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The musical version of "Elf" will hit the stages of The State Theatre in New Brunswick this weekend.

(Photo Courtesy of The State Theatre)

'ELF' THE MUSICAL: Buddy the Elf comes to life in musical form this weekend at The State Theatre in New Brunswick. "Elf -- the Broadway Musical" is based on the 2003 Will Ferrell Holiday classic about a man, raised by elves in the North Pole, who goes to New York City to find his biological father (played by James Caan in the film). The film was adapted to stage in 2010 and had successful Broadway runs during the holiday seasons from 2010 to 2013. The show kicks off Friday, right after the New Brunswick Christmas tree lighting which takes place steps from the theater. The show runs Friday through Sunday. Don't forget the maple syrup. $35-$95. Friday 7:30 p.m., Saturday 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. 15 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick. 732-246-7469.

PUNK NIGHT AT HOUSE OF INDEPENDENTS: If you're ready for a little anarchy in the U.K. or you want find out just how much of a punk rocker Sheena actually is, then go to Asbury Park's House of Independents on Saturday. The concert venue hosts its first ever "Punk Night," a dance party/celebration of punk music features music spun by Pete Steinkopf, guitarist for Asbury's favorite sons, The Bouncing Souls. There is no cover for this event, but you must be 21 or older to hang out. Free. Saturday, 9 p.m. 572 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park. 866-777-8932.

HOT 97 HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Hip hop fans can end the year in the biggest way possible Saturday in Newark. Hot 97's annual "Hot for the Holidays" Christmas show is loaded with A-list names. Performers include: Usher, Travi$ Scott, T.I., Young Thug, Lil' Yachty, Joey Bada$$, Jidenna, and Kehlani. There is also a special set from Hot 97's own DJ Funkmaster Flex. He'll have the likes of Fat Joe, Remy Ma, Young M.A, and Phresher (amongst others) popping up on stage with him. $59-$310. 25 Lafayette Street, Newark. 973-757-6600.

EVENING AT THE OVERLOOK IN ASBURY PARK: Join a bunch of super-cool original bands performing in the name of charity at The Overlook at Convention Hall in Asbury Park on Saturday. The entire show is being produced in order to benefit Move for Hunger, a "non-profit organization that works with relocation companies to collect non-perishable food items, and deliver it to food banks all across North America." Cassanova Cassettes, a legitimate cassette tape company who has put out local Asbury band's records on cassette, is sponsoring the night. Bands performing include: Yawn Mower, Levy & The Oaks, Beatrix Potter Band, GayGuy/StraightGuy, Prehistoric Forest, Ba Babes, and TrapBang. $10 ($7 if you bring canned or non-perishable food donation). Saturday, 7 p.m. 1300 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park (located on the second floor of Convention Hall).

SOUTH ASIAN MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL: The culture, music, and heritage of India and South Asia are on display in Princeton on December at the Princeton University Art Museum. The Saturday day-long event is brought to Princeton in conjunction with the installation dubbed the "Epic Tales from India: Paintings from the San Diego Museum of Art." The festival features South Asian culture and community with music, dance, storytelling, activities for people of all ages, and traditional cuisines. The festival will include a special performance at 5:30 p.m. from renowned dance Ramya Ramnarayan. There is a live instrumental backing Ramnarayn through the night. Tickets are currently on standby only for the show. Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 1 Einstein Drive, Princeton. 609-734-8000.

GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKET: Lake Mohawk gets a little Bavarian this weekend. The annual Lake Mohawk German Christmas Market (or Weihnachtsmarkt in German) takes place Saturday and Sunday in Sparta at the Lake Mohawk Country Club. The event features authentic German food and merchandise, a wide array of vendors, live entertainment, beer, a petting zoo, pony rides, a photo station, and of course Santa's hut. Jolly old Saint Nick appears at the market from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday and noon to 2 p.m. on Sunday. There's a cookie contest held each day for the kids from 3 to 5 p.m. Free. Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 21 Boardwalk, Sparta. 973-729-5027.

MIKE BIRBIGLIA AT THE STRESS FACTORY: One of the top comics in the country, Mike Birbiglia comes to The Stress Factory for a two-night, four-show stand. The comedian, who just filmed a new special for Netflix earlier this month, is fresh off the critically acclaimed comedy "Don't Think Twice." Birbiglia's latest show is called "Working It Out" and in the comedian's own words he promises the, "shows will be raw, semi-improvised, unfinished...but fun, funny, and one of a kind." $25-$35. Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m., 9:45 p.m. 90 Church Street, New Brunswick. 732-545-4242.

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