Weekend best bets: Winter Wonderland, Ariana Grande, tree lightings

RALEIGH, N.C. — The holiday fun kicks into high gear this weekend with the WRAL Winter Wonderland, Raleigh Christmas parade and North Hills Tree Lighting.

WRAL Winter Wonderland - Head to Saint Mary's School (900 Hillsborough St. in Raleigh) for some winter fun including photos with Santa, crafts and food trucks. Meet WRAL anchors and reporters and special guest "Judge Jerry" host Jerry Springer. The fun is from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Raleigh Christmas Parade - This is the 75th annual Raleigh Christmas Parade and the 46th time it will be broadcast on WRAL. Head to downtown Raleigh or stay in the comfort of you living room and watch WRAL's coverage beginning at 9 a.m.

N.C. Chinese Lantern Festival (Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary)- Koka Booth Amphitheatre hosts this amazing display of luminary art through Jan. 12.

Kinshop: The Holiday Experience (Junction West , 310 S. West St., Ste. 110, Raleigh)- This shopping event on Saturday features goods from local artists and makers, live music, hand crafted cocktails, giveaways, as well as a flower bloom bar. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at door. Proceeds will benefit the Women's Center in Raleigh.

North Hills Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration (North Hills Commons, 4321 Lassiter Rd., Raleigh) - North Hills kicks off the holiday season on Saturday with its annual tree lighting celebration, featuring Santa and sledding.

Downtown Raleigh Tree Lighting (Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts - Lichtin Plaza, 2 East South Street, Raleigh) - There will be live performances, local food and beer and more fun at Saturday's downtown Raleigh tree lighting.

Waverly Place Tree Lighting and Holiday Concert (Waverly Place, 307 Colonades Way, Cary) - There will be performances from the Athens Drive Magnet High School Band and The Embers featuring Craig Woolard. Also, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there.

Ariana Grande (PNC Arena, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd., Raleigh) - The signer brings her "Sweetener World Tour" to PNC Arena on Friday night with opening act Social House.

Tool (PNC Arena, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd., Raleigh) - This Los Angeles rock band will perform Sunday night at PNC Arena with special guests Killing Joke.

Aaron Neville (Carolina Theatre of Durham, 309 W. Morgan St., Durham) - Neville will be performing in support of his new album, Apache, which marks the second time in his 56-year recording history that he 's co-written nearly the entire album.

K Michelle (The Ritz, 2820 Industrial Drive, Raleigh) - The singer brings her "O.S.D." tour to The Ritz Sunday night.

Kenny G (Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 Vivian St., Durham) - He has been a staple on adult contemporary and smooth jazz radio stations for decades. See him at DPAC on Sunday.

Sam Bush (Carolina Theatre of Durham, 309 W. Morgan St., Durham) - See this American mandolinist and bluegrass start at Carolina Theatre of Durham Saturday night.

Sylvan Esso Presents WITH (Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 Vivian St., Durham) - Sylvan Esso presents its new "WITH" tour at DPAC on Friday and Saturday.

Global Holiday Festival and Market (Moore Square Park, 200 South Blount Street, Raleigh) - Head to Moore Square in downtown Raleigh on Saturday for this festival featuring food, shopping and music from a variety of cultures.

Holiday Pop-Up Market at Big Boss Brewing (Big Boss Brewing Company, 1249 Wicker Drive, Raleigh) - Head to Big Boss Brewing Company on Saturday for this pop-up market featuring more than 80 local vendors, live music and food trucks.

Holiday Pop-Up! Market - Durham (Hi-Wire Brewing at Golden Belt, 800 Taylor Street, Durham) - Hi-Wire Brewing hosts this pop-up market on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. featuring a variety of local vendors. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Lakewood YMCA.

Pete Holmes (Raleigh Improv, 1224 Parkside Main Street, Cary) - See this comedian, writer, actor, cartoonist, podcast host and author at Raleigh Improv this weekend.

The Art Of Style Fashion Show and Anniversary Party (CAM Raleigh - The Contemporary Art Museum, 409 W Martin St, Raleigh) - This local boutique will host a fashion show and anniversary party at CAM Sunday night.

Bid Your Face Off (Fullsteam Brewery, 726 Rigsbee Avenue, Durham) - Fullsteam Brewery is the site of this unique auction involving facial hair! People will be able to bid on how people should shave their faces and raise money in the process on Friday night.