If you ask me, Thanksgiving is underrated. It’s an excuse to eat food, play or watch football, and tell people you love them. You don’t get another chance to do that until Super Bowl Sunday (if your team is playing, that is).

Those already in the holiday spirit, gearing up for Christmas, will love the weekend events below. But don’t forget there is a holiday in between now and Christmas that’s just as worth your time and attention.

The Birds & More Nature Hike at Succop Nature Park, 185 W. Airport Road in Penn Township, will begin at 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 17. The free event is being put on by the Audubon Society.

Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center presents “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” on Thursday, Nov. 17. Secure tickets at lincolnparkarts.org.

Butler Art Center’s exhibit of veterans’ portraits is on display during gallery hours until Saturday, Nov. 19. Stop in at 334 S. Main St. in Butler to view local artists’ work.

Chicora Moose Lodge, 117 W. Slippery Rock St., will be packed with vendors and craftsmen for Christmas in Chicora. The show begins at 9 a.m. both Friday, Nov. 18, and Saturday, Nov. 19.

Celebrate the holidays at Alameda Park! On Friday, Nov. 18, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., children will have a chance to meet Santa himself. Admission is $7. Then, drive through the light show in the Odd Fellow Loop from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, and Sunday, Nov. 20 at 184 Alameda Park Road.

Slippery Rock University’s symphony orchestra will perform “Requiem for Fallen Soldiers” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, in Swope Music Hall on campus. The piece honors fighters in Ukraine. For tickets and information, visit sru.universitytickets.com.

Plains Presbyterian Church’s Craft Fair is a great place to pick up a holiday gift. Head out to 326 Plains Church Road, Cranberry Township, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19.

Mars’ Craft Show is one of the largest around, located at Mars Area middle and high schools. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, shop local artisans and support the schools.

A spaghetti dinner for Gary Smith — help with medical costs and familial expenses — will be from 2 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19. At Connoquenessing United Methodist Church on the borough’s main street, folks are invited to gather and eat for an admission fee of $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under.

On Route 19, the Streets of Cranberry Tree Lighting ceremony lasts from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20. Step out in the cold and celebrate the season!

The Big Butler Holiday Spectacular light show will be up and running at the Big Butler Fairgrounds, 1127 New Castle Road, Franklin Township, at 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20. Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.com.

Learn about hibernators and migrators on the Animal Trails Hike at Moraine State Park on Tuesday, Nov. 22. Meet at Pleasant Valley Picnic Area on the South Shore at 1 p.m. and wear warm clothes and take along drinking water.