Things To Do: December 11-17

Categories:
“Hops & Pops” – Craft Beer & Christmas Cheer Tasting at the Flint Institute of Music


Information and dates are subject to change without notice. Please call ahead to confirm.

Holiday Happenings Events Attractions Art & Culture Entertainment Shopping Dining with Evening Entertainment Nightlife Download PDF

Holiday Happenings

Monday-Sunday, December 11-17: Santa and Friends at Genesee Valley Center, 3341 S. Linden Road, Flint * (810) 732-4000 * geneseemall.com

  • (Open during mall hours) Visit with Santa and friends, in Center Court, and walk through the Woodland display, based on the children’s book “Stranger in the Woods.” Visits with Santa are free and photos are available for a small fee.

Monday-Sunday, December 11-17: Santa Visits at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, 4000 Baldwin Road, Auburn Hills * (248) 454-5000 * greatlakescrossingoutlets.com

  • (Open during outlet hours) Become a member of Santa’s flight crew, which includes a visit with Santa, a personalized Cadet Badge, an opportunity to try on a virtual flight suit, dancing under magical lights and snowfall and find out how Santa’s sleigh operates. Also, meet Santa’s elves – George, Sleigh Mechanic, Sparkle, Flight Director, and Flash, the Reindeer Caretaker. Santa photo packages available.

Monday-Sunday, December 11-17: “Winter Wonderland” at Sloan Museum, 1221 E. Kearsley Street, Flint * (810) 237-3450 * sloanlongway.org

  • (Open Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.) See a Dickens Village like you have never seen before, complete with more than 200 buildings, characters and countless lights all set to holly-jolly music. Let speeding miniature locomotives guide your eyes and ears through this wee world.

Monday-Sunday, December 11-17: “Cosmic Christmas – A Laser Light Show” at Longway Planetarium, 1310 E. Kearsley Street, Flint * (810) 237-3400 or (810) 237-3409 * sloanlongway.org

  • (Show begins Monday-Wednesday & Sunday 4 p.m. and Thursday-Saturday 4 p.m. & 7 p.m.) Enjoy this Christmas light show, created at Longway, featuring a combination of 16 songs including several holiday classics, a few new hits and a couple of fun Christmas songs you might not have heard before. All this set to stunning 4k visuals in a festival of Christmas splendor. Shows are subject to change without notice. Please call ahead to confirm.

Friday-Sunday, December 15-17: Christmas at Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad “Holiday Magic,” 6140 Bray Road, Flint * (800) 648-PARK * geneseecountyparks.org

  • (Open 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.) Visit Crossroads when thousands of lights sparkle like tiny stars throughout the village with live entertainment, model trains, holiday music, costumed villagers making vintage crafts, shops full of great holiday gifts and Santa bringing smiles to faces of all ages. Ride the Huckleberry Railroad for a festive night-time ride.

Saturday, December 16: “Frozen Christmas Skate with Anna & Elsa” at Crystal Fieldhouse Ice Arena, 5371 Daly Farms Drive, Burton * (810) 744-0800 * crystalfh.com

  • (Event runs 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.) Come meet and skate with Anna and Elsa from Frozen and enjoy a special performance by the Crystal Skating Academy. Tickets available online at the website above or day of the event at the door.

Saturday, December 16: “Hops & Pops” – Craft Beer & Christmas Cheer Tasting at the Flint Institute of Music, 1025 E. Kearsley Street, Flint * (810) 238-1350 * thefim.org

  • (Event runs 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.) Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season with an evening sampling craft beers, delicious food and desserts while checking out Holiday Pops on the big screen. Event includes 5 drink tickets, food and desserts and a commemorative glass. Must be 21 or older to attend.

Saturday & Sunday, December 16 & 17: “Holiday Pops” – featuring the Flint Symphony Orchestra at The Whiting, 1241 E. Kearsley Street, Flint * (810) 237-7333 * thewhiting.com

  • (Performances begins Saturday 7 p.m. and Sunday 3 p.m.) Catch the holiday spirit featuring the Flint Symphony Orchestra with special guest conductor Laura Jackson and the Flint Symphony Chorus.

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Events

Tuesday, December 12: “Let’s Hike It Baby!” at For-Mar Nature Preserve, 2142 N. Genesee Road, Burton * (810) 789-8567 * geneseecountyparks.org

  • (Event runs 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.) Get outside, get active and explore! Designed for parents with small children, come out and learn how to enjoy the outdoors at a young age. Meet at For-Mar’s Visitors Center for some stretching and a story, then hit the trails. Dress for the weather. Recommended for families with toddlers and older.

Friday, December 15: Flint Firebirds Hockey at Dort Event Center, 3501 Lapeer Road, Flint * (810) 744-0580 * dorteventcenter.com

  • (Game begins 7 p.m.) The Flint Firebirds will play against the Saginaw Spirit. The Firebirds are part of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and represent a continuation of Flint’s rich hockey tradition.

Saturday, December 16: “Tech StudioOH!: Robot Rally” at the Flint Public Library/Main Branch, 1026 E. Kearsley Street, Flint * (810) 232-7111 * fpl.info

  • (Event runs 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.) Try some new technology and think creatively using robots. Learn simple computer coding and help program various robots to do tricks, new adventures and challenges that you design. Recommended for Middle and High School ages.

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Attractions

Monday-Sunday, December 11-17: Sloan Museum, 1221 E. Kearsley Street, Flint * (810) 237-3450 * sloanlongway.org

  • (Open Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.) Enjoy regional history, historic automobiles and hands-on science activities where children and adults can explore principles of chemistry and physics through exhibits and staff presentations.
    • “The Adventures of Clifford the Big Red Dog” – Enjoy this interactive, learning experience as visitors climb aboard a ferry and listen to seagulls while approaching Birdwell Island. Encounter a colossal nine-foot tall Clifford and slide down his tail. Work together to fill Clifford’s big food bowl and gain self-confidence on stage with Clifford and his pals. Explore T-Bone’s beach, find buried treasure and build a sandcastle. Also, start a dance party and play instruments in the Musical Marina. Then, crawl through a tunnel in Cleo’s Backyard and try shape-sorting and matching activities.
    • “Collecting Flint from A to Z” – The Sloan Museum has a variety of artifacts, nearly 400,000 of them! You name it, they probably have one. A large, eclectic collection is required to accurately record the last 200 years of life in Flint & Genesee. This exhibit highlights 26 groups from Sloan’s vast and varied collection, normally hidden away in storage. Each alphabetized set reveals something about Flint’s shared history. View historic automobiles, firearms, radios, wedding dresses, beer, blueprints and everything in-between.
    • “Flint and the American Dream” – This exhibit takes visitors on a fascinating journey through Flint in the 20th century – from the birth of the auto industry to the present. Encounter the ups and downs of General Motors, the birth of the UAW, Flint’s role as the “Arsenal of Democracy” and what life was like during the 50s, 60s and 70s. The gallery displays over 600 artifacts and photographs, including rare antique automobiles, colorful neon signs, period clothing, household furnishings and commercial goods.
    • “Art at Work: Early GM Designs of Dick Ruzzin” – This exhibition showcases over 30 automotive design sketches from one of General Motors’ most prolific car designers, on loan from the artist. Dick Ruzzin spent over 40 years designing for GM in its various studios and for its various brands, before retiring as the Director of Design for Chevrolet cars. The artistry of Ruzzin’s designs went largely unacknowledged until the late 1980s. They were viewed as work product, and generally thrown away when projects came to an end. Ruzzin was given permission to retain only a tiny fraction of the artwork he produced during his career. This exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the art generated in the pursuit of a larger goal – to ultimately produce cars that were beautiful, functional and desirable.
    • “Wisner’s Whizbang Emporium” – Explore Wisner’s Whizbang Emporium, an interactive gallery where young and old can play together. Wonder at toys from the past as the little one’s shop for food in the miniature grocery store and cook in the play kitchen. Take the wheel in the climb-on ambulance, play a board game or discover a book together.

Monday-Sunday, December 11-17: Longway Planetarium, 1310 E. Kearsley Street, Flint * (810) 237-3409 or (810) 237-3400 * sloanlongway.org

  • Due to the dark planetarium environment, shows listed below are recommended for children 4 years and older. No late seating and no re-entry after show begins. Tickets go on sale ½ hour before show time. Shows are subject to change without notice. Please call ahead.
    • “Skies Over Michigan” (Show starts daily 3 p.m.) Learn about the rotation of the Earth, find the North Star and the way around the night sky, what a constellation is and which are visible in the current night sky. Also, learn about Moon phases, the daily and monthly motion of the Moon through the sky, visible planets and their movement among the stars. Recommended for ages 6 and older.
    • “The Queen Light Show: From Mercury With Love” (Show starts Thursday-Saturday 8 p.m.) Longway Planetarium breathes new life into the wildly popular classic rock light show format with an original production set to the music of Queen. Experience 10 of Queen’s greatest hits in this new show, including favorites like Bohemian Rhapsody, Another One Bites the Dust and You’re My Best Friend. Recommended for adults.
    • “In My Backyard” (Show starts Saturday & Sunday 12 p.m.) Join Fred Penner from TV’s Nickelodeon as he explores things large and small, from the colors of the rainbow, to reasons for the seasons and the stars at night. Show is especially designed for the youngest stargazers.
    • “We Are Stars” (Show starts Saturday & Sunday 1 p.m.) What are we made of? Where did it all come from? Narrated by Andy Serkis, explore the secrets of our cosmic chemistry and explosive origins. Connect life on Earth to the evolution of the Universe by following the formation of Hydrogen atoms to the synthesis of Carbon and the molecules for life. Recommended for ages 10 and older.
    • “Accidental Astronauts” (Show starts Saturday & Sunday 2 p.m.) Follow the adventures of Sy, Annie and their dog Armstrong as they embark on an unexpected journey into space. Explore the Earth, Sun and Moon with a wise-cracking starship computer. Follow an asteroid as it crashes into the Moon and bounce along on the lunar surface. Then, get up close and personal with a solar system. Recommended for ages 3 to 8.

Monday-Sunday, December 11-17: LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan, 4240 Baldwin Road, Auburn Hills * (866) 622-0605 * legolanddiscoverycenter.com/michigan

  • (Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Center remains open 2 hours after last admission; please allow a minimum of 2 to 3 hours for a visit) Located at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, this indoor family attraction features two LEGO rides, a 4D cinema, large children’s play area, a creative workshop where guests learn about LEGO building from experts and more. All tickets are pre-booked online, meaning that guests must select a visit date and time, and arrive at that appointed time to guarantee entry. During peak periods, and because guests can stay as long as they want once inside, there may be entry delays. Please be advised that adults must be accompanied by a child to enter this attraction. Visit the website above for special hours and closures. Recommended for children ages 3 to 10.

Monday-Sunday, December 11-17: Sea Life Michigan Aquarium, 4316 Baldwin Road, Auburn Hills * (866) 622-0605 * visitsealife.com/michigan

  • (Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Last entry is 1 hour prior to closing time) Located at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, get transported into an amazing underwater world. Come nose-to-nose with sharks and prepare for astonishingly close views of everything from humble seahorses to graceful rays. Walk through an underwater Ocean Tunnel, encounter more than 5,000 sea creatures, hold a crab and touch a sea star. Meet Benson, a young Green Sea turtle rescued after being struck by a boat in Florida. Benson now has permanent damage to his shell and spine and can’t dive for food, so he will never be able to be released back into the wild. Also, participate in daily fun talks and feed shows. Visit the website above for special hours and closures.

Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday, December 12, 14 & 16: Flint Farmers’ Market, 300 E. First Street, Flint * (810) 232-1399 * flintfarmersmarket.com

  • (Open Tuesday & Thursday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Open year-round, shop Flint’s city market featuring over 50 inside vendors selling produce, including fresh, locally grown foods, a meat market, poultry, breads and baked goods, cheese, a wine shop, art gallery, flowers, gourmet coffees, crafts, fine arts and more. Also, enjoy breakfast and lunch at “Steady Eddy’s”, a unique market café that purchases a large selection of their menu ingredients from market vendors (also open limited hours on off market days).

Tuesday-Sunday, December 12-17: Flint Children’s Museum, 1602 W. University Avenue, Flint * (810) 767-5437 * thefcm.org

  • (Open Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.) Home to over 50 exhibits designed for children ages 1-10 to inspire a lifelong love for learning through exploration and hands-on play.
    • “The Big Blue Blocks” from Imagination Playground – Enjoy this interactive exhibit that fosters creativity, cognitive development, social skills and physical development for children. Even adults have fun building and designing with these over-sized geometric shapes. There is no right or wrong way to play with Big Blue Blocks, so everyone will have fun no matter what. Come put your imagination to work and build your own designs.

Saturday, December 16: “Historic House Tours” at Stockton Center at Spring Grove Museum, 720 Ann Arbor Street, Flint * stocktoncenter.weebly.com

  • (Tours run 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.) The Stockton House was constructed in 1872 by Thomas and Maria Stockton, a prominent and influential family in the Flint community. In 1920, the grandson of Thomas and Maria sold the property to the Archdiocese of Detroit for the establishment of a hospital, to be operated by the Sisters of St. Joseph. The hospital consisted of 52 beds. Then in 2002, the house was purchased by the For Flint Investments. It was renovated and in 2005, was designated as a Michigan Historical Site and a State Historical Marker. Come visit this hidden gem of Flint and learn about its unique history.

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Art & Culture

Monday-Friday, December 11-15: Greater Flint Arts Council (GFAC), 816 S. Saginaw Street, Flint * (810) 238-ARTS * greaterflintartscouncil.org

  • (Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) The GFAC programs and services are designed to engage the community in creative processes and support the work of Michigan artists. This is accomplished by showcasing a new exhibit each month, in their downtown Flint gallery, featuring the “Glass Artists of Michigan” this month. This exhibit is on display through January 5, 2018.

Monday-Sunday, December 11-17: Flint Institute of Arts (FIA), 1120 E. Kearsley Street, Flint * (810) 234-1695 * flintarts.org

  • (Open Monday-Friday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.) Visit FIA and browse their outstanding collections of American, European, Native American, African and Asian art including paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings and decorative arts featuring a complete set of 17th century French tapestries that tell a story.
    • “The Art of Containment – Vessels from the Sidney Swidler Collection” – In 1984, Sidney Swidler began collecting contemporary ceramics and, since that time, has collected over 1,000 objects. His background as a modern architect honed his eye for the essential elements of form, texture, glaze selection, craftsmanship and artistic intent. In 2017, Swidler gifted over 100 objects to the FIA. This collection of ceramics encompasses pieces by ceramicists working predominantly with the vessel form and illustrate the versatility of this art form and the breadth of Swidler’s collection.
    • “The Eccentric Vision of William Stolpin” – This exhibit features prints from the long and distinguished career of Bill Stolpin, from Holly, Michigan, who has been making prints for over 50 years. Stolpin works in multiple print mediums, including woodcuts, linocuts, etchings, aquatints and serigraphs. His work is not just varied in its techniques, but in subject matter as well and revolves around several themes such as architecture, landscape, fantasy, abstraction and space.
    • “Size Matters: Big and Small Works from the FIA Collection” – From oversized paintings of Sophie Matisse and Ray Parker to small works by Sir Henry Raeburn and David Eichenberg, this exhibition considers the importance of size in the experience of art. Throughout history, artists have often utilized the element of size (or scale) when determining the context of their work. The objects in this display date from the 18th to the 21st century and feature objects of both gigantic and diminutive size.
    • “MORPH” – Enjoy watching this playful and spellbinding performance by choreographer and animator Nina McNeely. Through the use of projection mapping and synchronized movements, Nina is transformed into a colorful array of creatures and characters. Inspired by the concept of shape-shifting in both folklore and contemporary culture, MORPH journeys through surrealist pop, a mythical animal kingdom and into a divine realm of apparitions and deities. This piece narrows the line between dreams and reality while inviting the viewer to be transported back into a childlike state of innocence where color is omnipresent, time is nonlinear and illusion is endless.

Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday, December 12, 14 & 16: Art at the Market Gallery at the Flint Farmers’ Market, 300 E. First Street, Flint * (810) 238-9202 * artatthemarket.com

  • (Open Tuesday & Thursday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Located in the Flint Farmers’ Market, enjoy browsing, and purchasing, at this unique art gallery showcasing original artwork from over 30 local artists. Art at the Market is a non-profit organization and operated by its artists.

Thursday-Saturday, December 14-16: Mott-Warsh Collection Gallery, 815 S. Saginaw Street, Flint (Gallery entrance is on E. Court Street) * (810) 835-4900 * m-wc.org

  • (Open Thursday & Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the 2nd Friday of each month 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.) The Mott-Warsh Collection is a private collection of fine art created by artists of the African diaspora. Maryanne Mott and her late husband, Herman Warsh, initiated the collection in 2001 as a means of providing fine art to a broader audience in the City of Flint and beyond. With a focus on art produced since 1940, the Mott-Warsh Collection contains work by over 125 artists covering a range of media from drawing to painting, prints to photography and mixed media to sculpture. The collection contains abstract and representational work depicting the unique cultural and social experience of Africans living and working in American society. Exhibits change frequently.

Thursday-Saturday, December 14-16: Buckham Gallery, 134 ½ W. Second Street, Flint * (810) 239-6233 * buckhamgallery.org

  • (Open 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.) Founded in 1984, Buckham Gallery is an artist-run, not-for-profit exhibition and performance space that features artists from as many diverse locations as possible. It is the philosophy of the gallery to create an open atmosphere, which allows both emerging and established artists to take charge of their own creative pursuits. Buckham Gallery is proud to present the “Artist Member Show” exhibition this month. This exhibit is on display through January 6, 2018.

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Theater

Friday-Sunday, December 15-17: The Flint Youth Theatre presents “The Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe” to Bower Theatre, 1220 E. Kearsley Street, Flint * (810) 237-1530 * thefyt.org

  • (Performances begin Friday 7 p.m., Saturday 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m.) Travel through the wardrobe into the magical land of Narnia in this one-of-a-kind, on-your-feet immersive thriller play about a heroic tale of love, faith, courage and giving; the life and death struggle for control of Narnia and the grandeur of good over evil, which has enthralled audiences of all ages.

Friday-Sunday, December 15-17: “The Midwife” at the Flint Institute of Arts’ Film Theater, 1120 E. Kearsley Street, Flint * (810) 234-1695 * flintarts.org

  • (Film begins Friday & Saturday 7:30 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m.) The ageless Catherine Deneuve heads the cast of a drama about a worker in a maternity hospital who receives unexpected news from her father’s old mistress – an eccentric, amoral spendthrift who presents the younger woman with a conflict between rejection and duty. This film is not rated.

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Entertainment

Monday-Saturday, December 11-16: Ice Skating at Flint Iceland Arena, 1160 S. Elms Road, Flint * (810) 635-8487 * flinticeland.com

  • (Open Monday through Saturday – visit website above for hours of operation and events) Enjoy the sport of ice skating with friends and family. Public skating sessions are a great way to get out on the ice, get some exercise and have fun while doing it. Public skating schedule is subject to change without notice. Please call ahead.

Monday-Sunday, December 11-17: Ice Skating at Crystal Fieldhouse Ice Arena, 5371 Daly Farms Drive, Burton * (810) 744-0800 * crystalfh.com

  • (Open Monday through Sunday – visit website above for hours of operation and calendar of events page for a listing of all events) Enjoy public skating, drop-in hockey, stick-n-puck, broomball, U-of-M Flint Hockey games for both men and women, Powers Catholic High School home games, GFHA Youth Hockey leagues, Try Hockey for free days, learn to play hockey, CRYSTAL Skating Academy learn to skate, learn to gure skate, hockey skating skills, private lessons, adult learn to skate classes, adult hockey leagues, tournaments, camps and clinics. Book birthday parties and/or school and church field trips. Event times are subject to change. Please call ahead.

Monday-Sunday, December 11-17: Michigan Escape Games, 9023 Davison Road, Davison * (810) 652-6165 * michiganescapegames.com

  • (For game times and availability call the phone number above or visit the website) If you’re a gamer and think you’ve got what it takes to test your clue-cracking skills in the real world, then this is for you. Designed for small groups of 2-12 people and team events up to 50 people, challenge your wits, skills and teamwork to find clues and solve ciphers to escape from a locked room in under 60 minutes. The Escape Game provides sophisticated, high-level games that will challenge even the most hardcore gamers. Each themed room transports all into an adventure and one that will never be forgotten!

Monday-Sunday, December 11-17: The Sandbox Virtual Reality Arcade, 4290 Miller Road (Somerset Town Centre), Flint * (810) 715-9791 * thesandbox-vra.com

  • (Open Monday-Thursday & Sunday 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 12 a.m.) Become what you imagine while enjoying top of the line equipment for the best experience at a reasonable cost. Become an astronaut, a race car driver, zombie hunter, Jedi Knight, an assassin, an artist or even take a trip to the bottom of the ocean or climb Mount Everest. Get ready for something you have never experienced before by taking a trip into a Virtual World. Comfortable atmosphere for all ages, private rooms for friends and parties, drinks and snacks available and extra VR equipment to enhance the experience. Online reservations suggested, but walk-ins welcome (no guarantee for instant play).

Monday-Sunday, December 11-17: IMAX Trillium Theatre Grand Blanc/NCG Cinemas, 8220 Trillium Circle Avenue, Grand Blanc * Show Times (810) 695-5000 / Main (810) 953-0650 * ncgmovies.com/grand-blanc/

  • December 11-13: “Justice League: An IMAX 2D Experience” – Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s selfless act, Bruce Wayne and Diana Prince assemble a team of metahumans consisting of Barry Allen, Arthur Curry and Victor Stone to face the catastrophic threat of Steppenwolf and the Parademons who are on the hunt for three Mother Boxes on Earth. Rated PG-13. Shows are subject to change without notice. Please call ahead.
  • December 14-17: “Star Wars: The Last Jedi: An IMAX 3D Experience” – Having taken her first steps into a larger world in Star Wars: The Force Awakens in 2015, Rey continues her epic journey with Finn, Poe and Luke Skywalker in the next chapter of the saga. Rated PG-13. Shows are subject to change without notice. Please call ahead.

Monday-Sunday, December 11-17: Cops & Robbers Ice Cream & Gifts – “Where It’s A Crime Not To Have A Good Time!” 323 E. Main Street, Flushing * (810) 202-1001 * copsandrobbersshop.com

  • (Open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.) Located in Flushing’s former police station, this amazingly unique store offers a variety of toys, books, jewelry, nail polish, soaps, puzzles, games, playing cards, greeting cards, coffee mugs and much more including the largest local selection of J.R. Watkins products. If you are looking for something sweet, Cops & Robbers is the place to go for delicious treats from Bella Birches Bakery and premium ice cream from New Era, Michigan’s Country Dairy. They also have slushies, soft serve, fresh baked cookies, Cops & Robbers homemade chocolate bark, dipped and decorated cones, malts and more. Recommended for all ages.

Monday-Sunday, December 11-17: Chuck E. Cheese’s, 3489 Miller Road, Flint * (810) 733-7404 * chuckecheese.com

  • (Open Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.) Chuck E. Cheese’s is the ultimate place “Where a Kid Can Be a Kid” and parents can enjoy every moment. That’s why Chuck E. himself takes pride in providing a safe, family-friendly environment offering video games, high-tech simulator rides, skytubes, kiddie rides for the little ones, tickets to redeem for prizes, stage shows and more.

Monday-Sunday, December 11-17: Bowl Flint – B’s Bowling Center * 750 S. Center Road, Flint * (810) 743-7570; Richfield Bowl * 5340 Richfield Road, Flint * (810) 736-4880 * bowlflint.com

  • (Open Monday through Sunday – visit website above for hours of operation and events) Richfield Bowl and B’s Bowling are dedicated in providing one of the best entertainment venues in Flint & Genesee. These modern bowling centers offer kid-friendly bumper bowling lanes with lightweight bowling balls and small shoes. Also, experience Cosmic Bowling, on the weekends, with glow in the dark lanes along with laser, disco, black and runway lights, fog and music.

Monday-Sunday, December 11-17: Bowl Grand Blanc Lanes, 5301 S. Saginaw Road, Flint * (810) 771-4273 * grandblanclanes.com

  • (Open Monday through Sunday – visit website above for hours of operation and events) Enjoy Genesee County’s largest bowling center with 76 modern lanes featuring the “Main Side” with 44 Brunswick synthetic lanes and the “Annex Side” with 32 wood lanes. Both sides have their own snack bar, lounge and bowling counter, which makes it easy to accommodate groups of all sizes. Bumper bowling and automatic scorers make for a great family outing. On Friday and Saturday, come rock, dance and bowl during Cosmic Bowling.

Monday-Sunday, December 11-17: Roller Skating at Rollhaven Skate & Fun Center * rollhaven.com

  • Flint/Grand Blanc * 5315 S. Saginaw Road, Grand Blanc Twp. * (810) 694-4533; (Open Monday through Sunday – visit website above for hours of operation and events) This family-fun center offers open skate sessions, adult skate, friends & family skate, kid specials, a Friday Nite Live skate, Junior Roller Derby, laser tag, a giant soft play area and more. On Tuesday, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., kids can enjoy participating in “Reindeer Games Skate” with silly holiday fun, games and crafts.
  • Flushing * 3464 Ann Drive, Flushing * (810) 659-7260, (Open Monday through Sunday – visit website above for hours of operation and events) Rollhaven Skate & Fun Center in Flushing has fun for everyone with open skate sessions, Friday Nite Live skate, Sunday FunDay, CannonBlaster and a huge soft playground area.

Tuesday-Sunday, December 12-17: Card Table Republic – A Board Game Lounge “where board games and friends unite,” 8427 Davison Road, Davison * (810) 652-6363 * cardtablerepublic.com

  • (Open Tuesday-Thursday 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.) Card Table Republic is a place where, for a small fee, people of all ages can relax and challenge themselves playing over 500 board, card and dice games with friends and family. Old classic games such as Monopoly, Life, Battleship and Trouble are available to play as well as the newer style games such as Ticket To Ride, Catan, Carcassonne and Cards Against Humanity. A party room, that seats up to 30, is also available and the snack bar features made in Michigan products like Faygo and Better Made chips.

Tuesday-Sunday, December 12-17: CRU Paintball, 4403 Clio Road, Flint * (810) 785-2278 * crupaintball.com

  • (Open Tuesday-Thursday 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) CRU Paintball is an unforgettable, adrenaline rush experience for paintball enthusiast and newcomers alike. With the largest indoor field in Michigan along with multiple indoor and outdoor fields, players are never kept waiting and can spend as much time on the fields as they desire. To ensure a fair match and make sure everyone has fun, teams are balanced so that a group of new players don’t have to face a team of experienced paint ballers by themselves – new players are given a fair shot and experienced players will never have it too easy.

Tuesday-Sunday, December 12-17: The Summit Play Park, 2630 Lippincott Boulevard, Flint * (810) 820-2341 * facebook.com/Summit-Play-Park-414386245585135/

  • (Open Tuesday-Friday 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.) Enjoy this indoor, family-fun play park featuring inflatables, air hockey, obstacle courses, gaming stations, giant slides, pool tables, arcade games, a full service concession stand and more. Great place to take the kids for birthday parties and special events – ask about their package deals.

Wednesday & Friday-Sunday, December 13 & 15-17: Roller Skating at Skateland Arena, 8460 N. Dort Highway, Mt. Morris * (810) 686-6110 * skatelandarena.com

  • (Open Wednesday & Friday-Sunday – visit website above for hours of operation and events) Family owned and operated for over 50 years, Skateland has been entertaining families at an affordable price. Come out and skate on their large rink offering skate themed nights and Roller Hockey Arena along with an arcade and play center, laser tag, full concessions, birthday parties, skating lessons, a Volleyball Club and more. Their Skate Shop carries some of the best brands and prices for Traditional and In-Line skates as well as Roller Derby, Hockey and Speed skates. Wednesday is adult R&B/Old School Skate for ages 18 and older only.

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Shopping

Monday-Sunday, December 11-17: Genesee Valley Center, 3341 S. Linden Road, Flint * (810) 732-4000 * geneseemall.com

  • “Shop until you drop” at Flint’s 1.3 million square feet of shopping space with over 130 retailers and anchored by Macy’s, JC Penney, Sears and Burlington. Find those unique buys at the Center’s one-of-a-kind shops and markets such as Buckle, Best Buy Mobile and Forever 21. The Outdoor Village offers 65,000 square feet of boulevard-style shopping and national tenants including Barnes & Noble, Bar Louie, The Sleep Number Store and more. Kids will have fun playing in the bounce houses at the center’s American Fun Center. Visit the website above for hours of operation and coupon savings.

Monday-Sunday, December 11-17: Courtland Center Mall, 4190 E. Court Street, Burton * (810) 744-0742 * courtlandcenter.com

  • Conveniently located off I-69, Courtland Center offers 472,000 square feet of enclosed shopping featuring national retail anchors including JC Penney, Staples, Jo-Ann Superstore and Dunham’s Sports. Visit more than 50 retailers and eateries while enjoying this friendly shopping experience with convenient parking. Visit the website above for hours of operation and special store offers.

Monday-Sunday, December 11-17: Birch Run Premium Outlets, 12240 S. Beyer Road, Birch Run * (989) 624-6226 * premiumoutlets.com

  • Find incredible values on all the new season fashions with up to a 65% discount on every day savings. Shop at over 145 well-known brand name stores such as the Pottery Barn Outlet, COACH Factory and the Nike Factory Store. Visit the website above for hours of operation and a list of additional in-store promotions.

Monday-Sunday, December 11-17: Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, 4000 Baldwin Road, Auburn Hills * (248) 454-5000 * greatlakescrossingoutlets.com

  • Great Lakes Crossing Outlets is the market’s dominant retail outlet and entertainment destination, attracting customers throughout the Midwest and Canada. With 185 manufacturer’s outlets and traditional retail stores, Great Lakes Crossing Outlets is Michigan’s only enclosed value-regional mall. Visit the website above for hours of operation and special coupon savings.

Monday-Sunday, December 11-17: Carriage Town Antique Center, 503 Garland Street, Flint * (810) 238-1444 * carriagetownantiquecenter.com

  • (Open Monday-Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.) Housed in a restored Art Deco warehouse, Carriage Town Antique Center has a fantastic mix of quality antiques, vintage collectibles and exquisite art. Browse two levels for antique furniture, glass, pottery, silver, vintage clothing, primitive pieces, period lighting and vintage Christmas all year round.

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Dining with Evening Entertainment

Monday-Saturday, December 11-16: Cranberries Café, 10250 Hegel Road, Goodrich * (810) 636-3409 * cranberriescafe.com

  • (Open for lunch Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and for dinner Tuesday-Thursday 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday & Saturday 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.) Enjoy great food and drinks, including Michigan beers on tap, while relaxing in this 1917 building featuring its original tin ceiling and flooring, an antique cherry bar and an original floral icebox, from northern Michigan, now converted into a wine cooler. Every Tuesday is Beer Night with half priced bottles and $2 off drafts with dinner. Dine at Cranberries on Wednesday and receive a bottle of wine half off with dinner and/or visit on Thursday for live entertainment, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., with holiday sounds with Joel Palmer this week.

Monday-Saturday, December 11-16: Johnny’s Pour House, 240 W. Main Street, Flushing * (810) 487-1020

  • (Open Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 11p.m. and Friday & Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 12 a.m.) Enjoy one of Flushing’s most comfortable dining experiences for breakfast, lunch and dinner, in a casual atmosphere where friends and family can meet and enjoy the highest quality food, at affordable prices, along with friendly service. Each dish is created with the finest ingredients and soups are prepared from scratch. Live music runs most Friday and Saturday nights starting at 9 p.m.

Monday-Sunday, December 11-17: Beale Street Smokehouse BBQ, 2461 North Road, Fenton * (810) 750-0507 * bealestreetsmokehouse.com

  • (Open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.) Using the highest quality meats, enjoy tasty pulled pork and chicken, brisket, St. Louis and baby-back ribs, Michigan craft beers on tap, and in bottles, and more. Beale Street offers that “Juke Joint” atmosphere with live weekend music, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., with the Sanctuary Blues Band performing Friday and the Greg Nagy Duo on Saturday.

Monday-Sunday, December 11-17: Blondie’s Food & Spirits, 2520 W. Hill Road, Flint * (810) 766-9680 * blondiesfoodandspirits.com

  • (Open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.) Blondie’s Food & Spirits has a passion for food and their guests. This unique restaurant offers more than just a commitment to fresh and traditional menu items, they make sure that every guest has a memorable dining experience in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Their extensive upscale, American comfort menu offers something for everyone for lunch, dinner and drinks. Also, enjoy live entertainment with Thursdays with Noel starting at 7 p.m. Friday, have fun during the 1 Year Acoustic Bash and on Saturday Jamie Marvin takes the stage. Live entertainment begins at 7 p.m. both nights.

Monday-Sunday, December 11-17: Brickstreet of Grand Blanc, 1223 E. Grand Blanc Road, Grand Blanc * (810) 603-2114 * brickstreetbarandgrill.com

  • (Open at 11a.m. Monday – Friday and at 12 p.m. on Saturday & Sunday) Famous for fresh seafood, house-cut steaks and signature entrees, enjoy lunch, dinner and drinks in a friendly and comfortable atmosphere. Relax and sing along with live pub entertainment, with Bob Adado, every Thursday, Friday and Saturday beginning at 7 p.m. Brickstreet also offers a Sunday Brunch and Bloody Mary Bar from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (reservations suggested).

Monday-Sunday, December 11-17 (Closed Friday for a private party): The Corner Bar & Grill, 4015 Owen Road, Fenton * (810) 354-8808 * cbgfenton.com

  • (Open Monday-Wednesday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Thursday 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.) Enjoy this rock-n-roll gastro pub offering a unique mix of fun and elegance with quality food from gourmet burgers to excellent codfish tacos along with craft beer and handcrafted drinks. A delicious brunch is served every Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with loaded omelets, brewcakes, chicken and waffles, breakfast hash, mimosas and more. In addition to great food, the Corner Bar & Grill hosts weekly entertainment with The Corner Boys (wide variety) performing Thursday at 7 p.m. Then on Saturday, the group Rook (rock music) takes the stage at 9 p.m.

Monday-Sunday, December 11-17: Lake View Bar & Grill, 8291 Silver Lake Road, Linden * (810) 458-6147

  • (Open Monday-Thursday 2 p.m. to 12 a.m., Friday 2 p.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 12 a.m.) Enjoy this sports bar and eatery located on the peaceful shoreline of Lobdell Lake. Their kitchen is open daily, from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m., serving sandwiches, soups, salads, burgers and hand tossed stone baked pizza with entrees and pasta dishes available between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. Breakfast is served on the weekends. Entertainment begins Monday with Karaoke Night, starting at 8 p.m., Open Mic Jam Night on Thursdays at 8 p.m. and live bands perform most weekends from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Monday-Sunday, December 11-17: The Rough Draught Coffee & Barroom, 134 N. Leroy Street, Fenton * (810) 714-3005 * roughdraughtbarroom.com

  • (Open Monday & Tuesday 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday & Thursday 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday & Saturday 6 a.m. to midnight and Sunday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.) Come experience this unique reminiscent of an old bar in an industrial building with reclaimed brick, lighting and other structural elements offering a unique selection of craft beers and cocktails and exceptional wines. Baristas are on staff to brew up the perfect latte, cappuccino or gourmet coffee. A light menu is also available offering breakfast and lunch sandwiches, burgers, salads and more all specially prepared with house made ingredients. Enjoy live acoustic tunes by local artists on Saturday.

Monday-Sunday, December 11-17: Sherman’s Lounge, 4211 Fenton Road, Flint * (810) 233-7057 * shermanslounge.com

  • (Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 2 a.m.) Home to Flint’s Finest Entertainment for nearly 50 years, enjoy the best of live, local bands and events throughout the week. Wednesday, the Handsome Devils (guitar and vocals)) perform starting at 8 p.m. and on Thursday enjoy some Old School Karaoke starting at 7 p.m. On Friday, Rachelle Rae & the Banned (danceable rock) performs and on Saturday, EnJOY (top 40) takes the stage. Live entertainment begins at 9 p.m. both nights. Sherman’s also features a fully stocked bar, multiple flat-screen TVs, three pool tables, video games, keno and more. Their menu offers pizza, subs, signature sandwiches and a variety of other tasty dishes.

Tuesday-Sunday, December 12-17: Andy’s Place, 208 S. Broad Street, Holly * (248) 382-5020 * andysplace.wixsite.com/andy

  • (Open Tuesday & Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Wednesday & Thursday 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. and Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.) This friendly, fun atmosphere offers a selection of homemade soups, grilled sandwiches, build your own burgers and more. Andy’s also features a large selection of beers, margaritas, martinis and specialty drinks – You Name It, They Will Make It. Enjoy live local music on Friday’s from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday, during dinner, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Then on Saturday evening, Andy’s hosts an Open Mic Set from 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Happy Hour runs Tuesday through Friday 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and then from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with drink and food specials.

Tuesday-Sunday, December 12-17: Fenton Winery & Brewery (FWB), 1370 N. Long Lake Road, Fenton * (810) 373-4194 * fentonwinery.com

  • (Open Tuesday-Thursday 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday & Saturday 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.) Founded in 2007, FWB began as a typical winery featuring 15 wines and a tasting bar. They now offer a variety of beers on tap and over 20 wine choices (some on tap) with a steady rotation of seasonal wines and specialties. FWB also offers a retail store “Taproom” to purchase those favorites, a delicious menu, wine & beer samplings and live entertainment most weekends starting at 8 p.m.

Friday, December 15: The Jewel of Grand Blanc/Paddy McGee’s, 5270 Perry Road, Grand Blanc * (810) 694-5960 * jewelgolf.com

  • (Open 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. or later) Located inside the Grand Blanc Golf Club, The Jewel of Grand Blanc offers Friday night country entertainment with DJ “Dan Richards’ along with line dancing from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Adjacent to The Jewel is Grand Blanc’s superior Irish Pub, Paddy McGee’s, serving an all-day full breakfast and lunch and dinner menu as well as drink specials (open Wednesday-Sunday).

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Nightlife

Friday & Saturday, December 15 & 16: Red Ink Flint Local 432 Concert Venue, 124 W. First Street, Flint * facebook.com/FlintLocal432/

  • (Live music runs Friday 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday’s Holiday Record Swap runs 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.) This all ages club, known for its diversity, features performing arts programming, primarily live music, but also theatre, dance, comedy and more. Most of its audience and musicians are high school and college-age students. Friday, enjoy live music during the 6th Annual Jeremy Combs Scholarship Benefit Show featuring Avalon Black, The Haberdasher, Young Ritual and Chris Day. On Saturday, come out and participate in a Holiday Record Swap hosted by Gozza Strip Radio. Shows/events are subject to change without notice. Please call ahead.

Friday & Saturday, December 15 & 16: Historic Holly Hotel Comedy Club, 110 Battle Alley, Holly * (248) 634-5208 * hollyhotel.com

  • (Show begins 8:30 p.m. & 10:30 p.m.) Enjoy professional stand-up comedy featuring a variety of local and national entertainers with Sal DeMillio in the Club this weekend with special guest Sheila Loveley.

Friday & Saturday, December 15 & 16: The Old Sequoia Wine Bar & Martini Lounge, 5304 Gateway Centre Drive, Flint * (810) 233-8000 * theredwoodlodge.com

  • (Live music begins 9 p.m.) Located inside the Redwood Steakhouse & Brewery, the Sequoia Lounge presents live music featuring Kenny Kens and the Brown Bottle Boys (honky tonk) this weekend.

Friday-Sunday, December 15-17: The Machine Shop Concert Lounge, 3539 S. Dort Highway, Flint * (810) 715-2650 * themachineshop.info

  • (Doors open 7 p.m. for all shows unless otherwise noted) The Machine Shop hosts live rock-n-roll, metal and outlaw country events weekly. Friday, Demun Jones performs with special guests Mitch Diamond and the Yankee Sons and tba. Saturday, the group Ballz Deluxe takes the stage with their Volume III Album Release with special performances by Critical Bill, 5th Way and The Lows. Then on Sunday, Granger Smith visits the Machine Shop with special guests Earl Dibbles Jr. and Morgan Wallen. Shows are subject to change without notice. Please call ahead.

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For more things to do and see, visit the Events Calendar and like us on Facebook at Explore Flint & Genesee.

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