As the holidays approach, festive events crowd the calendar.  Houses of worship, towns and organizations host concerts, Breakfasts with Santa, shows and workshops.  Patch has highlighted below several local events happening this weekend that you might want to attend.  From Christmas tree lightings, to the world’s tallest Lego Menorah, to a South Mountain Reservation hike, there is something for everyone!  If you have a suggestion for weekend fun, please share it in the Comments section.  Enjoy!

Waiting for the Light Concert

St. Rose of Lima Parish will host a special concert called "Waiting for the Light" featuring an award-winning singer songwriter Sarah Hart, accompanied by the band Full Armor.  This evening of contemporary Christian music will be held coffee-house style, with the audience seated at tables with refreshments. $20; Friday at 8 p.m.; Short Hills

Christmas program “Come Let Us Adore Him”

The First Baptist Church of South Orange has invited the public to share in their annual Christmas program “Come Let Us Adore Him”, which features performances by young members of the congregation. Free; Friday at 7:30 p.m.; South Orange

TBJ Brotherhood Hanukkah Party - The World's Tallest LEGO Menorah

Join the Temple B’nai Jeshurun Brotherhood for a Hanuakkah party featuring the World’s Tallest Lego Menorah!  Food, music and Legos make it fun. Everyone is welcome to help build the Menorah at this festive occasion. $10 per family; Sunday at 4:30 p.m.; Short Hills

Cathedral Basilica Concert Series: Christmas at the Cathedral "Navidad Latina 2011"

Musicians from Latin American communities of the Archdiocese of Newark will come together under the direction of Olfary Guitérrez at the Cathedral Basilica to present a holiday concert of ethnic Christmas music, conducted in Spanish.  Free; Friday at 8 p.m.; Newark

Baird Arts Holiday Workshops

The Baird is offering an afternoon of holiday workshops such as Teens and Adults Illuminated Cards and Gifts, Great Things come in Small Packages: Accordion Book Workshop, Holiday Music Jam, Mosaic Workshop and more. Space is limited, so be sure to pre-register. $5 materials fees per art class; Saturday noon to 4 p.m.; South Orange

Child-Friendly Nutcracker Ballet

Especially suited to children who are unable to sit still for a full-length ballet, this Nutcracker at the Burgdorff condenses the classic holiday story into a one-hour show, while maintaining the integrity and magic of the full-length version. $18; Saturday at 2 p.m.; Maplewood

Maplewood Village Holly Walk

Participating businesses will display red and green balloons from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday for shoppers to come in and enjoy special treats. Holly Walk Shoppers will receive 15% off their entire bill at HighlandPlace Bar & Grill on Saturday 12/10 & Sunday 12/11 (open for lunch at 11:30 a.m. this Saturday only). Simply bring in your receipt dated 12/10/11 from one of the following Holly Walk participants: Perch Home, No. 165, Village Wine Shop, Shed, Revolution, Little One & Co., Hopscotch, Alchemy Hour, Scrivener's Toys & Collectibles, Bee & Thistle, The Tenth Muse Gallery, Words Bookstore, Truly Yours, and KoKoRo. Free, Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Maplewood

Dickens Village 2011

Santa will visit Dickens Village this weekend, with live reindeer from Edelweiss Farms.  Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the village, and listen to the strolling carolers.  Words Bookstore will host a holiday reading for children at 2 p.m.  Free; Saturday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Maplewood

Pancake Breakfast with Santa

Santa will the special guest at the Pancake Breakfast hosted by the South Orange Lions and the South Orange Elks.  The menu includes plancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns and rolls.  If you wish Santa to give your child a gift, be sure to slip it to him with your child’s name on it!  Please bring a donation of non-perishable food for the local food banks.  Adults $ 7 Children FREE; Sunday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; South Orange

Oakdale Loop Hike at South Mountain Reservation

For a refreshing change of pace at this time of year, hike the Oakdale Loop with the South Mountain Conservancy.  An experienced guide will lead the group on the 4 mile stroll at a moderate pace.  Dress appropriately and bring your own water. Meet at Oakdale Picnic Grove off of Cherry Lane, about 0.3 miles south of the light on Northfield Ave., or one mile north of the light on South Orange Ave. Free; Sunday at 10 a.m.; South Mountain Reservation

Mystery Dinner Show at Giorgio’s

Slated right between the Jets game and the Giants game, this murder mystery dinner at Giorgio's Ristorante will have you laughing as you try to figure out who dunnit at the holiday party.  Meet the suspects while you dine, win prizes, too!  $50; Sunday at 5 p.m.; South Orange

Breakfast with Santa

The South Mountain YMCA is hosting their annual Breakfast with Santa, complete with photos of each family with Santa.  Choose from 4 seating times. $40 per family (up to 2 children) $10 each additional child; Sunday at various times; Maplewood

Dog Adoption Day

If you are considering welcoming a dog into your family, visit Petsmart during  Dog Adoption Day, sponsored by Home for Good, a volunteer-based, 501(c)(3) non-profit animal rescue.  Pre-applying online before the event is highly recommended. Free; Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Millburn

Christmas Concert and Tree Lighting

Join the Community Congregational Church for an evening of magnificent Christmas music, featuring baritone James Dietsch.  All the church choirs will perform including the orchestra and handbells choir.  Following the concert, roast marshmallows over an open fire and join in the lighting of the Christmas tree.  Free; Sunday at 5:30 p.m.; Short Hills