In town this week, we have a visit from Santa Paws, a Christmas concert featuring CeeLo Green, the return of a beloved ballet and more.
Thursday, Dec. 7
The Nutcracker of Middle Georgia at the Grand Opera House
This holiday favorite pirouettes back onto the stage of the Grand Opera House for its 36th season. A city favorite, this ballet tells the story of a little girl named Clara who befriends a Nutcracker who comes alive on Christmas Eve and fights against the evil Mouse King.
7:30 p.m.Thursday and Friday, 2:30 p.m. Saturday and 7:30 p.m. on Sunday; $20 and up tickets available at tixr.com; 651 Mulberry St., 31201; (478) 301-5470; thegrandmacon.com
Friday, Dec. 8
Gin Release Party at Longleaf Distillery
Longleaf Distillery has created a navy strength gin (which is a classification of gin where the alcohol content is 57.15% or above) and are celebrating with a Ghost Runner Pizza pop up restaurant, an ugly sweater contest and door prizes.
6-10 p.m.; Free: 664 Second Street, 31201; (478) 254-3010; longleafdistillingco.com
Saturday, Dec. 9
O’Tis the Season at the Capitol Theatre
This annual Christmas Concert benefits the Otis Redding Foundation’s music and arts programs. This year’s concert will feature music from the Otis Music Camp campers with a special appearance by musician CeeLo Green.
7 p.m.; $30 tickets available at seetickets.us; 382 Second St., 31201; (478) 257-6391; capitoltheatremacon.com
Sunday, Dec. 10
Ceramic Snowman Lantern Workshop at StARTup Studios
Make a future fun family heirloom at StARTup Studios at this ceramic workshop. Attendees will create a snowman lantern complete with an adorable hat and carrot stick nose. The workshop is open to those 10 years old and older, so the little ones will need to sit this one out. Admission price covers all materials. Completed lanterns will require two kiln firings with completed lanterns available for pick up in three weeks.
3-5 p.m.; $65; 1055 Riverside Drive, 31201; (478) 254-1830; startupstudios.weebly.com
Monday, Dec. 11
Monday Night Football at Grant’s Lounge
The Giants take on the Packers and the Titans take on the Dolphins in this new format of Monday Night Football where two games are played and broadcast simultaneously. Grant’s Lounge is the place to watch these games. There will be no cover charge and hot wings and beer will be available for purchase.
7 p.m.; Free; 576 Poplar St., 31201 (478) 746-9191; historicgrants.com
Tuesday, Dec. 12
Santa Paws on Poplar Street
Bring your four-legged pals downtown for the Christmas Light Show and to meet Santa Paws! Pups are welcome to have a free photo taken with Santa in Hollingsworth Park (located between Third Street and Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.)
6-8 p.m.; Free; Hollingsworth Park.
Wednesday, Dec. 13
Wycliffe Gordan at Townsend School of Music at Mercer University
If you’ve ever heard the signature theme music for NPR’s “All Things Considered” then you are familiar with trombone master Wycliff Gordan’s work. Gordon retooled the show’s theme music in 1995. In addition, he has been named the Jazz Journalist Association’s “Trombonist of the Year” 15 times. Gordon will play with the Mercer Student Jazz combo at this free event. Gordon will also be leading a jam session open to all Macon high school jazz performers. More information is available at their Facebook event page.
7:30 p.m.; Free; Fickling Hall at Mercer’s Townsend School of Music (1401 Adams St., 31201)
