Things to do this weekend: merry and bright

You guys would be so proud of me: I'm getting over my anti-Holiday-Atmosphere stance and putting up holiday decorations!

But if you want to see a real Seattle-style winter wonderland, head to the Green Lake Pathway of Lights. Now that's Holiday Cheer.

Courtesy Seattle Parks & Recreation Department

Every second Saturday in December, volunteers light up the water's edge with luminarias. The Seattle Parks and Recreation Department provides warm drinks and treats, as well as local musicians performing live at four sites around the lake. Might want to get there early -- on this night Green Lake is about as popular as it usually is on a sunny day. Details:

WHEN: Saturday, December 8, 5pm-8pm. Feel free to bring your own lights too!
WHERE: Green Lake Park, 7201 E. Greenlake Dr. North, Seattle
COST: Free!
MORE INFO: find out the musical line-up at Pathway of Lights

If you'd rather be inside on a frosty night, head over to the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center and warm up with Afro-Peruvian rhythms. Here's a snippet from rehearsals.

Tomorrow -- and tonight! -- the de Cajon Project arts organization presents dance, music and poetry in "De Inga y Mandinga," performances celebrating mixed-race heritage from the perspective of Peruvians of African descent.

The tribute features major Peruvian artists such as singer Marina Lavalle appearing in four performances, so you have multiple chances to immerse yourself in the show. Details:

WHEN: Friday, December 7, 10:30m and 7:30pm
Saturday, December 8, 2pm and 7:30pm
WHERE:  Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center, 104 17th Ave. S., Seattle
MORE INFO: LHPAC and de Cajon Project

And if you stop in for Expresso open mic tonight, it'll be easy for you to find your way back for de Inga y Mandinga tomorrow. Lots of opportunities to make a cold weekend merry and bright.