Things to do

n The city of North Las Vegas' 2012 Christmas tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Wednesday in the North Las Vegas City Hall foyer, 2250 Las Vegas Blvd. North. Musical entertainment and refreshments are planned. Call Donna Gamble at 702-633-1007.

n The Aliante Master Association plans its holiday tree lighting from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at Deer Springs Park, 6550 Aviary Way. The event is set to include a snow hill, a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, hot chocolate and cookies and a performance by the Shadow Ridge choral group. Donations will be accepted for nonprofit Baby's Bounty, which is in need of new car seats, baby packs and diapers. The group also plans a menorah lighting at 5 p.m. Saturday at the fire station at 3475 W. Elkhorn Road. Call Judith Hanson at 702-638-7770.

n The College of Southern Nevada's concert band, directed by Richard McGee, is set to perform traditional works and holiday selections at 7:30 p.m. today in the Nicholas J. Horn Theatre on the Cheyenne campus, 3200 E. Cheyenne Ave. CSN's Big Band plans to perform classic standards and a few surprises at
7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Nicholas J. Horn Theatre. Tickets for either show are $8 for adults and $5 for students. The Department of Fine Arts at CSN plans a Madrigal Dinner in the spirit of "Merrie Olde England" featuring the College Singers and Chamber Chorale at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday in the Nicholas J. Horn Theatre. Tickets are $30, and reservations are required. Call 702-651-5483 or visit csn.edu/pac.

n Zion United Methodist Church, 2108 N. Revere St., plans a holiday festival from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday featuring educational activities, crafts, games and food. Call 702-808-9557.

Worth a Drive

n The Summerlin Library and Performing Arts Center Theatre, 1771 Inner Circle Drive, is set to host Hampstead Stage Company's free production of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday for children 5 to 11. Call 702-507-3860.

n The Rainbow Company Youth Theatre plans to present the musical "Honk!" at 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 15 and at 2 p.m. Sunday and Dec. 15 and 16 at the Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush St. Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for teens, seniors and members of the military and $3 for children 12 or younger. Call 702-229-6383 or 702-229-6553, or visit artslasvegas.org.

n Broadway singer Linda Eder is scheduled to perform a free holiday concert at Symphony Park, adjacent to The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, 361 Symphony Park Ave., at 6 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are free but must be reserved. Reserved tables along the park sidewalks with food and beverage service are $50 a person or $600 a table. Call 702-749-2000 or visit thesmithcenter.com/holidayconcert.

n Celebrate the season with Heritage Holidays slated from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Clark County Museum, 1830 S. Boulder Highway. Families can visit the Heritage Street historic homes decorated inside and out for different decades, listen to carolers, make holiday crafts, enjoy free cocoa and check out the scale-model holiday railroad. Admission is free. Visit clarkcountynv.gov or call 702-455-7955.

n The Las Vegas chapter of the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, in collaboration with the El Cortez, is scheduled to host the unveiling of its "Hearts of Las Vegas" art exhibit, featuring 5-foot-tall 3-D hearts crafted by local artists. The ceremony is set for noon Thursday in the Jackie Gaughan Plaza, adjacent to the El Cortez, 600 Fremont St.

n Local singer/songwriter Annie Meadows plans to present her annual free family-friendly Christmas concert with actors, live strings and ballet from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday in the Grand Ballroom at Ravella at Lake Las Vegas, 1610 Lake Las Vegas Parkway. A story time is scheduled from 2 to 2:45 p.m. outside the Grand Ballroom. After the concert, Meadows plans to lead the crowd in caroling. Visit faithrunner.org.

n The Nevada State Railroad Museum's Santa Train is back with train rides every hour on the hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and Dec. 15-16 and Dec. 22-23. The museum is at 600 Yucca St., Boulder City. Tickets are $5 and are available at www.nevadasouthern.com.

n The monthly First Friday arts festival returns from 6 to 11 p.m. Friday to the 18b Las Vegas Arts District. Visit firstfridaylasvegas.com. Many area galleries plan exhibits opening Friday, and several are open for previews Thursday. A Holiday Shopping Bazaar is scheduled from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday at Casino Center Boulevard and Colorado Avenue. Organizers plan a winter wonderland with carolers, sleigh rides and snow. U.S. Marines plan to collect Toys for Tots in a Humvee. Social Paintbrush is set to give free painting lessons from 7 to 8 p.m., and The Art of Law plans a free seminar on legal issues for artists in a tent on the corner of Casino Center Boulevard and California Avenue .  The Kid Zone on Casino Center Boulevard north of Colorado Avenue is set to feature Garehime Elementary School students selling crafts and a Roos-N-More petting zoo.

n The Redrock Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints plans a Live Nativity performance outdoors with actors and animals at 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Opportunity Village's Ralph & Betty Engelstad Campus, 6050 S. Buffalo Drive. The show is set to be presented in Spanish at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Parking and admission are free. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit thenativitylv.com.

n The We Knead The Dough Gingerbread Festival is slated for noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at Faith Lutheran Jr/Sr High School, 2015 S. Hualapai Way. The festival is set to feature more than 40 gingerbread houses, 1,000 gingerbread people, entertainment, a pizza lunch by CiCi's, visits with Santa Claus, carnival games and activities. Admission is $15 and includes a gingerbread cookie-decorating kit, pizza buffet and carnival games. For $50, guests can decorate their own gingerbread house. Proceeds benefit The Rape Crisis Center. Call 702-385-2153 or visit therapecrisiscenter.org.

n The 18th annual Shoes for Children shoe drive and benefit performance plans to present "The Threepenney Opera" by the Ira Aldridge Theatre Company of Nevada at 7 p.m. Dec. 11 and 12 at the Summerlin Library and Performing Arts Center Theatre, 1771 Inner Circle Drive. The show is an adaptation of "The Beggar's Opera." Admission is a new pair of children's athletic shoes sized to fit preschoolers to high school youths. Donations also will be accepted through Dec. 23 at all Las Vegas Vegas-Clark County Library District branches. Call 702-507-3989.

n The monthly First Friday arts festival returns from 6 to 11 p.m. Friday to the 18b Las Vegas Arts District. For more information, visit firstfridaylasvegas.com. Many area galleries plan exhibits opening Friday, and several are also open for preview Thursday. A Holiday Shopping Bazaar featuring handcrafted gifts is scheduled from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday at Casino Center Boulevard and Colorado Avenue. Organizers are plan a winter wonderland with carolers, sleigh rides and snow. The Arts District hub near Casino Center and Colorado Avenue is set to welcome the U.S. Marines collecting Toys for Tots in a Humvee. Social Paintbrush is set to give free painting lessons from 7 to 8 p.m. and The Art of Law plans a free seminar on basic legal issues for artists inside a tent on the corner of Casino Center Boulevard and California Avenue .  The Kid Zone on Casino Center Boulevard north of Colorado Avenue is set to feature Garehime Elementary School students selling crafts, a Roos-N-More petting zoo and interactive art projects by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas.

n The Nevada Conservatory Theatre is set to perform Tom Stoppard's play "Arcadia" at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, with a matinee at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Judy Bayley Theatre at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway. Tickets start at $20. Call 702-895-2787 or visit pac.unlv.edu.

Ongoing events/exhibits

n Santa Claus is slated to visit with children from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 23 and Dec. 20 and 21. Santa is also expected from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 24 at Tivoli Village, 302 S. Rampart Blvd. No photo purchase is necessary to visit with Santa. Visit tivolivillagelv.com.

n The Las Vegas Farmers Market is open from 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays at Gardens Park, 10401 Garden Park Drive, and Wednesdays at Bruce Trent Park, 8851 Vegas Drive. Find produce from regional farmers, baked goods and artisan crafts. Visit lasvegasfarmers
market.com or call 702-562-2676.

n The exhibit "Talent and Treasures: Masterworks and Comics Classics ---- The Treasured Works of Artist Db Donovan" is scheduled to be on display during regular library hours Dec. 11-Feb. 12 at the Summerlin Library, 1771 Inner Circle Drive. The exhibit is the Inner sanctum cartoon series that was syndicated to King Features and featured in two Las Vegas newspapers. An artist reception is scheduled for 1 to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 3. Call 702-507-3860.

n The exhibit "Tony Hawk Rad Science" is scheduled to run through Jan. 20 at the Sahara West Library, 9600 W. Sahara Ave., from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. The exhibit allows visitors to put themselves into the role of skateboarders and scientists as they explore more than 25 interactive experiences. It is presented by the Tony Hawk Foundation in conjunction with the Las Vegas Natural History Museum. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for students, seniors and military personnel and $7 for children 3 to 11. Children 2 or younger get in free. A $2 discount is offered to Las Vegas-Clark County Library District card holders. Admission is free for Las Vegas Natural History Museum members. Call 702-507-3630.

n Sarah Frances Johnson is scheduled to sing classic and contemporary jazz ballads from 6 to 10 p.m. Sundays inside T-Bones Chophouse and 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, 7 to 10 p.m. Thursdays and 6 p.m. to midnight Fridays at Onyx Bar for guests 21 or older at Red Rock Resort, 11011 W. Charleston Blvd. Visit sarahfrancesjohnston.com.

n The Peelers are scheduled to perform Saturdays for guests 21 or older in Rocks Lounge at Red Rock Resort, 11011 W. Charleston Blvd. Doors open at 10 p.m.

n The Ambience Jazz Trio, featuring Mike Candito, Cocho Arbe and Jeff Davis, is slated to perform from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays at the Brio Tuscan Grille in Tivoli Village, 420 S. Rampart Blvd., Suite 180. Visit brioitalian.com or call 702-433-1233.

n Bluesman Bobby Jonz is set to headline a Celebrity Guests Dinner Show from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays starting Dec. 5 at The Mad Greek Cafe, 8565 W. Sahara Ave. The show is free to diners. Early dinner seating begins at 7 p.m. Call 702-242-7669 for reservations.

n The fresh52 Farmers Market at Tivoli Village, 302 S. Rampart Blvd., is set to operate from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. Visit fresh52.com.

n The Sundar & Lightning Variety Dinner Show is planned from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays at the Mad Greek Cafe, 8565 W. Sahara Ave. There is no cover charge for the show. Call 702-242-7669.

n The Las Vegas Polymer Clay Guild's Members Show is scheduled to be shown in the art gallery at the Rainbow Library, 3150 N. Buffalo Drive, during regular library hours through Dec. 18. Call 702-507-3710.

n Wes Winters is scheduled to perform from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays at Addison's Lounge inside the Rampart Casino at The Resort at Summerlin, 221 N. Rampart Blvd. All shows are free, but limited to those 21 or older. Call 702-507-5900.

n Artist Dave Thompson's "Re-Cycled Metal Art Sculptures" are scheduled to be exhibited in the gallery at the Sahara West Library, 9600 W. Sahara Ave., through Dec. 11. The exhibition features a whimsical garden of recycled steel. Call 702-507-3630.

Ongoing Events

n The College of Southern Nevada's planetarium is planning to show "Season of Light" in a new digital format at 6 and 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 22. The show looks at the astronomical origins of many holiday traditions and images and runs approximately 35 minutes. "2012 Mayan Prophecies" is scheduled to show at 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 22. Both shows are set to be accompanied by a presentation on seasonal star gazing. Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for seniors 55 or older, children 11 or younger and CSN students. Visit csn.edu/planetarium/ or call 702-651-4138.

n Caliente Latin Nights with DJ Leo and his Go Go Dancers are scheduled Saturdays from 10:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. in the Royal Street Theater at Jerry's Nugget, 1821 Las Vegas Blvd. North. Admission is free with the purchase of two drinks, but limited to adults 21 years or older. Visit jerrysnugget.com or call 702-399-3000.

n Santa Fe Station, 4949 N. Rancho Drive, plans to host karaoke from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Mondays at 4949 Lounge. From 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 4949 Lounge plans to feature music spun by DJ Kram. Visit santafestation.sclv.com.

n Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays DJ Jenna plans to spin from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. with go-go dancers performing on Fridays and Saturdays at Aliante Station, 7300 N. Aliante Parkway. Saturdas, Caliente Noche Latina with Volume 1 plans to perform a variety of music including cha-cha, ranchera, salsa, pop, disco and funk. Doors open at 10 p.m., and the cover charge is $5. Guests must be 21 or older. Visit aliante.sclv.com.

n Texas Station is slated to host classics and latest hits from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays in the Martini Bar, 2101 Texas Star Lane. La Nueva Live Mix featuring La Nueva's Oscar "El Coyote" Ruiz with DJ Paco plans to play the top Latin hits at 9 p.m. Thursdays at South Padre. The cover charge is $10 for men, and free for women. From 7 to 11 p.m. Fridays, Darrin Michaels is set to perform jazz at the A-Bar, and starting at 8 p.m. at South Padre, Sam Riddle plans to play country music. Guests must be 21 or older. Visit texasstation.sclv.com.

n Broadacres Marketplace and Event Center, 2930 Las Vegas Blvd. North, has announced the addition of lighting so the venue can remain open for Friday night shopping and events. In addition to the marketplace's more than 1,150 vendor spaces and buildings, it also offers a wide variety of entertainment, food and beverages. Hours of operation are now 4 to 10 p.m. Fridays and 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is $1 on Fridays and Saturdays and $1.50 on Sundays. Visit broadacresmec.com.

n Mohammed Darehbaghi's exhibit "Glorious in Full Bloom" is scheduled to be on display in the main gallery at the Left of Center Art Gallery, 2207 W. Gowan Road, through Dec. 8, and Mari Lopez's "Art As A Vehicle: For Expression, Empowerment, Exploration" is scheduled to be on display in the center's Legacy Gallery through Dec. 15. The gallery's hours are noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Visit leftofcenterart.org or call 702-647-7378.

n A gospel showcase is planned at 8 p.m. Fridays in the showroom at Digiworld Entertainment and Productions, 3432 N. Bruce St., Suite 1. The event features local talents dancing, singing and acting. Admission is free. Call Darry Lighten at 702-460-9266.

n Karate Karaoke is scheduled at 9 p.m. Wednesdays at Whiskey Dick's, 2750 E. Craig Road. There is no cover charge. Call 702-399-3425.

n The Goodbuy Auto Auction is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursdays at 2024 Losee Road. Viewing times are 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Visit goodbuyautoauction.com.

n Trivia buffs are invited to gather a team and compete for prizes at Vegas Pub Quiz at 7 p.m. Thursdays at The Garage Bar in Texas Station, 2101 Texas Star Lane. Call 702-530-7849 or visit vegaspubquiz.com.

n Coffee Cup Skate, an open skate for anyone 45 or older is scheduled from 12:45 to 2:15 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at the Fiesta Rancho SoBe Ice Arena, 2400 N. Rancho Drive. Admission is $5, and the arena provides coffee and cookies. Visit fiestarancholasvegas.com or call 702-638-3785.

n Strap on a set of ice skates for Cosmic DJ Skate Night, scheduled from 8 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at the Fiesta Rancho SoBe Ice Arena, 2400 N. Rancho Drive. Admission is $6.50, and skate rental is $3.

Plan ahead

n "America's Got Talent" winner Michael Grimm is set to perform at 7 p.m. Dec. 14 in the Access Showroom at Aliante Station, 7300 Aliante Parkway. There is a $5 cover charge, and attendees must be 18 or older. Visit aliante.sclv.com.

n Jerry's Nugget, 1821 Las Vegas Blvd. North, plans to host a dance party with complimentary party favors and champagne at midnight Dec. 31. Admission is free but limited to those older than 21. Visit jerrysnugget.com or call 702-399-3000.

PLAN AHEAD

n The Fiesta Navidena celebration is planned from 5 to 10 p.m. Dec. 12 at Broadacres Marketplace and Event Center, 2930 Las Vegas Blvd., North. The event is free. Scheduled activities include Banda Zacatecana de Don Tony Flores; Banda La Destructora; Mariachi Mexico Antiguo; DJ Shorty; a visit from Santa Claus; candy and pinatas; Christmas lights; and food including tamales, tacos, bunuelos, churros, champurrado, ponche and more. Call Reliable Auto Sales at 702-737-6688.

n The Gateway Arts Foundation plans to present "A Dead Guy in My Daughter's Bedroom" at 2 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Starbright Theatre, 2215 Thomas W. Ryan Blvd. Admission is $12 for Sun City Summerlin residents and $15 for nonresidents. Visit gatewayartsfoundation.org. All ticket sales are check or cash (exact change required). Credit cards are not accepted. Call the Starbright Theatre at 800-595-4849.

n Aaron Lewis is scheduled to perform at 8 p.m. Jan. 19 at Rocks Lounge inside Red Rock Resort, 11011 W. Charleston Blvd. Doors are set to open at 7 p.m. Those younger than 21 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are $45 for general admission and $65 for Gold Circle seating. Visit stationcasinos.com, ticketmaster.com or call 800-745-3000.

n The Las Vegas Ballet Company plans to present "Nutcracker Highlights" at 7 p.m. Dec. 20 and 2 p.m. Dec. 21-23 at the Summerlin Library and Performing Arts Center Theatre, 1771 Inner Circle Drive. Admission is $25 for adults and $20 for students and seniors. Call 702-651-5483, 866-967-8167 or visit kwakballet.com.

n The exhibit "R Space Studio: A Working Gallery" is scheduled to feature work by Susanne Forestieri, Beth McCall, Douglas Clark, Erika Alison and Ugla Gault at the Rainbow Library, 3150 N. Buffalo Drive, during regular library hours Dec. 20-Feb. 9. An artist reception is set for 5 p.m. Dec. 20. Call 702-507-3710.

n Families are invited to bring a picnic lunch or snack and enjoy "A Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie" as part of the Family Lunchtime Movie Matinee series scheduled for noon Dec. 19 at the Summerlin Library, 1771 Inner Circle Drive. Call 702-507-3863.