Get Out: Santa Paws Parade, Christmas at Ardenwood, Holiday Music

It’s Thursday, 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.

• Where/When: , 32975 Alvarado Niles Rd., Union City; Friday starting at 5 p.m.
• Why Go: Test your luck and compete for a chance to win hundreds of dollars. Get your daubers ready! The weekly event also features a snack bar and free coffee and tea.
• Pricing: Prices vary

• Where/When: Washington Hospital West, 2500 Mowry Ave., Fremont, CA; Saturday at 8 a.m.
• Why Go: The annual event promises to be a fun-filled event for you little ones. The event will feature breakfast, entertainment, an appearance by Ronald McDonald, a photo with Santa and more. Proceeds will benefit Washington Hospital's hospice care services. For more information, or to make a reservation, call 510-791-3428.
• Pricing: $10

SANTA PAWS PARADE

• Where/When: Parade begins at Foothill Boulevard and B Street in downtown Hayward; Saturday at 10 a.m.
• Why Go: Dress up your pets and let them strut their stuff to help raise money for homeless animals. Enter your pet in a variety of categories, including Best Holiday Dressed Pet, Pet and Owner Look-Alike and more.
• Pricing: Early registration — $10 per pet or $15 for two or more pets. Same day registration — $12 per pet or $17 for two or more pets.

• Where/When: Ardenwood Historical Farm, 34600 Ardenwood Blvd, Fremont, CA; Saturday at 10 a.m.
• Why Go: Experience the holidays on a historic farm. Sing Christmas carols, buy Christmas crafts, search for the Yule log, meet Father Christmas, listen to live music, watch puppet shows and more.
• Pricing: $8 for adults, $6 for seniors age 62 older, $5 for children ages 4 through 17, free for children 3 and under

• Where/When: NewPark Mall (lower lever, near Sears), Newark; Sunday at 3 p.m.
• Why Go: Join local musical ensembles and choirs as they perform holiday music throughout December at NewPark Mall. Kicking off the monthlong musical series this Sunday is The Apollo Duo.
  
• Pricing: Free