(Muppet Movie)
* Charles Dickens’ holiday classic has been reinvented and reinterpreted dozens of times. But you’ve got to especially love Brian Henson’s properly goofy, big screen blockbuster “The Muppet Christmas Carol” from 1992. Thanks to the Bartholomew County Public Library at 536 Fifth St. in downtown Columbus, you can enjoy it anew with others — and for free — at 11 a.m. Friday at the venue. Kermit the Frog plays Bob Crachit in this presentation that critics praised for being faithful to the original tale, and boasting enough hyperkinetic visuals to keep the youngest viewers focused and entertained. Information: mybcpl.org.
* As I have grown older and sometimes out of touch with today’s children, the formerly mean ol’ Grinch has become almost more popular than nice ol’ Santa these days for the pint-sized crowd. Don’t believe me? You can see for yourself at the scheduled Whoville Skate that features skating with the Grinch from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday at Hamilton Community Center and Ice Arena, 2501 Lincoln Park Drive in Columbus. Crafts and activities also will be included. The gatherings in the past have been popular. Let’s just hope that ex-Mr. Mean One Green One is a safer skater than he is a sledder (remember the TV special?). Cost is $9 per person.
* An idea that sounds way too basic, perhaps, but perfect for the holiday weekend: Why not grab the family or a friend and take a relaxing stroll downtown to see all the Christmas lights on foot? And don’t forget the city Christmas tree at City Hall. For a warm-up, there are a few places to grab hot chocolate or coffee.
Staff writer Brian Blair can be reached at [email protected]
