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Arts & Entertainment

Weekend Things: Get Your Shop, Lights and Festivities On

Check our weekend guide to make sure you don't miss a thing.

Here we are already, the last weekend before Christmas, with so many weekend activities coming up that it is easy to lose count. Whether it's shopping, dazzling lights or live music, take a look at the guide to entertainment this weekend in Martinez:

Friday, December 17

Shopping deals are calling themselves "last minute" this weekend, but they are still around. is going on until Dec. 23 and is a chance to buy unique gifts made by local artists.

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Daily now through Christmas, take the kiddies to see and get portraits taken at Sunvalley Mall in Concord. The mall has extended hours now through Christmas Eve to ensure everyone gets to meet St. Nick.

Considering taking in a holiday play? Contra Costa has a critically acclaimed production of the holiday classic "," which is back for its 13th year at Walnut Creek Center REP Company. The play runs now through Sunday.

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When the sun sets, head over to the unofficial "Martinez Christmas House," on Walnut Street. Resident Joseph Block decorates his home every year with more than 800 Christmas characters and tens of thousands of lights. This is Block's 24th year getting in to the Christmas spirit and his house has to be seen to be believed.

Friday night, take a turn away from the bustle of shopping and spend an evening with the  "All-Star Funk, Jazz, Brazilian, Afro-Cuban"
 Urban Latin Jazz Project, which is happening at Armando's in Martinez. The cover is $15.

Or mix it up a little at California Magic and Dinner Theater, where magician performs both Friday and Saturday night. A three-course meal is served along with tableside entertainment.

Saturday, December 18

Be sure to stop by the White Rabbit Boutique this season, to get 10 to 50 percents off during its sale. The shop sells tie -dyed shirts, Buddhist statues, tattoo and piercing kits, exotic oils, incense and many more items.

Give to those less fortunate this holiday season by attending the , which raises money for the Christmas for Everyone program of Contra Costa. The show takes place at the Hope Center in Pleasant Hill and only costs $15 at the door.

Nearby at another house of worship, Grace Episcopal Church is hosting a "r," where people can mix food and fellowship while they get a break from the business of Christmastime.

Music is on at again, this time in the heart of New Orleans. Caroompas Room goes on at 8 p.m., an act described as "a musical gumbo of delicious funky fun."

Sunday, December 19

The music starts at 4 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Martinez. It is presenting Christmas songs with the Joe Warner Trio as part of the "Jazz in the Basement Series." A $10 donation is suggested.

Over at Armando's, get in to some classical chamber music when o performs at 4 p.m. The women do a variety of pieces, from Bach as well as holiday music such as Vince Guaraldi's 'Peanuts' and 'Greensleeves'.

 

So what is everyone else up to this weekend?

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