Weekend Best Bets: Dec. 5-6

Dollar Days at the National Aquarium in Baltimore: It's better than Cyber Monday! It's get into the coolest aquarium in our region for $1! There are some caveats here: Admission opens at 10 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, tickets are limited and not available for advance purchase. Plus, the lines get long. So, arrive early, dress warmly and prepare for rain if you go on Saturday. There won't be any dolphin shows on Dollar Days. And remember, this is a no-stroller place. The aquarium also reports that there will be special dollar discounts in the gift shop and at the cafe.

Chanukah Wonderland: Chabad is hosting Hanukkah playtime at Kentlands Market Square in Gaithersburg. The first day of the event, Dec. 6, will focus on decorations for the holiday. Then, during Hanukkah, there will be challah, latkes, jelly donuts, edible menorahs and Hanukkah paddleball. Sunday time: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Annual Holiday Lights Displays

There are four main annual lights displays in our area. The best of the bunch, in my opinion is Brookside Gardens' Garden of Lights display. The folks at Brookside spend weeks putting up all the lights. This year, they report two new displays on their Web site: a flock of geese landing in the Gude Garden and an 11-foot giraffe covered with 9,000 lights. In addition to the 940,000 lights presented in a non-secular, natural theme of celebration, Brookside also has an indoor train exhibit. When the weather feels too frightful and you're ready to warm up, head indoors for live music and warm cider. The exhibits are open every night through Jan. 3 except for Dec. 24 and 25 from 5:30 until 9 p.m. The last car is admitted at 8:30 p.m. If this year is anything like years' past, you're best off both going early in the holiday season and getting there early in the evening. The cost is by the carload: $15 on Monday-Thursday nights, $20 cash on Fridays through Sundays. Discount weekend tickets ($15) can be purchased in advance at the Brookside conservatory or visitors center.

Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival: Seneca Creek State Park lights up with more than 380 illuminated displays and 60 animated vignettes along 3.5 miles. Unlike Brookside's display, this one's a drive-through, so there's no need to worry about chilly weather. Times: Sunday through Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m. Closed on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Cost: $12 cash per car Monday-Thursday; $14 per car on Friday-Sunday. Two dollar discount coupons valid Monday through Thursday only are available at nearby Lakeforest Shopping Center.

Zoolights: If you'd rather see animals at night with your holiday lights excursion, you may want to try the National Zoo's Zoolights. Maybe because the zoo's so much larger than Brookside, or maybe because it's still in its infancy in relation to the number of years Brookside's been doing this, but Zoolights pales in comparison. The lights are good, but not as interesting and with less motion than Brookside. Still, if you're in the city and want to experience it for yourself, here are the details: $5 for FONZ members, $8 for non-members. Dates: Friday through Sunday nights on Dec. 4-13; every night from Dec. 18-Jan. 2 except Dec. 24, 25 and 31.
(Every night except December 24, 25, and 31). Time: 6 to 8:30 p.m.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Temple in Kensington: If you'd like a more religious experience, friends recommend this annual December light display. It's got a light display, an outdoor Nativity scene, international Nativity scenes indoors and 16 decorated Christmas trees. The temple is open until 10 p.m. on weekends.

Now Showing:

Mulan: Imagination Stage. Here's a story about it in The Washington Post. Tickets cost $10-$21.

The Nutcracker: The Puppet Co. at Glen Echo. Tickets cost $10

The Little Engine That Could: Opens Dec. 7 at Adventure Theater in Glen Echo

Sleeping Beauty: Pumpkin Theatre in Baltimore. Tickets $12 in advance, $13 at the door.