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Things to do: Thanksgiving weekend in Greater Lansing 2019

Lansing State Journal

Do you have family visiting from out of town? Or are you a Greater Lansing native who's back in town for the holidays? Either way, the four-day weekend that begins Thanksgiving Thursday, Nov. 28, holds plenty to do to keep the whole family entertained.

Whether you're looking for some night-before, Wednesday fun or something to do when you finally break out of that food coma on Thanksgiving Day, check out this list of fun activities, many of which the whole family can enjoy. Thanksgiving is also a time which tends to warrant feelings of gratitude. If you've been looking for a way to help those less fortunate, browse the list below for opportunities to serve your community this holiday season.

Capital Comeback | Wednesday, Nov. 27

Guests mingle near the fire during Lansing 5:01's Capital Comeback event in 2017; the networking event brought together current and former Lansing residents for the opportunity to connect with employers, organizations and each other while learning about all that the area has to offer for work and play.

Greater Lansing wants you! And not just to visit, but to find a job and settle down – and nowhere is that more apparent than at the Capital Comeback. Hosted by young professionals and volunteers from Lansing 5:01, the event features area businesses with job opportunities and local non-profits gathering together to show those who are back for a visit, why they may want to consider an extended stay.

How to go: The View Cooley Law School Stadium, 505 E. Michigan Ave., from 5:01-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27. Entry is free, cash bar available.

Get in the holiday spirit

Families stroll through the Wonderland of Lights at Potter Park Zoo Nov. 27, 2016.

Holiday Lights Stadium Style

See the Cooley Law School stadium transformed — with a 360 degree walk-around Holiday Light Show featuring train rides, ornament making/holiday crafts station, cookie decorating, warming stations in the Chevy Terrace with fire pits and a s'more station, family holiday movies on the big screen, Big Lug as the Grinch, and letters to Santa.

How to go: Cooley Law School Stadium, 505 E. Michigan Avenue, Lansing at 5 p.m. and runs every Friday starting Nov. 16 until Dec. 21. Tickets are $5 per person, kids ages 6 and under are free.

Wonderland of Lights at Potter Park Zoo

What's better than a light show? A light show AND your favorite zoo animals! Thousands of lights create amazing animal exhibits and holiday lights displays at the Wonderland of Lights. There will be cookies, crafts and animal encounters for all to enjoy. Kids will also have the opportunity to tell Santa whether they've been naughty or nice. The zoo will give the kids a chance for a meet-and-greet and photo with jolly St. Nick.

How to go: 1301 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing from 5-8 p.m, Thursdays through Sundays Nov. 17 through Dec. 30. Admission $7 adults, $5 for kids 3-12 and free for kids under 3 (Premium and Deluxe PPZ Members receive free admission).

Christmas trees already?

Are you still deciding where to get your Christmas tree this year? We've got you covered, with our annual list of Christmas tree farms right here in Greater Lansing. For those who want a pre-cut tree or for those who want to cut their own, take a look below to get your holiday season started off right.

Enjoy the arts

Principals in the CBT production of “The Nutcracker” includes Paris Patterson as Sugar Plum; Meghan Pearl as Clara; Gabrielle Bugayong as Fritz; and Emelia (Emme) Rush as Snow Queen.

'The Nutcracker' by Children's Ballet Theatre

If you're looking for a show more captivating than anything you could find at a movie theater, try checking out one of Lansing’s favorite holiday traditions, 'The Nutcracker' – presented by Children's Ballet Theatre. 'The Nutcracker' is a holiday treat you’ll want to share with those you love Thanksgiving weekend.

How to go: The Margaret Livensparger Theater, Holt High School, 5885 W. Holt Rd., Holt from Nov. 29-Dec. 1. $22 adults, $15 for veterans, seniors and students. Visit cbtdance.simpletix.com for showtimes and tickets.

Volunteer your time

"Anna makes my day, she's always singing, she laughs a lot, and she always has a smile on her face," Ellen Lunden of Delta Township said after putting money in Salvation Army bell ringer Anna Diamond's kettle, Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017. Diamond is one of the Lansing area's top collectors, and has become a sort of fixture at the Kroger on Lansing's west side during the holiday season.

Cristo Rey Community Center Thanksgiving Feast 2019

As a service to the community, Cristo Rey Community Center provides a Thanksgiving meal to those in need each year. Volunteers can make food donations or work the day before and on Thanksgiving Day. Parents and children are invited and encouraged to get involved.

How to help: Cristo Rey Community Center, 1717 N. High St., Lansing from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 28. Visit their page on GiveGab to sign up to volunteer or contact Joe Garcia at 517-253-8258 or jgarcia@cristoreycommunity.org for more information.

Salvation Army Red Kettle Ringers

The Salvation Army relies on donations from the community to meet basic needs for residents and to brighten the holiday season for families in the area. Put on your best smile and ring a bell at a red kettle location near your work or home.

How to help: The red kettles will be out in full swing beginning Tuesday, Nov. 26 through Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24 Monday through Saturday at local businesses around the tri-county area. Sign up at www.registertoring.com.

Salvation Army Holiday Community Meals

Volunteers with willing hands and hearts are needed in two hour shifts to help serve hot meals to the community at the annual Thanksgiving meal on Monday, Nov. 25, noon to 1 p.m. at 525 N. Pennsylvania Ave. and Wednesday, Nov. 27 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 701 W. Jolly Rd.

How to help: If you, your friends, or your family members are interested, please contact Jon Curtis, volunteer coordinator, at 517-484-4424, ext. 208, or email jon_curtis@usc.salvationarmy.org.

For the gamers

Calvin Williams, of Lansing, plays Slugfest at The Grid Arcade & Bar in Old Town. The bar and arcade will be open for the holiday weekend, including family day for those under 21.

'A Very Lansing Thanksgiving Eve' #celebration at The Grid

The Grid is the next evolution in Lansing’s bar scene. By blending a unique selection of 40 craft beers on tap with the nostalgia and social activity of old-school gaming, The Grid is an experience you won’t find anywhere else in town.

How to go:226 E. Grand River Ave., Lansing. They will be serving $3 #ralphsdogs recipes and $3 draft dad beers all day & night! Free to attend. Noon -1:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27. Closed Thanksgiving Day. All games operate using tokens, which go for 25 cents each. Reopens on Friday, Nov. 29, 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. with Family Day taking place noon to 4 p.m. for all ages.

High Caliber Karting & Entertainment

High Caliber Karting and Entertainment will allow you to experience racing like never before and bring everyone involved an unforgettable experience. From go-karts to axe throwing to their bar and bistro, the whole family is sure to have a fun-filled outing.

How to go: 1982 W. Grand River Ave. #800, Okemos. They will be closed Thanksgiving Day but will remain open for their regular hours for the remainder of the holiday weekend. Visit their website www.highcaliberkarting.com for information on hours and pricing.

Did we miss something?

Email us at events@lsj.com to have your event or activity included. Contact Jada Fisher at jsfisher@lsj.com or (517) 377-1195. Follow her on Twitter @JadaFisher_.