The weekend is creeping quickly, and we’re heading into the time of year that requires careful planning and plenty of party-hopping. On the calendar for this weekend:

Friday, I’ll be heading downtown in the early evening to meet friends at Tryst Lounge for snacks and drinks during the 5-8 p.m. happy hour ($3.50 Van Gogh vodka drinks, house wine, draft beers, and wells) before bundling up for the Parade of Lights. Since we’ll already be dressed for the weather, not to mention that parking will be an utter nightmare, (but here’s a list of lots for $5 or less) we’ll hoof it over to the newly opened Moscow Underground for — what else? — White Russians.

Saturday, it’s all about the holiday parties. First I’ll check out the Max Fashion Show, hosted by Max Martinez of MAX clothing boutique in Cherry Creek. Held at the Sherman Street Event Complex, he’ll feature the latest collections by Chloe, Missoni, Narciso Rodriguez, Miu Miu and Gaultier. Tickets range from $45 for general admission to $175 for front-row runway seats, and proceeds benefit Volunteers of America’s Brandon Center, a shelter for homeless women and their children.

Later, I plan to pop by the Chillin Black Tie party at the Luna Hotel, where many of Denver’s well-networked scenesters will mix and mingle to the sounds of DJ Idiom. The party also includes a short formalwear fashion show, a breakdancing performance (slightly odd for a formal party, but I think it will be fun to watch) and special multimedia visuals. This event is the kickoff for host Dave Hieb’s new When I Grow Up foundation, a professional mentoring program that will help school-age kids see firsthand what various careers have to offer in the actual workplace.