Weekend best bets: Ugly Sweaters, Rudolph, Raleigh Block Party

There is plenty to do the weekend before Christmas!

Posted 12:20 p.m. Dec 20, 2018 — Updated 3:02 p.m. Dec 20, 2018

Kathy Hanrahan, Out

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RALEIGH, N.C. — There is plenty to do the weekend before Christmas!

Holiday fun

Raleigh Block Party Christmas (Little City Brewing and Provisions, 400 South West Street, Raleigh) - Enjoy this free show on Sunday at Little City in Raleigh. There will be food trucks and plenty of beer. Come dressed in tacky Christmas attire and get ready to party.

Ugly Sweater Toy Drive (Proof, 1620 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh) - Head to Proof on Friday night for this party featuring vendors, drink specials, live music, raffles and free holiday snacks. Bring any new and unopened toy to get in for free. All toys will be donated to the Salvation Army. Cash donations are also accepted.

In this undated photo provided by PetSmart, Inc., Thor, a French bulldog, wears what is marketed as an 'ugly' sweater, created by Bret Michaels for his Pets Rock Line. Ugly holiday party sweaters are all the rage this year, assures PetSmart spokesman Shelly Albrecht.. So the national pet supply chain is introducing ugly sweaters from Bret Michaels Pets Rock line. (AP Photo/PetSmart, Inc.)

Holiday Rescue Jam (Pour House Music Hall, 224 S Blount St, Raleigh) - This concert on Friday night will help raise money for the Raleigh Rescue Mission.

A Candlelight Christmas with the NC Symphony (Meymandi Concert Hall, 2 E. South St., Raleigh) - The North Carolina Symphony shares an evening of classical music written in sacred celebration and uplifted by the voices of the NCS Children's Chorus on Sunday night at Meymandi Concert Hall.

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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 runs through Jan. 13.

Carolina Ballet's The Nutcracker (Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, 2 E. South St., Raleigh) - This holiday classic plays Raleigh Memorial through Sunday. Featuring a live symphony orchestra, grand magical illusions, and magnificent sets and costumes, it’s not to be missed.

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Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer the Musical (Fletcher Opera Theatre, 2 East South St., Raleigh) - The beloved TV classic soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season. Shows run through Christmas Eve.

For the foodie

Holiday Cookie Exchange and A Christmas Story (Barley Labs, 4015 University Drive, Durham) - Bring your favorite holiday cookies and enjoy a screening of "A Christmas Story" at Barley Labs on Saturday.

Beer and Nut Butter Pairing Flights (Durty Bull Brewing, 206 Broadway St, Durham) - This brewery will be hosting a pairing event with Big Spoon Roasters on Saturday.

Big Spoon Roasters Peanut Butter is made in Durham. (Photo by Chris Reid)

On stage

The Dangling Loafer (Kings, 14 W Martin St., Raleigh) - This monthly local comedy series is Friday at Kings in downtown Raleigh. Up and coming star Hilliary Begley will be appearing. You can catcher her on Netflix in the movie "Dumplin" with Jennifer Anniston and Danielle McDonald.

Cirque de Noel with the North Carolina Symphony (Meymandi Concert Hall, 2 E. South St., Raleigh) - The circus meets the symphony during this show at Meymandi Concert Hall on Friday night. There will be stunning aerial feats, mind-boggling contortions and jaw-dropping juggling acts.