EAT
Dec. 22-23: Feast of the Seven Fishes
Gnocco, 3734 Fleet St. 5 p.m. $69.
While it’s not quite Christmas Eve yet, this cozy corner spot in Highlandtown is celebrating this beloved Italian-American custom a few days early with a lavish five-course dinner. Since Feast of the Seven Fishes, or “Festa Dei Sette Pesci,” is all about seafood, start with oysters on the half shell and arancini with clams and mussels before moving onto delectable main dishes like squid ink garganelli, saffron gnocchi, and red wine braised octopus and cuttlefish.
DRINK
Dec. 22: Save Your Soul Party
Paulie Gee’s Hampden, 3535 Chesnut Ave. 10 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Free.
After a year of record-setting rains and one political scandal after another, we need to shake off the negative vibes and end 2018 on a high note. Luckily, Paulie Gee’s Hampden is combining its late-night specials on amaro pours and the classic Baltimore pairing of a shot and a beer with enough deep cuts from soul stars Etta James, The Supremes, and Aretha Franklin to keep you grooving all night long. Don’t miss one of the city’s best dance parties and the chance to spin and shimmy out of this year in style.
SEE
Dec. 22-23: It’s a Wonderful Life
The Senator Theatre, 5904 York Rd. Free.
While more recent Christmas movies like Elf and How the Grinch Stole Christmas have become holiday-season staples, nothing beats Frank Capra’s 72-year-old classic It’s a Wonderful Life. This Saturday, watch this sentimental classic come alive on the big screen, and for the first time, The Senator Theatre will show it again on Sunday for double the feels. Plan to bring non-perishable food items in lieu of admission to benefit GEDCO Cares Food Pantry and get to the theater early to hear live holiday tunes by Jim Jones of The Music Workshop.
HEAR
Dec. 22: Baltimore Boom Bap Society
The Windup Space, 12 W. North Ave. 9 p.m.-12 a.m. $8.
Since DJs/producers Erik Spangler and Wendel Patrick founded the Baltimore Boom Bap Society back in 2011, this monthly improvised hip-hop event has become a breeding ground for some of the city’s best experimental beats and cross-genre collaborations. This Saturday marks the start of the society’s eighth season and its new Saturday night slot at The Windup Space, and to celebrate DJ Dubble8 and Patrick will host nine up-and-coming musicians, including locally-loved beatboxer Shodekeh, emcees Ill Conscious and Black Root, and violinist Blair Skinner.
DO
Dec. 22: Charm City Klezmer Holiday Dance Party
Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 8 p.m. $15-18.
Although the eight days of Hanukkah ended a few weeks ago, this annual holiday klezmer (aka Jewish-inspired folk) dance party is worth extending the celebration for. Head to the Creative Alliance on Saturday night to dance the horah, learn traditional Yiddish dances from performers Judith Geller and Michael Raitzyk, and spend the evening shaking off those extra holiday calories.