Albany Herald

This is the route for the Dec. 1, 2012 Celebration of Lights Christmas parade in downtown Albany. Festivities start at 5 p.m. and the parade starts at 6 p.m.

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Here is a list of Metro Albany holiday events going on this weekend.

SATURDAY

Canine Christmas Festival: 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Terrell County 4H Pavillion, 2674 Albany Highway, Dawson. Live music, food, games, arts and crafts, pony rides. Free admission; donations accepted. Fundraiser to help rescue unwanted animals at the Terrell County Animal Shelter.

Jingle Bell Jog: 8 a.m., Phoebe Health Works. 25th annual event has 5K and 10K runs, a 1-mile fun walk and a new Toddler Trot for children up to 4 years old. Fund raiser for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Contact (229) 312-2200.

Spirit of Christmas Parade & Festival: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Leesburg. Parade Starts at 10 a.m. at the Lee County High School and runs down Main Street past the courthouse. Festival begins immediately following Parade on Starksville Avenue with food and arts and crafts Vendors, and children’s games and rides. Entertainment to include Faith Jackson, Caitlin Gutierrez, and Chase Harper. Contact (229) 759-2422.

The Santa Claus Exhibit: Hundreds of figures and pictures of Santa Claus displayed at Thronateeska Heritage Center, 100 W. Roosevelt Ave. Center hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Wetherbee Planetarium: Thronateeskae Heritage Center, 100 W. Roosevelt Ave. Holiday show schedule — “Season of Light” at 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.; “Black Holes,” 11:30 a.m.; “Earth, Moon & Sun,” 2 p.m. Shows are seen on Spitz “SciDome” high-definition projection system — with 40-foot diameter dome and digital 5.1 surround sound — is the first of its kind in the world. Admission: 3 years old and older, $3.50 plus tax; Children under 3 years, free.

The Nutcracker: 2:30 p.m., Albany Municipal Auditorium. Ballet Theatre South performs the classic ballet that tells the story of Clara, who visits the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets in her dreams with a nutcracker prince. Admission: $10, Friday; $15, weekend performances. Contact (229) 449-1935.

Holiday Tasting & Tour: 2:30 pm-4:30 pm, Flint RiverQuarium. Holiday treats in a festive atmosphere and then tour the aquarium. Admission: Non-members — regular admission, plus $3; members, $3.

Celebration of Lights: Downtown Albany. an Old-Fashioned Christmas. Pre-parade festivities, including lighting of city Christmas tree, start at 5 p.m. Annual Albany Christmas parade starts at 6 p.m.

Festival of Lights: Chehaw, 105 Chehaw Park Road. Annual drive-through light show at Chehaw. Admission: $12, car (members); $15, car (non-members).

Holly Follies: 7 p.m., Lee County High School. An annual community holiday celebration of music, dance and fun, reminiscent of the Christmas variety shows that were once common. Advance tickets on sale at LCHS for $7-$10; all tickets at the door, $10. Admission includes show and buffet.

SUNDAY

The Nutcracker: 2:30 p.m., Albany Municipal Auditorium. Ballet Theatre South performs the classic ballet that tells the story of Clara, who visits the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets in her dreams with a nutcracker prince. Admission: $10, Friday; $15, weekend performances. Contact (229) 449-1935.

Discovery Days — Merry Fishmas!: 2 p.m.-4 p.m., Flint RiverQuarium. Family crafts and activities.

Festival of Lights: Chehaw, 105 Chehaw Park Road. Annual drive-through light show at Chehaw. Admission: $12, car (members); $15, car (non-members).