When December rolls around, as it will on Saturday, the calendar will be chock full of holiday events. It's a rarity this time of year to find a weekend with a surplus of non-seasonal activities, but this is one of them. So if you're not quite ready to commit to the holiday spirit, we've got some good alternatives. Besides, Sufjan Stevens' Christmas concert already sold out.

Below are your best options for your precious free time Thursday through Sunday. Don't like what you see? Lucky for you, we have a much longer list of the city's best events.

Thursday, November 29

Bettye Lavette in concert with Bobby Patterson
Bettye Lavette is a soul singer extraordinaire. She is celebrating her 50th anniversary in the industry, and she doesn't show any sign of slowing down. Hot on the heels of releasing yet another album, she'll be in Dallas to knock the doors off the Kessler Theater, alongside Dallas bluesman Bobby Patterson.

Performing Arts Fort Worth presents Reduced Shakespeare Company — The Ultimate Christmas Show (Abridged)
Sure, there's always a place for your Nutcrackers or Christmas Carols, but why limit yourself to the traditional shows? This touring production from the Reduced Shakespeare Company is playing through Sunday in McDavid Studio at Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth. The comedic send-up of all things related to the season guarantees your quota of holiday cheer.

Friday, November 30

Andrea Bocelli in concert
Andrea Bocelli doesn't exactly fit the mold of pop stars and rockers that have played at American Airlines Center recently, but he's arguably a bigger star than any of them. His brilliant tenor voice has made him a true crossover star, attracting fans no matter their language or musical tastes.

Holiday at AT&T Performing Arts Center — Tree Lighting Festival
The Dallas Arts District has been a hotbed of activity and good news this year, so what better place to celebrate the holiday season than smack dab in the middle of it? This event at Sammons Park features a slew of performances, including one by Cirque Dreams Holidaze, which appears at Winspear Opera House later in December.

Saturday, December 1

TEDxSMU 2012
The Dallas City Performance Hall will be buzzing with all sorts of ideas when the annual TEDxSMU event moves to its new location. From entrepreneurs to journalists, scientists and everyone in between, the best and brightest will be on hand to talk about their lives, creations and inspirations. Don't be surprised if you gain a little inspiration of your own.

Grand opening of Perot Museum of Nature and Science
When a place like the Perot Museum of Nature and Science first opens its doors to the public, it's an event in and of itself. Be among the first to explore the museum's 11 different halls, watch a 3D movie in its state-of-the-art theater or go hands-on with the plethora of interactive exhibits. As a bonus, the museum will have extended hours on both Saturday and Sunday, going from 10 am-midnight on Saturday and 9 am-5 pm on Sunday.

Sunday, December 2

Dallas Holocaust Museum presents Anne Frank: A Private Photo Album
It's been 67 years since the death of Anne Frank, but her brief life continues to have an impact, thanks to her diary and exhibits such as this one at the Dallas Holocaust Museum. The photos, taken from the private collection of Anne's father, Otto, show Anne and her family in a completely different light than what they experienced during World War II. The exhibit is on display through March 30, 2013.

Performing Arts Fort Worth presents Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom Starring Peter Gros
Wild animals will always hold a fascination for certain people, and Peter Gros is one of the best at introducing them to children. For this special show at Bass Performance Hall, he brings a few furry and scaly friends on stage, shows some fun videos, and talk about wildlife conservation.