1. “The Magic Flute”

Mozart’s famous opera, “The Magic Flute,” will encore Saturday as part of “The Met: Live in HD” at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center in Albert Lea.

The family-friendly production was a hit of the 2006 Metropolitan Opera, with fanciful sets, costumes and puppets, according to a press release.

Adults and children alike will be enchanted by the breath-taking puppetry of the birds and bears in this mysterious fairy tale of good and evil. Sung and spoken in English, “The Magic Flute” is presented with children in mind.

The opera runs an hour and a half.

The performance will begin at 2 p.m., with a brief introduction of the opera at 1:45 p.m.

Tickets are $20 for adults, and children under 5 are free with an adult. All students may receive a free ticket with a student ID.

2. New Year’s Eve party

New Life Christian Church will host a New Year’s Eve party starting at 6 p.m. Saturday at the church. There will be snacks, games, door prizes, an appetizer contest, a children’s corner and other activities for all ages.

The church is at 1705 S.E. Marshall St.

3. Extended times at the Albert Lea warming houses

Warming houses in Albert Lea will have extended hours this weekend during the winter break.

The warming houses will be open from 1 to 9 p.m. Friday and from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday. They will be closed on New Year’s Day.

Academy, Hawthorne and Lakeview warming houses are only staffed on the weekends, although lights will come on from 4 to 9 p.m. on other days so skaters may still use the ice.

4. American Red Cross blood drive

The American Red Cross will host a blood drive from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday at Northbridge Mall.

The drive is one of several taking place in the area.

5. Alden American Legion breakfast

Alden American Legion Post 404 will host a breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon Sunday.

Cost is $5, and menu includes choice of regular or blueberry pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage links, milk, juice and coffee. Children under age 6 eat free.

All veterans attending eat free.