Weekend best bets: First Friday, Mutts and Marshmallows

Illuminate Art Walk - This free, self-guided tour of light and art installations in downtown Raleigh runs through Friday, Jan. 5.

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival - The beautiful walk-through event in Cary is open through Jan. 14. Buy tickets online.

The Rink at Red Hat - Go ice skating at Red Hat Amphitheater through Jan. 15! Buy tickets online.

Skate the Square - Go ice skating at Fenton in Cary through Feb. 5! Tickets are $17 but are discounted every Monday.

Jan. 2-7: Girl From The North Country - The Broadway show coming to DPAC reimagines 20 legendary songs of Bob Dylan as they've never been heard before.

Jan. 4: Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood: Asking for Trouble - Get ready for an evening of sidesplitting laughter as Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood, the dynamic duo from TV's "Whose Line is it Anyway?," take the stage in a one-night-only uproarious live show.

Jan. 5: First Friday - Thousands venture to downtown Raleigh for art exhibits, artist talks and creative activities. Retailers and restaurants also get in on the fun with live music, vendor markets, specials/discounts and more.

Jan. 5-7: Animate! Raleigh - GalaxyCon hosts three days of anime, animation, cosplay and more at the Raleigh Convention Center.

Jan. 6: Sip & Shop Pop-Up Market - Sip, shop and support local at Boxcar Bar + Arcade in Raleigh from noon until 5 p.m. Vendors will be set up inside and on the covered, heated patio.

Jan. 6: NCMA Family-Friendly Tour - Tours are 30 minutes long and are best for kids ages 5 to 11 with their adult companions.

Jan. 6: NC Symphony: Mozart's Magnificent Voyage- Journey back in time to Marzart’s childhood and into the fantastic world of his most famous pieces, including The Magic Flute, Eine Kleine Nachmusik, and more.

Jan. 6: 5K for Make-A-Wish - This 5K in Raleigh will take place to support children with critical illnesses and their families. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Make-A-Wish Eastern North Carolina.

Jan. 6: Oak City Brewing Anniversary and Bonfire - There will be glassware giveaways, beer releases, a giant bonfire, live music and food trucks.

Jan. 6: Christmas Tree Toss - Think you can throw a Christmas tree further than your friends? Join Mason Jar Lager Co. for this free event to test your tossing skills. Free to play and winner gets $100 gift card.

Jan. 6: Mutts and Marshmallows 8K - The event is held at WakeMed Soccer Park. As always everyone who finishes the race gets a great mug, all the hot chocolate they can drink, and proceeds from the 'doggie dash' go to support the SPCA of Wake County.

Jan. 6-7: Raleigh Sports Cards, Toys, Pokémon, Comics, Hot Wheels Show - Come find sports cards, toys, Pokémon, comics, Hot Wheels and more as far as the eyes can see so don't miss out! Event held at the Raleigh Exposition Center.

Jan. 7: Perfectly Imperfect Pups Adoption Event - PIPs will be kicking off the new year at Lynnwood Brewing Concern from 1 to 3 p.m.