We’ll be honest, the most wonderful time of the year is sometimes tough on queer people, but New Yorkers are tough, fun and wild, and this December, the plethora of queer events across the city doesn’t disappoint. Whether you’re celebrating with chosen family, partners, relatives or solo, these events, ranging from daytime gatherings to all-night ragers, will bring the holiday magic.
Don your gay apparel and check out these parties, tours, markets, performances and more.
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Welcoming visitors this season? Or just want to explore New York City like a tourist? Christopher Street Tours is offering an ongoing holiday-themed tour exploring the queer history of magical festive locations, including Radio City, Rockefeller Center and beyond. Hot cocoa and an LGBTQ+ guide willing to take iconic pics are included. $49, christopherstreettours.com
Head to Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden for Dave’s Lesbian Bar’s third annual queer holiday market on Saturday, December 9 from 1-9pm. Over 100 queer makers will vend gifts and goods, and live bands, plus food and drink will add to the vibes. $10 suggested donation, eventbrite.com.
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Queer Jewish collective Flaminggg presents a sparkling night of queer Hanukkah celebrations on Saturday, December 9. Pushcart Judaica will organize a Hanukkah market to shop from during the party that will rage until 4am at Three Dollar Bill. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Standing Together. $30, seetickets.us
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Showtime’s The L Word never aired a Christmas episode, but that isn’t stopping New York creatives from staging their own on Tuesday, December 12. Comedians Carolyn Bergier and Nayomi Reghay will host the live reading of an original script uniting beloved lesbian and queer characters during the most wonderful time of the year. $20, the publictheater.org
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Get quirky and nostalgic at this holiday spectacular queering tradition on Thursday, December 14. Glam pop rock band The Manimals and electro-pop artist Zoe Briskey will host a very gay, very fun holiday spectacular with music, performance, special guests and more. “Gay apparel” is recommended but not required. $10, parksidelounge.nyc
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Friday, December 15, is going to sleigh at The Strand. Queen Kendall Knight will host a holiday-themed drag event featuring singing, trivia, a raffle and more performances to the rare book room. Cocktails and mocktails will be offered. $14, eventbrite.com.
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The New York City Gay Men’s Choir is back with its annual holiday show on the weekend of December 15 and 16. Over 260 singers will perform with a full band, with the program including a premiere commission, plus Disney songs, and favorites by Sara Bareilles, Bonnie Tyler, and Al Jarreau, plus a special song from The Wiz. $53, nyuskirball.org.
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Unite in gay song at Brooklyn Community Pride Center’s holiday sing-along on Monday, December 18. No experience or talent is necessary to belt out the lyrics on the provided song sheets. Find some joy by singing with strangers and new friends. Free, lgbtbrooklyn.org
The sapphic cinematic tradition continues with The Bush’s annual screening on Thursday, December 21 (iykyk) at Starr Bar in Bushwick. Drink and quote the film among fans, stay to discuss the ending for the millionth time. Doors at 6 p.m., screening at 7pm. $21, thebushfilms.ticketleap.com
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New York’s biggest gay Christmas Eve party is back on December 24. Santa won’t make an appearance but bagel chasers will at this Jewish-themed, inclusive celebration at HK Hall bringing together over 1,000 partiers. $35, dice.fm
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