Weekend Planner: This is How Ferndale Does Christmas

With just a few weeks to go before Christmas, many may be feeling the pinch. But no need to worry, Ferndale has you covered with a few last Holidates that cater to last-minute shoppers, as well as some entertainment like only Ferndale can accommodate.

Check out MensDay Holiday Wrap on Saturday, a day designed to make shopping a breeze for the guys. And consider purchasing a $5 package of historical greeting cards here, , , , and the . Proceeds benefit the Ferndale DDA Holiday Light Fund.

Speaking of lights, here's the list of weekend festivities:

• When: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday
• Where: 1456 W. Hazelhurst
• Cost: Free
• Why go: A Hazelhurst Christmas the animated light spectacular is running nightly starting Thursday. The show will continue through Jan. 1. Relax in your car with your radio tuned to 91.3 FM and listen to the music while the lights dance to the beat.
• What else: The show is located at 1456 W. Hazelhurst in Ferndale. Visit www.ahazelhurstchristmas.com for more information.

• When: 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. Thursday
• Where: Downtown Ferndale
• Cost: Free
• Why go: This Third Thursday is designed for last-minute shoppers to find some great gifts at local shops! Stores will stay open until midnight for your convenience.
• What else: Charity gift-wrapping will be available by Relay for Life at Rosie O'Grady's.

• When: 8 p.m. Friday
• Where:
• Cost: $20
• Why go: Join Michigan's own Verve Pipe. The band can be traced back to the early '90s, says the Magic Bag, when lead singer Brian Vander Ark and drummer Donny Brown, members of two rival Michigan bands, joined forces. After the additions of lead guitarist AJ Dunning (later replaced) and keyboard/percussionist Doug Corella, The Verve Pipe released two independent albums, “I’ve Suffered A Head Injury” and “Pop Smear.”
• What else: The show also will feature opener Crashing Cairo. Buy tickets here.

• When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
• Where:
• Cost: Free
• Why go: In addition to the weekly indie market, shoppers will have the opportunity to become an organ donor through the Gift of Life, make cash donations to Donate Life Coalition of Michigan or take part in raffle comprised of original artwork, products, and gift certificates from Metro-Detroit favorites like Ronin Sushi, UHF Music and Namaste Yoga. All proceeds of the raffle and event will go to Donate Life Coalition of Michigan, a foundation that promotes organ, tissue and eye donation in Michigan.