1. Black Friday workout

Kick off your Black Friday with a sweat and a good deed from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Friday at the Albert Lea Family Y. The workout-for-a-cause is open to everyone in the community — non-members, too. Just bring a non-perishable food item to benefit one of the local food shelves. Burn off those candied yams, and help feed the community at the same time. The workout will be in the gym.

 

2. Locals open mic night

Albert Lea talent will be showcased in an open mic show from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at The Interchange, 211 S. Broadway in downtown Albert Lea. Celebrate your favorite locally-raised musicians who’ve come home for the holidays at this all-ages show. 

 

3. Carter Christmas Lights Show

An astonishing spectacle of light, sound and holiday cheer is on display at the Carter family home, 905 Brookside Drive in Albert Lea. Designed and built by the Carter family, the show grows more dazzling every year while staying energy efficient, thanks to LED technology. The lights and music show — synced to pop versions of holiday favorites — runs every 10 minutes from 5 to 9 p.m. nightly with Friday and Saturday hours extended to 10 p.m. Every year, the family collects money to benefit a local charity; a donation box is on site.

 

4. Fundraising festivity for the family

Entertain your entire household at the Vendor & Crafter’s Christmas Event from 9 to 4 p.m. Saturday at American Legion Post 56, 142 N. Broadway Ave. in downtown Albert Lea. Kiddos will have fun on a downtown hayride and with tot-friendly Christmas crafts. Also, Santa will make himself available for gift requests and photo opportunities. Shopping includes a silent auction, in addition to local vendor and craft booths. Food will be available for purchase. All money raised goes to the annual Kids Christmas Party in December.

 

5. Sunday fun with board games

Board game enthusiasts, your fellows are calling! The friendly folks who gather for a weekly Board Game Night are actively welcoming new players. Meet your new mates for some good old-fashioned  fun from 6 to 9 p.m. Sundays in the food court at Northbridge Mall.