Brooks BBQ. Drive-Thru only Chicken/Rib Dinners $12/$13 Chicken/Rib only $8/$9.​ 2 to 5 p.m. or until sold out Lynnwood Reformed Church 3714 Carman Rd, Guilderland

Gingerbread House Potluck Party Switzkill Farm 1 to 3 p.m. 165 Game Farm Road, Berne.

Howliday Pet Parade. All social pets welcome; a leash, pet carrier, or stroller a must. Costumes encouraged! We’ll march on the sidewalks for our safety. Hope you can join in, and make your Victorian Holiday purrfect! 11:45 a.m. at Masonic Temple, 138 Maple Ave., Altamont.

Defend the Pine Bush. A benefit to keep development out of the pine bush ecosystem. Doors open at 7 p.m. bands start at 8 p.m. and will be held at the Low Beat, 335 Central Avenue Albany 12206.

Earth’s Earliest Life. This talk by State Paleontologist Dr. Lisa Amati will present evidence about when and where the first life evolved on Earth and how we identify it. A 20-minute talk at The State Museum, from 12:10 to 12:40 p.m., in the Huxley Theater, 222 Madison Avenue Albany, 12230. Attendees are encouraged to bring their lunch.

"Create Great Floral Designs" by Michele Peters. To be presented by The Men’s Garden Club of Albany. The meeting is for women as well as men and is preceded by dinner ($25) at 6:30 if desired. Program will start at 7:30 p.m. and will be held in the Dining Room at the Beltrone Living Center, 6 Winners Circle, Colonie. For information or reservations call Russ Greenman at 518-477-8321.

Winter Solstice Hike. Join us for a 0.9 mile hike as the sun sets on the shortest day of the year.  Reservations required by calling 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org/events. Starts at 6 p.m. at 195 New Karner Road, Albany.

Blood Drive. Will be held by the Latham-Colonie Council Knights of Columbus #3394, in conjunction with the American Red Cross. 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 328 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, 12110.

Albany Figure Skating Club Annual Winter Ice Show. Will feature young figure skaters from all over the Capital District in solo and group performances. Admission is $5 per person, $3 for seniors and students, and free for children 5 years old and under. 12 to 2:30 p.m. at the Bethlehem YMCA, 900 Delaware Ave., Delmar.

Christmas Festival at First United Methodist Church of Voorheesville. A choral concert of holiday music featuring ReVamped and more! 7 p.m. at 68 Maple Avenue, Voorheesvile.