FRIDAY, NOV. 23, 2012 >>>

1. How do you escape the pressures of the holidays, like, really quick? Bundle up, drop your packages in the trunk, pinch your cheeks until they glow and strap on a pair of silver skates, Hans Brinker, for a glide across the frozen expanse at Tollefson Plaza. The Franciscan Polar Plaza, located on the corner of Pacific Avenue and South 17th Street. The covered outdoor rink is about half the size of a hockey rink. It will have real ice and hold about 150 skaters at a time. To read the top 10 reasons why Polar Plaza is awesome, click here.

2. Remember when you used to dress your dolls up and make them act out scenes from Footloose? There they were all lined up on the bed, and G.I. Joe with the kung fu grip was causing trouble and Barbie was fighting with Cabbage Patch while their passive-aggressive little stuffed animal children hid their eyes. Yep, you've always been strange. But the point of this is you're still a fan of physical agility and humor. Vashon circus/music duo Lelavision - the troupe that combines Cirque de Soleil and Stomp, and then adds its own unique vision for a humorous, musical, theatrical and dance performance unlike any other - returns to the Museum of Glass for family-friendly performances at 1 and 3 p.m. Catch their science meets musical dance with a Cabbage Patch in your pocket. Freak.

3. If you're looking for a holiday-oriented family outing in the weeks leading up to Christmas, Zoolights at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is a solid pick. Staff at PDZA decorates the animal hangout with a half-million colorful lights throughout the property. Once dark, the zoo illuminates as families take in the beautiful lights and magnificent displays. From the moment you walk in, there's a relatively cheap toy stand where kids can purchase neat glow-in-the-dark items. There are other activities families can enjoy as well. They can ride a camel, take a fun spin on the antique carousel. Zoolights opens tonight at 5 p.m. and stays opens until 9 p.m. daily.

4. A new adaptation of Dreamgirls, the 1981 Tony award-winning musical turned 2006 Oscar award-winning film, launches the DASH Center's 2012-13 season at 7:30 p.m. tonight inside the Charles Wright Academy LAPAC Theatre, 7723 Chambers Creek Rd. W., University Place. Dreamgirls follows the rise and fall of a 1960s female singing group, their struggles to succeed in the music world, and their interpersonal she-wars.

5. 253Heart Music Festival continues today at the Harmon Taproom and Harmon Brewery & Eatery open the doors to the community, allowing local talent to play its heart out, plus providing an opportunity to give back  - admission is non-perishable food items for local food banks. For today's schedule, click here.

LINK: Friday, Nov. 23 arts and entertainment events in the greater Tacoma and Olympia area