Simply having a wonderful Christmastime

The holidays have only just begun and already my calendar is getting crazy! I have something every night of the week and on some days I’m double- and even triple-booked. I love it — it’s almost like my calendar is getting gang-banged by the holidays. (In my world, that’s a good thing!)

With all the special events going on, don’t forget to make room for these timeless traditions — each one is totally free and totally Philly: the Wanamaker (sorry, I’ll never call it the Macy’s) Light Show at 1300 Market St., at the top of every even hour (10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.) through New Year’s Eve; the Comcast Holiday Spectacular on the corporation’s ginormous HD video wall in the lobby at 1701 JFK Blvd., at the top of every hour from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. weekends through New Year’s Day; and the Christmas Village in Love Park at 1500 Arch St., modeled after traditional German Christmas markets, from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. weekends through New Year’s Day.

PGMC Cool Yule

You still have a chance to catch the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus at the Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St., as they perform all your old holiday favorites with a big-band jazz ensemble. There are three more shows — Dec. 6 and 7 at 8 p.m., plus a 2 p.m. matinee Dec. 7. Tickets are $30-$55 and are available online or at the door. See www.pgmc.org for ticket links and more information.

Beer & Cupcakes IV

Don’t have time to bake for the holidays? Let the case managers at Mazzoni Center give you a hand from 8 p.m.-midnight Dec. 6 at the Bike Stop, 206 S. Quince St. It’s the fourth annual Beer & Cupcakes, where you can get cheap beer, Jell-O shots and all sorts of naughty and nice baked goodies while raising money for a great cause: Mazzoni Center’s winter coat and holiday toy drive for children whose lives have been impacted by HIV/AIDS.

TOY 2013

The Delaware Valley Legacy Fund invites you to its seventh annual holiday fundraiser event from 8-11 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Reading Terminal Market, 12th and Filbert streets. It’s always an amazing night of friends, food, music, holiday cheer and an open bar, made even better with the knowledge that you’re helping to make a difference in the lives of children who can use a little hope and cheer around the holidays.

Tickets are $60 in advance or $70 at the door, and your wristband also gets you admission to both Woody’s and Voyeur after the party. Don’t forget to bring an unwrapped children’s toy appropriate for ages 2-17, which will be given to a child at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (no plush toys, please).

For more information, see www.dvlf.org.

A Very Quince Holiday Cabaret

Enjoy a night of twisted holiday surprises from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at Tabu Lounge & Sports Bar, 200 S. 12th St. Performers from Quince Productions will entertain you with their own unique brand of holiday cheer during their annual fundraiser. Tickets are $25 for reserved seats or $15 for general admission. See www.quinceproductions.com for more information.

OurNightOut

Ring in the holidays with your ONO family and friends from 7-9 p.m. Dec. 12 at XIX, 200 S. Broad St. They’ll have drink specials, light hors d’oeuvres and plenty of holiday spirit to spread around. Admission is free but professional attire is required.

Mr. SEXO 2013

Join GALAEI and PhillyGayCalendar at 10 p.m. Dec. 12 at Woody’s, 202 S. 13th St., for some sex-positive goodness infused with some Latin holiday realness! Cyannie Famouz will be your hostess as she brings you hot music and hot men competing for cash, prizes and the title of Mr. SEXO 2013.

Independence Business Alliance Holiday Party

Greater Philadelphia’s LGBT chamber of commerce invites you to celebrate the holidays from 5:30-8 p.m. Dec. 17 in the Philadelphia Room at the Hard Rock Café, 1113 Market St.. Meet the board of directors, IBA members and a host of business owners, corporate professionals and community partners from around the region, not to mention potential employers (and employees)! Ticket prices are $55 for members or $65 for non-members and guests, and include a champagne toast, appetizers, two drink tickets, door prizes and happy-hour pricing until 8. Festive business casual attire is suggested, and don’t forget to bring plenty of business cards! The networking opportunities will be off the charts, believe me. Tickets will not be available at the door so make sure you get your tickets in advance — this event is a sell-out every year!

For tickets and more information, see www.independencebusinessalliance.com. Questions, comments, Black Friday horror stories? Contact Jim at [email protected] or follow him on Facebook for links to back articles and totally bitchin’ music videos!

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