The Blaze of Lights starts early. Here's two event taking placing on Friday in Bluffton:

• Two free showings of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” at the Shannon Theatre. Showings are at 1:30 and 4 p.m. Sponsors are Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn and Shannon Theatre.

 • Holly Follies Variety Show, new this year, two performances: 8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 25, and Saturday, Nov. 26, in the Bluffton Middle School cafetorium. Tickets are sold at the door for $5 adults and $3 children, free for youth 3 and under.