Holiday Markets and LCD Sound System: 17 things to do this weekend

By Joshua Encinias

Ready or not, the holiday season is officially upon us.

Thursday sees the return of the annual “Nutcracker Rouge” at Company XIV, a sexy take on Tchaikovsky’s classic. Brother filmmakers Adam and Grant Conversano debut their new short film tonight before it hits the festival circuit for free at Voyager.

The Brooklyn Botanical Garden launches its world-class “Lightscape” holiday offering on Friday, and Glide, the first ice skating rink under the Brooklyn Bridge, makes its debut.

Check out the Danish Christmas Fair on Saturday and Sunday, “Waiting for Godot” starring Michael Shannon through December 3, and Printed Matter’s Zine Fair at the Brooklyn Museum on Sunday.

Sunday is the World Day of the Poor, and New York has no shortage of ways to help our less fortunate neighbors this Thanksgiving week. ForumDaily New York compiled a good list of places to receive free turkeys and Thanksgiving meals.

Happy almost holidays.

Thursday, November 16

‘Nutcracker Rouge’ at Company XIV
Previews begin on Thursday
Do you know what’s missing from “The Nutcracker?” Sex! Company XIV is back with the city’s best burlesque performers for their 13th anniversary season of “Nutcracker Rouge.” This year’s production features a lineup of talented starlets from New York’s nightlife circuit. The opening night performance will be hosted by Tony Award winner J. Harrison Ghee (“Some Like it Hot”). 383 Troutman Street. Ticket prices vary.

Legends Classic at Barclays Center
6:30 p.m. on Thursday, 4:30 p.m. on Friday
Legends Classic returns to Brooklyn on Thursday and Friday, featuring men’s college basketball teams from Auburn, Notre Dame, Oklahoma State and St. Bonaventure. As you wait for the season’s first jump ball, come get your fix for college hoops by catching one of college basketball’s top early-season tournaments. 620 Atlantic Avenue. Tickets start at $26.

The Second City Opening Night
7 p.m.
It’s time to play the music. It’s time to light the lights. It’s time to meet the New York cast of Second City on Thursday night. The comedy institution makes its debut with a 12,000 square-foot entertainment complex comprised of two cabaret-style live theaters, seven Training Center classrooms, and a full-service restaurant and bar. 64 N. 9th Street.

LCD Soundsystem’s Brooklyn Steel residency
Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m.
Tonight Brooklyn’s own LCD Soundsystem kicks off four days of shows at Brooklyn Steel. Come dance yrself clean. Shows are 16+. 319 Frost St. Tickets start at $99.

Friday, November 17

Glide at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Open now through March 1
The first-ever ice rink beneath the Brooklyn Bridge is open to the public until March. Glide offers scenic views of Manhattan, food and drink selections, and a new spot for ice skating this holiday season and beyond. Discounts and free tickets are available for residents. See Glide’s website for details. Emily Warren Roebling Plaza 11201. Tickets are $10 for kids, $15 for adults.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s ‘Lightscape’
Friday through January 1
Brooklyn’s most enchanting winter show is back and reimagined for 2023 with brand new works of art. During “Lightscape,” the garden comes to life with illuminated sculptures, bright colors projected on the garden’s trees, seasonally decorated architecture water fountains and more. Check out our preview of this year’s show. 150 Eastern Parkway. Tickets are $12 for children and $24 for adults.

Masc Film Series at BAM
Friday through November 22
The Brooklyn Academy of Music presents the Masc film series, spotlighting the rich stories and courageous lives of trans men, butch lesbians and gender-nonconforming heroes. The movies were programmed by writer-archivist-filmmaker Jenni Olson and critic Caden Mark Gardner. You can watch nearly four decades of cinema history in search of authentic, complex representations of masculine identity as it exists outside the realm of cisgender men. 30 Lafayette Avenue. Tickets are $8 for members, $16 for GA.

Barbados Barbados Meets USA African American Spirituals
7 p.m.
Sneak over to Queens (we won’t tell anyone) on Friday to see Adrian Clark, director of Park Slope’s Tennis Center, play steelpan drums accompanied by keyboardist Richard Henry and American jazz bassist Hilliard Greene at Flushing Town Hall. Curated by acclaimed trumpeter and composer Frank London of The Klezmatics, the Mini-Global Mashup series brings two different global music artists together each month, along with accompanists, for music conversation, and sonic exploration. 137-35 Northern Boulevard. Tickets are $12 for members, $15 for GA.

Afrojack: Winter Festival
10 p.m.
Dance music icon Afrojack returns to Brooklyn to headline a show celebrating the Chinese Winter Solstice Festival. Expect seasonal production elements and decor at The Great Hall at Avant Gardner. The Chinese Winter Solstice Festival, also called the Dongzhi Festival, marks the start of winter and originates from the yin and yang concept symbolizing harmony and balance. 140 Stewart Avenue. Tickets are $84.

Saturday, November 18

‘Waiting for Godot’
Now through December 3
Since their first appearance in a tiny Paris theatre in 1953, Samuel Beckett’s iconic down-and-outs Vladimir and Estragon have rarely been off the stage. Theatre for a New Audience is home to this staging of “Waiting for Godot,” with Michael Shannon as Estragon and Paul Sparks as Vladimir. 262 Ashland Place. Tickets start at $97.

Thrift 2 Death Pop-up Market
Saturday and Sunday
Arlo Williamsburg hosts Thrift 2 Death, a NYC-based thrift pop up market that focuses on sustainability and affordability on Saturday and Sunday. The event will feature a live DJ and 30 vendors selling vintage clothing, art pieces and handmade jewelry. Clothing prices start at $5. 96 Wythe Avenue.

Frost Fest at Luna Park
Debuts on Saturday, and continues on weekends through January 7
Get ready for the ultimate beachfront winter experience as Coney Island hosts its first annual Frost Fest at Luna Park. Visitors can visit the skating rink, select rides and attractions, holiday lights and décor, photos with Santa, holiday shopping and festive food options to fulfill your holiday cravings. 1000 Surf Avenue. Ticket prices vary.

Danish Christmas Fair
Saturday and Sunday
Shop for unique Scandinavian gifts at the Danish Seamen’s Church on Saturday and Sunday. Choose from knitwear, holiday ornaments, Danish candy and traditional food for Christmas Dinner. You can also try “æbleskiver” (puffed apple pancakes), a traditional Christmas treat, and sip on hot glöggthe, a Danish take on mulled wine. 102 Willow Street.

‘We’re All Gonna Die’
8 p.m.
Come see some storytellers share their experiences with aging and death as they explore the ultimate taboo with humor. Look. We’re all gonna die. And that’s OK. Join hosts Jameer Pond and Ian Goldstein — two people who will eventually die — as they explore the concept of aging and dying but, like, in a fun way. Brooklyn Art Haus, 20-26 Marcy Ave. GA is $20.

Sunday, November 19

Breakfast with Santa
10 to 11:45 a.m.
Fit4Dance Studio hosts a breakfast with Santa on Sunday morning. Entertainment includes a special holiday book reading. Kids are invited to play games, take a picture with Santa and create some holiday artwork. Everyone will receive an autographed copy of “Little Lizzy and the Holiday Switch” and a holiday stocking filled with toys. 21 Snyder Avenue. Ticket prices vary.

Brooklyn Paints Art and Crafts Fall Festival
1 to 3 p.m.
Enjoy an afternoon of family friendly activities at Brooklyn Paints. The day includes art stations, singing and dancing, and games for all ages. Come for a day filled with art, community and the vibrant colors of fall. 1134 Broadway. Tickets are $39.

Printed Matter’s Sunday Zine Fair
11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
On the opening weekend of Copy Machine Manifestos: Artists Who Make Zines, stop by Printed Matter’s Sunday Zine Fair at the Brooklyn Museum to explore new and historical zines. The fair will bring together more than 60 exhibitors, with an emphasis on self-publishing artists and collectives, archives and libraries, and rare and out-of-print dealers. 200 Eastern Parkway. Free.