Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the 2nd Annual Upcountry Winter Fest at King Kekaulike High School this weekend. Kauwela Kaia Photography photo

We hope you are surrounded by joy, family, peace and happiness this holiday season and are finding plenty of reasons to be grateful.

Whether you are looking for a Thanksgiving Dinner to take the family out to, or are excited for the upcoming holiday shopping season, we have a list of some places to check out this week and into the next.

Also, if you have an event you’d like to see featured in our weekly top events feature, make sure to send us an email at mmoseley@mauinews.com, or give us a call at (808) 242-6363.

Have a beautiful weekend Maui News readers and a hui hou!

Hale Kau Kau (Thursday, Nov. 28; 12 p.m.-2 p.m., Kihei): If you’re looking for a free Thanksgiving meal this week, head on down to Hale Kau Kau for a homemade meal. All are welcome. No questions asked. Located at Stawasz Hall, St. Theresa Church in Kihei. If you want to volunteer or to get more information call 808-875-8754.

Double Dollar Day at the Fun Factory (Thursday, Nov. 28; 10 a.m.- 11 p.m., Kahului): Bring the keiki out to the Maui Village Mall in Kahului for a day of fun at the Fun Factory! Guests receive double the points on their tokens all day long. Located at 70 E. Kaahumanu Ave.

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Fairmont Kea Lani (Friday, Nov. 29; 5 p.m.-7 p.m., Wailea): If you’re ready to get in the Christmas spirit, head to the Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea for the annual tree lighting event. The community is welcomed to participate in the effort that showcases 23,000 lights on one of the largest Christmas trees in the state. There will be live entertainment, hula dancing, and music from the Kamehameha Schools Maui Hawaiian Ensemble. Located at 41000 Wailea Alanui Dr.

Japanese Calligraphy Workshop (Friday, Nov. 22; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Kahului): There will be a Japanese Calligraphy Workshop this Sunday with two sessions to choose from. The first session begins at 10 a.m. and lasts until noon. The second session runs from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. Head to the Kahului Jodo Mission at 325 Laau St. Register at jcsmaui.org and select your workshop session. During the class you may create a beautiful wall hanging featuring next year’s zodiac animal, the Snake, or your own zodiac kanji character. Workshop open to people of all skill levels. Prices start around $30 for JCSM members and Kahului Jodo members and $35 for non-members. Membership is only $10 or $20 and you can sign up at jcsmaui.org. Email jcsmhawaii@gmail.com for more information.

Arrival of Santa at The Shops at Wailea (Friday, Nov. 29; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wailea): At 9 a.m. on Friday, Santa departs Kalama Park and will be escorted by a procession of classic cars and bikes before arriving at The Shops at Wailea at 10 a.m.. The first 50 guests who join The Shops for Santa’s arrival will receive a complimentary exclusive luggage tag. Events will occur throughout the day including free photos with Santa, a Polynesian show, and keiki ballet. For more information call 808-891-6770.

Holiday Craft Festival to Benefit Local Charities (Saturday, Nov. 30; 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., Waikoloa): Hilton Waikoloa Village is hosting a Holiday Craft Festival, showcasing handmade creations from over 40 local crafters and artisans.The Holiday Craft Festival takes place on Saturday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Waikoloa Convention Center. The event is free and open to the public, and includes free entry and parking. Proceeds from the event will go toward on-island charities and local communities through Hilton Waikoloa Village’s charity committee. Located at 69-425 Waikōloa Beach Dr. in Waikoloa Village.

2nd Annual Upcountry Winter Fest at King Kekaulike High School (Saturday, Nov. 30; 3 p.m.-8 p.m., Upcountry): The 2nd Annual Upcountry Winter Fest at King Kekaulike High School will take place from 3-8 p.m. on Saturday. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for photos from 5:00 p.m. until closing.

Molokai Community Christmas Nativity Festival (Friday- Saturday, Nov. 29-30; 4 p.m.-7 p.m., p.m.-3 p.m., Kaunakakai): Molokai residents can enjoy a special Christmas Nativity Festival this weekend at the Home Pumehana Main Hall. The event will include a string instrument concert, pageant, children’s choir and more!

Whose Live Anyway? (Sunday, Dec. 1; 7:30 p.m., Kahului): Head to the Maui Arts & Cultural Center this Sunday and enjoy a laugh or two with Whose Live Anyway? at the Castle Theater. WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY? is 90 minutes of improvised comedy and song. Cast members Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis, and Joel Murray from Whose Line is it Anyway? will be present. WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY? showcases some of the improv games made famous on the TV show. Musical direction by Laura Hall. Tickets are $45, $59.50, and $79.50 seats, plus fees. Prices increase the day of the show. For more information visit mauiarts.org.

The Sugar Kittens and their special musical guests (Monday, Dec. 2; 6:30 p.m., Wailuku): Maui OnStage presents the December One Night Only -The Sugar Kittens and their special musical guests. Monday, Dec 2 at 6:30 p.m. at the Historic Iao Theater in Wailuku. House opens at 6 p.m. Pre-show concessions will be provided by the Maui OnStage Education and Youth Program. Thanks to the sponsor, Russ Taft, the event is free to the public. Reserve your seats today.