Get Out: Niles Festival of Lights, Skate Jam, Santa at the Mall

It’s Friday, and you’ve got no idea what you’ll do for the weekend.

Patch is coming to the rescue. We’ve got the best bets for your done-work-outta-here time. Check our picks for the activities to hit this weekend.

1. NILES FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS AND TREE LIGHTING

Where/When: Niles Blvd., Fremont; Friday from 6:30 to 9 p.m. (but get there early!)

Why Go: Kick off the Christmas season with the 12th Annual Niles Festival of Lights. The community event features a tree lighting and parade with more than 60 participants from giant floats to drill and dance teams. To participate, or for more information, call 510-792-8023.

Pricing: Free

2. SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

Where/When: Various locations; all day Saturday

Why Go: It's easy to forget the little guys when your mailbox is being bombarded with ads boasting deals. So after you've camped out and wrestled your neighbor for that TV on Black Friday, support your local independent retailer. Many businesses, from Hot Toys at NewPark Mall and Comic and Figure Addicts in Union City to Color Me Quilts in Fremont, will be offering deals to celebrate the post-Thanksgiving shopping ritual. For more detailed info, check Patch's Small Business Saturday roundup here.

Price: Free

3. STORIES OF THE SEASON AT MCCONAGHY HOUSE

Where/When: 18701 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Why Go: The Victorian-era home will be transformed with each room featuring decorations inspired by a different classic Christmas story

Price: $5 for adults, $3 for students and seniors, free for children 10 and under

4. SANTA AT NEWPARK MALL

Where/When: NewPark Mall (JC Penney Court), Newark; Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (break from 3 to 4 p.m.) and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. (break from 3 to 3:30 p.m.)

Why Go: Bring your children to meet Santa, tell him what's on their wish list and take photos. All children who visit will receive free reindeer antlers.

Price: The first print is $14.95, and second to ninth prints ordered are $7.95 each.

5. SKATE JAM AND RELEASE PARTY

Where/When: Union City Skate Park (in William Cann Civic Center Memorial Park), 34009 Alvarado-Niles Rd., Union City; Saturday starting at noon

Why Go: Celebrate the official release of Blackhorn Skateboards with a skate jam at Union City Skate Park. Compete in a game of SKATE for a cash prize, listen to music, check out cool merchandise and have a fun time with the Blackhorn team. The event will be followed by an after party at Shakers Pizza in Fremont.

Pricing: $5

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