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Fri 9
The Xmas Pop Sing-Along Union Hall; 9:30pm; $10
Wet your whistle with some complimentary milk and cookies and give the gift of your voice at this giant sing-along shindig. The big man in red himself hosts as he leads the crowds through their favorite hits by the likes of Bing Crosby, the Jackson 5 and Mariah Carey. Go all-out with your wardrobe choices: There’s a competition for both the best Santa costume and worst holiday sweater. Throw back a few Xmas cocktails like the Santa’s Sleigh, Egg Nog and Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer—you’ll need the liquid courage to win the prize for being the naughtiest.
No Office Holiday Party Littlefield; 8pm; $5
Don’t let the freelance lifestyle give you a blue Christmas—everyone (even folk with office jobs) is invited to this sixth-annual bash. Sing your heart out to live-band karaoke without fear of your boss judging you or grind up on a sexy stranger while the DJ spins holiday songs without ever worrying about running into them in the elevator days later. There will also be a Santa and Lady Santa getting their groove on and a holiday photo booth so you can have evidence of why you ended up on Kris Kringle’s naughty list. It's almost enough to make not having benefits worthwhile.
Indian Market and Social La MaMa Experimental Theatre; noon; free
Safe Harbors Indigenous Collective hosts this three-day marketplace featuring jewelry, baskets, clothing, sculpture and paintings made by Native American artists. Between browsing, check out performances by the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers.
India Kaleidoscope Festival Museum of the Moving Image; 10am; $15–$30
Discover gems from India’s indie and regional film world at this showcase of movies beyond Bollywood, including India in a Day-—the country’s first crowd sourced movie—followed by a panel with director Richie Mehta and music from Brooklyn Raga Massive. Also featured is the drama The Violin Player, with director Bauddhayan Mukherji.
New York Motorcycle Show Javits Center; 9am; $20, two-day pass $30
This showcase of hot rides gives you a full-service experience while you’re checking out rad bikes. Step in for a haircut at Flo’s Chop Shop, get new tattoos at the Inked Tattoo Parlor, and buy new gear at the Marketplace. As for the bikes, you’re in for a heart-racing show of new and vintage rides from all over the U.S.
Karaoke Tremendous Union Hall; midnight; free
Lord Easy joins Sir Jarlsberg to reincarnate the high-energy karaoke dance party, 'Karaoke Killed the Cat.' Enter a no-judgment-zone where anyone can sing and dance their heart out.
The Daily Show: The Book The powerHouse Arena; 7pm; free
Learn the secrets of the beloved political satire institution with this oral history, introduced by author Chris Smith and Daily Show writers Elliott Kalan and Hallie Haglund.
Sat 10
SantaCon various locations; 10am; $10 suggested donation
Divisive charity-focused bar crawl SantaCon is going ahead this year, despite rumors of cancellation and entreaties from the NYPD that republicans refuse to serve participants. Those not dissuaded and determined to dust off the ol’ Kris Kringle suit should follow @santacon on Twitter or check the website for the starting location as well as updates throughout the day on the route and new Santa Spectacular party. And remember just because you’re wearing a Santa suit doesn’t mean all bars love you. Make sure you know if your desired bar has SantaCon policies.
Bulletin Holiday Market; 1pm; free
This recently opened alfresco bazaar was cool for the summer, but now that it’s actually cold outside, it’s moving indoors for a fully decorated holiday bonanza. Before you hunt for handcrafted goodies from a variety of local designers, get toasty with spiked hot cocoa. And once you’ve nabbed unique items for the whole fam, celebrate by taking a whirl on the dance floor and grooving to a DJ brought to you by party organizers Supply New York.
House of Love: Dance Party & Sensual Experience House of Yes; 10pm; $30–$35
Cast your inhibitions aside as you enter this psychedelic, sensually stimulating fun house. Within moments of walking in, you’ll be invited into secret rooms, BDSM dungeons, pop-up massage booths and blindfolded adventures. While the DJs bring the house down with synth beats, dancers of all genders strip onstage, jump into bubble baths and twirl down aerial installations. The party encourages free love, but affirmative consent is required. Costumes are also mandatory, so get creative.
Open Score New Museum of Contemporary Art; 1:30pm; $15 per movie, day-pass $30
This daylong series of artist and activist talks focuses on how race, gender and identity are altered in the world of digital expression and Westworld-level artificial intelligence. Check out panels like “Blackness in Circulation” with artists Aria Dean and Manuel Arturo Abreu, plus “Out of Isolation” with Grace Dunham and Jamal T. Lewis, and much more.
Sun 11
Merry Tuba Christmas The Rink at Rockefeller Center; 3:30pm; free
Now in its 43rd year, this massive musical gathering invites hundreds of tuba players to perform classic Christmas carols and crowd-pleasing songs on the ice. If you’re not a pro at circular breathing, join in on the fun by singing along to the deep horns. Though the event has spread to more than 200 cities worldwide, there’s nothing like seeing it at its home: 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Can we hope for a tuba-fied take on John Williams’s Star Wars score?
Jazz Age Tea Dance Webster Hall; 4pm; $80
Webster Hall returns to its deliciously sleazy past as a Prohibition-era parlor of forbidden delights at this Gatsby-themed rager. Don a flapper gown or a top hat, and try exotic teas and treats while getting down to big band numbers by Michael Arenella & His Dreamland Orchestra. Better start rehearsing your tango, foxtrot and Charleston now.
Greenpointers Holiday Tropical Market Greenpoint Loft; 1pm; free
We’re not afraid to brave the cold for our favorite alfresco holiday bazaars, but thanks to this festive indoor market in Greenpoint, you can shop amongst palm trees and hula skirts. Join Brooklyn blog, greenpointers.com, for giftables, fun (and free!) activities, food and refreshments, live music and plenty of holiday cheer. Savor a glass of mulled wine by Crimson and Clove spices and Palinkerie or stick with the tropical theme and down a mojito made with Sailor Jerry Rum. There will also be winter craft beers provided by Greenpoint Beer & Ale. Definitely stop by the henna tattoo station, deck out your digits at the nail bar, pose for a bazillion photos in front of a mural created by artist Colleen Blackard and get a gratis massage when you go.
Santa Suit 5K Prospect Park; 11am; $50
If SantaCon sounds like a cool idea but you wish it involved more jogging, this is the holiday event for you. Throw on your best St. Nick suit (or some red-and-white running apparel) and hit the streets for 3.1 miles of running, walking, or at the very least shuffling alongside fellow Kringleophiles, with dancing and eating afterwards.