LGBT Atlanta Best Bets for Dec. 11 – 24

Friday, December 11

Grab a cocktail and enjoy TGIF Friday at Woofs tonight beginning at 5 p.m. www.woofsatlanta.com

Break out the ugliest holiday sweater you own and take a break from the hectic shopping and traffic by heading over to Mixx for a cup of cheer at Fourth Tuesday’s Ugly Sweater Contest, 6 p.m., www.mixxatlanta.com

It’s a perennial: the Atlanta Ballet opens its beloved “The Nutcracker,” running through December 27, with a 7:30 performance tonight, Fox Theatre, www.foxtheatre.org

The great Libby Whittemore headlines the holiday show “Ho, Ho, Home for the Holidays and A Connie Sue Day Christmas.” She is joined by the hilarious Connie Sue Day (the 31st Lady of Country Music) for one of Atlanta’s favorite holiday traditions. Actor’s Express, 7:30 tonight, through December 20, www.actors-express.com

Saturday, December 12

Join the LGBT Institute at the Center for Civil and Human Rights for a free screening of the highly-acclaimed film “Oriented,” that follows the lives of three gay Palestinian friends confronting their national and sexual identity in Tel Aviv. The event is hosted by the international law firm, Jones Day. A short discussion will follow the film; noon, www.civilandhumanrights.org

Hundreds of barely-clad brave hearts will have the chance to run through the streets as part of the seventh annual Atlanta Santa Speedo Run, a 1.5-mile fun run and social event that raises funds for a different charity each year. In 2015, the run’s beneficiary is BlazeSports America, an organization that changes lives every day with adaptive sports opportunities for children and veterans with a physical disability. The event kicks off at 2 p.m. at Manuel’s Tavern, www.facebook.com/events/1600376006891196

Mitchell Anderson, owner of the popular Midtown restaurant MetroFresh, will sign his new cookbook, “Food and Thought,” at Cook’s Warehouse in Decatur from 3–5 p.m., www.cookswarehouse.com

Caroline Aiken, Michelle Malone and Dede Vogt host a songwriting workshop and concert, 5 p.m., Red Clay Music Foundry, www.eddieowenpresents.com

Got your new outfit ready? Atlanta’s favorite holiday cocktail party and charity toy drive, the Toy Party, returns tonight—its first Saturday night outing—and promises to be an unforgettable evening. The Saturday soiree will last an hour longer, beginning at 6:30 p.m. and ending at 11:30, with a silent auction, live entertainment and a DJ set, all supporting 18 agencies and nonprofits that work tirelessly to benefit Atlanta’s at-risk children. America’s Mart Building 3, Atlanta, Georgia 30303

It’s the gayest holiday show of the season: Harold Leaver dons an elf suit in the perennial holiday favorite “The Santaland Diaries,” an adaptation of David Sedaris’ “Holidays on Ice,” 8:00 p.m. tonight, with shows through Dec. 31, www.horizontheatre.com

British-born and London-based DJ Tim McLoone, who has been a part of MegaWoof (London, UK), Chunky (Sydney, Australia) and BearAware (Copenhagen, Denmark), spins tonight at the Atlanta Eagle, 10 p.m., www.atlantaeagle.com

Ten Atlanta is the home for the third annual Snow Ball with DJ Rob Reum after today’s Toy Party, TenAtlanta.com

“A Night for Light” features Phoenix and DJ Paulo, who conclude the evening by performing at 1 a.m., Jungle Atlanta, www.jungleatl.com

Sunday, December 13

Isaac Escalante spins at Xion Atlanta this morning beginning at 3 a.m., www.facebook.com/Xion-162659260451683

The Atlanta Philharmonic Orchestra perform Tchaikovsky’s “Nutrcracker Suite,” Handel’s “Messiah” and holiday carols at “Hark!,” 3 p.m., North Decatur Presbyterian Church, www.atlantaphilharmonic.org

“Things Worth Remembering” is a high-energy dance event with DJ David Knapp benefiting the Georgia chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, 3–7 p.m., Amsterdam Atlanta, www.amsterdamatlanta.com

Expect to hear naughty stories galore at A John Waters Christmas, 6 p.m., Variety Playhouse, www.variety-playhouse.com

The queer-inclusive Atlanta Bar Church meets tonight for Beer and Hymns Epic Tacky Christmas Sweater Edition, part 2!, Smith’s Olde Bar, 7 p.m., www.atlantabeerandhymns.com

Church time! Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room and Ping Pong Emporium hosts its final Sunday service of the year/Last Supper Holiday Dance Party, 7–11:45 p.m., www.facebook.com/events/1106433319428667

Regina Simms and friends spice up the 11th annual holiday party at Friends on Ponce beginning at 9 p.m., www.friendsonponce-atl.com

Monday, December 14

Tom Hardy plays the murderous Kray brothers, one of whom was gay, in the new “Legend,” at area theaters.

Join KJ Rosemarie for an evening of karaoke tonight at Faces Lounge in Marietta, 7–11 p.m., faceslounge.com

Tuesday, December 15

Tuesdays are Latin Industry Nights as well as Papi’s Tuesdays with $2 tacos and $3 tequila shots at Las Margaritas, lasmargaritasmidtown.com

Wednesday, December 16

Join Charis Books for another installment of Dear Games, Feminist Video Game Studies, an ongoing discussion and workshop series with the Georgia Tech Video Game Lab. This month’s guest is Dr. Shira Chess, 7:30–9 p.m., www.charisbooksandmore.com

Ruby Redd’s Birdcage Bingo is tonight at 8:30 p.m. at the Hideaway, with $3 well drinks, www.atlantahideaway.com

Jack Daddy and Missy host karaoke every Wednesday night with all sorts of drink and food specials, 9 p.m., My Sister’s Room, www.mysistersroom.com

Thursday, December 17

SAGE Atlanta hosts its weekly social hour and potluck at 10 a.m., followed by the holiday potluck at 11:15 a.m., Phillip Rush Center, www.rushcenteratl.org

Come out and try to win CD copies of Bette Midler’s new album, “A Gift of Love” during Blake’s “I-Candy” tonight, 11 p.m., www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com

Friday, December 18–Sunday, December 20

Candler and Emily Budd return to Serenbe Playhouse this December with “A Very Merry Craigslist!” This husband and wife comedic cabaret team brings an all new holiday-themed show featuring hilarious and ridiculous stories from actual Craigslist ads. The Oak Room at the Inn at Serenbe, 8 p.m., www.serenbeplayhouse.com

Friday, December 18

Eddie Redmayne stars in “The Danish Girl,” dealing with Lili Elbe’s groundbreaking journey as a transgender pioneer, opening today in area theaters.

Expect mobile homes aplenty—Onstage Atlanta’s “The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical” has an 8 p.m. show tonight before closing tomorrow, www.onstageatlanta.com

Eek! It’s (at least) the second Ugly Sweater Party of the season, 9 p.m., Oscar’s Atlanta, www.oscarsatlanta.com

Looking for a twist in the traditional holiday party? Then the Atlanta Eagle’s Bad Santa and Naughty Ms. Clause night might be for you, 10 p.m., www.atlantaeagle.com

Saturday, December 19

This year’s Charis Books holiday party and sale will have the best recommendations for those on your shopping list, free gift wrapping, homemade cookies and an Indie Craft Fair, as well as best-selling author Chef Virginia Willis, who will be demo-ing recipes from her newest book, “Lighten Up Y’all.” The party lasts from 11 a.m.–7 p.m., but Willis will be speaking from 1:30–3 p.m., www.charisbooksandmore.com

My Sister’s Room hosts its Toy Drive gathering items for Toys for Tots, as well as its holiday drag show with Jordan Michaels McCord and friends and DJ Liz Owen. Bring a new unwrapped toy and get a free Jell-O shot courtesy of Santa, My Sister’s Room, www.mysistersroom.com

Come play pool for free and hang out at Bulldogs, 893 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA, 30308

Sunday, December 20

Anna Lisa Derenthal, a licensed professional counselor who specializes in working with survivors of severe trauma & abuse, as well gender Identity issues and assisting transgender people through the transition process, is the featured guest speaker at today’s PFLAG Atlanta meeting, 2:30–5 p.m., Spiritual Living Center of Atlanta, 1730 Northeast Expressway NE, Atlanta, GA 30329

Unusual, eclectic selections for the season will be on tap as Atlanta Freedom Bands presents its annual holiday concert, titled “NOT Another Holiday Concert.” The concert will host over 60 musicians, the most in the organization’s history, 4 p.m., Druid Hills United Methodist Church, 1200 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Celeste Holmes hosts the festive Boys of BJ’s event, 9 p.m., BJ Roosters, 2043 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324

Monday, December 21

Trans and Friends is a youth-focused group for trans people, people questioning their own gender, and aspiring allies. Charis provides a facilitated space to discuss gender, relevant resources and activism around social issues. Donations are accepted. 7–8:30 p.m., www.charisbooksandmore.com

Tuesday, December 22

Art It Out Therapy Center is now offering an Expressive Art Therapy Group for LGBTQ teens. Through art, the group will explore self-identity, coping with stress, intimate and parental relationships, and coming out. 7 p.m., 255 Village Parkway (in Paper Mill Village), Suite 580, Marietta, GA 30067

Have your best Katy Perry ready—Angelica D’Paige emcees Drageoke! tonight, 10:30 p.m., Burkhart’s, www.burkharts.com

Wednesday, December 23

Head out to Serenbe Playhouse and catch the latest by out artistic director Brian Clowdus, “The Snow Queen,” based on the original story by Hans Christian Andersen, with closing performances at 6 p.m. and an 8 p.m. tonight, www.serenbeplayhouse.com

Monica Van Pelt and Bubba D. Licious are the hosts for Bitchy Bingo, which also involves a drag show, Lips Atlanta, www.lipsatl.com

Voyeur Wednesdays finds lots of hot go-go boys in the house, 10 p.m., Blake’s, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com

Thursday, December 24

Come enjoy a night of Show Tunes at Mixx Atlanta, www.mixxatlanta.com

UPCOMING

Friday, December 25

Finally! After originally being scheduled to open earlier this season in the ATL, the award-winning lesbian drama, “Carol,” with Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara and Sarah Paulson, opens today in area theaters.

Saturday, December 26

Women’s Outdoor Network (WON) hosts a Benefit Concert at My Sister’s Room for Lost-N-Found Youth featuring Mama’s Black Sheep. There is a $5 cover charge starting at 8 p.m. Additional suggested donation of $5 is requested for Lost-N-Found Youth. Show starts at 9 p.m., www.mysistersroom.com

Thursday, December 31

Wussy Magazine presents a bittersweet New Year’s Eve of splendor, desire, joy, and rage, culminating in pop-up performances, installations, a dance party and more, hosted by Kryean Kally and Brigitte Bidet with DJs Robert Ansley, King Atlas and amari Tariq, at the Big House on Ponce (368 Ponce de Leon Ave.), www.facebook.com/events/1492826984380726