EAT
Dec. 20: Creole Soul Grand Opening
R. House, 301 W. 29th St. 3:30-8:45 p.m. Free.
There’s been plenty of buzz about R. House this month as we said goodbye to two longtime staples at the Remington food hall—Arba Meditteranean and Little Baby’s Ice Cream—and prepared for the arrival of newcomers Creole Soul and Taharka Bros. Ice Cream. To kick off the New Orleans-style soul food concept’s first weekend in its new digs, stop by the stall for an on-theme grand opening party, featuring Mardi Gras-inspired face painting, a King Cake, and live jams by Rufus Roundtree. Don’t leave without indulging in some of chef Que Neal’s specialities: shrimp and grits, seafood gumbo, oyster po-boys, and “Mee Maw’s Famous” banana pudding.
DRINK
Dec. 22: Holiday Pawty
The Bluebird Cocktail Room & Pub, 3600 Hickory Ave., 3rd Floor. 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Free.
This holiday shindig combines two of everyone’s favorite pastimes—drinking artisanal cocktails and gushing over puppy photos. After grabbing one (or a few) of Bluebird’s specialty drinks from the cocktail bar, mosey over to the Christmas tree where photos of the 10 “cutest pet photo” finalists will be on display. Vote for your favorite with cash or tickets earned with each cocktail purchase, with one dollar from every drink being donated to the Maryland SPCA.
SEE
Dec. 20: The Nightmare Before Christmas Kiki
Rituals: Bar & Venue, 12 W. North Ave. 9-11 p.m. $7-10.
According to the folks at Stillpointe Theatre, this show at Rituals in Station North takes the phrase “gay happy meeting” from the song “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” to a whole new level. Pack the club for a night of lewks and performances by some of Baltimore’s best drag performers, including Venus Frastrada, Washington Heights, and Dee Dee Dereon, as well as a visit from Santa Claus himself. Bring plenty of singles to support your local drag performers this holiday season—the true gift that keeps on giving.
HEAR
Dec. 21: Eze Jackson’s Dirty Christmas
Metro Gallery, North Charles Street. 7 p.m. $10-15.
Nothing says holiday cheer quite like local rapper Eze Jackson’s anti-Christmas party, and that’s not even sarcasm. Break out of the ugly sweater party rut and spend the night jamming out at Metro Gallery with special guests including rapper DDm, 11-piece brass band Bedlam Brass, and the veteran host himself along with The Backwudz Band. Don’t worry: That Mariah Carey song will be nowhere near this show.
DO
Dec. 21: Druid Hill Winter Solstice Celebration
Rawlings Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, 3100 Swann Drive. 7-10 p.m. $10-15.
This Saturday marks the winter solstice, and to celebrate the darkest day of the year, the Rawlings Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is hosting a fun-filled night complete with hay rides, a roaring fire, and solstice-themed music. With all the proceeds benefiting the Druid Hill Farmers Market, spend the evening sipping hot cocoa and creating “winter solstice resolutions” by the bonfire or duck into the conservatory to escape the cold and admire the festive poinsettias.