Nutcracker in the Land of Enchantment (Dec. 19, Dance)
For the 14th year, Festival Ballet Albuquerque presents its original production Nutcracker in the Land of Enchantment. The beloved holiday classic is transported to territorial New Mexico in the late 1800s, with added elements of the state’s heritage and traditions including Flamenco dancers, Southwestern snakes, sheep and shepherdesses, a lively fandango, a storyteller doll and lavish western Victorian-era costumes. In addition to the talented dancers on stage, a live orchestra performs the music under the baton of Maestro Guillermo Figueroa, former music director of the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra, currently with Santa Fe Symphony. It opens Dec. 19 and runs Friday (7 p.m.), Saturday (2 and 7 p.m.) and Sunday (2 p.m.) at the National Hispanic Cultural Center (1701 Fourth St. SW). Tickets run $16 to $55 with discounts for seniors and children. Get them in advance by going to my.nmculture.org/overview/50240.
Acts of Enchantment presents: Winter Wonderland, a Brrr-Lesque Show (Fri. 19, Performance)
Baby, it’s cold outside, and Acts of Enchantment hopes to warm some folks up by shedding their clothes at Winter Wonderland, a Brrr-Lesque Show. Red-hot local performers including Grimm Moire, Jon’Moll, Tony Travis, Alebruja DelMonte, Skarlett Demise, Zia Sunshine, Serpent Queen and Acid Fairy will hit the stage at JUNO brewery + cafe + art (1501 First St. NW) with classic pin-up-style performances on Friday, Dec. 19 beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets run $25 to $40 and can be snapped up in advance at Eventbrite. com. This is a 21+ event, so if you’re old enough to hang at the bar and ogle scantily clad dancers and don’t mind landing a spot on Santa’s naughty list, get on out to JUNO!
Merry Mingle Market (Sun. 21, Market)
Still on the hunt for those last-minute Christmas presents? Why not make it easy and head on over to 4th Annual Merry Mingle Market at Canteen Brewhouse (2381 Aztec Rd. NE). It happens Sunday, Dec. 21 from noon to 4 p.m. Shop local and find unique, handmade gifts from a stocking-full of New Mexico vendors. And if all that shopping wears you out you can sit down and enjoy warm seasonal drinks or some of Canteen’s cold craft beer. The holiday vibes will be flowing all afternoon with live music by Seth Hoffman, a host of twinkling lights and plenty of good cheer. Admission is free.
Tom waits for Xmas, Vol. X (Mon. 22, Music)
For the 10th year, Downtown Albuquerque plays host to Tom waits for Xmas. It’s a special holiday concert in which some guy named Tom sits in the audience waiting for Christmas to arrive while local bands play classic Tom Waits tunes on stage. There is no connection, either concrete of implied, between this guy Tom and the actual inspiration for the cover tunes. And so far, no one has actually proven the identity of the mysterious audience member. But that’s not really the point. The point is to head out to a dive bar – in this case Moonlight Lounge (120 Central Ave SW) – knock back a few drinks and listen to some beautifully depressing holiday tunes. Performers include Casey Mraz, Billy Bellmont, Andee Schray, Ericka Olvera, Lauren Poole, Amanda Machon, Chris Walsh. and Willie Ford. Be there on Monday, Dec. 22 at 7 p.m. to be part of the … I wanna say “merriment”? Just don’t expect the actual Tom Waits to be there. Unless you believe in Christmas miracles. Tickets are $10 at the door. This is a 21+ event.
Hallelujah, Holy Shit! (Sat. 27, Music)
Bill as “The Last Heavy Blast of the Goddamn Year,” this head-banging, ear-shaking concert gives you the opportunity to escape you in-laws during the tense, post-Christmas time and get all your aggressions out at once. Among the heavy/stoner/sludge/doom bands providing the night’s soundtrack are Blue Heron, Nomestomper, Hashtronaut and Dazeyrot. Downtown Albuquerque’s Launchpad (618 Central Ave. SW) is the location. Saturday, Dec. 27 at 8 p.m. is the time. Tickets are $15. This is a 21+ event, which is a good excuse to ditch the kids at home with their presents and their grandparents.
The Smoky Note Black & White Masquerade Party (Wed. 31)
Step into an unforgettable evening of “mystery, music and midnight magic” with The Smoky Note Black & White Masquerade Party. As you might expect, it takes place on Wednesday, Dec. 31 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at The Smoky Note (3201 Central Ave. NE) in Nob Hill. Ring in the new year by dressing to impress in black and white, because this is your moment to “shine behind the mask.” Enjoy live music from DJ Malik starting at 9 p.m. And stick around for the requisite ball drop at midnight. Tickets are $35 in advance (tickets.holdmyticket.com/tickets/455476) or $40 at the door and include a glass of bubbles and party favors. This one’s also a 21+ event.