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The Paramount Theatre and Asbury Park Film Initiative present Free Movie Friday with the holiday film "Elf" starring Will Ferrell.

(Courtesy of Warner Bros.)

ELF AT THE PARAMOUNT THEATRE IN ASBURY PARK

Buddy the Elf comes to Asbury Park this Friday night as the Asbury Park Film Initiative presents a free screening of "Elf" at The Paramount Theatre. The 2003 film, starring Will Ferrell as a man raised by Santa's elves, is a modern holiday classic. (Who doesn't want to just scream "SANTA! I KNOW HIM!" at any given point during the holiday season?) The film is free for all ages, and will feature movie theater concessions and a cash bar for those 21 and older. Also, no one's going to look down on you if you dress up like Buddy the Elf. Free. Friday, 7 p.m. 1300 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park.



CHRISTMAS SHOWS AT ADVENTURE AQUARIUM



We knew about Santa Claus' ability to delivery presents around the world in one night, but who knew he was also an accomplished diver? "Scuba Santa" dives are being held daily this weekend (11:15 a.m. and 2:15 p.m.) at Camden's Adventure Aquarium. Santa will swim with a hammerhead shark, sea turtles and sting rays. He is also the star of the live show entitled, "I Believe in Scuba Santa" (11:00 am, 12:30 pm, 2:00 pm). There's also retelling of the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by the aquarium's resident elves (11:45 a.m., 2:45 p.m). The rest of the aquarium will be conducting business as usual with all their jaw-dropping displays of the ocean's wonderful creatures. $18.95-$29.95 (day pass). Saturday & Sunday. 1 Riverside Drive, Camden. 856-365-3300.

The NJ Ballet and New Jersey Symphony Orchestra team up to present "The Nutcracker" at The Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown this weekend.

"THE FIGHTMARE BEFORE EXMAS" IN RAHWAY

Nothing says Christmas like headlocks, hurricanranas, and guitars smashed over someone's head. On Saturday, Pro Wrestling Syndicate presents their final show of 2015, "The Fightmare Before Exmas" at the Rahway Rec Center. The event will feature former WWE, WCW and ECW wrestlers Jeff Jarrett, Billy Gunn, Buff Bagwell, and Raven -- all of whom are available for a pre-show meet and greet. Independent sensations like Kenny Omega, Jessica Havok and Sami Callihan will also be in action along with PWS regulars Matt MacIntosh, Danny Maff, and Brian Myers. $20. Saturday, 6 p.m. (Meet & Greet), 8 p.m. (Show). 275 East Milton Avenue, Rahway.

THE NUTCRACKER AT THE MAYO PAC

There will be plenty of renditions of "The Nutcracker" happening this holiday season, but none will feature the tag team of New Jersey's top ballet and symphony outfits. The New Jersey Ballet Company will team with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra to bring the famed Christmas show about sugar plum fairies, candy flutes, and the nutcracker prince to life at the Mayo Performing Arts Center in Morristown December 18-26. The show will feature select matinees at 1 p.m. $29-$69. Friday Dec 18 (7:30 p.m.), Saturday Dec 19 (1:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m.), Sunday Dec 20 (1:00 p.m.), Wednesday Dec 23 (7:00 p.m.), Thursday Dec 24 (1:00 p.m.), Saturday Dec 26 (1:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m.). 100 South Street, Morristown, 973-539-0008.

CHRISTMAS WITH THE CLAWS

If you truly miss baseball season, and the off-season moves by Mets and Yankees weren't enough, you can head down to Lakewood for "Christmas with the Claws." This Saturday, FirstEnergy Park (home the Philadelphia Phillies Single A affiliate, the Lakewood BlueClaws) will be open to the public. Kids can get their photos taken with Santa, you can make a last second Christmas tree pick-up, or find that elusive gift you've been searching for from one of the many vendors on hand. There will be hot drinks served and Christmas movies throughout the day, and local musicians will be performing throughout the afternoon. Free. Saturday, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. 2 Stadium Way, Lakewood. 732-901-7000.

Lisa Lampanelli headlines the UCPAC on Saturday.

LISA LAMPANELLI COMES TO UNION COUNTY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

"Comedy's Lovable Queen of Mean" Lisa Lampanelli brings her uncompromising style of stand-up to the Union County Performing Arts Center on Saturday. Lampanelli is regarded as one of the top comediennes in the business today, receiving praise from everyone from Jim Carrey to Howard Stern. Lampanelli is currently on her "Leaner, Meaner" tour which is promoting her new live comedy album, "Back to the Drawing Board." The record, released in June, was recently nominated for a Grammy for Best Comedy album. $55. Saturday, 8 p.m. 1601 Irving Street, Rahway. 732-499-8226.

BRIAN KIRK & THE JIRKS ANNUAL COUNT BASIE CHARITY SHOW

Beloved Jersey Shore cover band frontman Brian Kirk (of Brian Kirk & The Jirks) presents his annual "Santa For..." charity show this Saturday at The Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank. This year the show will benefit Lunch Break, a Red Bank-based charity that helps combat hunger in the local area. Kirk's vision of a charity event is radically different than the usual "here's a bunch of bands playing one show" type of deal. Instead, he's put together a "risque Ed Sullivan-style variety show" featuring musical guests, skits, and of course Kirk's trademark sense of humor. The show will feature a special performance by new Bon Jovi guitarist Matt O'Ree and naturally, Brian Kirk and his band, The Jirks. $20-$75. Saturday, 8:00 p.m. 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, 732-842-9000.

Bill Bodkin can be reached at bodkinwrites@gmail.com. Find NJ.com/Entertainment on Facebook.