Annual day of contemplation dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic.

(Gaustavinos, 409 East 59th Street, New York, NY 10022) (7PM) AID FOR AIDS International (AFAI) will host its biggest fundraising event of the year, the My Hero Gala, featuring a silent auction, dinner, awards ceremony and dancing. AFAI is proud to honor world-renowned fashion photographer Mario Testino, SAB Miller Group, Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLC and 19-year-old Alejandro Pompei. Almost 95 cents of every dollar collected at the gala is used to provide services for people living with HIV and AIDS in Latin America and the Caribbean. AID FOR AIDS International ($500 (individual) - tables available) (212 337 8043) [email protected] Event Website

(TheTimesCenter, 242 West 41st Street, New York, NY 10036) (6:30pm) On the 21st annual World AIDS Day, leading figures in the ongoing fight against this worldwide pandemic discuss the latest developments and setbacks, particularly as they affect women, a new generation of gay men and communities of color. Panelists include Jerry Mitchell, director, choreographer and founder of the “Broadway Bares” fundraiser and Linda Villarosa, former Times health contributor and former Essence editor. Moderated by Science Times reporter Lawrence K. Altman, M.D. ($30) Event Website

(Dante Park, Broadway & 63rd Street) (5:30 PM) Features free entertainment, food tastings, in-store activities and shopping around and about this colorful and vibrant neighborhood. Stores, restaurants, cultural organizations and public spaces in the district will be buzzing with activities. Sidewalks along Broadway from Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle to 68th Street will be alive with performers, street musicians, jugglers, stilt-walkers and more. The neighborhood holiday tree lighting will be held at Dante Park. (FREE) (212.581.3774) Event Website

(Coney Island Boardwalk, Surf Ave at 19th St, Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY 11229) (12pm) Join the Coney Island Polar Club for the traditional New Year's Day plunge. Make a donation to Camp Sunshine and receive a free breakfast and all-day admission to the New York Aquarium. Special this year: Polar Bear Club member Strongman Steve Ekstance, who recently pulled a dumptruck by his teeth and dead lifted 1000 lbs., will be appearing on the boardwalk at noon performing similar feats. To benefit Camp Sunshine, a retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. (Free) (718-356-7741) Event Website

(Various Locations) The Gotham Independent Film Awards, selected by distinguished juries and presented in New York City, the home of independent film, are the first honors of the film awards season. This public showcase honors the filmmaking community, expands the audience for independent films, and supports the work that IFP does behind the scenes throughout the year to bring such films to fruition. The festival includes awards presentations, film screenings, networking receptions, panel discussions, and more. Event Website

(The Palace Theatre, Broadway at 47th Street, New York, NY 10036) (Varies check website) Liza Minnelli will bring her unmatchable magic to Broadway, when she stars in her new show “Liza’s At The Palace…!” The show will be highlighted with many of Liza’s showstoppers such as “Cabaret,” “Maybe This Time,” and “New York New York” – all written especially for her by the legendary Broadway song writing partnership of John Kander and Fred Ebb. ($55-250) Event Website

(Rockefeller Center, 45 Rockefeller Plaza, 5th to 7th Aves, 47 to 51st Sts, New York, NY 10111) The City's signature holiday tradition with celebrity appearances, performances and more. (Free) Event Website

(Nola Studios, 250 W. 54th St, 11th Floor, Studio B, New York, NY 10019) (8pm.) Sponsored by Miss Vera's Finishing School for Boys Who Want to Be Girls and Women Who Want to Be Femme-tastic. A group class limited to 16 students. An integrated class of transfemmes and biofemmes. Sign up with a friend and $ave. Both dates cover same instructions. Sign for one or both. Practice makes perfect! ($49 per class. Advance registration required.) (212-989-0906) [email protected] Event Website

(Barnes & Noble 66th St, LIncoln Triangle, 1972 Broadway, New York, NY 10023) (6:00pm) It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Edd Clark and Sue Matsuki kick off the holiday season by bringing their CD Sue & Edd’s FABULOUS Christmas Show to the Lincoln Center Barnes and Noble's Any Wednesday series. (Free) (212-262-1151) [email protected] Event Website

(CUNY Graduate Center, 365 Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10016) (7pm) Drag Show Video Vérité gathers, preserves and screens rare film and video footage that documents the faces and places, past and present, of New York City's vibrant drag scene. This all new edition incorporates footage spanning more than fifty years and includes a rare 1965 Avery Willard film of Adrian's drag Salome dance and clips from drag legends including Holly Woodlawn, Sister Tui, Ethyl Eichelberger, Dean Johnson, Mo B. Dick, Lady Bunny, Rose Wood, and Taylor Mac. Q&A after the screening. (Free) Event Website

(92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10128) (8pm) Annie Leibovitz is considered the leading photographer of her time. Her powerful portraits have appeared on magazine covers for more than 25 years, from Rolling Stone to Vanity Fair to Vogue. Among her many photography books are Women, American Music, A Photographer’s Life, and most recently, Annie Leibovitz at Work: The Making of a Photograph. ($27) Event Website

(MoMA, 11 West 53 St, New York, NY 10019) (7pm) On the heels of its opening on November 26, MoMA will host an exclusive screening of MILK followed by one of the only East Coast public appearances by the film’s director and Gotham Tribute honoree Gus Van Sant. The film stars Sean Penn as slain San Francisco politician Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California. ($10) Event Website

(Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway at 95th St, New York, NY 10025) (7:30pm) A celebration of sex as depicted in contemporary American poetry, features composer Del Tredici's My Favorite Penis Poems, a song cycle (for soprano, tenor and piano) drawing upon poets Rumi, Allen Ginsberg, Alfred Corn, Edward Field, Antler and Marilyn Kallet, and Wondrous the Merge, a setting of a James Broughton poem chronicling the poet’s ecstatic embrace of his long-repressed sexuality. N/A ($30, advance: $25; Under 30 Rush: $10) (212-864-5400) [email protected] Event Website

(Cherry Lane Theatre, 38 Commerce St., New York, NY 10014) (8 PM) These fierce young LGBT artists reveal their dreams and struggles, fears and triumphs through exhilarating dance, cutting-edge spoken word, and hits by Madonna, Mariah Carey, Dresden Dolls, Natasha Bedingfield, Nine Inch Nails, and more. Youth Pride Chorus embodies the power and change that are possible when voices unite. ($20) Event Website

(Alvin Ailey Studios, 405 West 55th St at 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019) (6:30pm) Join over 200 advertising, marketing, and media professionals as we honor Levi Strauss & Co. and Wells Fargo for their outstanding, longtime commitment to LGBT inclusion in advertising. To benefit Commercial Closet. ($131+) Event Website

(Therapy, 348 West 52nd St, New York, NY 10019) (7pm) SKI BUMS hosts social events and group trips for over 500 LGBT skiers and snowboarders. You're invited to "chill out" with other cool snowboarding & skiing women and sign up for "Girl Powder," the SKI BUMS all-girl daytrip to Belleayre Mountain, on Saturday, January 24. Event Website

(LGBT Community Center, 208 West 13th St, New York, NY 10011) (6pm) This is the third and final installment of the Center Classics Opera series. We will explore Amahl and the Night Visitors. This enchanting one act chamber opera by Gian Carol Menotti is the story of a poor and sickly young boy, Amahl, who lives at the time of the Nativity. On their way to visit the child-king whose birth was foretold, the Three Kings find shelter for a night with Amahl and his Mother. The cast will include various soloists, including a boy soprano, chorus of shepherds and chamber orchestra. ($15) Event Website

(Cherry Lane Theatre, 38 Commerce St., New York, NY 10014) (8pm) Youth Pride Chorus electrifies the stage in their December show Revelations. These fierce young LGBT artists reveal their dreams and struggles, fears and triumphs through exhilarating dance, cutting-edge spoken word, and hits by Madonna, Mariah Carey, Dresden Dolls, Natasha Bedingfield, Nine Inch Nails, and many others. Youth Pride Chorus embodies the power and change that are possible when voices unite. ($20) (212-344-1777 x4) Event Website

(The Duplex, 61 Christopher Street, NYC, NY 10014) (9:30 PM) New York's favorite long-running variety show is donning its gay apparel every Thursday in December. Take two parts stand-up, a twist of musical comedy, add a splash of cabaret with some holiday spice and you've got "Danny Leary's On the Rocks for the Holidays!" - a stiff cocktail guaranteed to keep you red-nosed all season long! This special holiday series features top shelf nightclub entertainment from national headlining stand-ups, holiday favorites from the city's most celebrated cabaret and jazz singers. ($10 + 2 Drinks) [email protected] Event Website

(Church of St. Paul and St. Andrew, 263 West 86th St. at West End Ave., New York, NY 10024, 212-362-3179, e-mail) (8:00pm) Music and Rhythms of Latino, Ladino and Spanish Traditions; Salmo 150, Ernani Aguiar, Misa Criolla, Ariel Ramírez, works of Edgar Colón-Hernández, Raimundo Penaforte (world premiere), Tribute to Norman Dello Joio (1913-2008) (General: $30 ($25 advance); Students/Seniors $20 ($15 advance)) (212-545-4110) Event Website

(The New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024) (6:30 pm) In a burst of creative activity, pop singer-songwriter-pianist Cheryl B. Engelhardt quickly became a popular presence on the club scene in Manhattan, performing regularly with her band at The Knitting Factory, The Cutting Room, and The Bitter End. For this series, she will be offering a sampling of the heartfelt and passionate songs from her most recent albums. (free) (212-873-3400) [email protected] Event Website

(Exit Art, 475 Tenth Avenue, New York, NY 10036) (7:30 PM) This signature cocktail reception, awards program, and dance party honoring the contributions of lesbians and other leaders of the LGBT community. This year's honorees are Jennifer Hatch of Christopher Street Financial, as well as Dr. Marjorie Hill of GMHC and Kristen Johnson of KPMG. ($125 in advance) Event Website

(Zipper Factory, 336 West 37th St, New York, NY 10018) (8 PM) Presented by EVE ENSLER (founder of V-Day and creator of The Vagina Monologues) and JULIE GOLDMAN (co-star of LOGO's Big Gay Sketch Show) this show is guaranteed to be a balls-out comedy throw-down. No subject is off-limits and these hysterical ladies are guaranteed to ruffle some feathers saying the dangerous sh*#t you think but are SO not supposed to say out loud. ($28) (212-695-4600) Event Website

(BAAD! The Bronx Academy of Arts & Dance, 841 Barretto St, Bronx, NY 10474) (8 PM) This gay, Latino comedic play centers around a couple, Carlos and Gabriel, who have been together for almost 15 years. Their arguing and fighting has reached the queer heavens from which comes a ghetto thug/diva spirit who guides them on a trip through their lives. ($15) Event Website

(Various Locations, Port Jefferson, NY) Come and celebrate three nights and two full days of historic and cultural programs including a Victorian Lantern Lighting, Model Train Exhibit & Clinics, Victorian Delicacies and Potables for Dinner, A Decade of Dickens Photo Exhibit, Nutcracker Ballet Party, Historic Walking Tours, Holiday Songfest, Horse and Carriage Rides, and much much more. Event Website

(LGBT Community Center, 208 West 13th St, New York, NY 10011) (8:00 PM - 10:00 PM) At this Speed-Dating event, meet lots of guys ages 20s & 30s one-on-one for a series of 3-minute dates, then get a free mingling period to meet anyone else in the room. Tell us which men you want a second date with, and minutes later you find out your matches. This is a great opportunity to meet guys for time-efficient face-to-face contact and see what kind of chemistry is there. It’s a lot of fun and could lead to meeting someone special! ($20) (212-971-1084) [email protected] Event Website

(Housing Works Warehousex, 48-49 35th St, Long Island City, Queens, NY 11101) (10am - 4pm) Housing Works' beloved twice-monthly warehouse sales make it easier than ever for you to find flawed-but-fabulous designer items among the overstock. For $20, you get a shopping bag to fill with as much of the overstock clothing as will fit. For $30, you get a shopping bag filled entirely with men’s and women’s pre-sorted designer items! To benefit Housing Works. ($20) Event Website

(Merkin Concert Hall, 129 West 67th Street, New York, NY 10023) (8 pm) Join the Stonewall Chorale, the nation’s first gay and lesbian chorus, for a sizzling holiday program, full of seasonal gems including J.S. Bach’s ‘Magnificat’, Hanukkah songs, wintry tunes by Rutter, James Bassi and Eleanor Daley, and an audience sing-along of Christmas pops favorites, including ‘White Christmas’, ‘I’ll be Home for Christmas’, ‘I saw Daddy Kissing, Santa Claus’, more!… with chamber orchestra. Cynthia Powell, Artistic Director. ($25 prior to concert; $30 at the door) (212-971-5813) [email protected] Event Website

(Stuart Thomas Manor, 2143 Boundary Ave, Farmingdale, NY 11735) (7pm - 1am) A night of dining and dancing, catching up with old friends and making new ones. All proceeds go toward the Long Island LGBT community's 2009 Pride Parade. ($85) Event Website

(Stephen Crane House, 508 Fourth Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712) (2pm) The Provincetown Fringe Festival in Asbury Park presents a grab bag of holiday cheer, including writings by Eleanor Roosevelt and letters that children wrote to her during the Great Depression, the meaning of the Kwanzaa candles, A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote and adapted by Joe Bove, a reading of a first-hand account of the 1914 WW I Christmas truce, holiday songs, and more. The actors are Anne Berkowitz, Carla Stampora, Christine Emmert, Gregory Brewington, Ingrid Heldt, John Kaplow, Marjorie Conn, Susan Marco and Susan Pellegrini. Seating is limited so reservations are strongly recommended. To benefit Greyhound Rescue organizations. ($10) (732-807-4052) [email protected]

(Various Locations, Port Jefferson, NY) Come and celebrate three nights and two full days of historic and cultural programs including a Victorian Lantern Lighting, Model Train Exhibit & Clinics, Victorian Delicacies and Potables for Dinner, A Decade of Dickens Photo Exhibit, Nutcracker Ballet Party, Historic Walking Tours, Holiday Songfest, Horse and Carriage Rides, and much much more. Event Website

(Castillo Theatre, 543 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036) (7:00 PM) Audience members brave the stage for an impromptu conversation with a therapist. On the spot, the Castillo Players transform their life stories into improvised scenes. Hilarity ensues. Lather, rinse and repeat. Don’t miss the triumphant return of Castillo’s most ridiculous offering! ($15) (212-941-1234) [email protected] Event Website

(Castillo Theatre, 543 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036) (7:30PM & 2:00PM) For the first time ever, Castillo presents a series of new plays by young, socially-engaged playwrights and directors new to the Castillo stage. The five festival scripts were developed in ongoing workshops led by Dan Friedman, Artistic Director of Youth Onstage!, and Fred Newman, Castillo’s artistic director from 1989 to 2005. (Individual Program: $25 / 3-Program Festival Pass: $35) (212-356-8449) [email protected] Event Website

(New Amsterdam Theatre, 214 West 42nd St, New York, NY 10036) Cited as "possibly the season's most dazzling talent show," the GYPSY OF THE YEAR COMPETITION features New York's most talented "gypsies" (chorus members from Broadway and Off-Broadway shows) in a competitive variety show. The event is the culmination of six weeks of fund-raising when shows on and Off-Broadway engage in a friendly competition to see which show can raise the most money for BC/EFA. Last year, $3,927,000 was raised. To benefit BROADWAY CARES/EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS. Event Website

(Kaufmann Concert Hall, 1395 Lexington Ave, at 92nd, New York, NY 10128) (8pm) Join host Liz Callaway, Broadway’s most delightful diva, for a look at the best new shows headed for Broadway. Five new musicals will be featured, including candid interviews with the writers and songs from their upcoming shows. Past seasons offered sneak peeks at such shows as Avenue Q, The Drowsy Chaperone, Next to Normal and High Fidelity. ($40) Event Website

(Barnes & Noble 66th St, LIncoln Triangle, 1972 Broadway, New York, NY 10023) (2 & 3:30pm) Take time out of your holiday shopping to kick off the festive season with one of two performances of seasonal favorites with one of our city's most beloved groups -- New York City Gay Men's Chorus! Plus, the guys will be gift wrapping all day from 11am to 9pm. (Free) Event Website

(Carnegie Hall, 881 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10019) (8pm) After a year of innovative performances at Carnegie Hall, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, and Fashion Institute of Technology, NYCGMC returns to Carnegie Hall once again. This year, we’ll gather with our friends and family to celebrate the holiday season, while continuing our steadfast efforts to fight homophobia through song. As ever, the Holiday Spectacular will include an entertaining and varied mix of songs, celebrities, and surprises! There will be laughter, tears and inspiring messages of hope. ($39 - $88) Event Website

(Waldorf Astoria, 301 Park Ave, New York, NY 10022) (11:30am) Honoring Cynthia Nixon, Laura Linney, Linda Kaplan Thaler, Cyma Zarghami and Eastman Kodak Company. Master of Ceremonies Nancy Giles. To benefit New York Women in Television & Film. Event Website

(Carnegie Hall, 881 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10019) (8pm) A Christmas bonanza featuring Kate & Anna McGarrigle, Rufus & Martha Wainwright and Special Guests Emmylou Harris, Lou Reed, Laurie Anderson, Jimmy Fallon and Justin Bond. ($40 - $150) Event Website

(Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St, New York, NY 10010) (7:00pm) It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Edd Clark and Sue Matsuki kick off the holiday season by bringing their annual sell-out Sue & Edd’s FABULOUS Christmas Show for 1 performance. She’s a little bit jazzy and he’s a little bit legit; she’s a multi-MAC Award winner and he’s a Bistro Award winner; together they’re returning with their annual show to ring in the holiday season! ($20 cover/2 drink minimum) Event Website

(Nationwide) A day without gays would be tragic because it would be a day without love. On December 10, 2008 -- International Human Rights Day -- the gay community will take a historic stance against hatred by donating love to a variety of different causes. On December 10, you are encouraged not to call in sick to work. You are encouraged to call in "gay" -- and donate your time to service! Event Website

(Burton - Soho flagship store, 105 Spring St at Mercer St, New York, NY 10012) (5 - 8pm) Tonight, all SKI BUMS members will get treated to a discounted shopping night with Burton's experts on hand. If you're a snowboarder -- or thinking of learning -- you definitely won't want to miss this, but skiers would be well advised to come check out Burton's top-notch jackets, pants, helmets, gloves, first layers, fleeces, backpacks, googles and more, all with the confidence that your gear will not only do what it's supposed to do, but it'll make you look good while you're at it. (Free for Members) Event Website

(LGBT Community Center, 208 West 13th St, New York, NY 10011) (6pm) In these uncertain and difficult economic times, your professional network can be your lifeline and generate new leads, more business and more referrals. Presented by The Center and the Greenwich Village/Chelsea Chamber of Commerce. ($10) Event Website

(ihi (The Institute for Human Identity), 322 Eighth Avenue, Suite 802 at 26th Street, New York, NY 10001) (7 PM) A major concern of LGBTQ parents regarding their children is that they will be teased or harassed because of their parent’s sexuality. This workshop will explore the experiences children of gay and lesbian parents have with the outside world and how parents can successfully deal with the challenges of others’ prejudices. (FREE) (212-243-2830) [email protected] Event Website

(LGBT Community Center, 208 West 13th St, New York, NY 10011) (8PM) Fun speed dating for professional, upscale, quality men. Private one on one "mini-dates" 5-7 minutes with all the men. Free refreshment/mingling break. Write down who you feel a connection with based on mutual values, interests, etc. For diverse, successful men with class. Make meaningful connection for friendship, dating, love, romance. ($25) (212-989-8549) [email protected] Event Website

(Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd St, New York, NY 10010) (9:30pm) Let Uptown Express put some jazz in your jingle with Cool Yule, a swingin' celebration of song. The boys of Uptown dazzle as they share a surprising variety of influences, from the Plaids to The Pussycat Dolls, from Mel Torme to the Manhattan Transfer, from Marvin Gaye to the Grinch. Half holiday, half every day, Cool Yule is all energy, all harmony, and all cool! ($20 + 2 drink min.) (212-206-0440) Event Website

(Cattyshack, 249 4th Ave, Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY 11215, Venue Website) (8pm) Free Hor d'oeuvres/Cash bar/Hot music and Dancing. Cover charge includes free raffle ticket (additional $5 off with canned food or clothing donation, or by RSVP to [email protected]). Great raffle prizes include autographed copy of "Saving Face" DVD signed by director Alice Wu. ($25) [email protected] Event Website

(Red Room, 85 East 4th St, New York, NY 10003) (10:30pm) Nina is a 30ishsuburban housewife and Christian evangelical and the Director; Anne is a twenty-something, timorous, re-enactor of the Declaration of Independence and the Actor. Director and Actor diligently rehearse their skit in a bid to win the National Christian Tolerance Variety Show Competition. Every day the rehearsal is interrupted by Nina’s trip to the Treatment Room. Mad scientists Dr. Freud and Dr. Nietzsche enter to observe “The Treatment.” On this day however, the women turn the tables on the doctors amid the bedlam, bloodcurdling screams, and lunatics spouting 'The Will to Power'. ($22.50) Event Website

(S.L.A.M., 51 North 1st St, Brooklyn, NY 11211) (Fridays 7pm; Saturdays 3 & 7pm; Sundays 3pm) Invisible Forces creates the thrills of the circus, the heart thumps of a great adventure movie, and the velocity of the Indy 500 in one big, crowd pleasing Action Event. Beautiful bodies engaging sexy new hardware in show stopping pieces will keep audiences on the edge of their seats, wherever in space those seats happen to be. (Adults $20 & Kids (12 and under) $10) (212-352-3101) Event Website

(Housing Works Women's Health Center, 57 Willoughby St, Brooklyn, NY 11201) (2 - 7pm) Purchase unique works of art and handcrafts created by participants of Housing Works programs. Beautiful glass bead jewelry, knit and crocheted items, handcrafted gifts, paintings and much more! Half of the proceeds go directly to the Artist/Artisan. The other half goes to supporting Housing Works programs. Event Website

(The New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024) (6:30 pm) In a remarkable meeting of musical minds, the trajectory of rising jazz stars Jeb Patton (piano) and David Wong (bass) intersect with legendary drummer, Albert "Tootie" Heath. All three have established themselves on the stages of the world's most important jazz venues. This combination promises a thrilling performance. (free) (212-873-3400) [email protected] Event Website

(Rockwood Music Hall, 196 Allen Street, New York, NY 10002) (11pm) Todd is an amazing singer and performer! His electrifying performances are always a crowd pleaser! Check out his myspace page to listen to his music! If you like what you hear, make sure you friend him on Myspace! (FREE!) Event Website

(LGBT Community Center, 208 West 13th St, New York, NY 10011) (8:00 PM - 10:00 PM) At this Speed-Dating event, meet lots of guys ages 40+ one-on-one for a series of 3-minute dates, then get a free mingling period to meet anyone else in the room. Tell us which men you want a second date with, and minutes later you find out your matches. This is a great opportunity to meet guys for time-efficient face-to-face contact and see what kind of chemistry is there. It’s a lot of fun and could lead to meeting someone special! ($20) (212-971-1084) Event Website

(West Chelsea Arts Building, 526 West 26th St. (10th & 11th Ave.), New York, NY 10001) (1:00 - 3:30 PM) Visit 8 exhibits of cutting-edge painting, sculpture, electronic media & photography, of interest to our queer sensibility, led by a former gay studies professor and art critic for the New York Blade. While you’re there, socialize with arts-oriented gay men & lesbians! ($20) (212-946-1548) Event Website

(Bound Brook Presbyterian Church, 409 Mountain Ave, Bound Brook, NJ 08805) (8:00 PM) Enjoy an enticing menu of favorites old and new that will excite your senses and whet your appetite for the holiday season. The concert features many of your favorite seasonal songs and a number of songs centered on nourishing the body and spirit. Join the chorus for this uplifting and entertaining concert! ($20 advance, $15 senior/student, $25 at door) (609-396-7774) [email protected] Event Website

(Zipper Factory, 336 West 37th St, New York, NY 10018) (8 & 10:30pm) MURRAY HILL, "the hardest working middle-aged man in show business", gives the gift of holiday entertainment to New York City with his legendary Yuletide tradition: A Murray Little Christmas. Everyone is invited as Murray re-creates one of his infamous holiday cocktail parties, live on stage. The show will be a cozy, chestnut warming, homey affair direct from his bachelor pad living room (one large enough to accommodate 10 merry musicians, 6 crooning carolers, 3 strutting Santa showgirls, two singing stars, and one showbiz legend named Murray Hill). A Murray Little Christmas is a cocktail-style variety show packed with silver bells and holiday hi-balls. Featuring guest stars from the "Isle of Misfits": Dirty Martini, Julie Atlas Muz, Bridget Everett, Kenny Mellman, Evil Hate Monkey & Trixi Little, Carmine Covelli (as Sebastian the Elf), The Peach Tartes, Broadway Brassy, Matt Barnes, Lil Miss Lixx, Mel Huckabee and The Fisherman Xylophonic Orchestra with Brian Newman on trumpet. ($30 - $55) Event Website

(Congregational Church of Patchogue, 95 East Main St, Patchogue, NY 11772) (7:30pm) Holiday non-denominational choral concert. ($22.50 adv; $25 door) Event Website

(Washington Square Park (5th Ave and Washington Square North)) (7pm) Phil Kline's free outdoor participatory sound sculpture of many individual parts, recorded on cassette tapes, CDs and Mp3s, and played through a roving swarm of boomboxes carried through city streets. Bring your own boombox and drift peacefully through a cloud of sound that is different from every listener's perspective. After 16 years of performances all over the world and a recording on Bang on a Can's Cantaloupe label, Kline's events now draw crowds of hundreds. (Free) [email protected] Event Website

(Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton, 50 Cherry Hill Road, Princeton, NJ 08540) (4:00) Enjoy an enticing menu of favorites old and new that will excite your senses and whet your appetite for the holiday season. The concert features many of your favorite seasonal songs and a number of songs centered on nourishing the body and spirit. Join the chorus for this uplifting and entertaining concert! ($20 advance, $15 senior/student, $25 at door) (609-396-7774) [email protected] Event Website

(Astor Center, 399 Lafayette St (at E. 4th St), New York, NY 10003) (6:00PM) 12th annual “Research in Action Awards,” a benefit honoring individuals who have made a significant impact in AIDS research and activism. This year’s honorees include Emmy-award winning actress Doris Roberts who will be presented with her award from actress Anne Meara; restauranteur and AIDS activist Florent Morellet who will be presented with his award from POZ magazine founder Sean Strub. Treatment Action Group ($150) (212-253-7922) Event Website

(KGB Bar, 85 East 4th St, New York, NY 10003) (7pm) Guest hostess Tristan Taormino brings us Nairne Holtz, Zaedryn Meade, Chelsea Summers and Guest Editor Joan Larkin. Tristan Taormino is an award-winning author, columnist, editor, and sex educator. She is the author of four books, winner of a Firecracker Book Award and named Amazon.com’s #1 Bestseller in Women’s Sex Instruction in 1998. She has appeared on CNN, HBO’s Real Sex, NBC’s The Other Half, The Howard Stern Show, Loveline, and many other TV shows, and on over four dozen radio shows. (Free) Event Website

(New York Stock Exchange, 11 Wall St, New York, NY 10005) (6pm) The National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) invites you to the Diversity and Leadership in Financial Services Awards Dinner with Chairman Barney Frank and other Members of Congress. This special evening, which will bring together a host of industry and political leaders committed to equity and inclusion in Corporate America, begins with cocktails on the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange. A private dinner with government representatives and select corporate guests will follow in the Club Room at 7:30pm. ($175+) Event Website

(LGBT Community Center, 208 West 13th St, New York, NY 10011) (6pm) Screening followed by QBC ReelTALK with special invited guest Kenyon Farrow, DJ Baker and others, in conversation about LGBT Marriage & Prop 8 - Setting the Record Straight! Online presales automatically entered to win a signed copy of the DVD. (Online: $6; Students $8. Door: $10.) [email protected] Event Website

(Cathedral of St. John the Divine, 112th St & Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025) A highlight of this year's Solstice events will be the return to the full space of The Cathedral, after the past several years of having only part of it available for the consort's various presentations. The stunning, fully-renovated interior of The Cathedral will be featured in these celebrations, as well as the newly restored Great Aeolian-Skinner Pipe Organ, being played for the first time since the fire in The Cathedral seven years ago. Special Guests: Gospel singer Theresa Thomason, Brazilian singer/guitarist Renato Braz and Woodwind Master Paul McCandless. ($50+) Event Website

(The New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024) (6:30 pm) Percussionist Samuel Torres is quickly becoming one of the most acclaimed, respected, and sought-after figures on the Latin music scene. His performances are a combination of beauty, intelligence, and sheer virtuosity. This program will highlight Torres's own compositions, which he performs with the other members of his quintet. (free) (212-873-3400) [email protected] Event Website

(LGBT Community Center, 208 West 13th St, New York, NY 10011) (6:30pm) Dreams Deferred: The Sakia Gunn Film Project tells the tragic story of Sakia Gunn, a 15 years old high school student who was murdered in a gay hate crime. She and her friends were returning from socializing at NYC’s Greenwich Village piers at Christopher Street. While waiting for a bus in downtown Newark, New Jersey, she was sexually proposition and assaulted by a man who fatally stabbed her. The documentary follows the reaction of the Newark community where several rallies and vigils were held, galvanizing the community and prompting several LGBT organizations to form, including the Newark Pride Alliance and Sakia Gunn Aggressives & Femmes, as well as a scholarship fund in her name. May 23, the day Sakia was murdered, was declared by the Mayor of Newark as “No Name Calling Day.” Opening Remarks by Ana Hernandez, Director of Public Policy, The Center. This screening will be followed by a Q&A with the film's director Charles B. Brack and Kim Fountain, Deputy Director, New York City Anit-Violence Project. (Online: $8. Door: $10.) Event Website

(Union Hall, 702 Union St., Brooklyn, NY 11215) (8pm) 3rd Annual Holiday show gathers ‘round the fire for a more intimate event in the luxurious drawing room atmosphere of Brooklyn’s Union Hall. Uncle Pinchy will read you a classic burlesque holiday story, starring some of the best stocking stuffers in bump n' grind! Hosted by Nasty Canasta and Jonny Porkpie, with Clams Casino, Anita Cookie, GiGi La Femme and Tigger... at this show, the presents unwrap themselves! ($10) [email protected] Event Website

(Santo’s Party House, 100 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10013) (9pm) Mr. Patrick Duffy, and fashion designer Andrew Buckler have teamed up to throw