Weekend Planner: Winter Markt, Breakfast With Santa

It’s Thursday, and you’ve got no idea what you’ll do this weekend. Birmingham Patch is coming to the rescue. We’ve got the best bets for your done-work-outta-here time.

1. 
   Where:
   When: Friday-Sunday (for complete hours, visit )
   Why Go: Take a trip to Germany without leaving Birmingham. Featured at this second annual event is authentic German food and drink, plenty of winter crafts and holiday items for sale, the Santa House and carriage rides around the city as well as a weekend-long line-up of performances. Don't miss the Kinder Haus tent, with plenty of crafts for the little ones, as well the ice carving demonstration by Chef Doug Ganhs.
2. 
   Where:
   When: 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Saturday
   Why Go: Bring your little one to meet Santa at this special breakfast at The Community House, sponsored in part by the Birmingham Youth Assistance. Each child will get to visit with Santa and receive a special gift. There will be face painting and balloons as well. Tickets are $15 each.
   
3. 
   Where:
   When: 3:30 p.m. Sunday
   Why Go: The Birmingham Concert Band will celebrate the season with festive holiday music on Sunday. The holiday concert will also feature the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer's Chancel Choir. Come to hear classics, hymns and caroling favorites performed by both the band and the choir, as well as the first movement from John Rutter's Gloria performed by the Concert Band's brass ensemble and the Chancel Choir.
4. 
   Where:
   When: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday
   Why Go: Our Shepherd Lutheran School's junior high drama club will be presenting its production of Keeping Christmas this weekend. The fall production will feature shorts of Visions of Sugar Plums, Mr. Scrooge Finds Christmas and an adaptation of A Christmas Carol. At the end the plays, enjoy a dramatic reading of the classic Keeping Christmas in addition to lots of music and dancing.
5. 
   Where:
   When: 1 p.m. Sunday
   Why Go: Considering the Birmingham Covington School for your student? Whether they're already a part of the Birmingham Public School district or attending elsewhere, come check out the school, meet the teachers and learn about the technology- and math-centric programs that set this school apart.