Weekend best bets: TINA, Chinese Lantern Festival

RALEIGH, N.C. — It's officially 2023 and we have some fun events coming up!

Jan. 3-8: TINA - The Tina Turner Musical - This new musical reveals a comeback story like no other, of a woman who dared to defy the bounds of racism, sexism and ageism to become the global Queen of Rock n’ Roll. See the show Jan. 3 to 8 at Durham Performing Arts Center.

Jan. 6: First Friday in downtown Raleigh - This monthly celebration happens the first Friday of every month. There are special deals, performances and other fun planned each month.

Jan. 7: Beethoven Lives Upstairs: A North Carolina Symphony Young People's Concert - Enjoy this show at 4 p.m., part of the North Carolina Symphony's Young People's Concert series.

Jan. 6-7: Donnell Rawlings - Donnell is selling out shows across the country and just performed alongside Dave Chappelle at the Hollywood Bowl. See him on stage at Goodnights Comedy Club Friday and Saturday.

Until Jan. 8: North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival – It’s your last chance to check out this annual event at Koka Booth Amphitheatre starting. It features more than 40 all new displays, each one comprised of hundreds of parts, and thousands of LED lights. The final night is Sunday.

Until Jan. 16: The Rink – Enjoy some outdoor ice skating at Red Hat Amphitheater through January 16 during this event sponsored by UNC Health.

Now - Jan. 31: S’mores with Goats- Get outside this January and come visit all the animals at Spring Haven Farm in Chapel Hill. Warm up by our fire pits with a not-your-average S’mores kit. Meet and feed all the animals like Lola the pig, Annie the Donkey, Wilbur and Orville the Highland cows, and lots of really cute goats. Tickets are $13.50.

Jan. 6: Owl Prowl- Enjoy late-night fun in the woods that may include up-close encounters with some of our spookiest owl neighbors? Join Piedmont Wildlife Center and Gail Abrams for a trek through Mason Farm Biological Preserve in hopes of hearing (and seeing) wild owls. Event tickets are $25. The events runs 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Jan. 7: Family-friendly Art Tour- Head to the NC Museum of Art in Raleigh for this 30-minute tour. Discover new-to-you works of art or say hi to old favorites on these playful tours. Tours are 30 minutes long and are best for kids ages 5–11 with their adult companions.

Jan. 7: ABC Craft and Learn - This is an interactive kindergarten readiness program for children ages 3-5 and caregivers. This fun family time is hosted at the Athens Drive Community Library in Raleigh.

Jan. 7: Three Kings Day Parade- Three Kings Day celebrates the end of the Christmas season, and is traditionally the day on which children in Spanish-speaking countries receive their gifts from the Los Tres Reyes (the Three Kings or Wise Men). Cary’s Three Kings Day celebration includes dancing, music, food, and a colorful parade featuring members of different Latino cultures.

Jan. 8: Snow Day at the Museum of Life and Science- Head to Durham to explore snow and winter! Create your own snowflake, investigate the science around cold and ice, and learn how our environment changes in the chilly months. These special activities are included with regular admission.