FRIDAY

>> The legendary Patti Smith is at the 9:30 Club tonight, and tickets are incredibly still available for $25. Doors at 9, show at 10 p.m.

>> The idea of attending a lighting display, particularly after Christmas, might sound a bit cheesy. But the Garden of Lights in Wheaton might just change your mind. The designer tours the county gardens each year for inspiration for his display; this year, it invokes the four seasons. Which doesn't mean it fails to include a giant replica of the Loch Ness monster ... visit the gift shop beforehand, grab hot chocolate, and shell out $2 for the 3-D glasses, which make the experience oddly trippy. $15 per car; the last is admitted at 8:30 p.m.

>> For some post-holiday shrubbery, head to AFI Silver for the beginning of Monty Python At The Movies. Holy Grail plays tonight at 9:30. $9.75.

>> If you're a movie fan whose tolerance for British comedy is a bit low, head instead to the Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse, where Friday is wine-tasting night. The always-amusing Steve Carrel stars in Dan In Real Life at 7:30. $5.50.

SATURDAY

>> What happens when Dumbo's inner muse calls - the Hotel Palomar in Arlington has been displaying artwork created by elephants (yes, you read that right) trained to create specific shapes and designs. Saturday's the last day of the exhibit, and there's a wine hour each day 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. FREE.

>> Did you not get that Wii you asked for this Christmas? Get your geek on with the folks over at Marion Barry statue at Madame Tussauds wax museum, but reluctant to pay $20+ for admission? Just for this weekend, they're dropping the price to $15. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

>> Hardworking local boy Benjy Ferree (***) is at the Black Cat with The Points and The Shirks. $10, 9 p.m.

SUNDAY

>> Show Washington Shakespeare Company some love and check out one of their shows playing in repertory this weekend; Kafka's Dick is at 2 p.m. and the bizzare House of Yes is at 8 p.m. $30.

Stay tuned for our last-minute New Year's Eve suggestions...