Get Out: Weekend Planner

Welcome to your Get Out Weekend Planner!

It’s Thursday, and you’ve got no idea what you’ll do for the weekend (other than finish your holiday shopping). Well, 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 best places to explore the weekend before Christmas.

1.
Where/When:, 7 p.m. on Friday
Why Go?: Take a break from shopping and enjoy a family night at the movies. "The Polar Express" will be on the big screen in the Family Life Center. Come in your pajamas and bring a pillow and blanket! Find a spot on the floor and enjoy popcorn and drinks with your family.
Pricing: $5 per family

2.
Where/When: , 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday
Why Go?: Have you checked out the Holiday Train at the South Hills Village Mall? Take a break from your holiday shopping with the kids and take a ride. The train is located on the lower level north court.

3.
Where/When:, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday
Why Go?: Time is running out! Santa is at the South Hills Village Mall waiting to be a part of your family tradition. Pictures will be taken at the lower level north court. Santa takes his “reindeer breaks” from 1 to 2 p.m. and 5 to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 2 to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

4.
Where?/When?: Mt. Lebanon Methodist Church, 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday
Why Go?: The South Hills Chorale will present "A Holiday Potpourri" at the Mt. Lebanon Methodist Church. This is a concert of Christmas music, which will also feature the Mt. Lebanon Percussion Ensemble. Call 412-561-2443 for advance tickets.
Pricing: $12 for advance tickets, $15 for tickets at the door.

5.
Where/When: , 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday
Why Go?: The Community and Recreation Center is offering an opportunity to earn the American Red Cross Lifeguard Re-Certification. Participants must bring their old certification card and pass all pre-test requirements for the Lifeguard Course. To complete the process, students must all perform all required skills with 100 percent accuracy and pass a written test with a score of at least 80 percent. Call 412-221-1099 to register.
Pricing: $160.00 C&RC Member, $170.00 USC Resident Non-member; $180.00 Surrounding Community Non-Member

6.
Where?/When?: , 8:30 a.m. 2:30 p.m. on Saturday
Why Go?: On Saturday, volunteer citizen scientists, in cooperation with Allegheny Land Trust and the Audubon Society, will be conducting the annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC) on ALT’s Wingfield Pines property. If you are interested in participating in the Christmas Bird Count, please contact ALT stewardship at 412-741-2750. No special experience is needed.  

7.
Where?/When?: Lowes, 10 a.m. on Saturday
Why Go?: It's the final piece of the 2011 Lowe's holiday train! This Train Engine includes stickers and a pullback motor!
Pricing: Free  

8.
Where?/When?: Zelda's Bead Kit Company, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday
Why Go?: All are invited to the Holiday Open House at Zelda’s Bead Kit Company! The store will have refreshments and even tap dancing elves! More importantly, they'll be showcasing the jewelry designs and talent of local teachers and friends. This is the perfect opportunity for you to purchase a beautiful handmade gift for your special someone.
Pricing: Prices vary

9.
Where?/When?: , 12 to 5 p.m on Saturday
Why Go?: The College Age Appalachia Team Leaders are offering a babysitting opportunity for all the STM children. The event will be held in the Family Life Center. There will be Christmas music, singing, movies, crafts, snacks and more! Send an e-mail to reserve your spot! Parents will fill out a permission form when they drop off their children. All monies will benefit the College Age Appalachia Team Members.
Pricing: $5 an hour for 1 child, $7 an hour for 2 children, $9 an hour for 3 or more children

10.
Where?/When?: , 7:30 p.m. on Saturday
Why Go?: Join the Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra musicians and their conductor Warren Davidson as they celebrate this holiday season at the Upper St. Clair Theater. Along with holiday favorites such as Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride and A Christmas Festival, the PCO will be joined by guest singer-songwriter Frank Capelli and soprano Colleen Gray for The Twelve Days of Christmas,  the traditional Carol Sing-Along, and timeless arias.  Other highlights include Rimsky-Korsakov’s Snow Maiden Suite and Mussorgsky’s Festive March. Make plans to bring the whole family to this annual Holiday Event!  The young and young-at-heart won’t want to miss this musical celebration, and a certain someone is sure to drop by for some extra-special Holiday Cheer! Tickets may be purchased at the door. The theater is handicap accessible.
Pricing: Prices range from $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, $5 for students 13 and older, and children 12 and under are free. Group rates are available.

What else is happening this weekend? Tell us in the comments.