richard Smith, author of "Black Bear Hunting"; 243 E. Front, TC; 946-7290, (800) 587-2147 or www.horizonbooks.com.

Book signing, 2-4 p.m., by Jeff Acs, author of "Orenna's Arctic Adventure"; Up North Kids, 137 E. Front, TC; 946-2665.

Visits with Santa, 5-8 p.m., in his house at the corner of Cass and East Front, downtown TC.

Designer Fashion Sale, 5 p.m., featuring designer label clothing, shoes and accessories, sponsored by Women's Resource Center; held at 300 E. Front St., TC; items for the sale may be dropped off at Belstone Gallery, By Candlelight and Kay's; for details, 941-1210.

Village Open House, 5-9 p.m., live music, appetizers, seasonal specials; The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, TC; 941-1900 or www.thevillagetc.com.

Downtown TC Open House & Midnight Madness, participating stores open until midnight, 6-8 p.m. entertainment by a student steel drum band, caroling, more; downtown TC.

Book signing, 6-8 p.m., by Linda L. Lile, author of "Nonnie, What's God?" Up North Kids, East Front Street, TC.

Madrigal Dinner, 6:30 p.m., $25 per person; Elk Rapids High School, Meguzee Point Road, Elk Rapids; tickets available at the high school.

Interlochen

IAA Dance Ensemble and Orchestra present "Coppelia," 7:30 p.m., $21 adults, $18 seniors, $9 students; Corson Auditorium; 276-7800, (800) 681-5920 or http://tickets.interlochen.org.

Music

Northwestern Michigan College Jazz Ensembles concert, 8 p.m., $8 adults, $6 seniors 62/older and children 12/younger, $4 NMC students with NMC identification; Milliken Auditorium, 1701 E. Front, TC; 995-1553 for tickets, also available at the door.

Traverse Symphony Orchestra's "Candles and Fireworks" holiday concert, 8 p.m., Bay Pointe Community Church, 6880 Secor Road, TC; for tickets or details, call 947-7120 or www.tso-online.org.

Saturday, Dec. 13

Art

The Art Station, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., one-day, indoor sale of jewelry, photography, food, fiber arts and more, children's activities and Christmas music; The Depot, East Eighth Street, TC; 342-4517.

Crystal Lake Art Center Holiday Market, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Crystal Lake Arts Center, 111 10th, Frankfort; 352-4151.

Art Babes Holiday Show, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., fine art and crafts; City Studio, 1202 E. Eighth, TC; 228-6042.

Dance

Bayside Travellers Dance Society potluck and dance, 6 p.m. meal, 7 p.m. concert by the Rhythm Billies and others, 8-11 p.m. contra and square dancing (bring wrapped item for White Elephant Dance), music by the Rhythm Billies, free for members, non-members $10 adults, $6 ages 13/college with ID, free 12/younger with an adult; Twin Lakes Park, Gilbert Lodge, 6800 N. Long Lake Road, TC; 313-2596 or www.dancetc.com.

Dance Center's Holiday Show, 7 p.m., performances by students and special musical guests, $12 per person in advance, $15 at the door; Milliken Auditorium, 1701 E. Front, TC; for tickets or details, 947-6820.

Etc.

Cookie Walk, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., cookies $7/pound, plus crafts; Grace Church, 341 Washington St., TC; 947-2330.

Holiday Art and Craft Show, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., juried show with nearly 40 artisans, baked goods, snacks and lunch; The Pathfinder School, 11930 S. West Bay Shore Dr., TC; 941-0470.

Christmas Cookie Sale, 9 a.m., minimum of 27 different varieties plus variety packs and pet treats, sold by the dozen, prices vary, free coffee and samples; Trinity Lutheran Church, 1003 S. Maple, TC.

Cookie and craft sale, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., cookies $7.50/pound, abundance of handmade crafts; St. Mary's Of Lake Leelanau social hall, 307 S. St. Mary's St., Lake Leelanau; 271-4054.

Cookies by the Pound Sale, 9 a.m.-noon, $6/pound, sponsored by Bellaire Lioness Club; at Bellaire Senior Center, Bellaire.

Holiday Cookie Walk, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or while supplies last, cookies, breads and homemade candies, cookies $6/pound, candies and breads individually priced; The Presbyterian Church, 701 Westminster, TC; 946-5680.

Cookie sale, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., sponsored by Homestead Township Skate Park Parents, proceeds go toward construction of the skate park; Homestead Township Hall, 11508 Main St., Honor; 325-3348.

Children's Holiday Party, 10-11:30 a.m., crafts, stories, treats, Santa and more; Interlochen Public Library, 9700 Riley Road, Interlochen; 276-6767.

"The Sweet Shoppe" Cookie and Candy Sale, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at least 50 varieties of cookies and bars (priced by the container), 35 varieties of homemade fudge and candies (priced per pound), plus craft items and Kids Christmas Shoppe for children 12/younger can shop for gifts; Grawn United Methodist Church, 1260 W. Silver Lake Road, TC; 943-0834.

Odaawe Gamik museum store, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Eyaawing Museum & Cultural Center, 2304 N. West Bay Shore Dr., Peshawbestown; 534-7764.

Holiday Bake Sale & Bazaar, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., to benefit Leelanau Children's Center; Dolls & More (old prescription shop), corner of Mill and Nagonaba streets, Northport.

Festival of Trains, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., $5 adults, $2 ages 4/older, free ages 3/younger, $25 for family pass for unlimited visits; Grand Traverse Heritage Center, 322 Sixth, TC; 995-0313.

American Red Cross National Day of Giving, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., bake sale, visit from Santa, Emergency Response Vehicle on display, hourly drawings, grand prize drawing 3:45 p.m., proceeds benefit the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund; Family Video, South Airport Road, next to Cherryland Center, TC; 947-7286 or www.nwmiredcross.org.

Visits with Santa, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., in his house at the corner of Cass and East Front, downtown TC.

Holiday Nature Hike, 1-2 p.m., all ages, Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Road, south of South Airport Road, TC; www.natureiscalling.org.

Horizon Books, 1-3 p.m. program and group discussion with Janice Lyn Lundy, author of "Your Truest Self, Embracing the Woman You Were Meant to Be"; 1-4 p.m. book signing by Stephan McKolay, author of "Journey to a Dream," along with his artist wife, Celia, and and their musician son, Mitchell, joining them will be former Michigan Governor William Milliken and Judge James McCormick, author of "Jerusalem and the Holy Land"; 243 E. Front, TC; 946-7290, (800) 587-2147 or www.horizonbooks.com.

Super Saturday Stories & Crafts, 1:30 p.m., featuring "Paddy's Christmas" by Helen Albee Monsell, suitable for all ages; East Bay Branch Library, 1989 Three Mile Road, TC; 922-2085.

Santa Gymboree, 3-6:30 p.m., supervised open gym for children ages potty-trained to 12, also holiday crafts, light meal and visit from Santa, $15 for first child, $10 each additional child, extra $5 for photo with Santa, sponsored by Water's Edge Gymnastics Booster Club, proceeds benefit the competitive travel team, space limited; Water's Edge Gymnastics, 971 Lynch Dr., behind Geyer's Party Store, TC; 342-4291.

Madrigal Dinner and Medieval Street Fair, 4-6:30 p.m. street fair with medieval games, tarot, hair-braiding, food display, dance, fencing and weapons demos, face painting and more, $5 for the fair only; 6:30 p.m. dinner, $25 dinner/fair; Elk Rapids High School, Meguzee Point Road, Elk Rapids; tickets available at the high school.

Holiday Baking Frenzy, 4:30 p.m., $40 includes everything needed to bake, decorate and take home at least six dozen cookies of at least four different types, with no clean up, limited to 15 participants, registration and payment in advance required; Underground Cheesecake Company, 1333 Yellow Dr., behind Building 50, the Village at Grand Traverse Commons, TC; 929-4418 or www.undergroundcheesecake.com.

Elizabethan Madrigal Feaste, 6 p.m., $30; West Senior High School Commons Banquet Hall, 5376 N. Long Lake Road, TC; reservations accepted by phone only, 933-7509.

Interlochen

IAA Dance Ensemble and Orchestra present "Coppelia," 1 and 7:30 p.m., $21 adults, $18 seniors, $9 students; Corson Auditorium; 276-7800, (800) 681-5920 or http://tickets.interlochen.org.

Music

Traverse Symphony Orchestra's "Candles and Fireworks" holiday concert, 8 p.m., Bay Pointe Community Church, 6880 Secor Road, TC; for tickets or details, call 947-7120 or www.tso-online.org.

Northport Community Arts Center presents a "Christmas Concert, 8 p.m., $15 adults, $5 students; NCAC at Northport School, 104 S. Wing St., Northport; 386-5001 or www.northportcac.org.

Sunday, Dec. 14

Art

Art Babes Holiday Show, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., fine art and crafts; City Studio, 1202 E. Eighth, TC; 228-6042.

Holiday Art Bazaar, 1-5 p.m., with 3 p.m. performance by Anonymous 4; Crooked Tree Arts Center, 461 E. Mitchell, Petoskey; 347-4337 or www.crookedtree.org.

Dance

Dance Center's Holiday Show, 2 p.m., performances by students and special musical guests, $12 per person in advance, $15 at the door; Milliken Auditorium, 1701 E. Front, TC; for tickets or details, 947-6820.

Etc.

Christmas Brunch with Santa and the Reindeer, seatings at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m., buffet brunch, presents from Santa, photo opportunities, $24.95 adults, $10 ages 5-12, free for 4/younger; The Boathouse, 14039 Peninsula Dr., TC; for reservations, call 223-4030.

Festival of Trains, noon-4 p.m., $5 adults, $2 ages 4/older, free ages 3/younger, $25 for family pass for unlimited visits; Grand Traverse Heritage Center, 322 Sixth, TC; 995-0313.

Visits with Santa, 1-4 p.m., in his house at the corner of Cass and East Front, downtown TC.

Elizabethan Madrigal Feaste, 6 p.m., $30; West Senior High School Commons Banquet Hall, 5376 N. Long Lake Road, TC; reservations accepted by phone only, 933-7509.

Interlochen

IAA Dance Ensemble and Orchestra present "Coppelia," 1 p.m., $21 adults, $18 seniors, $9 students; Corson Auditorium; 276-7800, (800) 681-5920 or http://tickets.interlochen.org.

Music

Northport Community Arts Center presents a "Christmas Concert, 3 p.m., $15 adults, $5 students; NCAC at Northport School, 104 S. Wing St., Northport; 386-5001 or www.northportcac.org.

Antrim County Community Choir presents "Ceremony of Candles" Christmas Cantata, 3 p.m., free admission, St. Luke's Catholic Church, North M-88, Bellaire.

Sunday Afternoon Holiday Concert featuring String Fever, 3 p.m., doors open 2:30 p.m., suggested donation $5 at the door; Gaylord Area Council for the Arts Community Art Center, 125 E. Main, Gaylord; (989) 732-3242 or (989) 344-9001.

Traverse Symphony Orchestra's "Candles and Fireworks" holiday concert, 3 p.m., Bay Pointe Community Church, 6880 Secor Road, TC; for tickets or details, call 947-7120 or www.tso-online.org.

Northwind Flute Choir presents its "Santa Lucia Celebration," 3:30 p.m., recreating the Scandinavian Santa Lucia tradition, free, donations of non-perishable food items requested; Central United Methodist Church, 222 Cass St., TC; 325-2680.

Theater

Dinner Theater performance of "A Christmas Carol," 4:45 p.m. reception, 5 p.m. dinner, 6:15 p.m. performance by Cadillac Footliters, $30 adults, $20 ages 12/younger; Kettunen Center, Tustin; for reservations or details, call Kettunen Center, 829-3421.

Monday, Dec. 15

Art

Crystal Lake Art Center Holiday Market, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., handcrafted gifts by more than 20 local artists; Crystal Lake Arts Center, 111 10th, Frankfort; 352-4151.

Etc.

Festival of Trains, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., $5 adults, $2 ages 4/older, free ages 3/younger, $25 for family pass for unlimited visits; Grand Traverse Heritage Center, 322 Sixth, TC; 995-0313.

Music

Traverse Area Homeschool Band and Choir Concert, 7 p.m., featuring 68 students from Benzie, Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties, free-will offering accepted for future band and choir activities; Bayview Wesleyan Church, 720 Wayne St., TC.

Tuesday, Dec. 16

Art

Crystal Lake Art Center Holiday Market, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Crystal Lake Arts Center, 111 10th, Frankfort; 352-4151.

Etc.

Reservation deadline for The Gathering Place's Christmas Light Show Trip, trip held 5-8 p.m. Dec. 18, leaves from the Gathering Place in Honor, $5; The Gathering Place, Honor; 325-3720 or (877) 277-1306.

Decorate sugar cookies with Miss Holly, 10 a.m.-noon and 2-4 p.m., children invited to decorate a cookie to eat or take home, included in admission; Great Lakes Children's Museum, 132140 S. West Bay Shore Dr., TC; 932-4526.

Festival of Trains, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., $5 adults, $2 ages 4/older, free ages 3/younger, $25 for family pass for unlimited visits; Grand Traverse Heritage Center, 322 Sixth, TC; 995-0313.

Village at Bay Ridge presents poetry and storytelling, 11 a.m. in the East Building private dining room, 1 p.m. in the West Building craft room, Larry Heitman will read his poems and share stories from his life, audience invited to share stories also; Village at Bay Ridge, 3950 Scenic Ridge, off Silver Lake Road, TC; 932-9455.

Cooking Live! at Aerie Restaurant, 6 p.m. "Unique Holiday Hors D'Oeuvres" demonstration, samples provided, $15 per person, which will be applied as credit to guest's dinner bill if they have a three-course dinner following the demo; Aerie Restaurant, GT Resort, Acme; 534-6800.

Wednesday, Dec. 17

Art

Crystal Lake Art Center Holiday Market, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Crystal Lake Arts Center, 111 10th, Frankfort; 352-4151.

Etc.

Festival of Trains, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., $5 adults, $2 ages 4/older, free ages 3/younger, $25 for family pass for unlimited visits; Grand Traverse Heritage Center, 322 Sixth, TC; 995-0313.

Snowshoe hike, 6-7 p.m., all ages welcome, free; Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Road, TC; 941-0960 or www.natureiscalling.org.

Vegan Holiday Cooking Class, 6 p.m., free, no reservations needed, "Holiday Salads Made Easy" theme; Cadillac Seventh-day Adventist Church, 801 E. Division, Cadillac.

Thursday, Dec. 18

Art

Crystal Lake Art Center Holiday Market, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Crystal Lake Arts Center, 111 10th, Frankfort; 352-4151.

Etc.

Festival of Trains, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., $5 adults, $2 ages 4/older, free ages 3/younger, $25 for family pass for unlimited visits; Grand Traverse Heritage Center, 322 Sixth, TC; 995-0313.

TADL BATL, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. mutli-player open play, all ages; Traverse Area District Library, 610 Woodmere, TC; 932-8500.

Book signing, 12:30-2:30 p.m., by Joy Parker, author of the children's book "The Great Christmas Rescue"; Horizon Books, 243 E. Front, TC; 946-7290, (800) 587-2147 or www.horizonbooks.com.

Men's Night, 5-9 p.m., hors d'oeuvres at restaurants, in-store specials at participating stores, gift-wrapping drawings; downtown TC.

Grand Traverse Audubon Club Christmas Photo Fest, 7:30 p.m., club members share examples of their favorite wildlife photos, public welcome; NMC University Center, room 5, Dendrinos Drive, off Cass Road, TC.

Friday, Dec. 19

Art

Crystal Lake Art Center Holiday Market, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Crystal Lake Arts Center, 111 10th, Frankfort; 352-4151.

Etc.

Toddler Time at the Great Lakes Children's Museum, 10 a.m.-noon, Jingle Bells theme, learning activities geared toward toddlers, included in admission, $6 ages 2/older; Great Lakes Children's Museum, 13240 S. West Bay Shore Dr., TC; 932-4526.

Festival of Trains, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., $5 adults, $2 ages 4/older, free ages 3/younger, $25 for family pass for unlimited visits; Grand Traverse Heritage Center, 322 Sixth, TC; 995-0313.

Horizon Books, 1-3 p.m. book signing by Buzz Harcourt, author of "Tainted Treasure"; 7-8:30 p.m. book signing by Elizabeth Buzzelli, author of "Dead Dancing Women"; Horizon Books, 243 E. Front, TC; 946-7290, (800) 587-2147 or www.horizonbooks.com.

Visits with Santa, 5-8 p.m., in his house at the corner of Cass and East Front, downtown TC.

Live Nativity, performances at 7, 7:30 and 8 p.m., live actors, song, animals and choir, outdoors, followed by refreshments indoors; Atwood Christian Reformed Church, U.S. 31, 12 miles south of Charlevoix; 599-3290.

Music

Song Busters Karaoke, 6-9 p.m., for ages 11-14, featuring music from country to hip hop, all types of singers welcome, $3; Studio 7 Arts, 225 W. 14th St., TC; www.studio7arts.com, 394-1498 or 932-9808.

Saturday, Dec. 20

Art

Crystal Lake Art Center Holiday Market, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Crystal Lake Arts Center, 111 10th, Frankfort; 352-4151.

Etc.

Community Christmas Dinner reservation deadline, dinner served 2 p.m. Dec. 25, free, donations accepted; The Gathering Place, Honor; 325-3720 or (877) 277-1306.

Breakfast with Santa, between 9 a.m. and noon, $5 per person, $20 per family, sponsored by Grayling Co-op Preschool; Grayling American Legion, 106 S. James St., Grayling; (989) 348-1312.

Odaawe Gamik museum store, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Eyaawing Museum & Cultural Center, 2304 N. West Bay Shore Dr., Peshawbestown; 534-7764.

Festival of Trains, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., $5 adults, $2 ages 4/older, free ages 3/younger, $25 for family pass for unlimited visits; Grand Traverse Heritage Center, 322 Sixth, TC; 995-0313.

Visits with Santa, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., in his house at the corner of Cass and East Front, downtown TC.

Book signing, 1-3 p.m., by Patricia Batta, author of "What Did You Do Before Dying"; Horizon Books, 243 E. Front, TC; 946-7290, (800) 587-2147 or www.horizonbooks.com.

TADL BATL tournament play, 1-4 p.m. Mario Kart, ages 12/older; Traverse Area District Library, 610 Woodmere, TC; 932-8500 or www.batl.tadl.org.

Live Nativity, performances at 6, 6:30 and 7 p.m., live actors, song, animals and choir, outdoors, followed by refreshments indoors; Atwood Christian Reformed Church, U.S. 31, 12 miles south of Charlevoix; 599-3290.

Rogers Observatory free public viewing night, 8-10 p.m., Birmley Road, TC; 995-2300.

Music

Christmas Music in the Village, 10 a.m., Christmas music performed by Northport Community Band and carolers, at various sites, Northport.

Back Porch Coffeehouse, 7:30 p.m., music and spoken word performances by scheduled performers, followed by open mic for local musicians and poets/storytellers, suggested donation $4/person, $10/family; Front Porch Cafe, Main Street, Ellsworth.

Theater

"Amahl and the Night Visitors," 7:30 p.m., featuring the Gaylord Chamber Orchestra, a community chorus and soloists Nicole Philibosian, Ron Gentry, Jeffrey Norris, Aaron Ingersoll, Hannah Stoppel, and dancer Nolan Gentry, $15 adults, $10 students; St. Mary's Cathedral, Gaylord; advance tickets at Saturn Booksellers, also at the door; (989) 731-4422.

Sunday, Dec. 21

Art

Holiday Art Bazaar, noon-4 p.m., Crooked Tree Arts Center, 461 E. Mitchell, Petoskey; 347-4337 or www.crookedtree.org.

Etc.

Festival of Trains, noon-4 p.m., $5 adults, $2 ages 4/older, free ages 3/younger, $25 for family pass for unlimited visits; Grand Traverse Heritage Center, 322 Sixth, TC; 995-0313.

Visits with Santa, 1-4 p.m., in his house at the corner of Cass and East Front, downtown TC.

Monday, Dec. 22

Etc.

Festival of Trains, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., $5 adults, $2 ages 4/older, free ages 3/younger, $25 for family pass for unlimited visits; Grand Traverse Heritage Center, 322 Sixth, TC; 995-0313.

Holiday Nature Hike, 1-2 p.m., all ages, Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Road, south of South Airport Road, TC; www.natureiscalling.org.

Visits with Santa, 3-7 p.m., in his house at the corner of Cass and East Front, downtown TC.

Tuesday, Dec. 23

Etc.

Festival of Trains, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., $5 adults, $2 ages 4/older, free ages 3/younger, $25 for family pass for unlimited visits; Grand Traverse Heritage Center, 322 Sixth, TC; 995-0313.

Holiday Nature Hike, 1-2 p.m., all ages, Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Road, south of South Airport Road, TC; www.natureiscalling.org.

Visits with Santa, 3-7 p.m., in his house at the corner of Cass and East Front, downtown TC.

Wednesday, Dec. 24

Etc.

Festival of Trains, noon-4 p.m., $5 adults, $2 ages 4/older, free ages 3/younger, $25 for family pass for unlimited visits; Grand Traverse Heritage Center, 322 Sixth, TC; 995-0313.

Visits with Santa, noon-3 p.m., in his house at the corner of Cass and East Front, downtown TC.

Thursday, Dec. 25

Christmas Day

Community Christmas Dinner, 2 p.m., all ages welcome, free, donations appreciated, The Gathering Place, Honor; reservations needed by Dec. 20, 325-3720 or (877) 277-1306.

Friday, Dec. 26

Etc.

Toddler Time at the Great Lakes Children's Museum, 10 a.m.-noon, Snowballs theme, learning activities geared toward toddlers, included in admission, $6 ages 2/older; Great Lakes Children's Museum, 13240 S. West Bay Shore Dr., TC; 932-4526.

Festival of Trains, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., $5 adults, $2 ages 4/older, free ages 3/younger, $25 for family pass for unlimited visits; Grand Traverse Heritage Center, 322 Sixth, TC; 995-0313.

Saturday, Dec. 27

Etc.

Reservation deadline for New Year's Eve Party, to be held 7-9 p.m. Dec. 31, dancing, appetizers and more, Benzie Bus available for rides; The Gathering Place, Honor; 325-3720 or (877) 277-1306.

Odaawe Gamik museum store, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Eyaawing Museum & Cultural Center, 2304 N. West Bay Shore Dr., Peshawbestown; 534-7764.

Festival of Trains, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., $5 adults, $2 ages 4/older, free ages 3/younger, $25 for family pass for unlimited visits; Grand Traverse Heritage Center, 322 Sixth, TC; 995-0313.

Slide show and book signing, 1 p.m., by Meryl Estes and Caitlin Prentice, authors of "Biking the U.S. of Awesomeness," the story of their 2005 bike trip from Maine to Oregon told through their e-mail's home; Horizon Books, 243 E. Front, TC; 946-7290, (800) 587-2147 or www.horizonbooks.com.

Sunday, Dec. 28

Etc.

Festival of Trains, noon-4 p.m., $5 adults, $2 ages 4/older, free ages 3/younger, $25 for family pass for unlimited visits; Grand Traverse Heritage Center, 322 Sixth, TC; 995-0313.

Model Railroad Clinic, 1-3 p.m., "Scenery 101: A Look at Basic Techniques for Turning Train Sets into Model Railroads" with Peter Magoun, owner of Trains & Things Hobbies, and Dave Capron who will examine rock casting; GT Heritage Center, 322 Sixth St., TC; 995-0313.

Music

Chateau Chantal's Last Sunday Jazz at Sunset, 3-5:30 p.m., featuring the Jeff Haas Trio, free admission, select Chateau Chantal wines, sparkling juices, lemonade and coffee available; Chateau Chantal, Center Road, north of Mapleton; 223-4110 or wine@chateauchantal.com.

Monday, Dec. 29

Etc.

Festival of Trains, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., $5 adults, $2 ages 4/older, free ages 3/younger, $25 for family pass for unlimited visits; Grand Traverse Heritage Center, 322 Sixth, TC; 995-0313.

Holiday Nature Hike, 1-2 p.m., all ages, Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Road, south of South Airport Road, TC; www.natureiscalling.org.

Tuesday, Dec. 30

Etc.

Festival of Trains, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., $5 adults, $2 ages 4/older, free ages 3/younger, $25 for family pass for unlimited visits; Grand Traverse Heritage Center, 322 Sixth, TC; 995-0313.

Holiday Nature Hike, 1-2 p.m., all ages, Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Road, south of South Airport Road, TC; www.natureiscalling.org.

Wednesday, Dec. 31

New Year's Eve

Dance

"SwingShift and the Stars Dance-Off for Charity Grand Finale Charity Celebration and Award Ceremony," couples compete before a panel of judges, audience may vote for favorite couples for a minimum $1 donation to benefit charities; Leelanau Sands Casino Showroom, Peshawbestown; www.swingshiftandthestars.com.

Etc.

Festival of Trains, noon-4 p.m., $5 adults, $2 ages 4/older, free ages 3/younger, $25 for family pass for unlimited visits; Grand Traverse Heritage Center, 322 Sixth, TC; 995-0313.

White Nights New Year's Eve Fund-raising Gala, Charlevoix Circle of Arts, 109 Clinton, Charlevoix; 547-3554 or www.circle-of-arts.org.

New Year's Eve celebration, music by Slabtown, free buffet 10 p.m.-midnight, free party favors and champagne toast at midnight, tickets $5 advance or $10 at the door; Lil Bo's, 540 W. Front St., TC; for tickets or details, go to www.slabtown.com.

New Year's Eve Party, 7-9 p.m., dancing, appetizers and more, Benzie Bus available for rides; The Gathering Place, Honor; reservations needed by Dec. 27, 325-3720 or (877) 277-1306.

New Year's Eve Ball, 8 p.m. doors open, 9 p.m. show, featuring My Dear Disco, Mike Moran Band and DJ Bean Machine, $15 advance, $20 at the door, includes free local wine/champagne toast at midnight, ages 21/older; City Opera House, 106 E. Front, TC; advance tickets at the Opera House, Oryana Natural Foods Market, 941-8082, www.cityoperahouse.org, or www.porterhouseproductions.com.