We are smack-dab in the middle of the holiday season. It’s here, and there is no turning back. Christmas trees, lights, parties, the red cups at Starbucks, and chilly weather all signal this time of year. I absolutely love the holiday season and look forward to it each and every year. Even more exciting is that many of our local night spots host special events throughout the month of December to celebrate the season and support local charities.

Martinis Above Fourth hosted its fifth annual Wreath Auction on Dec. 8, benefiting the Queen Eddie Conlon Youth Fund. The event raised $20,000 for the fund as the highest bidders won the beautiful, hand-made wreaths that were displayed and “hung” on the sexy Wreath Boys. This is always a fun event, and some of the wreaths are incredibly well made.

Over at Bacchus House, an event called “12 Kings and 2 Queens” was held on Dec. 9 and raised money and toys to provide a little bit brighter Christmas for local kids. Regina Styles hosted the show, which included several members of the San Diego Kings Club and other local performers. Drag Kings, by the way, are quite underrated, and put on a great show. I urge you to check out the San Diego Kings Club when you get a chance – they put on a high-energy, humorous show!

There are several more fun holiday events coming up. Besides the Wreath Auction, Martinis Above Fourth (MA4) hosts a couple of other holiday events. A Very Babette Christmas will be held this weekend, Dec. 13 and 14. This hilarious show is always a lot of fun, filled with new surprises each year. The show begins at 9 p.m., with a pre-show dinner package available at 6 p.m. Also at MA4 is Babette’s Jingle Bell Bingo on Sunday, Dec. 21, at 5:30 p.m. The event will include a special edition of Babette’s famous bingo and a holiday dinner. Tickets are $25 per person.

Over at Universal, San Diego Pix will present Hey Mr. Christmas! featuring Kristine W. The San Diego Men’s Chorus will also perform, and there will be a pre-show with Santa’s Divas and Chad Michaels as Cher. The event will take place on Sunday, Dec. 14 with the pre-show starting at 9:30 p.m. All proceeds will benefit Christie’s Place, which is a support center for families living with HIV/AIDS. Kristine W. and the Chorus will perform songs from her new album, Hey Mr. Christmas. Dinner and VIP packages are available.

The Dreamgirls Revue is once again one of the hottest drag shows in town. Urban Mo’s is packed every Wednesday night for the show, which will present the Dreamgirls Christmas Show on Dec. 17, and again on Christmas Eve. The Dreamgirls are certain to make you laugh and bring some Christmas joy. The show runs from 8-9:30 p.m. and cover is just $10. The Dreamgirls shows are always packed so get there early for a good seat! Also, Mo’s will have the full bar and restaurant open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, so as Mo’s says in their ad, “Oh the weather outside’s delightful, but the family is oh so frightful, if you have no place to go, go to Mo’s, go to Mo’s, go to Mo’s!”

And finally, Saturday nights are hotter than ever at The Brass Rail! The recently re-vamped Latin night, now called Sabado En Fuego, has drawn packed crowds for more than seven years! The new Latin night includes drink specials, music by DJ XP, and hot go-go dancers. On Saturday, Dec. 20, Sabado En Fuego will host the first annual Winter White Party. Everyone is encouraged to wear white attire for this special party.

The holiday season is a lot of fun! With all of the holiday parties, special club events, and other gatherings, take a few moments to appreciate all of the fabulous things you have, including your friends and family… then get right back out on the dance floor and party it up! Also, enjoy all of the food now, because just a few weeks after the holidays, we begin the annual “Pride countdown” again, where you have just a few months to get that body back in shape for the July festivities. Happy Holidays!