Tonight's the night they light the Christmas tree at North Hills. The lighting won't happen until evening but there are events all day starting at 11 a.m.

From 3 to 7 p.m. there will be ice skating on the Commons lawn and miniature pony rides. From 4 to 7 there will be horse and carriage rides, train rides and other entertainment. The lighting itself is scheduled for 5:40 p.m. 

If you're going with your kids, take your camera. Children will be allowed to visit Santa and parents will be allowed to take photos.

If you know any teens who are obsessed with the Twilight series, you might want to point them in the direction of Peche de Chocolat at 16 Glenwood Ave. in Raleigh.

On Saturday, from 3 to 9 p.m., the store will host a New Moon party. There will be door prizes, games and a raffle drawing in which you can win tickets to see the new movie. And, of course, there will be chocolate. Admission is $10.

If you're looking for a reason to get in the holiday mood, there are two events happening tonight that could help.

Tonight from 5 to 8 p.m. Cameron Village is hosting its open house complete with entertainment, a visit from Santa and other kids' activities. Also remember that the first 800 guests who spend $100 can claim a $25 Cameron Village gift certificate (purchases at grocery stores, Rite Aid and ABC Store are not included). Click here for more.

North Hills is holding its open house tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. You'll have the chances to win prizes, take part in special promotions and enjoy some entertainment tonight. There's also a giveaway. Spend $100 and get a free pair of tickets to Cirque Dreams Holidaze on Dec. 1. Click here for more.

Mark your calendar for the Cameron Village holiday open house on Thursday, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Santa will be there, in addition to a lot of other performers and entertainers. There will be gifts for kids, and the first 800 guests to present receipts showing they've spent more than $100 at Cameron Village stores will receive a $25 gift certificate to the center (that excludes the grocery stores, the ABC store and pharmacies).

Just a reminder that the big Wake County Library booksale starts tomorrow, with more than 300,000 books for sale.

Note that the sale is in a new location this year, 1514 Garner Station Blvd. in Garner in the "North" portion of North South Station where Winn-Dixie used to be.

Cash and check only.

Click Read More for the schedule and pricing.

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The Yankee Candle stores in Triangle Town Center, Crabtree Valley Mall and The Streets at Southpoint will all be hosting open house events Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.

Refreshments will be served and there will be special free gift hours during those three hours.

And, for those of you heading there, be sure to sign up for the company's e-mail coupons. You get one immediately upon signing up for $10 off a $25 purchase.

Here's a great thank you for teachers.

From Nov. 12 through Nov. 15 (Thursday through Sunday), every dressbarn store in the country will host a special event for teachers. There will be special sessions giving clothing and fashion advice, and teachers will enjoy a 15 percent discount.

Each store is holding one event on one of the four days, so check with your local store to find out the details about that store's specific sale event. 

Today's the last day of the Presents 4 Pets annual pet supplies donation drive, and it's not too late to help.

The organization is collecting all kinds of pet-related items, including dry dog and cat food, canned dog and cat food, litter, litter boxes, metal bowls, leashes, halters, collars, toys, treats, gates, kennels, carriers, towels and blankets, flea and tick preventatives. You can find the full wish list here.

Donations can be dropped off today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the supply drive wrap-up party. It will be at Gormutts Bakery, 6675 Falls Of Neuse Road, Suite 123 in Raleigh.

McCormick & Schmick's restaurants are honoring veterans early with a special event on Sunday.

Veterans will be able to choose a free lunch or dinner entree from a special menu of choices. ID is required and acceptable forms of proof are a VA card, a VFW card, American Legion card, discharge papers, DD214 or other Veterans ID.

Parties of more than six will not be seated due to popularity of the event and reservations ARE REQUIRED. You can make them online here or call the Crabtree Valley Mall restaurant at 919-881-7848.

Check my blog Monday morning for a list of other Veteran's freebies and promotions coming up next week. 

As if there's not enough fun shopping this weekend, here's another event you may want to check out. The Shoppes of Baileywick in Raleigh is hosting its holiday open house this weekend, starting today and running through Sunday.

The Shoppes house 65 vendors under one roof and have a wide array of interesting and unique items. It might just be worth stopping by...