Friday, December 16
There's no shortage of productions of The Nutcracker happening this month throughout South Florida. But only one company can give you a classic rendition of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker done professionally. Miami City Ballet kicks off the holiday classic on Friday, with shows taking place through Christmas Eve. (The production moves to the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach December 28-30.) What sets MCB's interpretation apart is its sheer scale: More than 100 dancers, lavish costumes, and incredible set design help bring it all to life. 7 p.m. Friday through December 24, at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami; miamicityballet.org. Tickets cost $39 to $269. Ashley-Anna AboredenDJ/producer Dirty South gets behind the decks at Lost Nightclub on Friday night. Born Dragan Roganović, the 44-year-old began his music career at age 13 in Melbourne, Australia, and received numerous accolades along the way. He has been nominated for two Grammy Awards for his remix to Kaskade's "Sorry" and his collaborative remix with Axwell of Temper Trap's "Sweet Disposition." He's been continuously ranked in DJ Mag's Top 100 DJ poll since his initiation in 2007. One of his best-known tracks is the 2013 single "City Of Dreams," which flooded the airwaves upon release. 10 p.m. Friday, at Lost Nightclub, 30 NE 14th St., Miami; apexpresents.com. Tickets cost $20 to $40 via eventbrite.com. Sophia Medina
Do you prefer your December holidays a little on the pagan side? On Friday, Little Haiti nightclub Domicile hosts Saturnalia, a night devoted to techno, dark wave, post-punk, and new wave. The dress code is all black as partygoers honor the god Saturn. The ancient holiday saw Romans eschew social norms, with gambling permitted and masters servicing their slaves. Historians have hypothesized that Christians selected December 25 to celebrate Christmas as a way to appropriate the festivities, which included gift-giving. Either way, it will be a bacchanal once you enter the venue. 11:30 p.m. Friday, at Domicile, 6391 NW Second Ave., Miami. Tickets cost $10 to $20 via shotgun.live. Jose D. Duran
Saturday, December 17
Hear the sleigh bells ringing? That's because SantaCon is set to take over downtown Fort Lauderdale on Saturday. Gather up the elves and reindeer and sleigh-ride over to Las Olas Boulevard. You're invited to dress in your most festive attire, including ugly sweaters and Santa costumes. Plus, there will be a variety of drink specials for attendees to quench their thirst. The holiday cheer starts at YOLO before moving on to American Social, Big City Tavern, Salt 7, and Rooftop @1WLO. 6 p.m. Saturday, at YOLO, 333 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; santacon.info. Admission is free with RSVP via santaconftl2022.eventbrite.com. Sophia MedinaOn Saturday, Flaming Classics returns to Hôtel Gaythering to screen the 1972 feature L.A. Plays Itself and the short film The Sex Garage. Both were directed by the legendary gay pornographic film director Fred Halsted, and L.A. Plays Itself was lauded upon its release by luminaries like William Burroughs and Fernando Arrabal. The films' cultural importance was cemented when the Museum of Modern Art acquired them for its permanent collection; they're the only gay pornographic films that have been honored in that fashion. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, at Hôtel Gaythering, 1409 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach; 786-284-1176; gaythering.com. Tickets cost $10 via eventbrite.com. Ashley-Anna Aboreden
Cuban-American DJ/producer Maceo Plex takes a turn welcoming the sunrise while holding court at Club Space on Saturday alongside Chloé Caillet, Danyelino, Omri., and Thunderpony. Plex is widely recognized for his impeccable yet diverse production style, influenced by house and techno elements. He has spun at many of Ibiza's top nightclubs, including the now-closed Space and Amnesia. His popular tracks include "Solitary Daze," "Insomnia 2021," "All Night," and his remix of Chromatics' "Shadow." 11 p.m. Saturday, at Club Space, 34 NE 11th St., Miami; 786-357-6456; clubspace.com. Tickets cost $20.39 to 48.49 via dice.fm. Sophia Medina
Sunday, December 18
Hold on to those reindeer reins — it's about to get witchy this Christmas. You're invited to step out of the holiday traditions and experience Witchmas at Soul II Soul. Enchant the season with daring treats that may put you under a candy cane spell. Everyone, whether naughty or nice, will be gifted with a manifestation candle, as well as some magical goodies to get into the witchy spirit. Soul II Soul will have its boutique open for guests to shop for any last-minute gifts. Plus, there will be sweet treats and mischievous drinks for everyone to enjoy. 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, at Soul II Soul, 8011 SW 40th St., Miami; 786-703-7550; soul-ii-soul.com. Tickets cost $23 via eventbrite.com. Sophia MedinaOn Sunday, the a cappella voices of Seraphic Fire will get audiences in the Christmas spirit as they sing holiday favorites. For its A Seraphic Fire Christmas show, the vocal ensemble will perform heartwarming carols like "Jesus Christ the Apple Tree" and "Silent Night." Associate conductor James K. Bass will lead the 90-minute performance in a serene, candlelit setting. 4 p.m. Sunday, at the Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center, 10950 SW 211th St., Cutler Bay; 786-573-5300; mosscenter.org. Tickets cost $20 to $55. Sophia Medina
Founded in 2010, the Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida has been on a mission to foster musicianship and brotherhood among its members. In little over a decade, it's become one of the ten largest LGBTQ choruses in the U.S., with more than 150 singers among its ranks. On Sunday, this cultural gem takes the stage at Hard Rock Live to perform a medley of holiday tunes with Tony Award-nominee Shoshana Bean as the special guest. 7 p.m. Sunday, at Hard Rock Live, 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood; 954-797-5531; myhrl.com. Tickets cost $41 to $106 via ticketmaster.com. Ashley-Anna Aboreden
South Florida's hit radio station is bringing everyone a present — no surprise, it's music. The Y100 Jingle Ball takes over the FLA Live Arena on Sunday to deliver some of this year's biggest pop acts. Headlining this year are singer-songwriter and TikTok celebrity Charlie Puth and Brazilian singer Anitta, who released her album Versions of Me to critical acclaim in April. Also on the lineup are Backstreet Boys, Tate McRae, Black Eyed Peas, Big Time Rush, Ava Max, Lauren Spencer-Smith, and Jax. 7 p.m. Sunday, at FLA Live Arena, 1 Panther Pkwy., Sunrise; 954-835-7000; flalivearena.com. Tickets cost $35 to $501 via ticketmaster.com. Sophia Medina
