Christmas dance parties, all the latkes, a visit from Krampus and more things to do in NYC

SoHo Holiday Block Party

Cross off what’s left on your gift list while snagging freebies for yourself this Thursday in SoHo. Howard Street stores will stay open late and offer special deals, treats and entertainment for holiday shoppers. That includes DJ Chapman and Stella Artois at The Arrivals; music, cocktails and an art display by Emily Johnston at Canal Street Market; an ugly sweater contest and spiked cider at Michele Varian; and an attempt to set a world record for bed-jumping at Sleepy Jones. Dec. 15, 6-8 p.m., Howard Street, free

Somehow, Egyptians believed that men made babies; women just birthed them. They might have also believed women couldn’t be reborn in the afterlife due to their inability to create new life. The latest exhibit joining “A Year of Yes: Celebrating Feminism at the Brooklyn Museum” displays 25 works that examine this peculiar practice. Dec. 15, Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, $16, brooklynmuseum.org

Everyone knows jolly old St. Nick. But if you’re seeking a holiday icon that’s slightly more morbid, get your jollies with the child-stealing, cloven-hooved Krampus this Friday at the Bell House, thanks to Morbid Anatomy. The event offers a costume contest, themed drinks, a sing-along and a Macabre Pinata. It’s hosted by Ghoul A Go-Go with music by DJ Friese Undine. Dec. 16, 8 p.m., The Bell House,149 Seventh St., Brooklyn, $20, thebellhouseny.com

Amid your busy holiday plans, here’s one event that will make you feel good about attending yet another party. Wall Street Rocks: Veterans Benefit Show is a rock concert at the Highline Ballroom that’s raising money for members of the Armed Forces. Performers include John Popper (Blues Traveler), Carmine Rojas (David Bowie Band) and Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), who’s also celebrating his birthday! Proceeds benefit Hope for the Warriors and Operation Finally Home. Dec. 16, 6-11 p.m., Highline Ballroom, 431 W. 16th St., $75-$150, wallstreetrocks.org

There needs to be a word for the anxious pleasure that comes from watching a friend watch a movie you love for the first time. Schadenfilm? Whatever it’s called, it gets delightfully perverted at Union Hall when comedians take famous movies they’ve never seen, watch the start, and then write their own script for the climactic scenes. They then act it out onstage, complete with live musical scoring. Taking the stage are Kyle Ayers, Jean Grae, Will Miles and Jo Firestone. Dec. 17, 8 p.m., Union Hall, 702 Union St., Brooklyn, $8-$10, unionhallny.com

We can’t make the new year come any quicker, but how about going back in time instead? Escape your woes with the New Wave Xmas Party presented by Music Video Time Machine. Dance to the best of the ’80s and ’90s, from Duran Duran to Depeche Mode (and revisit some of the all-time best music videos from the golden era of MTV while you’re at it). Thematic dress is encouraged! Dec. 17, 11 p.m., Rough Trade NYC, 64 N. Ninth St., Brooklyn, $5-$10, roughtradenyc.com

Why should Santa get all the cookies? Get to the Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club to eat the best flat baked goods this side of the North Pole as more than 25 local bakers vie for your affection alongside adult (21+) drinks. We’re sure you can get a glass of milk, but that’ll just take up valuable calories. Dec. 18, noon-2 p.m., $20

Let’s talk about sex, baby. Better yet, let’s listen to notable storytellers and comedians recount their sexual exploits onstage at Le Poisson Rouge during Sunday Night Sex Talks, which returns to NYC from L.A. after a hit show in September. This show’s theme is “Best Laid Plans,” hosted by creator Jessie Rosen. Best of all, total proceeds from this feminist event benefit Planned Parenthood. Dec. 18, 8 p.m., Le Poisson Rouge, 158 Bleecker St., $15, lpr.com

Move over, Mariah Carey, there are some new contenders for Christmas diva and they’re lining up onstage this Sunday for two performances at the Highline Ballroom. Voss Event’s Drag Brunch features some of the city’s best female impersonators, including a few you’ll recognize from “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” While they sing, you’ll be diving into bottomless cocktails (with food available a la carte). VIPs get reserved seating and a photo with the cast. Dec. 18, 12:30 & 2:30 p.m., Highline Ballroom, 431 W. 16th St., $15-$69.95, highlineballroom.com

Sample contenders for NYC’s best potato pancake this Monday and vote for your favorite from 20 restaurants like Burger and Lobster, Jacob’s Pickles, Garden Court Cafe and last year’s winner, Veselka (and, of course, there will be drinks and snacks, too). Proceeds benefit the Sylvia Center, which teaches children healthy eating. Dec. 19, 6-9 p.m., 200 Eastern Parkway, $55-$120, latkefestival.com

On the first official day of winter, the entire city celebrates with a free concert at dusk. Make Music Winter is the culmination of 13 parades across all five boroughs, filling the streets with a variety of sounds–and you can take part. Each group has an assigned role: stomping, clapping, singing, ringing bells or banging percussion instruments from home (get creative). Some “music” styles even include using lights, phones and radios. Find out where to meet and what to bring online. Dec. 21, multiple locations, free, makemusicny.org