Christmas is almost here. For those looking to feed their holiday spirit animal in advance of the big event, we’ve put together a list of great pregame happenings taking place around New York City. Ranging from a reading of A Christmas Carol to DFA Records’ holiday bash, the below provides you with some excellent ways to get your merry on.

THEATER/COMEDY: Daniel Kitson: A Show for Christmas
Brilliant British comedian and storyteller Daniel Kitson is New York to perform a holiday-themed show that he developed and performed last year in London. Entitled A Show for Christmas, the performance finds Kitson weaving a witty and heartfelt modern-day Christmas tale. All the remaining shows are listed as sold out, but there is a wait list line at the theater. We strongly encourage you to give it a try. Kitson is a genius.
Through December 18
Connelly Theater, 220 East 4th Street
$25

ART: Martin Creed: Work no. 2592
If you’re suffering from shopping burnout, Martin Creed’s interactive balloon-abundant installation at Gavin Brown’s Enterprise is certain to raise your holiday spirits. The British artist has filled the gallery space with rosy red balloons. Visitors are invited to walk (and selfie) through, pushing the balloons whichever way they will go. It’s so simple, yet so much fun.
Through December 19, 12pm-6pm
Gavin Brown’s Enterprise, 291 Grand St, New York, NY 10002
Free

THEATER/CABARET: Justin Vivian Bond: Angels We Have Heard When High
Justin Vivian Bond has cooked up quite the holiday extravaganza this year. Going down at Joe’s Pub, Mx Bond’s BYOD (bring your own drugs) affair is entitled Angels We Have Heard When High and features songs, spirits, sass and a slew of surprises.
December 16-19, 21-23, 9pm
Joe’s Pub, 425 Lafayette Street, New York, NY 10003
$35

It’s a Wonderful Life

FILM: It’s a Wonderful Life
Frank Capra’s 1946 holiday classic It’s a Wonderful Life is back at IFC Center for its annual holiday run. Starring James Stewart and Donna Reed, the film is set at Christmas and is a touching tale of redemption and second chances. Reed’s daughter Mary Owen will be around to introduce several screenings during the run.
Thursday, December 17-Friday, December 25
IFC Center, 323 Sixth Avenue, New York, NY
$14

PARTY: Fifth Annual No Office Holiday Party
Brokelyn and the skint are teaming up for another edition of their annual holiday party geared towards those who are excluded from the office holiday party scene, meaning freelancers, work-from-homers and the job-challenged. But, anyone interested in ponying up for a ticket can attend their spirited soiree. Hosted by Jacqueline Novak, the party agenda includes live-band karaoke, tunes courtesy of DJ Doctor Mister, mistletoe, cheap drinks, a photo booth, comedy and more.
Thursday, December 17, 8pm
Littlefield, 622 Degraw Street, Brooklyn, NY, 11217
$5-$8

COMEDY: RISK!
Recently selected by iTunes as one of the best podcasts of 2015, RISK! is a storytelling show hosted by writer and funnyman Kevin Allison (The State). The show is recorded once a month in NYC at the PIT and features special guests telling stories around a certain theme. For December, that theme is “the holidays.”
Thursday, December 17, 9:30pm
The PIT, 123 E 24th St, New York, NY
$10

PARTY: A Very JunXion Xmas
Those adventurous party starters at Junxion are up to some merry mischief making this Friday. The crew are invading House of Yes and serving up a holiday celebration that features song, dance, comedy, food and more. Among the acts expected are Anna Morgan, 2melo, Bob Sanchez and the Ho Ho Hoes, and Sunny Side Social Club. Parter goers will also be treated to milk and cookies, photos with santa, the abominal snowman, a mistletoe station, xmas carol karaoke, and more.
Friday, December 18, 10pm
House of Yes, 2 Wyckoff Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11237
$10 advance, $20 at the door

MUSIC: Oh, What Fun! A Philharmonic Holiday
The New York Philharmonic is mixing things up this holiday season with a performance that promises to be both hilarious and heartwarming. The New York City Gay Men’s Chorus will be lending their voices to the event that features Dr. Seuss’ “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride,” Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, and a spirited audience sing-along.
Friday, December 18, 8pm & Saturday, December 19, 2pm
David Geffen Hall, 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY
$35-$75

PARTY: DFA Records Holiday Celebration
DFA Records has not forsaken us this holiday season. James Murphy’s record label is hosting a free all ages show at Palisades. The evening includes sets by Guerilla Toss, and Eric Copeland (Black Dice), and holiday-themed Jazz between bands. DFA goodies will be available for purchase if you still need to pick up any last minute stocking stuffers.
Saturday, December 19, 8pm
Palisades, 906 Broadway, Brooklyn, New York 11206
Free

PARTY: BABËL NY Presents Dimanche
BABËL are hosting another one of their magical post-brunch Sunday afternoon soirees. This one doubles as a holiday party and features the west coast sounds of PillowTalk (performing live) and the beats of Okersounds. The party, which always attracts a handsome crowd, begins with a rejuvenating guided meditation.
Sunday, December 20, 5pm – 11pm
Bowery Hotel, 335 Bowery New York, NY 10003
$27.24–$37.74

BOOKS: Reading of A Christmas Carol
If there’s one story that will never get old no matter how many times it’s told, it’s Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Housing Works’ staged it’s annual reading this past weekend and now McNally Jackson is having a go. Drop in to hear author Michael Cunningham, actor Lili Taylor and members of the bookstore staff animating an abridged version of the tale with musical accompaniment. The bookstore will be accepting clothing and toy donations on behalf of Odyssey House at the event.
Sunday, December 20, 6:30pm
McNally Jackson Cafe, 52 Prince Street, New York, NY

COMEDY: Bing Faithful’s Very Merry Nondenominational Holiday Special
Back at the PIT is this festive show that finds holiday crooner Bing Faithful learning that the members of his band have died on the way to the theater. Cycling through a number of emotions on stage, Bing soldiers on with his act. As the night progresses though, his band members one-by-one miraculously appear to join Bing in singing holiday songs requested by the audience. Among the players in comedic work are Bob Kulhan, Greg Kotis (Urintown), Mark Stetson, Chris Roberti, Bill Connelly, Micah Sherman (High Maintenance), Jordan Klepper (The Daily Show), and Nick Vatterott (2011 Andy Kaufman Award Winner).
Sunday, December 20, 8pm
The Pit
$10

MUSIC: Rev Vince Anderson and his Love Choir Christmas Supertacular
The Rev always puts on a spirited show, but this sermon will be especially uplifting. If you aren’t familiar with the pastor, he’s a member of the Revolution Church and has been spreading his dirty gospel in bars and taverns throughout New York for over 20 years. Those up for a musical evening involving hand clapping, foot stopping, and singing hallelujah should make their way to Union Pool for his Christmas Supertacular. In addition to his regular band, he will joined by special guests Eli “Paperboy” Reed, Binky Griptite (Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings) Meah Pace (!!! Chk Chk Chk), and James Patrick (The Apple Brothers).
Monday, December 21, 10:30pm
Union Pool, 484 Union Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Free ($20 suggested donation)

COMEDY: The Griff and Joe Christmas (And To A Lesser Extent Hanukkah) Spectacular
Comedy wizards Griffin Newman and Joe Garden are teaming up to present a cheer-filled variety show. Among the evenings entertainers are indie rockers Frankie Cosmos, comedian Liam McEneaney, Brett Davis, Rae Sanni, Bronwyn Ariel Isaac, and Nigel “Docta Gel” Dunkley.
Wednesday, December 23, 8pm
Union Hall
$10

THEATER: Nutcracker Rouge
If you’re looking for something sexy this holiday season, then we suggest grabbing your significant other and heading to Company XIV’s adults-only Nutcracker Rouge. You won’t find mice, kids or snowflakes in this burlesque production.
Through January 17, 2016
Minetta Lane Theatre, 18-22 Minetta Lane, New York, NY, 10012
$40-$85