Saturday, Dec 16

Ottawa Bears Christmas Dinner

Bears and their admirers head out for a hearty buffet in honour of the holidays. That means a bunch of burly guys chowing down on roast beef, leg of lamb, pork, turkey, ham and — if there’s time — some vegetables. Oh my! To reserve a spot, contact oursottawabears@gmail.com.

5–7pm. Tuckers Marketplace, 61 York St. For more info, visit Facebook.

Master Cameron Eric Leon’s Gender Blending Birthday Bender

Drag! Burlesque! Music! Master Cameron Eric Leon celebrates his birthday with a massive night of performance on a scale that Ottawa seldom sees, featuring Cyril Cinder, Allysin Chaynes, Canada’s Capital Kings, Dottie Dangerfield, Spencer Munny and many more. Accessibility information on Facebook.

8pm–2am. The Bourbon Room, 400A Dalhousie St. For more info, visit Facebook.

Meet Canada’s Capital Kings at Master Cameron Eric Leon’s birthday celebration on Dec 16, 2017. Credit: Courtesy Kidd Gloves

December Trans Children and Youth Swim Night

The Ten Oaks Project hosts a monthly swim night for gender creative, gender independent, genderfluid, genderqueer, trans, two-spirit, intersex, agender, non-binary and gender diverse children and youth up to the age of 24. For any questions, contact hannah@tenoaksproject.org.

8:15–9:15pm. Jack Purcell Community Centre Pool, 320 Jack Purcell Ln. For more info, visit Facebook.

Oh My Jam vs Early to Bed Dance Party

Early to Bed Dance Party and The Queer Mafia host an eclectic dance party that welcomes revellers of every stamp. With Lissa Monet and DJs Justice and Del Pilar providing the soundtrack, you’ll hear everything from Motown “get downs” to top 40 to reggae. The venue is accessible.

9pm–2:30am. Babylon Nightclub, 317 Bank St. For more info, visit Facebook.

DJ Lissa Monet spins at the Babylon Nightclub on Dec 16 with the Early To Bed Dance Party. Credit: Courtesy Robin Waters

Monday, Dec 18

Social Justice Comedy: A Deliberately Liberal Comedy Show

This night of stand-up comedy promises some airing of grievances and a little “telling it like it is,” so buckle up. It features a group of comedians from a range of backgrounds: Kennedy Ryan, David Haddad, Dianne Skoll, Barnel Black, Laura McLean, Shelina Merani and Tommy Fitz.

9pm. Swizzles, 246 Queen St. For more info, visit Facebook.

Monday, Dec 25

Swizzles Christmas Potluck

Queer people often find it hard to visit family on the holidays. Never fear! This friendly and inclusive local bar is throwing a Christmas potluck. If you plan to attend, please contact JP through the Facebook event page and let him know what you want to bring. The venue is not accessible

5–10pm. Swizzles, 246 Queen St. For more info, visit Facebook.

Sunday, Dec 31

New Year’s Eve 2018 at T’s Pub

It’s cold and dreary and there are icicles hanging from your extremities, but you can have a warm and friendly New Year’s Eve celebration at one of the latest additions to the Ottawa scene — the “gay and all-welcoming” T’s Pub. It’s a laid-back night of socializing and tunes by DJ Johnny Roll, followed by a midnight toast and munchies.

9:30pm–2am. T’s, 323 Somerset St W. For more info, visit Facebook.