ITP: Holiday roundup: gigs & parties

We at the Boston Herald A&E department launched our holiday coverage today, and I rounded up some of the better holiday gigs and dance parties going on around Boston. Dig in.

By Michael Marotta
Friday, November 27, 2009 - Added 1d 20h ago

Not all holiday parties are created equal. And not all parties let you rock out on the dance floor in an ugly sweater and a glass of eggnog. Here are eight of the finer holiday dance parties and shows making the rounds in December.

Thursday, Dec. 10: The Puma Store’s Holiday Party Remix
Stay on your feet in style at this party that includes “DJ Hero” kiosks, 20 percent off the entire store and local DJs playing holiday music your grandmother would hate. 333 Newbury St.; 6 p.m., all-ages, free with RSVP at shoppingevents@puma.com; 617-369-7091, facebook.com/puma.

Thursday, Dec. 10: The Sun Lee Sunbeam’s Winter Wonderland at Harpers Ferry
The guys and gals in alt-rock trio the Sun Lee Sunbeam know how to throw a holiday bash. Expect Harpers to turn into one giant, festive snow globe. With Jeddo Stars and Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling. 158 Brighton Ave., Allston; 8:30 p.m., 18-plus, $8; 617-254-9743, harpersferryboston.com.

Friday, Dec. 11: Will Dailey’s Festival Holidad at the Paradise
It may be a holiday-themed party in catchy name only, but you know the ladies will be showing up with mistletoe when one of Boston’s best singer/songwriters performs. With the Luxury, Brendan Boogie and more. 967 Commonwealth Ave.; 9 p.m., 18-plus, $15; 617-562-8800, thedise.com.

Saturday, Dec. 12: Dub Station’s holiday reggae party at Church
There will be no dreaming of a white Christmas on this night - just visuals of Jamaica’s Sunsplash festival as longtime Bill’s Bar reggae crew Dub Station present Dion Knibb, son of Skatalites drummer Lloyd Knibb. 69 Kilmarnock St.; 8 p.m., 21-plus, $12; 617-236-7600, churchofboston.com.

Sunday, Dec. 20: The Scrooges at Great Scott
Grown men dressed as Santa playing covers of songs by garage rock legends the Stooges. Need we say more? This raw power comes drenched in eggnog. 1222 Commonwealth Ave., Allston; 9 p.m., 18-plus, $7; 617-566-9014, greatscottboston.com.

Tuesday, Dec. 22: A Holiday “Throwed” at the Middle East
The raunchiest 18-plus electro party in Boston breaks out the yule log on the dance floor, led by resident DJ E-Marce and some to-be-announced special guests. Park your sled outside. 472 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge; 9 p.m., 18-plus, $10; 617-864-3278, mideastclub.com.

Thursday, Dec. 24: the 23rd annual Matzo Ball at the Roxy
One of the biggest parties of the year is billed as a night for young Jewish professionals to network, but all comers are welcome to party like New Year’s Eve on Christmas Eve. 279 Tremont St.; 8 p.m., 21-plus, $25; 617-338-7699, matzoball.org.

Saturday, Dec. 26: Holiday Videodrome at Common Ground
DJ/VJ Craig MacNeil plays Christmas episodes from lost ’80s TV shows and all the disco and rock holiday songs you wish the radio station still played. Ugly sweater optional. 83 Harvard Ave, Allston; 10 p.m., 21-plus, $3; 617-783-2071.