With Christmas Eve on Sunday, there are fewer events happening that day as many people will be celebrating with loved ones. But Friday and Saturday remain as bustling as ever for those looking to get in one more holiday event or finish some last-minute shopping.

Stay safe out there, and enjoy the long weekend.

The well-known Northeast Ohio jazz band Hubb’s Groove plays the Knight Stage at the Civic Friday at 8 p.m. Led by drummer Robert Hubbard Jr., the eight-piece band has won numerous local awards and played Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb’s inaugural ball. Tickets are $20.

You’ve got a few more days to attend Wild Lights at the Akron Zoo. More than a million lights decorate the zoo, including a wall of animated lights set to holiday music. Visit Santa, enjoy a hot chocolate or a sweet treat at Mrs. C’s Sweets, and pay a visit to one of the zoo’s animal mascots. Wild Lights runs from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Admission for Akron Zoo members is $8 to $11 and $11 to $18 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased at the door, but you’ll save money if you buy them online ahead of time.

Hey, last-minute holiday shoppers: This one’s for you. Head to the Northside District for TrueNorth’s Holiday Market Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Shop for art, apparel, cosmetics and more from an array of local vendors.

Culture & Arts Reporter (she/her)
Brittany is an accomplished journalist who’s passionate about the arts, civic engagement and great storytelling. She has more than a decade of experience covering culture and arts, both in Ohio and nationally. She previously served as the associate editor of Columbus Monthly, where she wrote community-focused stories about Central Ohio’s movers and shakers. A lifelong Ohioan, she grew up in Springfield and graduated from Kent State University.