Best Bets 12.07 – 12.21

Friday, Dec. 7

The seventh annual Art Vision raises funds for Positive Impact, which provides mental health and other services for those affected by HIV, and offers the chance to purchase beautiful art for a good cause. This year’s theme is “Uncharted: Travel to Enchanted Lands.” 7-10 p.m. at Stone Four Studios at Studio Plex, 659 Auburn Ave. NE #131, Atlanta, GA 30312, www.artvisionatl.org

Join Mint Salon for the Naughty and Nice Holiday Gala, a night of fashion, food and beverages complete with silent auction, DJ and door prizes. A portion of proceeds benefits CHRIS Kids. 7-10 p.m. at Mint Salon, 985 Monroe Drive, Atlanta, GA 30308, www.chriskids.org

City of the South Theatre Company presents “Birds of a Feather,” aka “The Birdcage,” complete with a three-course meal for the Holiday Dinner Theatre at Jungle. Tonight and Saturday at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com

Traxx Girls presents Banjee Girl Fridays at My Sister’s Room, 1271 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.mysistersroom.com

Friday, Dec. 7 – Saturday, Dec. 8

The Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus performs its 32nd annual holiday concert, “And on Earth, Peace,” with special guest soprano Megan Mashburn. 8 p.m. Dec. 7, 2 p.m. (followed by free ice cream social) and 8 p.m. Dec. 8 at The Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30305, www.agmchorus.org

Friday, Dec. 7 – Monday, Dec. 10

The Heretic hosts a weekend of events to celebrate the bar’s 21st anniversary. DJ Lydia Prim spins Friday at 10 p.m., DJ Mickey Friedman from Berlin spins 10 p.m. on Saturday. Monday is the invite-only Customer Appreciation Party from 8-10 p.m., so ask a staff member for an invitation before the event. Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com

Saturday, Dec. 8

Lesbian-owned feminist bookstore Charis hosts its annual Holiday Open House and sale from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., followed at 7:30 p.m. by a discussion of the first scholarly book on the work of author Pearl Cleage, who will attend. Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com

Watch or join in the Atlanta Speedo Run as 300 scantily clad runners take to the streets of Atlanta to try to raise $150,000 for CURE Childhood Cancer. Runners need to raise $250 to participate. Run begins at 2 p.m. and takes a 1.5 mile course on West Peachtree and Peachtree streets. www.atlantaspeedorun.org

Lost-n-Found Youth hosts a Volunteer Orientation & Training for those who want to help homeless LGBT young people. Background check required; please bring form and $10 to cover costs to class. 2-6 p.m. at the Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Ave. Suite A, Atlanta, GA 30307, www.lost-n-found.org

All male strip club Swinging Richards presents “A Home for the Holidays: A Benefit for Lost-n-Found Youth.” Accepting donations all night and look for prize giveaways from the club and Boy Next Door Menswear. 6:30 p.m. – 3 a.m. at Swinging Richards, 400 Northside Drive, Atlanta, GA 30323, www.swingingrichards.com

DJ Something Else spins for Dance Party at 8 p.m. followed by Mary-oke with host CJ at 11 p.m. at Mary’s, 1287 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.marysatlanta.com

Expect absurdity as the camp drag Armorettes offer their take on the classic holiday tale “A Christmas Story” to benefit the Health Initiative. 8 p.m. at Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com

Singer-songwriter Shawn Colvin performs at 8 p.m. at Agnes Scott College’s Presser Hall, 141 East College Ave., Decatur, GA 30030, www.eddieowenpresents.com

Enjoy the “It’s that Time of the Month” comedy show at 8:30 p.m., followed by “Unwrapped,” the annual Toy Drive party for Toys for Tots, at My Sister’s Room, 1271 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.mysistersroom.com

Daring Divas is the Saturday night show at Blake’s feauring Charlie Brown, Shawnna Brooks, Angelica D’Paige, Savannah Leigh, Michelle Paris and The Lady Shabazz. Blake’s on the Park, 227 10th St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com

Shavonna B. Brooks hosts the Extravaganza show with special guest Alexandria Martin at 11:30 p.m. at Burkhart’s, 1492 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309,
www.burkharts.com

Gay Christian artists Jason & DeMarco perform as First Metropolitan Community Church hosts its annual Christmas Concert and Silent Auction.
7 p.m. at First MCC, 1379 Tullie Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, www.firstmcc.com

Sunday, Dec. 9

The Atlanta Talons Social Club hosts a Champagne Bust and Holiday Party; bring an appetizer or dessert to share, a toy drive donation, and there is a contest for the person wearing the best tree skirt. 4-6 p.m. at The Hideaway, 1544 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30324, http://on.fb.me/VinBqe

The Joining Hearts Wish List party gathers gifts to support the families of Jerusalem house and the teen program at AID Atlanta. Bring a gift from the Wish List registry at Target valued at $25 or more, or a gift card or cash donation of that amount. 6-9 p.m. at 3417 W Paces Ferry Court, Atlanta, GA 30327, www.joininghearts.org

She Speaks, Inc. presents “The Brown Sugar Vibe’s Diamonds in the Sky Edition” featuring UniverSoul Circus comedian Reggie Jackson. 7 p.m. at Kat’s Cafe, 970 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.lakarafoster.com

Join DJ Vicki Powell for the Holiday Mixer edition of her Second Sunday Service. 7-11:30 p.m. at Church, 466 Edgewood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30312,
http://on.fb.me/YLoaz9

Monday, Dec. 10

Writing With Intent is open to writers of fiction and creative non-fiction; group offers motivational exercises, constructive criticism and more to keep you on track. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Charis Books & More, 1189 Euclid Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com

Mary’s annual holiday office party gets underway at 8 p.m. at Mary’s, 1287 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.marysatlanta.com

Tuesday, Dec. 11

Tuesdays, Thursdays and early Saturdays, get your country on with 3-Legged Cowboy nights at the Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com

Wednesday, Dec. 12

Ho Ho Hoedown is the theme for this month’s PALS Bingo, hosted by Bubba D. Licious, Kimora Layou and Brent Star. Doors at 6:30 p.m., program at 7:30 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.palsatlanta.org

The Lohan Experience presents “How the Lohan Stole Christmas,” an ABC (Anything But Clothes) party, so make your ensemble out of holiday materials. Dylan Michaels performs; Celeste Holmes hosts. Party at 9 p.m., show at 11 p.m. at the Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, http://on.fb.me/UDXFIZ

Thursday, Dec. 13

Sample bites from LGBT and ally chefs at “Out in the Kitchen: An AGLCC Holiday Affair,” a new holiday event from the Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. 6-9 p.m. at Renaissance Atlanta Midtown Hotel, 866 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.atlantagaychamber.org

The LGBT Caucus of the Democratic Party and the Stonewall Democrats gather for a Holiday Party at 6 p.m. at Amsterdam Atlanta, 502-A Amsterdam Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, http://on.fb.me/WH7ZNX

United4Safety, which works to end LGBT intimate partner violence, hosts a Holiday Cookie Contest. 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Philip Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.united4safety.org

“The one and many voices” of Jimmy James come to Backstage at Mixx Atlanta. 8 p.m. at Mixx Atlanta, 1492-B Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.mixxatlanta.com

It’s “Silent Night, Deadly Night” as Goth Night returns with a special holiday edition. 9 p.m. at Mary’s, 1287 Glenwood Ave., Atlanta, GA 30316, www.marysatlanta.com

Inspired by Beats and Traxx Atlanta present Tribal Thursdays, spinning house music (deep, underground and tribal) starting at 10 p.m. at XS Ultra Lounge, 708 Spring St., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.excessultralounge.com

Join judges Barry Brandon, JL Rodriguez, Michael Robinson and special guest judge Catherine Giel for the live auditions for “Sing for Your Life,” a new vocal competition that debuts Jan. 10 and continues for 12 weeks. Some 25 singers from video submissions will be narrowed to 12 contestants at the live auditions. 8 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.singforyourlifeATL.com

Friday, Dec. 14

Congregation Bet Haverim, Atlanta’s LGBT-founded Reconstructionist synagogue, hosts Festival of Lights, including a latke dinner, community menorah lighting, Shabbat service, Hanukkah songs, Texas Hold ‘Em Dreidel and more. 6 p.m. at Central Congregational UCC, 2676 Clairmont Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, www.congregationbethaverim.org

Lesbian social network Fourth Tuesday hosts a December Happy Hour at 6 p.m. at Mixx, 1492-B Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.facebook.com/FourthTuesdayAtlanta

Southern Bears, for hirsute gay men and their admirers, host a potluck Christmas Party. 7 p.m. at the Rush Center, 1530 Dekalb Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.southernbears.org

Tonight is the “Winter Prom” party at OTP gay bar LeBuzz, 585 Franklin Road, Marietta, GA 30367, www.thenewlebuzz.com

Friday, Dec. 14 – Saturday, Dec. 15

OurSong, Atlanta’s lesbian and gay chorus, performs “Twisted Holiday.” 8 p.m. Dec. 14 at Emory University’s Canon Chapel; 8:15 p.m. at Clayton State University’s Spivey Hall. www.oursongatlanta.org

Saturday, Dec. 15

Billed as “Atlanta’s premier fetish shopping event,” Twisted Toyland also donates profits to Lost-n-Found Youth and the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Noon-6 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com

Ladies at Play presents a Day Play Party with DJ E from 6-10 p.m. at Aurum, 915 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.ladiesatplay.com

The Atlanta Bucks Rugby Club hosts the annual Miss Ruck-N-Maul pageant, a benefit for the club and Lost-N-Found Youth. 6:30-10:30 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com

“Tall Tales and Real Man Adventures” reunites Indigo Girl and solo musician Amy Ray, author T Cooper and performance artist Scott Turner Schofield for an evening of discussions and music about gender, sexuality and more. Benefits Charis Circle. Doors open 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. at Star Community Bar, 437 Moreland Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com

Atlanta Freedom Bands perform the “Holiday Fantasy” concert at 8 p.m. at North Decatur Presbyterian Church, 611 Medlock Road, Decatur, GA 30030,
www.atlantafreedombands.com

“Women of Rock” features Marshall Chapman, Caroline Aiken, Donna Hopkins and Diane Durrett. 8 p.m. at Eddie Owen Presents at the Red Clay Theatre, 3116 Main St., Duluth, GA 30096, www.eddieowenpresents.com

DJ Sean Mac spins an opening set for DJ Shane Stiel at Bear Invasion, 9 p.m. – 3 a.m. at the Heretic, 2069 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.hereticatlanta.com

Party at the “Holiday Soiree at the L Lounge” by lesbian party promoter and organizer Anna Ragghianti from 10 p.m. — 2 a.m. The W Hotel-Midtown, 188 14th St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30361.  http://on.fb.me/SJQdtA

The relaunch party for GIRL (Gay Internet Radio Live) features DJ Corey David and a special performance by Phoenix. 10 p.m. At Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.jungleclubatlanta.com

It will technically be Sunday morning as Abel spins from 3-7 a.m. at private club Xion, 2241 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.cariocaproductions.com

Sunday, Dec. 16 

PFLAG Atlanta hosts its Third Sunday meeting, this month featuring a panel discussion with parents of LGBT people. 2:45 p.m. at St. Mark United Methodist Church, 781 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30308, www.pflagatl.org

Monday, Dec. 17

Wear your fugly finest for the inaugural “Ugly Sweater Party” at Blake’s on the Park, 227 10th St., Atlanta, GA 30309, www.blakesontheparkatlanta.com

Tuesday, Dec. 18

Lesbian social group Fourth Tuesday gathers for dinner at 6 p.m. at Nakato, 1776 Cheshire Bridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.facebook.com/FourthTuesdayAtlanta

Wednesday, Dec. 19

Lost-n-Found Youth hosts a very special Holiday Big Gay Game Show, a fundraiser for their mission to help Atlanta’s LGBT homeless youth. Games include Family Feud, the Newlywed Game, Match Game and more. 7:30 – 10 p.m. at Jungle, 2115 Faulkner Road, Atlanta, GA 30324, www.lost-n-found.org

Thursday, Dec. 20

MEGA Family Project hosts its monthly Waiting for the Stork discussion group for dues-paying members. 7-8:30 p.m. at Coldwell Banker Intown, 1390 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta, GA 30306, www.megafamilyproject.org

Enjoy an open “no mic” night as Cliterati wows you with spoken word poets, this month featuring Red Summer. 7:30 – 9 p.m. at Charis Books, 1189 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA, 30307, www.charisbooksandmore.com

Friday, Dec. 21

Jennifer Knapp, who made headlines when she came out in the world of Christian music, and Margaret Becker bring their “Hymns of Christmas” to Atlanta. 8 p.m. at Eddie Owen Presents at the Red Clay Theatre, 3116 Main St., Duluth, GA 30096, www.eddieowenpresents.com