Lillian Dickerson

MOVIES: Get a glimpse of what Middle Earth was like before the battle for the ring at opening day of “The Hobbit.” Various locations. Visit fandango.com.

Did you miss the chance to see PUSH Physical Theatre this fall at Rochester’s premiere First Niagara Fringe Festival? This week provides another opportunity to see the buzzed-about local group. On Friday, December 14, at 7:30 p.m. PUSH and the National Institute for the Deaf will debut two new works in progress, “Red Ball” and […]

THEATER: Experience the heartwarming tale of George Bailey and friends reimagined as a 1940’s live radio broadcast in Blackfriars Theatre’s “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.” 7:30 p.m. $27. 795 E. Main St. 454-1260. bftix.org.

SPECIAL EVENT: Support your favorite Rochester not-for-profit organizations today by participating in “Roc the Day.” From 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. visit roctheday.org to donate to one or more organizations of your choice. If you’re lucky, you might be one of the donors chosen every hour to give a free additional $500 to any organization. […]

Craft fairs and bazaars are excellent resources for the gifter who perpetually searches for the most unique presents each year. This weekend there are a few you can stop by to find a special surprise for the lucky folks on your list. Begin the weekend shopping at the Holiday Bazaar at The Yards Saturday, December […]

MUSIC: Since its inception in 2003, Hit the Lights has assembled a solid fan base all over the world on the back an incessant touring schedule, sharing stages with such internationally acclaimed acts as New Found Glory and Paramore. Overall, the outfit’s infectious brand of pop-and-punk-infused indie rock has led to the release of four EPs, one split album, and three full-length studio LPs. Their most recent collection, 2012’s “Invicta,” has been met with positive critical reviews and debuted in the Billboard Top 200 upon its January release. Hit the Lights performs tonight, 6:30 p.m. at The Club at Water Street, 204 N. Water St. $10. 325-5600, waterstreetmusic.com.

SPECIAL EVENT: Celebrate Chanukah in Pittsford for the Grand Public Menorah Lighting at 6 p.m. Carry on the tradition of Tikkun Olam (“repairing the world”) by donating canned food items that will be created into a giant menorah, then donated to the Pittsford Food Cupboard. Live music and hot chocolate. Pittsford Village Four Corners, Route 30 and S. Main St. jewishpittsford.com.

MUSIC: Grab all the black and yellow clothing you have in your closet and head on down to the Blue Cross Arena (One War Memorial Square, bluecrossarena.com) on Sunday for rapper Wiz Khalifa’s rescheduled performance. He’ll be bringing along Juicy J, Chevy Woods, Lola Monroe, and Berner & Tuki Carter. Music starts at 7:30 p.m., tickets run $32.50-$42.50, and all tickets from the October date will be honored.

SPECIAL EVENT: Brighten the holidays at City Hall’s Atrium Tree Lighting Ceremony. Mayor Richards will light the tree while Rochester City School District’s Enrico Fermi School No. 17 Chorus and the School of the Arts’ Choir perform. Visit Santa while there! Free. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 30 Church St. cityofrochester.gov.

LECTURE: Throughout the many holidays circulating during the winter season, pie remains a staple at family gatherings. Join Lift Bridge Book Shop for a discussion with writer Beth Howard about her book, “Making Piece: A Memoir of Love, Loss and Pie.” 45 Main St., Brockport. 8 p.m. 637-2260. liftbridgebooks.com.