Looking for fun things to do this weekend? Here are 10 events to try

This weekend in central Ohio, you can take a trolley ride to check out some of the city’s best holiday lights, take a detour to Dublin to search for elves hidden at local businesses or hear the soothing sounds of two great performers, pianist Jim Brickman and vocalist Judy Collins.

Those are just some of the ways central Ohioans might spend the third weekend in the month of December.

Theater lovers will want to check out The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio’s one-woman version of “A Christmas Carol.” Movie fans can choose from the expected (“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” at the Gateway Film Center) or the unlikely (the cult movie “Winter Kills,” starring Jeff Bridges, at the Wexner Center for the Arts).

Check out our listings below, which offer a diverse panoply of events, activities and concerts.

Read on for details about these and other weekend entertainment options. To receive these ideas in your inbox each week, sign up for the Life in the 614 newsletter.

Jim Brickman's sounds of Christmas

A pianist, songwriter and Shaker Heights native, Jim Brickman can be described in many ways, but to his fans in Columbus he might be considered the musical equivalent of Father Christmas thanks to his annual holiday concerts. Brickman — joined by vocalists Anne Cochran and John Trones — will return with “A Joyful Christmas” at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St. Tickets start at $34. (www.capa.com)

A magic show with a good cause

The program “Miracles and Magic” exists to present top-flight illusions to children with medical challenges or physical disabilities. Prepare to be wowed by the magic — and moved by the good cause — when a holiday version of the show is staged at 1 and 5 p.m. Saturday at the Lincoln Theatre, 769 E. Long St. Tickets, the proceeds of which benefit the Magical Moments Foundation, start at $17. (miraclesandmagic.com)

Columbus Gay Men's Chorus seasonal concert

The Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus will amplify your holiday season with resonant voices during its annual season-specific program, titled, simply, “Holiday!” The program, which will also feature the chorus’ sacred music ensemble Illuminati, will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Riffe Center’s Davidson Theatre, 77 S. High St. Tickets start at $10. (www.cgmc.com/performances/)

Elf search throughout Dublin

Somewhere in historic Dublin are 12 tiny elves — and it’s your job to find them. “The 12 Elves of Dublin” scavenger hunt kicked off last week and continues through Dec. 23. Look for elves at the following Dublin businesses during their regular days and hours: Boho 72 Boutique, Dean Insurance Group, Dublin Toy Emporium, Johnson’s Real Ice Cream, Missing Jimmy’s, Our CupCakery, Paris 75 Cafe, Starbucks, Trevor Furbay Bespoke and Winan’s Dublin. Entry cards, available at the above location, should be signed or stamped upon finding an elf. A grand-prize basket is promised to the winner. (https://www.facebook.com/events/768393225096478/768393271763140?ref=newsfeed)

A 'Nutcracker' performance for young children

BalletMet’s “The Nutcracker” continues through Dec. 23, but toward the end of the run, the company is offering a condensed, sensory-friendly version of the holiday ballet intended for very young ballet-goers. “My First Nutcracker” will be offered at 11 a.m. Dec. 20-21 in the Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St. Tickets cost $28. (www.balletmet.org)

Jeff Bridges cult classic at the Wex

Before Jeff Bridges became synonymous with the role of “the Dude” or won an Oscar, he starred in one of the weirdest and wildest cult films ever made, 1979’s “Winter Kills.” Directed by William Richert, the film, a darkly comic tale of political intrigue and assassination, features a roll call of leading stars from Hollywood’s Golden Age, including John Huston, Anthony Perkins, Sterling Hayden and Dorothy Malone. The movie will be screened on a 35mm print at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Wexner Center for the Arts, 1871 N. High St. Tickets cost $9, or $7 for senior citizens and Wexner Center members, $5 for students. (www.wexarts.org)

Judy Collins to perform at the Southern Theatre

Although she is firmly associated with the 1960s, legendary singer-songwriter Judy Collins — whose beloved hits include “Both Sides Now” and “Send in the Clowns” — is still making music in the 21st century. Hear the artist live during “An Evening with Judy Collins” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the Southern Theatre, 21 E. Main St. Tickets start at $44. (www.capa.com)

A one-woman ‘Christmas Carol’

Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” is full of vivid characters, and actress Angela Iannone aims to inhabit them all in her one-woman version of the show. The new production by The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio — the organization formerly known as CATCO — will open at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the Riffe Center’s Studio Two, 77 S. High St. Additional performances this weekend are set for 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. A second weekend of performances will take place Dec. 21-23. Tickets cost $27. (www.thecontemporaryohio.org)

Take in the lights on a trolley

Through Jan. 1, Trolley Pub Columbus is offering a 3-hour tour of Columbus’ best holiday light displays. Guests can book shared or private tours on the trolley, which is heated and winds its way through the John F. Wolfe Columbus Commons, Scioto Mile and Short North, all of which are festooned in their finest holiday lights. Book a date now before slots fill up. Rides start at $39. (https://trolleypub.com/columbus/our-route/)

‘Christmas Vacation’ on the big screen

You may have seen “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” an infinite number of times on TV, DVD or streaming, but unless you were born in 1989 — the year the movie was released — you may not have seen it in a theater. At 7 p.m. Saturday and 4:45 p.m. Sunday, the Gateway Film Center, 1550 N. High St., will show the movie, which stars Chevy Chase, Randy Quaid and Upper Arlington native Beverly D’Angelo. For ticket information, consult the website: www.gatewayfilmcenter.org.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Trolley ride, Jim Brickman, Judy Collins among weekend events