With one week left to go before MSU closes up shop and hibernates for four weeks, people living in and around East Lansing will be faced with only one challenge - finding something with which to entertain themselves.
But fret not, loyal Spartans, for the city where we all live, sleep, eat and drink will be just as merry as ever.
East Lansing and Lansing have a lineup similar to that of a Superbowl Sunday half-time show, and are bringing in big stars, such as Bill Cosby, to make 'U' laugh, while also keeping up the tempo with music from local bands, such as Killer Miller.
For some, it's simply the month away from school that will be pleasing enough.
"I'm getting time off from work and school," said Travis Cousineau, a telecommunication, information studies and media senior. "It will be nice to have such a long break, compared to U-M, who only has two weeks."
But, time off from studies or not, some still have responsibilities to take care of while waiting for the holidays to get underway.
"I'm going to be working up here at school," said Phillip Rosiek, a history senior. "I'm looking forward to break, although I will be working a lot."
Whether your tastes swing from comedy to the bar scene and then back to work, make sure to hang on to this handy little guide of what to do over the holiday break.
FILM
Do swords and sorcery get your engines pumping? Or maybe you're looking for a new crew of folks who like the fantasy world of gaming?
Either way, there is plenty going on with the release of the final flick featuring everybody's favorite hobbit, "Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King."
Andy Morrow is the secretary for Studio 40K, a student club devoted to gaming. The telecomunication, information studies and media junior said he and some friends bought tickets to the all-day viewing of the trilogy at Celebration! Cinema, 200 E. Edgewood Blvd. in Lansing.
"We got a group of people together that wanted to go, so those of us that didn't have class or work got tickets for everybody," he said. "We have been looking online and there are tickets going for a couple hundred bucks on eBay."
But with lines likely to be long on opening day, Dec. 17, Morrow said the club also will be getting together for gaming at 21st Century Comics & Games, 515 E. Grand River Ave.
MUSIC
For those students done with finals a little early and willing to make a short journey, Ryan Adams lands in Ann Arbor on Dec. 11.
He's promoting his latest album, "Rock N Roll," which came out early last month. The former Whiskeytown bandmate impressed critics with his 2001 release "Gold," which yielded the radio-friendly track "Answering Bell."
Tickets are $21.75, plus handling fees, and can be purchased by calling (734) 668-8463. The Michigan Theater is located at 603 E. Liberty St. in Ann Arbor.
And for those students unwilling to leave the area for transportation restrictions or other reasons, The Temple Club, 500 E. Grand River Ave. in Lansing, hosts an open mic blues jam every Sunday night at 5 p.m. For music events where one does not have to get up on stage and sing, there's local group Killer Miller at The Green Door Lounge, 2005 E. Michigan Ave. in Lansing, on Dec. 17. There is no cover, but the show is 21 and older only.
Blues act Root Doctor stops by The Green Door Lounge, on Dec. 12 and Soulstice on Dec. 19-20.
On Dec. 19-20, Frog and the Beeftones hop into Moriarty's Pub, 502 E. Michigan Ave. in Lansing.
Last, but not least, even those music lovers looking for something different from a concert can check out the Lansing Civic Players' production of "Annie" at the Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbott Road.
The musical runs Dec. 5-7 and 12-14, with Friday and Saturday shows at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees set for 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $5 for children under 10 years of age and are available at (517) 484-9191.
COMEDY
Try giving someone an early Christmas gift or letting yourself be entertained with an evening full of laughter with Bill Cosby.
Through television or films, commercials or stand-up acts, Cosby has become one of the most respected icons in America with his ability to touch people's lives.
On Dec. 13, Cosby will grace the Wharton Center's Great Hall with a performance sure to make you smile and get into the holiday spirit.
Local comedian Fred Potter, who said Cosby has been one of the influential comedians in his life, is looking forward to the performance not only for entertainment, but also for motivation.
"His style is so impressive because he keeps it clean," he said. "Using no profanity, which is hard to do, and to make it in the mainstream has always been a plus."
There will be a performance at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. For more information visit www.whartoncenter.com.
But if the price of Cosby's performance (ranging from $27.50-47.50) is pressing the lining of your wallet too much, you're sure to find a laugh at one of the many local bars - whether it be giggling at your friend trying out karaoke or cackling at someone who's fallen off their chair.
BARS
The watering-holes of East Lansing have much to offer for the 21 and older crowd. The Riviera Cafe Restaurant and Lounge, 231 M.A.C. Ave., will be hoppin' all break.
On New Year's Eve, the bar will have giveaways, free noisemakers, a champagne toast at midnight and a DJ.
Harpers Restaurant & Brewpub and Downtown, 131 Albert Ave., will have both floors open, and additional entertainment plans are in the making.
The local music scene also is going strong throughout December.
The Temple Club has acts booked all through early January, including bands such as hydrophonic on Jan. 7 and Jen Sygit on Jan. 9.
Mac's Bar also will feature Delicious on Dec. 17th.
And if you feel like dancing your toosh right on off over break, those who like to boogie down will definitely want to hit up Spiral Video Dance Bar, 1247 Center St., and Club X-Cel, 224 S. Washington Square, both in Lansing, on New Year's Eve.
In addition to the usual two DJ's and two dance floors, Club X-Cel and Spiral also will have a secret, special kind of entertainment that is yet to be finalized.
Tickets to get in are $10 for each club, and party favors and drink specials will be offered all night.
The Temple Club also has some elaborate plans for New Year's Eve. They will have three bands on the first floor and three DJs on the second, and make sure to check out their dessert bar, 25-foot television screen and taxi service.
HOOPS
And if you're still bored over break - which seems pretty impossible at this point - check out the Holiday Hoops Invitational at the Breslin Center starting Dec. 27. The basketball spectacular features five games with the newest Spartan recruits all playing together for the first time.
Tickets can be purchased by calling (517) 432-5000.
So make sure to get out and get down this break because this capital city is gonna be rockin'.
