Weekend best bets: Very Puggy Christmas, Martin Lawrence
It's supposed to be a rainy weekend, but that can't stop these events.
Holiday fun
Flash Chorus Presents: Holiday Sing on the Roof (The Durham Hotel, 315 East Chapel Hill Street, Durham) - This holiday-inspired Saturday session of Flash Chorus is at The Durham Hotel.
Marvel vs. DC Trivia (Aloft Raleigh, 2100 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh) - Head to Aloft for this trivia night on Friday. There will be questions from a combination of movies, comic books and TV for an epic trivia night.
NC Chinese Lantern Festival (Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary) - Cary’s Booth Amphitheatre has been transformed into a sea of lighted lantern sculptures. This annual festival kicks off Friday and runs through Jan. 13.
Nutcracker on Ice (Orange County Sportsplex, 101 Meadowlands Dr., Hillsborough) - This magical journey is complete with epic battles, silly clowns and dancing princesses from all corners of the world. This family-friendly event, set to the music of Tchaikovsky, features the story of Clara and her nutcracker doll come to life with over 100 skaters.
A Very Puggy Christmas (Beer Study, 2501 University Drive, Durham) - Beer Study is celebrating pugs on Saturday with this pet-friendly event.
Shopping Durham Village Holiday Market (The Rickhouse, 609 Foster St., Durham) - Sample independent food, beverage and craft producers while you complete your shopping list during this market at The Rickhouse on Sunday. It continues Monday and Tuesday.
Pop-Up Raleigh (Trophy Brewing and Taproom, 656 Maywood Avenue, Raleigh) - This monthly vintage and art market is Saturday at Trophy Brewery and Taproom on Maywood Avenue. There will be more than 50 artists and craftspeople.Locally Made Market (The Mayton Inn, 301 South Academy Street, Cary) - Cary's premier pop up market has all of your holiday shopping needs covered on Sunday. This will be their largest event yet with 50 talented local artisans at the Mayton Inn.
On stage
Delta Rae (Carolina Theatre of Durham, 309 W. Morgan St., Durham) - Six-piece band Delta Rae hails from Durham. See them on stage Friday night at Carolina Theatre of Durham.
Black Nativity (Umstead Park United Church of Christ, 8208 Brownleigh Dr., Raleigh) - The Justice Theater Project presents the rebirth of our annual holiday family favorite! Black Nativity by Langston Hughes. The show will be at Umstead Park United Church Friday and Saturday and then at N.C. State's Stewart Theatre.
Lit AF Tour hosted by Martin Lawrence (PNC Arena, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd., Raleigh) - Comedian, actor and producer Martin Lawrence is bringing this comedy tour to PNC Arena Saturday night. He will be joined by DeRay Davis, Rickey Smiley, Michael Blackson and Benji Brown.
Raleigh Ringers Holiday Concert (Meymandi Concert Hall, 2 E. South St., Raleigh) - This internationally acclaimed concert handbell choir presents its holiday concert Saturday and Sunday at Meymandi Concert Hall.
Cinderella (Raleigh Little Theatre, 301 Pogue St, Raleigh) - This musical comedy is a holiday sugarplum for the whole family. See it through Dec. 16.
Ira David Wood III's A Christmas Carol (Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 Vivian St., Durham) - A musical comedy adaptation of the Dickens classic. The show has been performed annually since 1974 and has been named one of the "Top 20 Events in the Southeast." See it this weekend at Durham Performing Arts Center.
Carolina Ballet's The Nutcracker (Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, 2 E. South St., Raleigh) - Featuring a live symphony orchestra, grand magical illusions, and magnificent sets and costumes, this show is a must-see. It runs this weekend at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium.
