Weekend Planner: Mercerdale Park Christmas Tree Lighting, Art at Cellar 46 and Ice Skating in Bellevue

It’s Thursday, and you’ve got no idea what you’ll do for the weekend.

Mercer Island Patch is coming to the rescue. We’ve got the best bets for your done-work, outta-here time. Check our picks for the activities to hit and new bars/restaurants/shops to explore.

• Where/When: 6 p.m. on Fri, Dec. 2 at .
• Why Go: Come see the lighting of the tree and join in holiday carols at Mercerdale before walking to the Firehouse for goodies from local merchants and of course, the delicious firehouse chili!
• Cost: Free.
  

• Where/When: 7 p.m. on Friday, 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday atthe .
• Why Go: Join the Youth Theatre Northwest for the opening weekend of their newest production, Free to Be… You and Me. This adaption of a modern classic in children's literature will leave your kids wonder what who they could be rather then, who they should be. Enjoy the show!
• Cost: Tickets are $10.
  

• Where/When: 2-8 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays until Dec. 18 at in Mercer Island.
• Why Go: If you haven't already picked up your Christmas tree, the Mercer Island Lions Club annual Christmas tree sale is the place to go. They have beautiful locally fresh cut Christmas trees at great prices, and will help benefit the Mercer Island community.
• Cost: Prices vary. Proceeds support the Boys and Girls Club, MI Youth and Family Services, Senior Citizens, and Community Events.

• Where/When: 1-3 p.m. on Sat, Dec. 3 at the .
• Why Go: This film classic is part of the ongoing Saturday Matinee film series examining the portrayal of the media in Hollywood films. Previous films in the series include The Philaldelphia Story, His Girl Friday, Citizen Kane and Woman of the Year. The screening will be introduced by film historian Lance Rhodes.  
• Pricing:Free. This screening is sponsored by the Friends of the Mercer Island Library.

• Where/When: 3-6 p.m. on Sat, Dec. 3 at .
• Why Go:  Julie Myers, an artist living in West Seattle, will be exhibiting oil painting, metal arts, and woodblock prints at Cellar 46. The show entitled "Landscape" will be on display from December 3 through January 3. Visit Cellar 46 this Saturday for an artist's reception where you'll get to meet Julie, view her art, and ask any questions you may have.
• Cost: Free.
  

• Where/When: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday at in Bellevue.
• Why Go: The annual Hilltop Holiday Craft Show is the place to go for all your unique, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts. Visit the Northwest Arts Center anytime through Saturday and browse the thousands of handmade works from more than 80 selected Northwest crafters.
• Pricing: Admission is free.

• Where/When: Daily through Jan. 8 at in Bellevue. Visit www.magicseason.com for Ice Arena hours.
• Why Go: Dust off those ice skates and head down to the Downtown Park in Bellevue and try your hand at some ice skating fun.
• Pricing: Admission is $10 (includes skate rental).

• Where/When: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at in Kirkland.
• Why Go: Bring your pets, family and yourself out to Dooley’s this weekend and get your holiday Christmas photo’s taken with Santa. Your $20 suggested donation includes a 5X7 of your choice. Other sizes and holiday cards can also be ordered.
• Pricing: All proceeds benefit Pasado Safe Haven. Sign up at the store or call (425) 889-2200.

And still you want more? Check out our family-friendly refreshed every Wednesday.