The Halle Cultural Arts Center will host Pizza & a Movie Night Thursday with the family feature Minions. Come back for a Super Fun Saturday to sample activities and upcoming art camps.

This week's Science Thursday at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences brings a Sip & Spell: Adult Science Spelling Bee.

This months Discovery Series concert at the Holly Springs Cultural Center Friday night features the Oak City Brass.

The North Carolina Museum of Art continues to kick off the weekend in style. December 18th features the band Peter lamb and the Wolves, a Third Friday Tour and a Holiday Fun Friday for the whole family featuring Escher-inspired art making and games, music by Sandbox, free treats for the kids, and a visit from the jolly guy in red.

Join marbles Kids Museum for a Jingle Jam, a rockin' hoppin' holiday dance party with Stage Door Dance Saturday morning. Come back Tuesday, December 29th to have some Hockey Fun with the Carolina Hurricanes.

Join them at Mordecai Historic Park Sunday, December 27th for the monthly Shape Note Sing. No prior experience is necessary to participate in the Shape Note Sing - beginners and experienced singers are all welcome.

Harris Lake County Park invites the whole family to join them Friday afternoon to read the book Night Tree and then make some Wildlife Treat Creations.

Come back to Harris Lake Saturday for a Wagon Ride and Cocoa with Santa.

Come and learn about Occoneechee Mountain's geologic wonders as you explore the Pyrophyllite Quarry with a real geologist Saturday.

Adults are invited to take Saturday's Winter Waterfowl Workshop at Lake Crabtree County Park. Bring the whole family to the Winter Break Sunday afternoon and learn about the animals who spend the winter at the park.

Make a star out of twigs Sunday as you learn how to create Nature's Ornaments at Falls Lake State Recreation Area.

Need a few more hours to finish shopping? Bring your kids to the Harris Lake County Park Monday for 4 hours of Crafting, Hiking and Games.

The will be presenting Fossil Fundamentals at Blue jay Point's Family Wildlife Series on Saturday, December 30th.

If you want to bring in the New Year with a blast, Downtown Raleigh is where you will want to be! First Night Raleigh 2015 actually includes two celebrations. The Children's Celebration will be held from 2:00pm - 6:00pm at the North Carolina Museum of History, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and on the Bicentennial Plaza. The Children's Celebration culminates with a People's Procession, concert by Scythian and an Early Countdown at 7:00pm complete with acorn drop and fireworks. The First Night Raleigh 2015 evening entertainment offers something for everyone and culminates with a concert by the Scythian and a midnight countdown highlighted by the famous Raleigh Acorn Drop and Fireworks! Both celebrations feature a wide variety of Out of this World entertainment from a ferris wheel, a new ride-the Sizzler, theater, comedy, music, dance performances and interactive activities. Click through for the schedule of events and performers as well as information about admission buttons.

Ring in the Noon Year with kids at Marbles at 12:00 noon. Regular admission applies New Years Eve, but admission will be discounted to $2 from 1pm-5pm New Years Day.

Morehead Planetarium and Science Center will host Night Lights: A Family-Friendly New Years Eve Thursday afternoon with activities, performances and a kid's countdown "under the stars." There will even be some food trucks on hand.

Each year on January 1st, the Eno River Association sponsors a fun-filled afternoon of guided hikes, refreshments and merriment. This year, the New Year's Day Hike will offer two hike options, a 4-5 mile hike and a shorter, 2 mile route. There will be something for everyone, so come one, come all and enjoy New Year's Day at the Eno!

William B. Umstead State Park is hosting a First Day Photography Hike.

Start the New Year and enjoy a Hike for Your Health First Day Morning or Afternoon Hike with a Park Ranger at Raven Rock State Park. The Hike for Your Health Hikes are offered every Thursday.

Come New Years Day and join a park ranger for a scavenger hunt and hike on the Rolling View Track Trail at Falls Lake State Recreation Area. They offer four different times so sign up for a time slot in advance.

Come on out to Jordan Lake for a First Day Morning Hike and enjoy a beautiful hike with a ranger to the New Hope Overlook or join them for a First Day Afternoon Hike of the Pond Trail at Seaforth Recreation Area

Cary will host their annual Kwanzaa Celebration on Tuesday, December 29th at the Cary Arts Center. This year's festival will feature performances by Shabutaso: The Magic of African Rhythm and the North Carolina Association of Black storytellers . There will also be a craft and nonprofit fair, children's activity and African food.

The State Fairgrounds will host both the Carolina Piedmont Dog Agility Trials and the Annual Meowing in the New Year TICA Cat Show starting on New Years Day and running all weekend.