What's happening in Columbus this weekend? Here are 10 fun things to do

The classic holiday favorite says, "I'll be home for Christmas," but that doesn't mean you can get out of the house in the next few days leading up to St. Nick's arrival, as well as on the actual holiday!

To get you ready for the weekend, Short North Stage will present a reimagined version of the musical "Irving Berlin's White Christmas," based on the 1954 film starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. Then, on Christmas Eve and Day - Saturday and Sunday - there's more "White Christmas," with two showings of the aforementioned movie at the Gateway Film Center.

If you're thinking beyond Christmas, how about closing the year out by testing your knowledge of 2022 pop culture and other topics at Sotto Terra's trivia night? Play multiple rounds while sipping cocktails made specifically for the trivia theme.

If you haven't seen BalletMet's "The Nutcracker" or visited Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, there are a few more chances to do so before both events come to an end soon.

You don't have to be a sports fan to enjoy a lively appearance by the Harlem Globetrotters, who will show off their skills and hilarious antics next Wednesday against the Washington Generals.

You can get more details about these and other cool events happening in Columbus in the listings below. To get these ideas in your inbox every week, sign up for the Life in the 614 newsletter.

Celebrate with the wonderful Wonderfool

Join a familiar face on the local music scene at the Wonderfool & Friends second annual holiday show at 8 p.m. Friday at Natalie's Grandview, 945 King Ave. Doors open at 7 p.m. The Wonderfool is the recording project of singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Matt Vinson, best known from the up-and-coming indie-folk band Caamp. Tickets for the event are $15-$20 for all ages, available at bit.ly/3YwbQ7k.

Short North Stage dreaming of a 'White Christmas'

“Blue Skies,” “How Deep is the Ocean?” “I Love a Piano,” “Sisters” and the beloved title song are among the hits in Short North Stage’s reimagined “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas.” The family-friendly Broadway holiday musical is based on the 1954 Paramount film about two former Army veterans with a successful song-and-dance act who help their former commander by performing with a sister act to bring crowds to his Vermont lodge for the holidays. Performances continue at 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and Dec. 29-30; and 2 p.m. Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 at the Garden Theater, 1187 N. High St. Tickets cost $45.71 to $55.24. (cbusarts.com)

Celebrate the customs of Kwanzaa

Celebrate two of the seven nights of Kwanzaa in style at the Ohio History Center, 800 E. 17^th Ave. The Ohio History Connection will collaborate with Bexley-based TAWI Family Village to present programs from 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 26 and 31. Guests can learn about the traditions of Kwanzaa, do some hands-on art activities and enjoy African drumming, music, dance and storytelling. Admission to the event is free. (ohiohistory.org)

Bid farewell to 2022 at Trivia Night

Sotto Terra at The Sanctuary on Neil, 618 Neil Ave. (at the intersection of Goodale Street), will close out the year with 2022 Trivia Night at 8 p.m. Dec. 30, featuring multiple rounds and exclusive premium cocktails specifically crafted for the trivia theme. Topics will include pop culture moments, politics and much more. The general public is invited to create trivia teams of up to 10 people. Reservations are required, and there is a $10 cover charge at the door. Guests may book their teams by calling 614-383-8698 or by visiting sottoterraatthesanctuary.com.

Harlem Globetrotters bounce into the Schott

Good humor, great basketball skills and a family-friendly atmosphere combine when the Harlem Globetrotters come to town. At 2 and 7 p.m. Wednesday (Dec. 28), the always-spectacular Globetrotters will face off against the inevitably hapless Washington Generals at the Schottenstein Center, 555 Borror Drive. Tickets start at $27.50, but upgraded tickets include packages to shoot hoops on the court with players, participate in a behind-the-court meet-and-greet and watch the Globetrotters warm up before the game. (schottensteincenter.com)

Catch a Christmas classic at Gateway Film Center

The classic 1954 movie musical “White Christmas” — the title song in which is one of many immortal Irving Berlin tunes sung by stars Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen — will be screened at 1:30 p.m. Saturday and 4:30 p.m. Sunday at the Gateway Film Center, 1550 N. High St. The film center also is showing the 1951 version of “A Christmas Carol” at 4:30 p.m. Saturday. For tickets, visit gatewayfilmcenter.org.

Last weekend for BalletMet's 'The Nutcracker'

Journey to the Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy one last time this season: BalletMet’s “The Nutcracker” will conclude its run in the Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St., with performances at 7:30 p.m. Thursday; noon and 7:30 p.m. Friday; and the finale at noon Saturday. Tickets start at $38.70. (balletmet.org)

Vamp Village brings soul vibes to Budd Dairy Food Hall

Take in some local live music to help make the weekend festive: Vamp Village — which bills itself as performing a mix of rhythm and blues, jazz and pop — will be featured during live music night from 8 to 11 p.m. Friday in the main hall of the Budd Dairy Food Hall, 1086 N. Fourth St. (budddairyfoodhall.com)

Don't miss the last week of Wildlights

Fun and festive lights always help illuminate the holidays, so don’t miss the last week of Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 Powell Road, Powell. Three million LEDs are featured in the attraction, which is closed on Christmas Day but opens again Monday and continues through Jan. 1. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 5 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. For tickets, visit columbuszoo.org.

B-I-N-G-O ... and bingo is the game-oh

If you're a fan of bingo and beer, BrewDog Short North, 1175 N. High St., has a Thursday night combo for you. It's free to play, so just grab some cards and a beer and cross your fingers for a win. BrewDog Short North has cocktails, wine and 24 taps of craft beer. For more information about Thursday night bingo, call 614-908-3051 or visit facebook.com/BrewDogShortNorth.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: 10 things to do in Columbus this weekend include 'White Christmas'