Weekend best bets: Lantern Fest, Dog Show

RALEIGH, N.C. — Our picks for this holiday weekend:

Empire visit - Bryshere Gray aka Yazz the Greatest aka Hakeem Lyon from Fox's "Empire" will play Mirage nightclub in Raleigh Friday night.

HighSchoolOT.com Holiday Invitational - See some of the top high school basketball players in the nation during this tournament at Broughton High School in Raleigh. Games are Saturday and then Monday through Wednesday. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

Carolina Ballet presents "The Nutcracker" - See the holiday classic before it finishes up its run on Dec. 28 at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium.

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer The Musical - See the holiday classic come to live at Fletcher Opera Theater this weekend. Shows run through Dec. 30. Tickets start at $22.

NC Chinese Lantern Festival - Enjoy a collection of beautiful light sculptures at Booth Amphitheatre in Cary this weekend. The festival runs through Jan 3. Adult tickets are $20, while those ages 3 years to 17 years old are admitted for $12. Children ages 2 years and younger are admitted for free.

Kings Dog Show - Head to Kings Barcade in downtown Raleigh Saturday night for this fun event featuring a select group of dogs and their humans competing onstage in front of a panel of outspoken judges and a live studio audience. Dogs of all breeds (purebred or otherwise!) and all ages are welcome. Tickets are $8.

Andy Woodhull - The comedian plays Goodnights Comedy Club Saturday and Sunday. Tickets start at $20.