Holiday Highballs: Babette Schwartz presents her annual Christmas drag show at Martinis Above Fourth with special guests Chad Michaels, Tootie, Fifi and LaDonna Monroe. The hijinks begin at 9:00 p.m. Advance $15 tickets are available at Babette Schwartz, located at 421 University Ave. in Hillcrest. For more information, call (619) 220-7048.

December Nights: After almost losing the annual tradition over budget problems, Balboa Park’s December Nights is back Friday, Dec. 3, from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 4, from 12:00 noon to 10:00 p.m. The festival features caroling, food, bands, choirs, crafts, shopping, light displays, music, theater and dance performances, as well as free admission to many park museums. Call (619) 239-0512 for more information.

Senior mutt match: Muttropolis Dog & Cat Boutiques, Senior Mutt Match and Adopt Me! San Diego host one of the largest cooperative senior dog adoption efforts in San Diego, with 10 to 15 dogs from various rescue groups and shelters. Along with adoption possibilities, the event features a homeless pet-drive donation center for pet food, toys and bedding. Holiday pet portraits are also available, as is Christmas paw painting activities and crafts for purchase. The event takes place from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Muttropolis Dog & Cat Boutique, located at 227 South Cedros Ave. in Solana Beach. Call (760) 415-2545 for more information.

Gay Men’s Chorus San Diego: Gay Men’s Chorus San Diego rings in its 13th season with its annual holiday concert, “An Evening in December - American Highlights”, taking place at 8:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 3 and 4. The concert will be held at University Christian Church, located at 3900 Cleveland Ave., in Hillcrest. Call the chorus hotline at (619) 275-2787 for more information.

Chess, anyone?: The U.S. Chess Championships have arrived in San Diego, and the public is invited to watch the top 64 U.S. chess players compete for the overall championship title, as well as the women’s championship title. Spectators will be able to meet the players and hear expert commentary during the matches. The nation’s newest king and queen of chess will be crowned after the nine days of competition are up Dec. 5. The tournament is taking place at the Hilton Torrey Pines in La Jolla, located at 10950 North Torrey Pines Dr. Call (858) 558-1500 for more information.

Sedaris-style holiday: Cygnet Theatre presents two shows for the holidays, The Book of Liz, written by David and Amy Sedaris, and Santaland Diaries, by David Sedaris. The world’s first Amish picaresque, according to Village Voice, The Book of Liz plays Nov. 20 to Dec. 23. The Santaland Diaries runs through Dec. 20. Call (619) 337-1525 ext. 3 for tickets and showtimes.

Marriage equality film screening: A free film screening of two films that focus on marriage equality screen from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at SDSU’s The Backdoor, located on the lower level of SDSU’s Aztec Center. The films, Freedom to Marry and Torn Apart, focus on the celebrations and frustrations of same-sex couples, who are denied their civil rights. Marriage Equality California, Immigration Equality and Equality California are sponsoring the event. Email sandiego@marriageequalityca.org for more information.

FemBots at the Casbah: Alternative country, metal, pop-punk-rock group FemBots play the Casbah at 9:00 p.m. Fresh from their North American tour, the Toronto-based rockers have expanded their lineup to include a violin player and a drummer, who also plays vibraphones and musical saw. Tickets are $10. The Casbah is located at 2501 Kettner Blvd. Call (619) 232-HELL for more information.

Feed me, Seymour: The classic musical Little Shop of Horrors, on national tour, comes to San Diego’s Civic Theatre Dec. 7-12. The play tells the tale of Seymour Krelbourn, a meek florist who makes a Faustian pact with a tiny plant in order to win the heart of Audrey, the girl he loves. Tickets are $22-$60. Call (619) 570-1100 for showtimes and to purchase tickets.

Jewelry design workshop: Join craft master Mixelle at a Women’s Resource Center-sponsored workshop that will demystify jewelry design with simple but sophisticated techniques using wire, crystals, beads and stretch cord. Each participant will leave the class with a new piece of jewelry. The workshop takes place at 7:00 p.m. in Room 3 at The Center. $7 includes class and materials. Call (619) 692-2077 ext. 206 for more information.

Free self-defense class: Wednesdays from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at The Center, local martial artist Tony Ma, an Olympic-level Wu Shu athlete, presents a free self-defense class. A release of liability form is required. Dress in comfortable, loose clothing so that you can move. Topics include: correct posture and breathing, body mechanics, punch and block, and other basic techniques designed to protect you from attack. Take advantage of the small class size and individual attention. These classes are co-ed and all are welcome. Classes take place in The Center’s basement from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Call (619) 692-2077 for more information.

Crochet workshops: A series of crochet workshops at The Center’s Women’s Resource Center take place Dec. 9 and 16, and January 6, 13 and 20 at 7:00 p.m. in the Women’s Resource Center. Mixelle, a seasoned crafter, will help participants learn the crochet basics and advance from simple to complex projects throughout the weeks. Fee is $5 per class. Crochet hooks to take home are available for a small fee. Call (619) 692-2077 ext. 206 for more information.

Eight reindeers have their say: Don’t miss Diversionary Theater’s The Eight Reindeer Monologues, a hilarious holiday comedy playing Dec. 9-11 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $42, and they’re going fast. Diversionary Theater is located at 4545 Park Blvd. #101. Call (619) 220-0097 for tickets and more information.