Feeling grateful?

Grateful Dead tribute band Dark Star Orchestra comes to the Lebanon Opera House on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. The band has gained critical acclaim across the country with its re-creations of historic Grateful Dead shows, and its lead guitarist and vocalist, John Kadlecik, recently joined Grateful Dead founding members Phil Lesh and Bob Weir in their new band, Furthur. Tickets are $34 in advance and $36 at the door. Call 448-0400 or visit lebanonoperahouse.org.

Holiday fun

The Loon Center in Moultonborough will hold its annual holiday open house on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be kids crafts, balloon animals, face painting, nature exhibits by the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center and refreshments donated by area establishments. Hayrides begin at 11 a.m. (weather permitting), and Santa will arrive at noon. Guests can do some holiday shopping at the Loon Center gift shop, where all items will be 20-percent off, and trails on the Markus Wildlife Sanctuary are open from dawn to dusk. For more information, call 476-5666.

Free chuckles

Need a laugh? Head to the Manchester Community Access Channel 23 studio on Monday at 7 p.m. for a live comedy contest. Seven comedians will perform each Monday night through Dec. 21, competing to be the opening act at the community access channel's first annual Comedy Nite fundraiser in January. The shows are for adults ages 18 and up. Snacks and beverages will be available, and door prizes will be awarded. For more information, visit mcam.org.

Sounds of the season

The New Hampshire Philharmonic welcomes the holiday season will its annual holiday pops concert on Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Stockbridge Theatre in Derry. The show, hosted by WMUR's Amy Coveno, will feature light classical works including selections from The Nutcracker and the Messiah, as well as popular favorites. The Pinkerton Academy Chorale will join the orchestra for several pieces. Tickets are $15 to $50 and can be purchased at 437-5210 or nhphilharmonic.org.

Scottish gala

The Strathspey & Reel Society of NH presents its annual Scottish Gala concert on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at the Concord City Auditorium. The concert, titled "Scotland Comes to America," is directed by Scottish fiddle champion Emerald Rae and will feature guest artist, Jacqueline Schwab, a well-known pianist and one of the of the musicians in Ken Burns's documentaries. Tickets are $10-$20 and can be purchased in advance at srsnh.org or at the door.

A Christmas tale

Popular New England author Willem Lange will be at Gibson's Bookstore on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. to read from and sign his new children's book, Favor Johnson: A Christmas Story. He'll be accompanied by the book's illustrator, Bert Dodson. For more information, call 224-0562 or visit gibsonsbookstore.com.