22 family-friendly activities for weekend of Nov. 30 to Dec. 2

Here’s what is happening on the weekend family fun front. As always, check WRAL.com’s Out & About calendar for more ideas.

Santa is at the malls.

Many holiday shows are lighting up the stage this weekend across the region, including Theatre in the Park’s A Charlie Brown Christmas, NC Theatre’s Aladdin and His Winter Wish and Raleigh Little Theatre’s Cinderella.

We have Christmas tree lightings in Apex, Knightdale and Raleigh, a tower lighting in Durham and parades in Apex and Knightdale.

And Hanukkah starts this weekend, so we have some Hanukkah activities on the calendar.

“The Nightmare Before Christmas,” is on the big screen at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences at 7 p.m., Friday. From the imagination of Tim Burton, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (PG, 1993) follows the misadventures of Skellington, Halloweentown’s beloved pumpkin king, who has become bored with the same annual routine of frightening people in the “real world.” Doors open at 5:30 p.m. when you’ll find some movie-themed science stations. Tickets are $5.

The annual Scandinavian Christmas Fair is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, at the NC State Fairgrounds. The day includes a Santa’s Workshop, ring dances and more for kids and families, along with lots of opportunities to learn about Scandinavian culture and take care of some holiday shopping. Tickets are $7 for ages 13 and up.

Joel Lane Museum House will host its Colonial Christmas Open House from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, and will include hands-on history activities for kids. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged.

Historic Oak View County Park will host Sleigh Rides and Cider from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Saturday. The free event includes horse-drawn carriage rides, hot apple cider, live music, Saint Nick, holiday activities and more.

Sanderson High School’s Holly Days market is Saturday and Sunday at the school. Admission is $2.

Refuge Church will host Sledfest 2018 from 1 p.m to 4 p.m., Sunday, in the Kohl's parking lot at Falls Pointe Shopping Center in north Raleigh. The free event includes sledding, cookies, hot chocolate and Christmas music. More details and registration information are on the Sledfest website.

UPDATE: This event has been canceled. C&H Cafeteria at the Shops at Northgate will host a Pancake Breakfast with Mrs. Claus from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Saturday. Tickets are $8.50 per child (and for any adult who would like to eat). The morning also includes visits with Mrs. Claus and holiday crafts.

Carolina Ballet will perform The Nutcracker at Memorial Hall in Chapel Hill on both Saturday and Sunday, including 2 p.m. matinee shows both days. Before those matinees, starting at 12:30 p.m., there will be a kids holiday fair with games, music, crafts from Kidzu Children's Museum, free hot chocolate and snow. Bonus: Tickets for the Chapel Hill performances are half price for kids.

The NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer College Cup is at WakeMed Soccer Park Friday and Sunday. Tickets are sold out for Friday’s game, but there are some available for Sunday’s game. They cost $26.

Cary Academy’s annual Holiday Shoppe is Thursday through Saturday at the private school. Admission is free.

Bentonville Battlefield in Johnston County will host a Christmas Open House from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday. During the event, members of Co. D 27th NC Troops will demonstrate how Civil War-era North Carolina soldiers and civilians celebrated the holidays. Visitors can wander through a small military camp and vote on their favorite decorated tent. Children will get the opportunity to participate in a scavenger hunt.