The holidays are fast approaching, as the somewhat premature Christmas decorations on the Loop have reminded us. Whether you are trying to get a jumpstart on your shopping or glam up your look for the festive season, here is our weekend guide to the spots that will put you in the holiday spirit.

Lights, Camera, Action

Celebrate the oncoming holiday season and some seriously wintry weather Friday night at Macy’s Holiday Festival of Lights. The Christmas season has officially started, so come downtown to see the city illuminated with festive lights and a dazzling fireworks display. There will be music, entertainment, delicious desserts, hot chocolate—and Santa will be making a guest appearance. Let’s be honest, who doesn’t want to take a picture with Santa?

Where: May Amphitheatre in Kiener Plaza, downtown St. Louis

When: Friday, Nov. 19., 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Stress-Free Drinking

We know, especially after Black Friday, you’ll probably need a break from your holiday shopping. Luckily, the people at Sub Zero Vodka Bar know just how to embrace the holiday spirit by mixing up some new cocktails to relieve the holiday stress! Check out the Vodka Bar for some customized, worldly cocktails. You can sample vodkas from Asia, Russia, Europe and more. The bar hosts a “0 degrees” Happy Hour Monday through Friday—meaning you can shop all morning in the Central West End (arguably St. Louis’ best shopping district) and then walk on over to Sub Zero to sip on some cocktails in the afternoon. Thanks to Sub Zero’s holiday offers, gift shopping just got a whole lot less stressful.

Where: Sub Zero Vodka Bar, 308 N. Euclid Ave., Central West End, St. Louis 63108

When: Happy Hour: Mondays-Fridays, 4-6 p.m.

“South Pacific”

The Fabulous Fox Theatre (yes, that’s really the theater’s name) is showing the Broadway hit “South Pacific” by Rodgers and Hammerstein. Set on a tropical island in the Pacific during World War II, the show is about two couples whose happiness is in jeopardy due to the reality of the war and their own prejudices. It is perfect timing for this show to hit St. Louis because watching a great classic can make anyone feel warm and fuzzy.

Where: Fabulous Fox Theatre, 527 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis 63103

When: Nov. 11,12,16, 17, and 20

Make some magic

You don’t need a flying broomstick to attend the muggle event of the year—“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows: Part I.” If you missed the midnight showing, make sure to purchase a ticket ASAP to catch the movie on its opening weekend. If you’re a true fan, you may want to dress up as Harry, Hermoine or Ron and show your Hogwarts pride. Hint: Don’t waste your time browsing the web for tickets because online ticketing is no longer available. Hurry up and get on over to the AMC Esquire, keep your fingers crossed, and hope you can still get a ticket at the door. Why not kick off the holiday season with a group of friends, some popcorn and a late night viewing of our favorite series?

Where: AMC Esquire 7, 6706 Clayton Road, St. Louis

When: Thursday, Nov. 19 at 12:50 p.m., 4:10 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 10:50 p.m.

Get Artsy

Look out movie buffs. You guys have the chance to take a breather from Hollywood drama and see dozens of independent films at the 19th annual Stella Artois St. Louis International Film Festival. Catch the premieres at the Tivoli Theatre, Plaza Frontenac, Hi-Pointe Theatre and other venues. The festival will showcase all genres of movies and shorts from around the world—and, best of all, some of the filmmakers participate in discussions after screenings. To make this activity even more enticing, student tickets are only $10. Visit cinemastlouis.org for details.

Where: Multiple venues

When: Nov. 11-21