It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like . . . SantaCon!

What’s the reason for your season? Whether you say “Happy Holidays,” “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Hanukkah” or simply celebrate the Festivus for the Rest of Us, have we got a full slate for you.

Riot takes place Friday, September 9 as Ari Kiki hosts a monthly dance party and drag show, with special guest performers, including Dj Chauncey D in the booth. (A $5 Suggested donation goes to The Stonewall Gives Back Initiative.) At Stonewall, daddies, faux thugs and girls who like girls rule the roost at this two-story birthplace of gay pride. Every night of the week offers a different theme, from drag-hosted game shows to karaoke to beer blasts.

December 10, you’d better watch out, you better not cry . . . SantaCon is coming to town! What to watch out for? An endless sea of revelers clad in red and white, tispying their way from one bar to another on a pub crawl that makes Santa’s overnight sleigh ride look a drive-by. The event isn’t specifically gay of course, but come on: costumes and booze? Who are you kidding?
For a complete description of participating watering holes — and which ones to attend also tell you which ones to avoid if you’re not Down With the Claus — can be found at the SantaCon website.

If you’re still nursing a hangover Sunday, December 10, Nowhere Bar hosts its Annual Queer Arts and Crafts Market. Last year’s holiday market was a great success with t-shirts, art work, candles, jewelry, books, cupcakes, hand knit socks and gloves — so many different gift ideas all in one place! Nowhere is an ultra-mellow East Village spot with distressed rustic décor, a pool table and what may be the smallest back room ever. Daily drink specials and events include Macho Monday, Numbers and the popular BUDDIES (a Tuesday night Beers, Beards and Bears Party).

Across town at the same time, the same folks who brought you Lezzertag, Lezskate and Lezbowl are hosting . . . LezPong! With the special Yuletide twist of a competition to see who has the Ugliest Sweater!
It’s ping-pong and libations for LBTQ Women and friends looking to celebrate the holiday season in style! Come to SPiN’s newly renovated ping-pong bar and lounge to enjoy singles and doubles. You can play until closing — or if you’re more the voyeur, just watch. Pong pros and newbies alike are welcome.
A LezPong ticket (a $45 value) includes four hours of unlimited pong-pong in a private space! All tables are first-come, first-served. Everyone will have a chance to play!
All in all, it’s an awesome space and vibe to mix and mingle in. At Girl Social events, you can hang with old friends and make new ones in a relaxed atmosphere centered around fun and friendliness!

Monday, December 11, Brooklyn-based piano man and singer/songwriter Chris Blacker is excited to announce his return to Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 1 along with a full band. Brimming with influences ranging from rock to jazz to classical music, Blacker’s poignant songs deal with the challenges of being an artist in a society that doesn’t place high value on art; trying to find real human connection in an image-obsessed, hyperconnected world and coming to see life through more mature and less idealistic eyes. They also celebrate the things that keep us going: friendship, love, and the sheer joy of creation.