Austin Trail of Lights (photo by Flickr user That Other Paper)
'Tis the season to embrace the ridiculous, over-the-top, jolly, sparkly, merry and bright. Naturally, the gays are all over it.
There's still time to get wrapped up in these classic and oh-so-fun holiday happenings. Consider it your gift to your inner cheeseball.
Great Dickens Christmas Fair, San Francisco, Calif., Dec. 22-23
Never made it on the stage? Get in character and interact with the hundreds of costumed players at this Victorian extravaganza. Guests enjoy food, drinks, entertainment and shopping along recreated, bustling London streets, as illustrated by the great Charles Dickens in his classic novels. 2012 is the year of Dickens' 200th birthday, so raise a hot toddy in his honor.
Trail of Lights, Austin, Texas, Now Through Dec. 23
After a two-year hiatus, Trail of Lights returns to Zilker Park, and the electric company is working overtime. Millions of lights make for a sparking scene, and performances round out the festive atmosphere. Doing their part to keep Austin weird, event goers on Friday, Dec. 21, will attempt to break the world record for the most carolers singing together. So if you have to pick one night, it's a no-brainer.
Christkindlmarket, Chicago, Ill., Now Through Dec. 24
Last-minute shopping usually results in buying the same sweater in varying colors for everyone on your list. Procrastinators near Chicago -- home to the largest traditional Christmas market outside Europe -- need not disappoint Mom and Aunt Rita. Performances and entertainment set the mood as you browse handmade ornaments, crafts and toys and indulge in German food and drinks. Don't forget to say "danke."
The Radio City Christmas Spectacular Featuring the Rockettes, New York, N.Y., Now Through Dec. 30
Yes, this is the obvious one. Do as tourists do and take your seat at the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. The Rockettes are celebrating their 85th year of dancing, prancing and kicking those legs higher than seems humanly possible. It's part of the magic of the season.
Holiday Cactus Garden, Las Vegas, Nev., Now Through Jan. 1
You won't find an evergreen in sight at Ethel M Chocolate Factory's Holiday Cactus
Garden. Throughout three acres, half a million lights twinkle and dance every
evening from 5 to 8 p.m. Santa stops by every weekend, so ask him to throw your
next trip to Southern Decadence in his sleigh. Word to the wise for the cacti-curious: Look, but don't touch.
For all your holiday travel needs, check out fagabond.com.