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Dec 19
Mates of State; Mercury Lounge, Sound Fix, Williamsburg, 7:30pm, 10:30pm. $18, advance $15.
Upbeat indie-pop darlings Mates of State play a pair of cozy shows just in time for the holidays.
NYC Gin Society Presents: All About the Bitters; Morbid Anatomy Museum, Gowanus, 7:30pm. $30.
It's the holidays, ya'll, and you know what that means—time to drink (more)! Head to this gin-centric, libation mixing lesson so you can use what you learn to show off at your next holiday party.
Brooklyn Pop-Up Holiday Market; Bat Haus, Bushwick, 8pm. Free.
Those who love to shop local will recognize the Brooklyn vendors here, many of which showcase wallet-friendly treasures, which means maybe even your distant cousin Bob will get a gift this year. Yay, cheap buys!
The Inspired Word Presents Titillating Tongues: NYC Erotica in Poetry & Prose; Le Poisson Rouge, Greenwich Village, 7pm. Free.
The monthly open-mike night, hosted by poet Aimee Herman, features pulse-quickening performances that have previously included a male stripper simulating masturbation onstage.
New York Holiday Lights Tour; Macy's Herald Square, Midtown West, 3pm. $39, $19 for kids.
You'll get the lowdown on some of NYC's most monumental holiday light fixtures including Central Park's holiday markets, Park Avenue's "Boulevard of Lights" and The World's Largest Menorah on this annual tour.
The Imbible: A Spirited History of Drinking; The Celebration of Whimsy, Lower East Side, 8pm. $29 (includes three cocktails).
Media food and beverage expert Anthony Caporale whimsically spins the tale of our endless and complicated relationship with alcohol at this immersive, theatrical show.
Ratking + Show Me the Body + Yung Gutted + '86; Brooklyn Night Bazaar, Greenpoint, 8pm. Free.
Buzzy Harlem hip-hop trio Ratking, which released its debut album, So It Goes, earlier this year, matches wonky rhymes with spacey, jolting beats that'll make you want to dance. We foresee an attempt of "the robot" in your future.
WBLS and Hot 97’s Christmas in Brooklyn: Run DMC + LL Cool J + Lecrae + Diggy + Rae Sremmurd; Barclays Center, Prospect Heights, 7:30pm. $26.94–$257.10.
Hip-hop vets Run DMC team up with fellow Def Jam first-waver LL Cool J for an old-school–cool holiday bash.
Dec 20
Awkwafina; Knitting Factory, Williamsburg, 9pm, $10.
The comedic rap artist who actually wrote a single called "Queef" headlines the night. No really. "Queef" is a real song with an actual, existing music video, guys.
Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime; Brooklyn Bowl, Williamsburg, $8pm. $15.
Badfish, named after one of Sublime's greatest hits, has captured the lively spirit of the fun ska-punk band and plan to share it with you at this tribute performance.
Ugly Sweater Run; Citi Field, Queens, 11am. $55.
Don the most hideous ball of yarn you call clothes and wear it to this charitable 5K run in support of nonprofit organization Save the Children, dedicated to helping underprivileged kids everywhere.
Dec 21
Harry and the Potters Present Yule Ball; The Bell House, Gowanus, 6:30pm, $20.
It's an event perfectly suited for Potterheads: a performance featuring a Hogwarts-inspired musical group, Harry and the Potters.
Santa's Corner; Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, Midtown West, 1pm, Free.
"Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus"—all the way to Bryant Park.
"Make Music Winter"; Various locations, 11am. Free.
Pick your parade or hop around at this musical parade fest covering all of NYC.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra; Prudential Center, Newark, 3pm. $56.10–$88.80.
Rejoice! Your favorite shamelessly bombastic prog-pop-metal-classical spectacular has returned!