10 things to do with your kids this weekend in NC

DURHAM, N.C. — Gingerbread houses, holiday parades and "The Polar Express" are all on our list for family fun this weekend!

Durham Holiday Parade (Main Street, Durham) - WRAL anchor Lena Tillet will emcee the Durham Holiday Parade on Saturday. This event will include floats, bands, drill teams and community groups. The event starts at 11 a.m. at the Health Department (Main and Dillard Streets) and ends near Duke University East Campus (Main Street and Buchanan Boulevard). You can watch the parade in-person or on WRAL.com.

The Polar Express 3D (Marbles IMAX, 201 East Hargett Street, Raleigh) - Tom Hanks stars in an inspiring adventure based on the beloved children's book by Chris Van Allsburg. See this holiday classic in IMAX 3D at Marbles Kids Museum with showtimes Nov. 26 through Dec. 24.

Marbles Gingerbread Jamboree (Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E Hargett St, Raleigh) - Make memories and gingerbread houses this weekend at Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh. There are three sessions on Saturday and two on Sunday. Tickets are $15 for members and $18 for non-museum members. Capacity is limited and groups are being placed at their own socially distance table.

WRAL Nights of Lights (Dorothea Dix Park, 1030 Richardson Dr., Raleigh) - Towering oaks, rolling hills and open fields will be the magical backdrop for this dazzling light show throughout the park. Illuminated trees, festive light displays, and local art installations will delight visitors of all ages along the 1.3-mile route.

Carolina Ballet presents The Nutcracker (Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts - Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, 2 E. South St., Raleigh) - With illusions created by magician Rick Thomas, made possible by WRAL-TV, the Carolina Ballet's is one of the only Nutcracker productions with magic performed live onstage. See it on stage Dec. 17 through Christmas Eve at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test are required for all performers, staff, volunteers and audience members. Mask are also required for guests.

Cinderella 2021 the Musical (Raleigh Little Theatre, 301 Pogue St, Raleigh) - After a year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cinderella is returning to RLT for its 37th year in 2021! This musical comedy is a holiday sugarplum for the whole family. Just the right mixture of comedy and romance can add the sparkle of magic to your holiday season. This visually stunning musical combines elegant costumes and scenery with singing, dancing, conniving step-relatives, and resourceful fairy folk. This version of Cinderella is inspired by the style of British Pantos. It's the perfect family outing during the holiday season, with the Royal Ball taking place on Christmas Eve. Join the cast in singing "We Wish You a Merry a Christmas," and come celebrate the holidays at RLT!

Marvelous Music Family: Cary Ballet presents "The Nutcracker Suite" (Cary Arts Center , 101 Dry Ave, Cary) - During this one-hour spectacular, enjoy a delightful, condensed, narrated version of the holiday classic "The Nutcracker," in addition to a mini-ballet demonstration staged by Cary Ballet Company. The event is at 11 a.m. at Cary Arts Center.

Holidays in the Park (North Carolina Museum of Life and Science, 433 W. Murray Ave., Durham) - This weekend, enjoy a memorable stroll through the Museum of Life + Science's outdoor and indoor spaces. Follow shimmering pathways and glowing trees through the garden, enjoy the tropical temperatures inside the butterfly house or stop by Sprout Cafe for a night-time snack. Take an illuminating train ride on the Ellerbe Creek Railway, passing colorful light displays along the way!

NC Chinese Lantern Festival (Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary) - Enjoy this annual celebration at Booth Amphitheatre in Cary through Jan. 9. There will be new displays and more ticket options.

Downtown Raleigh Illuminate Art Walk (Downtown Raleigh, 300-400 Block of Fayetteville St., Raleigh) - Downtown Raleigh comes to light with Illuminate, a light-based art walk. This five-week activation takes place in Downtown Raleigh's Fayetteville Street and Glenwood South districts. Illuminate will transform plazas and underutilized spaces with a large-scale interactive installation, light-based sculptures, and projection art. Installations will shine nightly through Jan. 7.