Looking for fun events? Top 5 things to do around Tallahassee

Tallahassee's cold snap ushers in a Winter Festival that you can bundle up for on Saturday. Mittens, mufflers and hot chocolate will be in demand as temperatures are expected dip into the 30s.

Holiday events are rolling out in a big way this weekend with Market Days at the North Florida Fairgrounds and The Almost Christmas Concert with Del Suggs and Pierce Pettis. The Kingdom Choir brings a joyful sound to Opening Nights on Dec. 10.

Rev up the blues when Tampa guitarist Selwyn Birchwood gets the House of Music Tallahassee rocking on Saturday. It's also a First Friday with galleries open at Railroad Square and around town.

Here's a roundup of entertaining events planned around Tallahassee, culled from emails, the  Council on Culture & Arts  online listings and elsewhere.

Festival schedule: Put a jingle in your step at Tallahassee's 2024 Winter Festival celebration

1. Let it glow at the Winter Festival

The 38th annual Winter Festival - a Celebration of Lights, Music and the Arts will fill downtown Tallahassee with merriment from 3-10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. Enjoy food vendors, arts and crafts merchants and holiday displays, including Candy Cane Lane in McCarty Park. There will be a children's activity area on Kleman Plaza that will show family-friendly holiday movies from 6-10 p.m. Four stages of live entertainment will dot downtown and highlight local actors, dancers and musicians. The Lighting Ceremony takes place at 6 p.m. on the parade announcers' platform on South Monroe Street at Bloxham Park. The Capital Health Plan Jingle Bell Run begins at 6:15 p.m. The Nighttime Holiday Parade begins at 7:15 p.m.

2. Get in the mood at The Almost Christmas Concert

The 39th Annual The Almost Christmas Concert will be presented by singer/songwriters Pierce Pettis and Del Suggs at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at Theatre Tallahassee. Advanced tickets are $22 and will be $27 at the door day of show. Joining Del and Pierce this year will be Mimi Hearn, Jerry Thigpen, Michael Sautter, Danica Winter, David Murphy, Pete Winter and special guest Warren Sutton. Visit  theatretallahassee.showare.com.  The first half of the show features Pierce Pettis, performing selections from his catalog. The second half of the show features the All Stars performing Christmas Classics, new renditions of holiday music plus a few surprises. Bring a non-perishable food donation for ECHO.

3. Savor the spirit at Christmas Concert at Co-Cathedral

The Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More presents the first installment of its 2024-25 Concert Series at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at the Co-Cathedral, 900 W. Tennessee St. "Christmas with the Co-Cathedral Choirs" is a concert of enchanting Christmas choral music featuring the combined choirs of the Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More and the renowned Basilica Choir of the National Shrine of Mary Queen of the Universe in Orlando. The inaugural event is expected to bring together musicians, music-lovers, clergy, and students from across north Florida for an evening of wonderful, warm and timeless Christmas music. 

4. Do some holiday shopping at Market Days

Looking for that special hand-crafted gift? Hundreds of vendors are back at Market Days this weekend on Dec. 7-8 at the North Florida Fairgrounds, 441 E Paul Russell Road. This Arts and Crafts event brings together artisans and shoppers each year. Early Bird Shopping is 8-10 a.m. Saturday (tickets are $30). Saturday hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday hours 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tickets ($10) are available at the gate on the days of the event and are only good for one-day admission. Sunday admission includes a performance by Tobacco Rd Band.

5. Get funky with Selwyn Birchwood at House of Music

Florida bluesman Selwyn Birchwood brings his "Electric Swamp Funkin' Blues," to House of Music Tallahassee, 2011 S. Monroe St., at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7.

The American blues guitarist, vocalist and songwriter from Tampa was the winner of the Blues Foundation's 2013 International Blues Challenge, as well the winner of the Albert King Guitarist of the Year award. Birchwood released his fourth Alligator album, "Exorcist," is January.

Tickets are $25 general seating ($30 day of show) and $35 front seating. Bar area is open as overflow with $15 at the door. Visit houseofmusictally.com.

Bonus event: Don't miss Kingdom Choir at Opening Nights

London's The Kingdom Choir is best known for its show-stopping performance at the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in May 2018. Opening Nights brings the Kingdom Choir to Ruby Diamond Concert Hall at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10. Tickets are $45-$30. Visit  openingnights.fsu.edu.  Experience an evening of love, hope and inspiration with world renowned singing sensations on "A Kingdom Christmas," a musical journey with some beloved classics such as "Go Tell It On The Mountain" and "O Come All Ye Faithful."

Bonus Event: Toys for Tots drive at Blue Tavern

Pat Puckett cranks things up for happy hour from 5-7 p.m. Friday at Blue Tavern, 1206 N. Monroe St. Then bring out your gifts for the annual Toys for Tots Charity Drive from 8-11 p.m. with two hot bands, Lee C. Payton and the LCP Band and Hot Tamale. Cover charge $10 + 1 new unwrapped toy. Local favorites Hot Tamale opens the show at 8 p.m. with a set of their most popular cover songs. Then 4-piece band LCP plays your favorite rock '&'n' roll, roots & originals. The USMC cannot accept toy guns, anything made of play-doh, or food. Musical instruments, sports equipment, books & art supplies highly recommended.

It's First Saturday Swim with Bluegill Bill and guest Rick Redmond from 5-7 p.m. with adventures in skiffle percussion. Award-winning musician and writer Mean Mary takes the stage from 8-11 p.m. Saturday. Mary is known internationally for her lightning-fast fingers, haunting vocals, and intricate story songs. $10 cover.

OTHER EVENTS

37th annual Alternative Christmas Market: at John Wesley United Methodist Church, 1689 Old St. Augustine Road, runs 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7, and 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8. It provides opportunity to support over 20 local (and international) nonprofit charitable organizations under one roof. Church and community members can learn about the mission of each organization and sample goods and services offered by charities.

American Legion Hall:Bog Lilies, 7 p.m. Friday for music and dancing. $10 cover. Swingin' Holiday Dance Party with Old Porch Swing and The Magnolia South Band, 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, American Legion Hall, 229 Lake Ella Drive. $10 cover.

The Artist Series of Tallahassee:A Classic Christmas with Frisson Ensemble, an 11-piece orchestra, at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 1700 N. Meridian Road, 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9. Tickets $25-$23.

Blue Tavern:It's a doubleheader at Blue Tavern, 1206 N. Monroe St., on Tuesday, Dec. 10, with John Ford bringing blues and roots to happy hour from 5-7 followed at 8 p.m. by Bluesday Tuesday with Corey Hall . It's another delicious double header of blues roots music! Settle in for some gumbo or red beans, and let this music warm your soul. $5 cover for second show. Rachel's Reading Club meets from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, followed at 8 p.m. by Open Mic Night. This will be the last "Reading Club" of the year, as the tavern will be closed the last week of December. Jimmy Lohman, known as a solo performer and for his membership in several popular bands including the Lohman-Crozier jazz bands, the Tom Creekmore Quartet, and Acme Rhythm & Blues, is in town from Austin to play at 5 p.m. Thursday. Free Jazz Thursday revs up from 8-10 p.m. with Longineu Parsons, Michael Bakan, and Brian Hall.

Camellia Christmas:Get in the holiday spirit with a festive night at Maclay Gardens, 3540 Thomasville Road, with Camellia Christmas from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6. Enjoy hot cider and cookies from the Friends of Maclay Gardens, tour the Maclay House, visit with Santa, peruse the Silent Auction, and listen to live music performances. Donations accepted by the Friends of Maclay Gardens.

Capital Chordsmen's Holiday Show:Annual Holiday Show lights up at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, with a night of festive fun and music at the Tallahassee Senior Center, 1400 N. Monroe St. A second concert will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 17. Tickets $11-$6.

Children's author:Best-selling children's author Jan Brett is bringing her latest release, "Alice in a Winter Wonderland," to Tallahassee at 5 p.m. Dec. 6 at Holy Comforter Episcopal school. She will share an artists' demonstration of how she draws her beloved animals and will be signing her books. Tickets at  midtownreader.com.

Deck the Halls:Tallahassee Senior Center's "Deck the Halls" celebration from 6-8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6. On this special night, the auditorium at 1400 N. Monroe St., is transformed into a winter wonderland - with seasonal décor, live music, gourmet food and festive drinks. Holiday event kicks off city's Winter Festival weekend.

FAMU Concert Choir:Christmas concert by the FAMU Concert Choir at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, in Lee Hall Auditorium on the campus of FAMU. Free admission; donations accepted.

FSU Combined Concert Choirs:Seasonal Celebration with Florida State University College of Music at Ruby Diamond Concert Hall, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8. $10-$5.

FSU Museum of Fine Arts:Family Day from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at MoFA, 530 W. Call St. Learn about current exhibition, "The Quilts of Mrs. Gussie Beatrice Arnold Hill," while enjoying music, movement, light refreshments, art-making, and a conversation between family members, Anjali Austin and Althemese Barnes, as they reflect on their Tallahassee histories and the meaning of family.

Great Oaks Pub at Southwood:Great Oaks Pub 3750 Grove Park Drive, welcomes "One-Eyed Jak" from 6-9 p.m. Friday. Composed of Cody Thompson on drums, Lewis Berger on bass, John Brinkley lead Guitar and Jason Raymond on rhythm guitar, The Jaks are a local party band that covers the gamut from rock to country to heavy metal. No cover, 3750 Grove Park Drive. Call 850-942-4653 for reservations.

Holiday fun at Gadsden Arts: Model train demo and Festive Family Day at Gadsden Arts, 13 N. Madison St., Quincy, from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. You'll see art, make art, and enjoy trains.The Big Bend Model Railroad Association is partnering with Gadsden Arts to present a model train installation. This year's installation presents intricate designs and the enchanting scenery that will transport you straight into a winter wonderland.

"The Nutcracker:"South Georgia Ballet presents the 27th Annual performances of "The Nutcracker" at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at Thomasville Municipal Auditorium in Thomasville, Georgia. Guests will be dazzled by the beautiful dancers, exquisite costumes, and live music. Tickets are $25. Visit  eventbrite.com.

Railroad Square, 621 Gallery:It's a First Friday and also the opening reception of the "Bloops" exhibition by local artist Sam Joslin at 621 Gallery from 6-9 p.m. from Friday, Dec. 6.

The Sound Bar:Get rock and rolling at the Sound Bar, 1105 W. Tharpe St., with The Allie Cats at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, $5 cover. Froternity plays at 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, $5 cover. Traditional Jazz Jam starts at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11. $10 cover.

Tallahassee Civic Chorale: The Tallahassee Civic Chorale presents "Looking for Light" at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, at Turner Auditorium, Tallahassee State College, 444 Appleyard Drive. Tickets $12-$15. Visit  civicchorale.org.

Venvi Gallery:Nan Liu - Locales: North Florida's Plein Air Landscapes featuring 30 works will be on display at Venvi Gallery, 2901 E. Park Ave., through Jan 18. Artist reception will be held from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6.

Winter Fest Youth Art:The Council on Culture & Arts presents Winter Fest 2024 Youth Art Exhibition, a juried K-12 Youth Art Exhibition that happens every year in conjunction with the City's Winter Festival Celebration. An opening reception will be held from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 at the City Hall Gallery. Two student performances from Buck Lake Elementary and DeSoto Trail will accompany the artwork. Awards will be announced at 7 p.m.

(This story has been updated to add new information.)

Have an event coming up? Email details to limelight@tallahassee.com.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Top 5 fun things to do around tallahassee this weekend