Planet Weekend Picks, Nov. 23-25

Friday, November 23

Tree Lighting on Palmer Square – The 65-foot  Norwegian spruce is adorned with over 32,000 lights and will be lit with the help of Santa Claus at 4:45 p.m. Musical performances include choral group from Princeton High School. Strolling musicians from 6-8 p.m.

American Red Cross Holiday Benefit Evening at Tre Piani – Italian buffet dinner at the restaurant, which is located at Forrestal Village. Donations of canned foods, dry foods, personal hygiene items, blankets, gift cards, and children’s toys will be accepted, 5-9 p.m., tickets $25.

Folk Dance with Princeton Folk Dance – All levels welcome, lesson followed by dance. At the Suzanne Patterson Senior Center behind Borough Hall, 8-11 p.m., $5 admission.

Saturday, November 23

Kevin Henkes Story Time at the Princeton Public Library –  Celebrate the birthday of the award-winning author and illustrator of such children’s favorites as “Owen,” “Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse” and “Kitten’s First Full Moon” with a special story time devoted to his works. For children ages 2 and older. library story room, free.

Family Fun and Music with Mr. Ray – Mr. Ray performs int he center court of MarketFair from 11 to noon. Sure to be a big hit with the little ones.

The Nutcracker – Celebrate the season at McCarter Theatre. Performance of Tchaikovsky’s score includes  a cast of more than 100 dancers. Performances 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday. Tickets $20 – $55.

Community Stress Relief Day at Princeton Center for Yoga & Health – Massage, Reiki, integrated energy therapy, aromatherapy, emotional freedom technique, herbal remedy consulting, yoga, and more. Suggested donation is $1 a minute to benefit Trenton Area Soup Kitchen. Also collecting non-perishable food items, underwear, socks, water, bleach, trash bags, and toiletries to benefit Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. PCYH is located at the Orchard Hill Center at 88 Orchard Road in Skillman. Begins at 12:30 p.m.

Holiday Trolley Tours wit Princeton Tour Co. – Trolley rides include history of Princeton, info. on the homes and hangouts of Albert Einstein, Robert Oppenheimer, Woodrow Wilson, Grover Cleveland, TS Eliot, F Scott Fitzgerald and more. Tickets are $15 per person. For reservations, visit www.princetontourcompany.com or call (609) 902-3637. Please email largegroupsales@princetontourcompany.com for private groups.

Cafe Improv – Music, poetry, comedy and more at the Arts Council of Princeton. Runs 7 – 10 p.m.. Stay for the whole show or check out a few performances. For the full line up visit www.cafeimprov.com. Tickets $2.

Book Signing by Authors of `New Jersey’s Lindbergh Kidnapping and Trial’ – Authors Mark Falzini and James Davidson will sign copies of  ‘New Jersey’s Lindbergh Kidnapping and Trial,’ at the Barnes & Noble ant MarketFair at 7 p.m.

Sunday, November 25

Nature Walk with Steve Hiltner – All are welcome to join a post-Sandy Turkey Trek at 1:30pm,along trails cleared by Friends of Princeton Open Space trail committee volunteers. Survey the changes in the woods brought about by the storm, and also visit the dams in all their restored glory. The walk will be accompanied by a TV30 film crew who are putting together a feature on Mountain Lakes. No need to arrive in finest feather. Just look natural. Meet at Community Park North parking lot, on Mountain Ave. just off 206. Entry to the parking lot is right next to the 57 Mountain Ave entryway to Mountain Lakes. Good walking shoes recommended.
 
Fred Miller Presents An American Thanksgiving – Pianist, singer and Princeton Public Library favorite Fred Miller presents a musical program of songs with themes of gratitude and optimism. In the library community room, 3 p.m.

Choral Vespers Service at Nassau Presbyterian Church – The choirs of Nassau Presbyterian Church and Witherspoon Street Presbyterian Church join together for a choral vespers service. Instrumentalists and soloists from both congregations join them. Beverly Owens and Noel Werner direct. 6:30 p.m., free-will offering supports Centurion Ministries.