5 Things to Know Today

Good morning Bethlehem. Today is Friday, December 9, 2011. Here comes the weekend.

1. It should come as no surprise that the would be one of the cooler places to spend part or maybe even most of your Friday. , the specialty holiday market, which opens at 11 a.m., is only a piece of a fun-filled day. The Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas is showing the new George Clooney film, The Descendants; a documentary about the creator of a beloved Sesame Street character, Being Elmo; and 80s classic Gremlins is the cinema’s late-night horror flick. But Hold On, pop supergroup Wilson Phillips also performs at the Musikfest Café at 8 p.m.
2. During this season, we can’t forget about all the great holiday activities in the Historic Downtown. , the north side’s open air holiday market is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the and next to the . is the presenter of goodies and entertainment at the daily at the 1810 Goundie House, 505 Main St. It all happens at 5 p.m., sharp.
3. Acclaimed writer on the occult, the paranormal and supernatural horror novels, Jonathan Maberry, will be at the for a for his latest thriller Dead of Night. He will also sign his other work from 5 to 7 p.m.
4. Throw a lasso around the moon at ’s auditorium for the school’s fall production of the holiday classic It’s a Wonderful Life. Tickets are $10. The show starts at 7 p.m.
5. The Philharmonic presents its , featuring its charming version of Tchaikovsky’s at the Zoellner Ars Center at 8 p.m. Eugene Albulescu expertly conducts this talented group of student, professional and part-time musicians. Tickets are $18.