Christmas Cantatas, Concerts & Nativity Scenes: A Weekend Planner

1. BIBLE COMMUNITY CHURCH CHRISTMAS CANTATA

Where/When: Bible Community Church, 6 p.m., Sunday

Why Go: Bible Community Church's adult and children choirs will be performing "Lord of Glory," a musical celebration of Christ's incarnation, arranged by Dan Forrest.

If your church also has a Christmas concert in the upcoming week, feel free to add it to our event calendar.

Pricing: Free

2. NATIVITY COMES TO LIFE

Where/When: 933 Mentor Ave, Painesville, OH, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Friday

Why Go: Live animals and volunteers will bring the story of the nativity to life for children and their families at the Lake County Central Y.

The special holiday lesson gives children a greater understanding to the importance of celebrating Christmas while bringing families together. The event will include arts and crafts, music and a snack. Parents are also invited to a family swim immediately following the lesson.

The event is free for children of all ages accompanied by an adult. Reservations are requested but not required.

For more information, contact the Lake County YMCA at 440-352-3303 or connect online: www.lakecountyymca.org.

Pricing: Free

3. CHRISTMAS ROLLER SKATING PARTY

Where/When: Skateland, 6:30 p.m., today (Thursday)

Why Go: Roller skating, games, raffles, prizes and a visit from the big man himself! (To be absolutely clear, we are referring to Santa Claus. I don't want you complaining to me later when John Goodman doesn't show up.)

Skaters admission is only $5 and skate rental is available for $2.

Pricing: $5 to skate, $2 to rent

4. MENTOR FIRE'S RESCUE THE NEEDY FOOD DRIVE

Where/When: Great Lakes Mall, 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday

Why Go: The Mentor Fire Department will be collecting donations during its 18th Feed The Needy Food Drive this weekend at Great Lakes Mall.

The firefighters -- along with their ladder truck -- will be stationed by the mall's northeast entrance near Max & Erma's restaurant.

They will be accepting food and cash donations. Money will be used to buy groceries from Giant Eagle that, along with the donated food, will be given to the United Way of Lake County.

The United Way will then distribute the food to as many local food banks as possible.

Pricing: Free

5. MENTOR CHRISTIAN SCHOOL CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Where/When: Mentor Christian School, 7 p.m., Friday

Why Go: Mentor Christian School (grades K-12) will be having their Christmas concert on Friday and all are invited.

Pricing: Free

6. LAKE CATHOLIC CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Where/When: Lake Catholic High School, 7 p.m., Sunday

Why Go: Enjoy Lake Catholic's annual Christmas concert.

Pricing: Free