Top Five things to do this weekend

1. A New Beginning: Mayan Toga Party
Why you should go: If the world actually is going to end on December 21 of this year, why not spend the day partying it up at Kalahari? This Mayan and Toga crossover themed party is going to be a really fun time with food, drinks and shows. You can get in for $20 and buy drinks and food throughout the night, or purchase a VIP ticket for $150 and enjoy free food, premium drinks, VIP lounges and premiere seating for the shows. Proceeds will benefit the Firelands Regional Medical Center Pediatric Services Department as well as other non-profit organizations.
WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21
WHERE: Kilimanjaro Ballroom, Kalahari Waterpark Resort, 7000 Kalahari Dr., Sandusky
COST: $20/Regular Ticket, $150/V.I.P. Ticket
INFO: Visit the event’s Facebook page

2. End of the World party at The Underground
Why you should go: Party it up at The Underground in downtown Sandusky with live music from 7 bands, free food, gifts and more. The Underground is featuring Russett Burbank’s Last Buffet with special guest performers Deadwood Ed, Mr. Nice Guy, Fireside Drowning and more. Doors open at 8 p.m. and cost is only $5 at the door. 18 and up only at this party, though.
WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21
WHERE: The Underground, 224 E. Water St., Sandusky
COST: $5/Person
INFO: 419-609-9463 or check out The Underground’s Facebook Page

3. A Christmas Story - Live on Stage!
Why you should go: Enjoy the beloved Christmas movie as it comes to life on the stage of the Sandusky State Theatre. Humorist Jean Shepherd's memoir follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB Gun under the tree for Christmas. Mix in the antics of the school bully, a trip to see Santa at the department store and of course the "imported" prize lamp, and you've got a sure-fire fun-family holiday event. Plus Funcoast is giving away five pairs of tickets to the shows, just text FUN to 41948.
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 20-22
WHERE: Sandusky State Theatre, 107 Columbus Ave., Sandusky
COST: $12-$39
INFO: 419-626-9835 or visit sanduskystate.com

4. End of the world party & 12 Gifts of Christmas
Why you should go: Quaker Steak and Lube is holding an end of the world party where you can win big cash and feel good about giving back. On Friday there will be food and drink specials, live entertainment by John Burrow and an awesome raffle. As this party coincides with the tenth day of the Lube’s 12 Gifts of Christmas charity event, the Child Care Resource Center will be selling $10 raffles tickets for a chance to win $1000 your last night on Earth. Show up early dressed as a Mayan and you’ll get a free ticket for the raffle. Plus, proceeds from the night will benefit the Child Care Resource Center, and if you stop by the Lube any other day now through Sunday, December 23 proceeds from those nights will also be donated to a non-profit organization. Find out which non-profits go with which days in our 12 Gifts of Christmas story, here.
WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21 (12 Gifts of Christmas is happening now-Sunday, Dec. 23)
WHERE: The Quaker Steak and Lube, 5150 Liberty Avenue, Vermilion
COST: Free
INFO: 440-967-3724 or our 12 Gifts of Christmas Story

5. Winter Solstice Celebration
Why you should go: Instead of worrying about whether or not the world is going to end, celebrate the shortest day of the year with a gentle night hike around East Sandusky Bay. After the hike guests will be invited to warm up with a cup of hot cider and enjoy the evening view of Plum Brook from the patio at the Enchanted Cottage.
WHEN: 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21
WHERE: The Enchanted Cottage at East Sandusky Bay MetroPark, 3819 Cleveland Rd., Huron
COST: Free
INFO: 419-625-7783