1. Opera

Love and tragedy return to the screen at Marion Ross Performing Arts Center as it shows The Met: Live in HD performance “La Traviata” at 11:55 a.m. Saturday. The love between courtesan Violetta and wealthy Alfredo is interrupted by Alfredo’s father, who believes Violetta is in it only for the money. The opera, sung in Italian, runs just over three hours.

2. A Merry Carrie Christmas

Albert Lea’s own Carrie Boyer returns to the stage at Marion Ross Performing Arts Center to sing in the season. Boyer will perform Christmas favorites at 7 p.m. both Friday and Saturday.

 

3. Candy cane hunt

Look around the Edgewater Bay Pavilion for a hint of mint Saturday. Hundreds of candy canes are waiting to be found by sharp eyes from 10 a.m. to noon. A special candy cane is worth a special prize. There will also be hot chocolate, treats, games and a craft. Keep your eyes peeled, too, for a certain special someone who wears a lot of red. Those attending are advised to enter Edgewater Park from Highway 13.

 

4. Breakfast with Santa

Why wait until Christmas to see the man with the bag? Get your requests in time for Amazon’s free shipping Saturday morning at Wedgewood Cove’s breakfast with Santa. The breakfast, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., will include games and activities and feature pancakes and sausage to eat. Bring a toy to donate to Toys for Tots.

 

5. Christmas concert

The Faith Tones and Harmony Junction are teaming up to bring holiday favorites as well as some new pieces in their Christmas concerts at 3 and 7 p.m. Sunday. Both groups will perform individually, then team up for a cooperative finale. The 3 p.m. concert will be performed at United Methodist Church, while the 7 p.m. concert is at Grace Lutheran Church.