People are holiday shopping in a store.

Winter Events and Holiday Shopping

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If you and your family are looking for upcoming winter events and holiday shopping, you’re in the right place! November and December hold many opportunities in the Greater Lansing area for you and your family. Click the links below to explore future events and register if required!

Holiday Shopping

Online — Student-Made Michigan State: This holiday season, take a scroll through the students’ online market and support MSU student businesses by purchasing gifts from the Student Marketplace.

November 7— DeWitt Holiday Outdoor Market: Get in the holiday spirit early this year at the DeWitt Holiday Outdoor Market. Shop around with more than 35 local makers, food trucks, seasonal drinks, and all-age activities in downtown DeWitt.

November 22 — Art Fair: Winter Holiday Market: If you are looking for a unique handmade present for the holidays this year, look no further. Come over to Okemos, where Art Unlimited Artists will be having their own Holiday Market.

December 5 and 6 — MSU Annual Winter Arts and Crafts Show: The beloved Annual Arts and Crafts Show is back this holiday season in the MSU Union, where you can support small business owners and MSU students. All vendor booth proceeds go directly to the University Activities Board.

December 12 and 13 – Winter Makers Market at the Broad Art Museum: Shop a variety of handmade goods from regional makers while warming up with hot cocoa from our friends at Biggby. Be sure to pick up a free Snow Buddies sculpture kit to make at home!  

Campus Events

Throughout November – Native American Heritage Month Museum Events: The Michigan State University Museum will celebrate Native American Heritage Month this November with three public programs featuring Indigenous poets, storytellers, and artists whose work connects cultural traditions with contemporary creative expression.

Throughout November and December — Spartans Supporting Spartans Campus-wide Food Drive: MSU is coming together to support our community through a campus-wide food drive. In partnership with the MSU Food Bank and Basic Needs program, units are joining forces to combat food insecurity and uphold our shared commitment to social responsibility. Anybody can donate!

November 7 — Family Day: CHOICE: First Saturday of the month means Family Day at the MSU Broad Art Museum! Make creative connections with the exhibitions on display through hands-on and interactive family fun throughout the museum.

November 27-December 20 — Season of Light Show: Visit the Abrams Planetarium for a viewing of the Season of Light show! Learn about how many customs we observe during the holiday season have an astronomical connection. This show is recurring weekly on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until December 20.

December 2 – Living Ornaments: Holiday Kokedama Workshop: Join the MSU Department of Horticulture to bring your holiday decor to life with a modern twist on a traditional Japanese garden art.

December 12 — Holiday Glory Symphony Orchestra and Choirs: Come celebrate the holiday season with one of MSU’s most cherished musical traditions. Performed by the College of Music, MSU Symphony Orchestra joins the Choral Union, State Singers, and University Chorale for a festive concert highlighting the spirit of the holidays.

December 16-17 — World Ballet Company: The Nutcracker: Visit the Wharton Center and celebrate the holiday season with The Nutcracker. A holiday favorite and timeless ballet production that brings dreams into reality for audiences of all ages.

Learning Opportunities

November 12 — Mental Health First Aid: In this course, developed by people with lived experiences of mental health challenges and professionals, participants will learn early intervention techniques for mental health challenges. While also improving their mental health literacy to help understand, identify and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance challenges.

November 12 — Year-end giving strategies: Join the giving experts from Fidelity Charitable in this course to explore strategies that can help maximize your impact in the season of giving. Learn ways you can make your dollars go further while potentially maximizing your tax benefits and how you can navigate recent tax legislation changes before year-end.

November 16 — Establishing professional boundaries: Setting boundaries in the work environment can make a big impact on career success and productivity. This in-person session will provide participants with definitions, descriptions, and examples of professional boundaries and why they matter.

November 19 – Cariloop Coffee Talk: Finding your footing after a new diagnosis: A new diagnosis can turn life sideways for the whole family. The questions, fears, and planning can feel overwhelming, all at once. This talk brings clarity and steady support to those early days

December 8 — A  guide to names and pronouns: Learn appropriate and respectful ways to use names and pronouns to promote gender inclusivity in the workplace. Participants will understand why safety and privacy around gender, names, and pronouns matter, as well as how to recover when mistakes happen.

December 10 – Cariloop Coffee Talk: Finding your way through grief: Grief can follow many kinds of loss, and there is no single right way to move through it. This Coffee Talk offers compassionate, practical guidance for navigating the emotions and everyday challenges that grief can bring.

December 15 — Start 2027 with an investing plan: Hear from the Fidelity Investments team about the basics of trading and investing. Learn strategies on how to select types of securities with tools on their website, the different types of analysis, and how to manage risk.

Greater Lansing Area Events

November 20 — Silver Bells in the City: Bring your family and friends to the Lansing tradition that is loved by generations of families. The entire city will come alive with thousands of lights for the Silver Bells in the City celebration. Taking place on the Friday before Thanksgiving in Lansing, this rain-or-shine event is free to attend.

November 21 — Downtown EL Tree Lighting: Come on down to Ann Street Plaza and watch as the Christmas tree illuminates Downtown East Lansing. Enjoy a festive evening of lights, music, and holiday cheer as the community gathers to celebrate the season.

November 21-December 22 — Wonderland of Lights at the Potter Park Zoo: This annual family-friendly event is back for the 34th year in a row. Experience the zoo in a whole new light as thousands of twinkling lights transform the pathways into a winter wonderland. Not only that, but a very special guest from the North Pole will be there on Fridays and Saturdays to meet and take photos.

December 13-31 — Festival of the Trees: This annual holiday display of community cheer is back at the historic Tuner-Dodge House. Come support local businesses and organizations as their festive trees will be on display throughout all three floors of the mansion Tuesday through Sunday.

Job of the Week: Transfer Coordinator

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This week’s featured job is a Transfer Coordinator/Enrollment Services Coordinator with the Office of the Registrar in their Enrollment and Academic Strategic Planning team (1178013). If you are a person who has strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and exceptional customer service skills, this may be the job for you.

In this position, you will coordinate and support daily office operations to ensure efficiency, consistency, and continuity of services provided to students, faculty, staff, and university partners. This role involves office operations, policy development, leadership, collaboration, special projects, and more. The role works closely with supervisors, staff, and university partners to implement initiatives and resolve changes. Find a complete list of responsibilities in the job posting.

This position requires knowledge that is acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Education, Communication, or Sociology. Completion of one to three years of related and more responsible work experience in Enrollment Services Administration, planning and conducting training programs, organizational development, and computer technology is also acceptable. A combination of both education and experience is also acceptable.

The ideal candidate should be able to take initiative, be dependable, detail-oriented, and comfortable balancing daily responsibilities with longer-term projects. Additional qualifications include experience working in a higher education environment, prior experience with evaluation, familiarity with university administrative systems, policies and procedures, and experience supporting compliance initiatives, audits, or procedural reviews. Find a complete list of required and desired qualifications in the job posting.

Learn more about the Office of the Registrar on their website. To learn more or apply for this position, please visit the MSU Careers Website. Applications require a cover letter, resume/CV, and three professional references and should be submitted by November 10, 2026.

Scenic picture of campus in the fall

Job of the Week: Recruitment Communications Manager

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This week’s featured job is a Recruitment Communications Manager/Communications Manager I for the top-ranked College of Education (1174266). If you are a person who likes to incorporate creativity, strategy, and data into your everyday work, this may be the job for you.

In this position, you will lead college-wide recruitment marketing practices, create and manage advertising campaigns, and analyze reports and trends to recommend improvements. The role contributes directly to how Michigan State University and the College of Education are represented to prospective/current students, alumni and the public. This role works closely with the entire Communications team and reports to the Senior Director of Communications. Find a complete list of responsibilities in the job posting.

This position requires knowledge equivalent to completing a relevant four-year college degree, and one to three years of related work experience. Candidates should have experience in managing content for social media channels, graphic design, AP Style, written and oral communication, and a passionate attention to detail.

Additional qualifications include experience with analytics tools, exceptional interpersonal skills with individuals and groups in a diverse environment, and experience working with the Slate CRM platform. Find a complete list of required and desired qualifications in the job posting.

Learn more about the College of Education on their website. To learn more or apply for this position, please visit the MSU Careers Website. Applications require a cover letter, resume/CV, three professional references, and one to three examples of communications or marketing work led or created by the applicant (digital portfolio is also accepted). All applications and required materials should be submitted by November 3.

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International Pronouns Day 

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This article was written in partnership with the Office for Inclusive Excellence and Impact.  

We celebrate International Pronouns Day this month! Using the correct pronouns respects each other’s identity and fosters inclusivity. Pronouns are used every day to communicate with one another in and out of the workplace, and often they are assigned based on preconceived perceptions. By educating about personal pronouns, we promote understanding and celebrate everyone’s intersecting identities.  

What is International Pronouns Day?   

International Pronouns Day seeks to make respecting, sharing, and educating about personal pronouns commonplace. This day raises the MSU community’s awareness to be gender inclusive and reminds us of the basic human dignity of appreciating and celebrating everyone’s multiple identities. As we explore the significance of this day, learn about how MSU is implementing changes to promote inclusivity to create a beneficial environment for all. 

How can I contribute to a gender-inclusive environment?   

  • Be mindful of all sex, social gender, or gender identities and avoid perpetuating gender stereotypes.   
  • Voluntarily share your pronouns when introducing yourself to people or during meetings.   
  • Practice using a person’s pronouns when speaking or writing about them.  
  • You can include pronouns in your email signature or other digital communications.   
  • Complete the Quest: Building Capacity for LGBTQA+ Inclusion online education program.   
  • Check out the A Guide to Names and Pronouns course for MSU employees to learn more about practicing gender inclusivity with students and staff at MSU.     

The MSU Gender and Sexuality Campus Center (GSCC) is here to provide you with answers to any questions you may have and with resources you may need! The center provides educational programs and resources to make MSU a more inclusive space for students, staff, and faculty. Learn more about the GSCC’s educational resources.   

What action is the university taking to advance gender inclusion?   

At MSU, we are committed to ensuring your identity is accurately represented and respected throughout our campus community, while maintaining privacy. Additionally, the Office for Inclusive Excellence and Impact, along with the Office of the Executive Vice President for Administration, has launched the self-service MySpartanIdentity Portal, allowing MSU community members to voluntarily manage their chosen identity information in compliance with university policies.  

Are there resources to explore this further?   

We look forward to continuing our work – together – to foster a culture that C.A.R.E.S (communication, appreciation, respect, empathy, and sensitivity).  

Campus trail in the fall

Job of the Week: Exhibitions Producer/Preparator

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This week’s featured job is an Exhibitions Producer/Preparator for the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum located at Michigan State University (1174727). If you have experience working with museum exhibitions, strong planning and organizational skills, and enjoy collaborative work, this may be the job for you.

In this position, you will help prepare exhibition spaces, monitor the museum’s gallery environment, and prepare art objects for shipment. You will also provide preparation information to the public and deliver technical lectures and demonstrations as requested. Additional responsibilities include coordinating security for off-site storage and monitoring exhibit photo documentation. This role works closely with the entire team at the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum to help maintain a welcoming environment where the community can engage with and enjoy art. Find a complete list of responsibilities in the job posting.

This position requires knowledge equivalent to a four-year college degree in studio art or museum studies, or five years of experience as an exhibition professional in a museum, gallery, or foundation. Candidates should also have experience with planning cost estimations, leading work teams, and handling multiple deadlines at once.

The ideal candidate should also have strong verbal and written communication skills, a creative and solution-oriented approach to problem-solving, and attention to detail. Additional qualifications include the ability to create and read shop drawings, experience with fine carpentry, metal and plastic fabrication techniques, and have knowledge of advanced AV installation. Find a complete list of required and desired qualifications in the job posting.

Learn more about the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum on their website. To learn more or apply for this position, please visit the MSU Careers Website. Applications require a cover letter, resume/CV, and three professional references and should be submitted by November 3, 2026.

Aerial view of campus during the fall.

Job of the Week: Secretary II for the College of Natural Science

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This week’s featured job is a Secretary II for the College of Natural Science in the Physics and Astronomy Department (posting #1172980). If you have experience using key MSU systems – such as EBS, KFS, Cognos Query Studio, Concur, and SAP – to support many individuals in a variety of roles, this may be the role for you.

As the Secretary II, you will support a large group of faculty, research associates, and graduate students, as well as act as backup support for the Chairperson’s secretary and other staff as needed. Regular duties include managing accounts, reconciling monthly expenses across various account types, ordering research materials and supplies, initiating requisitions for complex equipment, making travel arrangements, and more. Find a complete list of job duties on the posting page.

This position requires knowledge normally acquired through a high school education and 1-3 years of experience. The ideal candidate will be well-versed in EBS, KFS, Cognos Query Studio, Concur, SAP, and temp/on-call and student employee hiring. You should have excellent communication skills and the ability to work independently to learn new procedures and software.

Learn more about the Department of Physics and Astronomy on their website. To learn more or apply for this position, please visit the MSU Careers Website. Your application requires a cover letter, resume, and 3 references and should be submitted by October 20.

Mother and daughter spending time together

Planning the next chapter: Helping young adults choose their path

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If you have a high school senior, you’re likely heading into one of your busiest years as a parent.

They’re juggling big decisions about college, trades, work, or a gap year alongside big moments like senior photos, prom, and graduation. Meanwhile, you may be wondering which path is right for them, how you’ll afford it, and whether an important deadline could slip through the cracks.

Your Cariloop benefit gives you access to a Coach who can help your family sort through the decisions and details of planning for life after high school.

MSU’s Cariloop benefit includes 30 days of personalized support from licensed coaches (with a paid option to extend beyond 30 days). The included 30 days of support are renewed annually on a calendar year basis.

A Cariloop Coach can help you:

  • Explore the options: Research colleges, trades, and other paths, and talk through the questions that come with helping a young adult decide what’s next.
  • Understand the cost: Explore financial aid options, complete the FAFSA, and use Find Care to locate scholarships and tutors.
  • Keep the process moving: Organize admissions requirements, application timelines, exam dates, and key deadlines.

Ready to learn more?

You can also join Cariloop’s October 29 Coffee Talk, Planning the next chapter: Helping young adults choose their path if you’d like to learn more about how Cariloop can help before requesting personalized support.

If you have questions about your Cariloop benefit, visit the HR website or leave a comment below.

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Remember to Review Voluntary Benefits During October

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The MSU Benefits Open Enrollment period is here! As you review your benefit options for the 2027 plan year, please note that some voluntary benefits only allow you to enroll in, change, or cancel coverage during Open Enrollment between October 1 and 31, including:  

  • Accident insurance
  • Critical illness insurance 
  • Legal insurance 
  • Vision insurance 

If you want to enroll in, make changes (such as adding a dependent or switching to a different plan), or cancel your coverage for the 2027 plan year, you must do so by October 31. If you’re currently enrolled and do not make any changes, your enrollment will continue in 2027 with the exact same coverage.

Voluntary Benefits Overview 

Please review a brief description of accident, critical illness, legal, and vision insurance below. For additional information on all voluntary benefits—such as plan summary brochures—review the HR webpage about voluntary benefits. 

  • Accident Insurance: Prudential (the plan provider)pays a lump sum after you or a covered family member experience a covered incident, such as a fracture or concussion. Use this money for anything you need while recovering, such as expenses not covered by your health care plan or lost income. Coverage is available with no evidence of insurability (EOI) requirement. 
  • Critical Illness Insurance: MetLife (the plan provider) gives you extra money in the event you or a covered family member experience a covered illness. This money can be used to offset unexpected medical expenses or for any other use you wish. Simplified plan options are offered with no EOI requirement.
  • Legal Insurance: ARAG (the plan provider) makes it affordable to get the legal help you need, such as creating a will or fighting a traffic ticket. Coverage excludes most pre-existing legal issues and business-related matters, which are defined as any legal matter that is initiated before the effective date of coverage. Network attorney fees are 100% paid-in-full for most covered matters. Choose between two plan options. 
  • Vision Insurance: VSP (the plan provider) offers two plan options for you and your family to save money on eye care and glasses. There is a standard coverage plan or a premium coverage plan with an additional enhanced eyewear option of your choice. 

Access Voluntary Benefits and View Current Participation or Deduction History 

Visit the MSU Benefit Plus website and select Get Started to login using your MSU NetID. Signing up for an account does not obligate you to enroll in any benefits; it just gives you access to learn about, review premiums, and enroll in the various programs.

After you access the MSU Benefit Plus website, click on Enrollments in the top navigation, then select Enrollments or Deductions from the page to view your current participation or deduction history.  

The MSU Benefits Plus website only provides participation status on the voluntary benefits you have enrolled in within the MSU Benefits Plus website, such as accident, auto/home, critical illness, legal, pet, and vision insurance. 

Questions?  Learn about all voluntary benefits options on the HR website. If you have questions, consider participating in the MSU Benefits Fair or an HR Site Lab. MSU Human Resources is available for questions at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu or 517-353-4434 (toll-free: 800-353-4434).  

Campus in the fall

Job of the Week: Associate Director of Content Creation

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This week’s featured job is an Associate Director of Content for the MSU University Advancement (UA) Marketing and Communications team (1171633). If you have experience leading editorial planning, storytelling, and content strategy, this may be the job for you.  

In this position, you will oversee editorial tasks, manage story pipelines, write and develop priority content, direct editorial assignments and resources, and serve as editor for Spartan magazine, alumni eNews, and other primary UA publications. You will ensure that stories move from ideas to polished execution while guiding staff and student writers with strong editorial judgment, consistent voice, and high standards. This role works closely with the Director of Content, project management, and other UA Marketing and Communications functions. Find a complete list of responsibilities in the job posting.  

This position requires knowledge equivalent to a four-year college degree in Journalism, Telecommunications, Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations, or a related field. Candidates should also have three to five years of related experience in public and media relations, public production, and/or marketing, advertising, and creative services. Along with demonstrating excellence in professional writing and storytelling, strong knowledge of AP style, understanding of integrated marketing and communications practices, and experience working in higher education are required. Find a complete list of required and desired qualifications in the job posting.

Learn more about MSU University Advancement on their website. To learn more or apply for this position, please visit the MSU Careers Website. Application requires a cover letter and resume/CV and should be submitted by October 29, 2026.

Students by river

October Events Round-Up

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Spooky Season has officially arrived on campus! If you and your family are looking for fun fall activities, you’re in the right place. Check out these upcoming events for you and your family. Use the links below to learn more and register where required.

Campus Events

October 3 – Family Day: MEMORY at the MSU Broad Art Museum: Bring the whole family to the MSU Broad Art Museum for a day of free creativity and fun! Family Day: MEMORY invites visitors to explore the museum through hands-on activities and artmaking. It’s a great opportunity to spend a full day on campus and make memories of your own.

October 9-10 – Homecoming: It’s time to Go Green and celebrate Homecoming at Michigan State University! Bring your family to campus to enjoy Homecoming activities and soak up the Spartan spirit. Be sure to check the Homecoming schedule for the latest events happening throughout the weekend.

October 9, 12, 14, 20, 27, and 30 – HR Site Labs: Please join MSU Human Resources staff to receive help with Open Enrollment.

October 22 – MSU Benefits Fair: MSU benefit providers and MSU HR staff will be available to answer questions and help employees and retirees enroll in or change their benefits on-site at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center. 

October 27-Nov.1 – The Notebook at the Wharton Center: Looking for a night out this fall? The Broadway touring production of The Notebook is coming to the Wharton Center’s Cobb Great Hall October 27-November 1. Based on the bestselling novel that inspired the beloved film, this musical tells the story of Allie and Noah and their enduring love. With multiple evening and matinee performances throughout the week, there are plenty of opportunities to catch this touring Broadway production right here in East Lansing. Visit the Wharton Center to learn more and purchase tickets.

Ongoing – MSU Athletics: Looking for something fun to do with the family? Cheer on the Spartans! Football season is underway, softball and baseball seasons are finishing up, and basketball, hockey, volleyball, soccer, golf, and cross country are just getting started, making fall a great time to catch a game on campus. Check out the MSU Athletics calendar for upcoming games and events throughout the season. Tickets are required for most events.

Learning Opportunities

Looking to learn something new or build your professional skills this fall? Check out these upcoming opportunities. Visit the MSU Human Resources Organization and Professional Development team to view more courses. Register through the EBS Portal using the “Courses for Employees at MSU” tile and leverage your ED Assist benefit!  MSU HR Professional Development course page to learn more and register.

October 7-8 – Spartan Excellence Learning Series: This in-person learning series takes place from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. each day at the MSU HR Building. Participants will explore continuous improvement and develop skills they can apply to improve processes and strengthen accountability.

October 8 – Five Behaviors: Personal Development: This in-person course takes place from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. at the MSU HR Building. Through activities, videos and discussion, participants will learn how to become better teammates and build stronger team relationships.  

October 14-15 – Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue: This in-person two-day course takes place from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. each day at the MSU HR Building. Participants will learn skills for navigating conversations where emotions are strong, opinions vary and the stakes are high, while building mutual respect and finding common ground.

October 14 and 28 – Build Your Momentum (Oct. 14) and Own Your Peak Earning Years (Oct. 28): MSU’s retirement vendor, Fidelity, is offering two Women Talk Money webinars in October. In Build Your Momentum, join Olympic Bronze Medalist and Team USA Rugby Athlete Ilona Maher, to discuss building money habits and laying the groundwork for your goals. In Own Your Peak Earning Years, join Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning actress, producer, and director, Mariska Hargitay and Fidelity’s Ryan Viktorin and Alexandra Roca. Hear their perspectives on pursuing your career and money goals, even when it feels like you’re being pulled in every direction.

October 29 – Helping Young Adults Choose their Path: Life after high school brings a new set of big decisions. Join this webinar to learn how your MSU Cariloop benefit offers straightforward, practical guidance to help you support your young adults as they explore their options—whether college, trades, work, or a gap year—and make informed, confident choices about their next steps.

Greater Lansing Family-Friendly Events

Find many fall-themed, family-friendly events happening in the Greater Lansing Area in October and all year long at Lansing.org, where you’ll find festivals, live music events, holiday activities, and more.

October 3 — Williamstown Township’s 5th Annual Harvest Festival: This annual event offers free fall fun, including hayrides, live music, pumpkin decorating, nature activities, a petting zoo, pony cart rides and more. Bring your family to this event that never fails to put smiles on families’ faces every year.

October 3 — Grand Ledge Fall Festival: Head over to Jaycee Park, where this festival will immerse you into the fall spirit. This festival offers crafts and vendors for activities like pottery, woodwork, and candles. Enjoy free pumpkins for kids, a fall photo booth, a pony ride, a petting zoo, food trucks, and re-enactors and live art demonstrations. Enjoy a night with your family at this fall extravaganza where there is something for everyone.

October 4 — Heritage Festival at the Meridian Historical Village: Step back in time at the Meridian Historical Village during the Heritage Festival! This family-friendly event is a great way to experience local history while enjoying a day of activities and entertainment.

October 22-27 —  29th and Final East Lansing Film Festival: Movie lovers can celebrate the 29th and final East Lansing Film Festival! The festival features a variety of films and allows the community to enjoy movies from filmmakers near and far.

October 24-25 — Fenner’s Annual Apple Butter Festival: Get into the fall spirit at Fenner Nature Center’s Annual Apple Butter Festival! Enjoy this seasonal tradition with your family while taking in the sights, smells, and activities that make fall in Michigan so special.

October 24 —  Michigan Ave. Fall Festival: Head to Michigan Avenue on Lansing’s East Side for an afternoon of fall fun! This community festival offers an opportunity for families to enjoy seasonal activities, local businesses, and everything that makes the Greater Lansing community special. October 24 — Chili Cookoff: Warm up with a bowl of chili at this fall favorite! The Chili Cookoff is a great opportunity to enjoy delicious food and spend time with friends and family while celebrating the season.