Happy Friday everyone! As you might expect this time of year holiday celebrations dominate our line up of weekend events.

You can catch a holiday favorite at the Phillips Center this weekend. Dance Alive National Ballet performs "The Nutcracker"...along with toy soldiers, snowflakes and the sugar plum fairy. Show times are tonight at 7:30, and again Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. At 4 p.m. following the weekend matinees, for an additional charge, you can be part of the "Sugar Plum Tea" where you get a chance to meet the Sugar Plum Fairy and her court. In a separate event Saturday at 8, the ballet company is hosting a Chocolate and Champagne Holiday Gala.  website

In Marion County, the Ocala Civic Theatre is hosting the Marion Ballet Theatre's performances of "The Nutcracker". You can enjoy the music of Tchaikovsky as you're transported to a Victorian era holiday. Shows are tonight and Saturday night at 8....with matinees at 2 pm on Saturday and Sunday. The Ocala Civic Theatre is located at 4337 East Silver Springs Boulevard in Ocala.  website

Newberry is celebrating the holiday season with its Festival of Lights. There'll be food, arts and crafts and fun for the kids. The event runs from noon to 8 pm Saturday in downtown Newberry. You can check out the Newberry Holiday Parade at 5 pm, followed by a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Pocket Park...with music continuing through 8 pm Saturday evening.  website

The holiday fun continues Saturday evening at Cedar Key with the annual boat parade. The event kicks off the community Christmas night in City Park. The boat parade starts around 5:45 at the marina, moving past the businesses on Dock Street...with Santa Clam arriving by boat with goodies for the kids.  website    Meanwhile in Marion County, the City of Dunnellon is holding its Christmas parade starting at 5 pm Saturday. The parade route runs along Pennsylvania Avenue ending after it turns up Cedar Street.  website

Enjoy your weekend!