Nov. 27 weekly planner: Top 10 LI events

1. Big Duck lighting

WHEN | WHERE 7 p.m. Wednesday, Route 24, Flanders

INFO 631-852-3377, www.co.suffolk.ny.us

ADMISSION Free

Long Island's lovable, 20- foot-tall landmark gets into holiday mode with a spirited celebration Wednesday in Flanders.

Visitors will gather and sing duck-themed carols (think "Duck the Halls") while awaiting the arrival of Santa, who will flip the switch to illuminate the Big Duck for the season.

2. Candlelight house tour

Three Village Historical Society's annual holiday house tour is a chance to peek at five homes (some dating to the 1880s) decorated for the holidays in the Setauket area. The self-guided tour runs 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday -- get started with an optional breakfast beforehand at the Stony Brook Yacht Club (8:30-10 a.m.). Tour tickets must be purchased in advance.

WHEN | WHERE 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 93 North Country Rd., Setauket

INFO 631-751-3730, tvhs.org

ADMISSION $60 ($40 tour only)

3. Grateful Dead clips

It's a side of the Grateful Dead maybe you haven't seen. Music archivist Bill Shelley hosts a screening of rare concert clips and other footage featuring the '70s rockers and their "Dead Head" fans.

WHEN | WHERE 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington

INFO 631-423-7611, cinemaartscentre.org

ADMISSION $13

4. Brand New

The Merrick lads have moved from the earlier, more pop-emo sound ("Jude Law and a Semester Abroad," "The Quiet Things That No One Ever Knows") to the heavier sounds of "Sowing Season (Yeah)" and "You Stole." Now, they headline their own gigs at the Paramount.

WHEN | WHERE 8 p.m. Sunday and Monday, 370 New York Ave., Huntington

INFO 631-673-7300, paramountny.com

ADMISSION $32-$39

5. 'Elf on the Shelf'

Straight from the North Pole, the children's storybook "Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition" comes to Book Revue. Meet co-author Carol Aebersold along with the elf at a book signing in Huntington. The book is sold in a keepsake box that includes a plush "magical" elf that -- as the story goes -- watches a family and flies back to Santa's workshop every night with a report on who is naughty and who is nice.

WHEN | WHERE 4 p.m. Thursday, 313 New York Ave., Huntington

INFO 631-271-1442, bookrevue.com

ADMISSION Free

6. Charles Dickens Festival

The Victorian era of old England is brought to life as the author of "A Christmas Carol" is celebrated along with his work throughout the village of Port Jefferson. Tiny Tim, Mr. Scrooge, the Fezziwigs and many others will be on hand in character to meet and greet festivalgoers; children's activities include Santa's workshop, a magic show and storytime with Mother Goose. There'll be carriage and trolley rides, a Victorian Christmas tree on display, period music, a lantern-lit house tour, crafts and readings.

WHEN | WHERE Friday-next Sunday, Port Jefferson Village

INFO 631-473-4724, portjeff.com

ADMISSION Free (fee for some events)

7. Holiday Lights Festival

Thursday is the grand opening for Newsday's own Holiday Lights Festival, where patrons can walk through an outdoor display of lighted scenes and characters. While you're there, take a spin on the outdoor ice rink, visit with Santa or shop the holiday marketplace with its food and gift vendors.

WHEN | WHERE 6-10 p.m. Thursdays, 6-11 p.m. Fridays, 5-11 p.m. Saturdays and 5-10 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 30. Closed Dec. 24-25.

INFO 631-843-2666, newsday.com/holidaylights

ADMISSION $6, $4 children 3-12, $2 more for ice skating

8. Speaking Shakespeare

To be or not to be? That is the question. Scenes from the popular playwright's revered works will be performed onstage by members of Guild Hall's classical acting class -- including "Twelfth Night," "Richard III" and "Romeo and Juliet."

WHEN | WHERE 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Guild Hall, 158 Main St., East Hampton

INFO 631-324-0806, guildhall.org

ADMISSION Free

9. Men's Choral Concert

They've been together for 63 seasons -- the Huntington Men's Chorus performs its annual holiday concert onstage featuring festive songs, show tunes, classical numbers and a traditional Christmas carol sing-a-long with the audience.

WHEN | WHERE 8 p.m. Saturday, Huntington High School, Oakwood and McKay Roads, Huntington

INFO 631-271-8423, huntingtonmenschorus.com

ADMISSION $12 ($10 students)

10. The Dog Whisperer

Canine behaviorist and TV personality Cesar Millan tries to connect owners and their dogs on a deeper level. He brings some of his own dogs to the stage at NYCB Theatre for a demonstration and discussion of techniques he's used to train animals and remedy problem behavior.

WHEN | WHERE 7 p.m. Friday, NYCB Theatre at Westbury

INFO 800-745-3000, livenation.com

ADMISSION $29.50-$49.50