Twister: The Rubber Rose invites the community to “Twister,” a transgender social-mixer celebrating the diversity of Southern California’s female-to-male community. The evening will also serve as the opening of the gallery’s “Twister” project, which features photographs of local FtoM individuals and represents the “significance of a community united.” Participants are also being sought for the project, and can e-mail the rubberrose@hotmail.com to be photographed or send in a submission. The Rubber Rose is located at 3812 Ray St. in North Park. www.therubberrose.com

Tree of Life: The 16th annual Tree of Life Lighting Ceremony is a local observance of World AIDS Day, an international day of remembrance for those who have been affected by HIV/AIDS. It celebrates the progress made against the epidemic, while bringing into focus the remaining challenges. The 6 p.m. event will feature speakers, entertainment and the lighting of the tree. Ornaments for the tree are available for purchase and can include a personalized message honoring a friend or loved one who has been affected by HIV/AIDS. The tree and commemorative ornaments will remain on display throughout the month of December. The event will take place at the Village Hillcrest Retail Center located at 3965 Fifth Ave. 619-233-6262, www.mamaskitchen.org

The Neighbor Who Takes Forever to Move In: A preview of San Diego’s most anticipated new restaurant and lounge, Universal Hillcrest, is being hosted at Bloomingdales in Fashion Valley. Universal Hillcrest, along with its on-site restaurant, Dish at Universal, promises to bring the Hillcrest experience to a new level. The preview party, taking place from 5-7 p.m., will give participants a chance to sample food from Dish, sip on cocktails from Universal, and preview 2008 denim fashions from Bloomingdales. The event will take place in Men’s Premium Denim, Level 1, in Bloomingdales at Fashion Valley Mall. www.universalhillcrest.com

Come Home for the Holidays: The Center invites San Diegans to its annual multicultural holiday party, “Come Home for the Holidays!” More than 20 community organizations will come together to put on a holiday celebration for the entire San Diego LGBT community and allies. There will be great food and drinks, music by DJ Sandra Ware and a candle-lighting ceremony. This year, there will be a cookie- and craft-making area for children. While the event is free, guests are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy to support the Imperial Court de San Diego’s annual toy drive. The Center is located at 3909 Centre St. in Hillcrest. www.thecentersd.org

Songs for A Winter’s Night: The San Diego Women’s Chorus presents the next concert of its 20th Anniversary Season called “Songs for a Winter’s Night.” This one-night-only event will take place inside the Mission Hills United Church of Christ starting at 7 p.m. Featured numbers will include “Angel” by Sarah McLachlan, “Everything She Touches” by Joan Szymko, and “Song for a Winter’s Night” by Gordon Lightfoot. An auction of holiday items from all around San Diego and beyond will kick-off the evening. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $12 for seniors, students and military personnel. Children under the age of 12 are free. The Mission Hills United Church of Christ is located at 4070 Jackdaw St. in Mission Hills. www.sdwc.org

Kundalini Yoga: Check out The Center’s Monday night Kundalini Yoga session. Kundalini Yoga is an ancient science that combines postures, movements, breath, stretching, relaxation, meditation, rhythm and sound currents to work on every aspect of your being. This includes the physical, mental and subtle bodies. Everyone is welcome to attend the 5:45 p.m. class, and no previous experience in yoga is required. Participants are encouraged to dress comfortably, and those with sensitive joints should bring a yoga mat or pillow. Immediate physical and mental benefits are to be expected from the very first session. The free class is hosted by The Center’s Women’s Resource Center. The Center is located at 3909 Centre St. in Hillcrest. 619-692-2077, www.thecentersd.org

Gamers: Although the play’s one character is straight, there’s a lot that gay people can relate to in Gamers. The play, which perfectly captures the world of the gaming geek, was co-written by Brian Bielawski, and Hillcrest resident Walter Meyer. The production is returning to San Diego, after successful runs at New York’s two largest theatrical festivals, Midtown and Fringe. The one-man show stars Bielawski as a harried tech-support operator who hates his job and his boss, who actually expects him to work on company time, when he should really be saving a kingdom from the clutches of the evil elves in an online role-playing game. The play will have four performances at Lestat’s West, opening on Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20. Lestat’s West is located at 3341 Adams Ave. in Normal Heights. www.gamerstheplay.com

Dreamgirls Revue: San Diego’s hottest drag entertainment, The Dreamgirls Revue, will kick off the holiday season with a very special show celebrating its one-year anniversary. The weekly revue will include Christmas numbers in each show throughout the month of December to spread holiday cheer! Some of San Diego’s finest entertainers make up the rotating cast. Showtime is at 8 p.m. with a $5 cover. Urban Mo’s is located at 308 University Ave. in Hillcrest. www.urbanmos.com

Food and San Diego History: The San Diego Historical Society invites the community to savor San Diego’s rich past with food historian Arlyn Hackett. In this lecture and food tasting series, Hackett explores ordinary and unique examples of cultural heritage that defines the diverse and rich history of the San Diego region. Featuring food samplings from Italian and Portuguese fishermen, this evening event will leave participants’ minds full of history and their bellies full of delectable wonders. Registration is required by Dec. 4 to attend the 6:30 p.m. event. Admission is $12 for society members and $20 for non-members. 619-232-6203, ext. 150.