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Top 20 events in December for you and your chosen family

Chicago Santa Speedo Run
Chicago Santa Speedo Run (Photo: @chicago_tim/Instagram)

If you’re dreading the family drama this holiday season, then why not opt for a getaway with your chosen fam instead? At least that drama can be hashed out over a long brunch. Plus, there’s plenty of international queer programming to choose from if you’re planning a holiday escape.

That said, if it’s a boozy tropical dance party you’re after or just a cider-filled stroll through a beautiful European city, then you’re in luck. Scroll down to find your next December adventure.

Featured Events in December

Strasbourg Christmas Markets

Strasbourg Christmas Markets 2023

Christmas Capital of the World

Strasbourg, France

It was here, in Strasbourg, where the first-ever Christmas Market in Europe took place. So, you know it’s going to be good. 

In Strasbourg, the “Capital of Christmas,” you can expect a light display like no other, as well as a festival that mixes old traditions with modern entertainment. 

The festivities, which include craft stalls, festive foods, and traditional displays, take place all around this beautiful city in eastern France.

Chicago Santa Speedo Run

Chicago Santa Speedo Run

Jingle balls, indeed

Sidetrack The Video Bar

Since 2011, Chicago’s Santa Speedo Run, an event originally created by Jeff Colgan and Karl Sponholtz, has raised more than $500,000 for local charities.

While the creators have stepped down, Mike Miller and his “ho-ho-ho host committee” at Sidetrack in Northalsted have taken over to facilitate this important annual fun run.

This is not a typical race where the fastest runner wins a trophy, but rather, a brisk one-mile jaunt through the East Lakeview neighborhood followed by brews and a costume contest.

See the lights

Christmas Avenue Berlin

Christmastime in Germany

Berlin

Amsterdam Light Festival

Dutch or bust

Downtown Amsterdam

Els Llums de Sant Pau Barcelona Christmas Garden 2023

This former hospital is sickening

Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau

Budapest Christmas Markets

Simply the Buda-best (sorry)

Budapest

See the party, the ball gowns

Masterbeat Class of 2024: New Year’s Eve

Engage in some public Masterbeating

Mayan Theater

Crown & Anchor Goes on Tour: Key West Edition

The best of PTown … in Key West

Havana Cabana At Key West

Matrix Party Barcelona

Homo for the holidays

Safari Disco Club, Carrer De Tarragona, 141, Carrer de San Nicolau, Barcelona,
San Francisco

‘Tis the damn season

New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall
Hotel Gaythering

Atlanta Santa Speedo Run 2023

Look! It’s Speedo Gonzales

1180 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA

Christmas by the Sea Ogunquit

You’ll have a wet Christmas

Ogunquit

SF Firefighters Toy Program

The best kind of counterprogramming

San Francisco

Provincetown Holly Folly

A holigay festival to rule them all

Provincetown

Grab your passport (and my hand)

For Rainbow Film Festival Brazil

Come for the film, stay for the Fortaleza

Fortaleza, Brazil

Rainbow Lit Fest

Not your grandma’s book fair

Delhi

The White Party São Paulo 2023

In São Paulo we wear white

Campo de Marte Airport Hangar

L Fest 2023

For women who like women (and partying)

Stanford Farm, Shrewsbury

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