National Food Coma Day, a.k.a Thanksgiving, has passed, and it’s that time of year when you find yourself surrounded by the usual holiday shenanigans: wrapping gifts to others in layers of duct tape, picking the perfect pink-flocked tree or spiking the punch at yet another boring company holiday party.

Or is that only my holiday experience?

Regardless, in between the social and family obligations, er gatherings, I always find time to explore some of what San Diego in December has to offer.

To kick off this holiday season, don’t miss December Nights Dec. 1-2 in Balboa Park. It’s a fantastic annual event, filled with beautiful lights, holiday-themed cultural entertainment and a variety of food and drink from around the world for all to enjoy. The festivities begin at 5:00 p.m. on Friday and 12:00 noon on Saturday; both nights end at 10:00 p.m. All participating museums are open free of charge from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. How can you beat that? For more information, check out www.balboapark.org/decembernights.

After I get a picture on Santa’s lap, I’m going to check out the performance by the Gay Men’s Chorus of San Diego on Saturday, Dec. 2, at 4:00 p.m. at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. And if you get tired of all the holiday cheer and mounds of midgets – I mean, children – stumbling around, you can do some stumbling of your own and visit the Prado Restaurant (1549 El Prado) for a breather.

When I get together with my boys, we like to discuss current events: the war in Iraq, the status of gay rights in our country, who got crabs this month.

Admit it. You do it too.

We also talk about clothes and shopping. However, unlike my friend David, who is showing me the latest D&G he bought, or Wade, the Diesel freak, I prefer non-labels or independent designers. You know, support the little guy. So if you’re in the same boat as me, then check out Thread on Sunday, Dec. 3, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the San Diego Cruise Ship Terminal (1140 N. Harbor Drive). Entrance is only $10 or $7 if you RSVP.

You will surely find some of the hottest upcoming and innovative designs for men and women this side of Nordstrom. And I’m sure you can get some of your holiday shopping done there as well. You’ll also be able to enjoy runway shows, music from local and national DJs, cocktails in the martini bar or lunch in their café.

Sometimes finding a truly outrageous and engaging cultural event in San Diego can be tricky, or as my friend Billy says, “Like trying to play pick up sticks with your butt cheeks.” But on Thursday, Dec. 7, the Museum of Contemporary Art (1001 Kettner Blvd.) hosts TNT, or Thursday Night Thing, at 7:00 p.m. A mishmash of modern art inside the museum and live performances by bands, DJs and other visual artists on the exterior, this event always attracts a young and eclectic crowd of revelers (a $3 donation is suggested).

The last time I checked out TNT, I ran into two people from college I hadn’t seen in ages (I went to the University of Arizona – Go, Wildcats!). I’m sure you’ll run into someone you know too, and catch up on old times over a drink from one of the makeshift bars outside while enjoying the live entertainment.

It’s Wednesday night and you’re all dressed up for another night of debauchery but don’t know where to go. Like that good ol’ A.L.F. stuffed animal you keep around for those cold winter nights (Billy, throw it away), there is the dependable Welfare Wednesdays at Flicks. It’s an easy place to find a familiar face, and the well drinks are only $1 (although the hangover the next day is much more costly). You can also get into some “Mischief with Bianca” at Rich’s, where the man show starts at 12:30 a.m.

But if you’re looking for something different, check out Air Conditioned (4673 30th St.) for some Hump Day madness. Otherwise known as AC Lounge, it hosts Rockboxx on Wednesday nights with one of my favorite DJs in San Diego, Junior Mix Master. He, along with DJs Sergio and A.T.A.R.I., spin mash-ups of electro, rap, new wave, indie rock and ’80s music.

My friend Karina and I like to rock out our latest moves there while sipping on our Citron gimlets, so bring your favorite fruit fly with you and be prepared to shake those tail feathers. The place can get packed later in the evening, so get there a little early if you want to leisurely enjoy a libation while taking in the James Bond décor.

If you’re not in the mood for $1 drinks, mischief or tail shaking, there are still plenty of cool places to check out in San Diego. If you like ice skating, glide on down to the ice rink at Horton Plaza and show off your twinkle toes for $12 per two-hour session. All proceeds benefit Rady Children’s Hospital. You may not be able to show off that triple toe loop you’ve been practicing, but at least you can skate a few times around the rink before doing more holiday shopping. I, on the other hand, can’t ice skate even if my life depended on it, so I always bring a friend. The rink is open until Jan. 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; except 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, and will be closed on Christmas Day. For more info, check out www.sdice.com/horton.

Seeing your best friend face down, ass up on the ice… priceless!

Once you’re done icing your hurt ego and need to get out of the cold, warm up with a cocktail at Ono Sushi (1236 University Ave.). Thursday nights at this hip joint are one of my personal favorites because of the dynamic atmosphere and $4 Skyy martinis (do we see a pattern here?). I’m usually not one to miss “the martinis show,” especially with the welcoming, friendly and very attractive staff to cater to your every desire (OK, maybe not every desire). And if you have an appetite to go along with that thirst, then order a sushi roll from their expanded bar menu. You won’t regret it.

If you’re just itching to continue the holiday partying or just need an excuse to get away from the family, Urban Mo’s has some holiday events planned. On Dec. 13 and 20, they present a Dreamgirls Christmas Show from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. Cover is only $5 and will feature the talents of Miss Kiwi, Chad Michaels, Ladonna and Fontasia La’Mour. Urban Mo’s is also hosting a Christmas Movie Night on Dec. 19, which always amounts to a lot of fun. You can also drop by Detour on Dec. 24 for some dancing, or enjoy a nice cozy meal on the Dec. 25 (open all day with a full kitchen).

That’s all for now, folks. I wish everyone the very best holiday season this year, filled with love, joy and crab-free fun. Happy holidays!