Your Weekend Starts Here

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas and this week’s weekend event planner is no exception. We’ve got plenty here to ring in the holidays, plus a selection of non-holiday related events for those who aren’t quite ready for the ring-jing-jingling.

What:

When/Where: 5 p.m. Saturday at , 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD

Why go: The 25th Annual Winter Festival of Lights runs through Jan. 1, 2012 and features more than a million twinkling lights. Quite the festive event.

Cost: $5 for cars and vans, $15 for mini-buses and limos, $25 for buses and $10 for multi-visit passes for cars and vans

What: The National Ballet Company Presents 'The Nutcracker'

When/Where: 6 p.m. Saturday at

Why go: All proceeds support the charitable activities of T3 for Haiti, Disaster Aid USA, Breast Cancer Support and Friends of the National Ballet.

Cost: $40

What: Crofton Rotary Club Black and White Gala and Silent Auction

When/Where: 7 p.m. Saturday at , 1166 State Route 3 S, Gambrills, MD

Why go: There will be entertainment, an open bar and a sit down dinner.

Cost: $75

What: The Story of Buddha in Dance

When/Where: 2-3:30 p.m. Sunday at Robert E. Kauffman Theater in the Pascal Center for Performing Arts at Anne Arundel Community College

Why go: Students from the Kalairani Natya Salai dance school will perform the story of Buddha, following his life from childhood to enlightenment.

Cost: General admission is $10, AACC students pay $5

What:

When/Where: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at 173 Jennifer Road, Annapolis, MD 21401

Why go: Peruse the work of 55 local artists and enjoy live performers all while benefitting the ALS Association.

Cost: Free