LCD Soundsystem, BBG’s Lightscape and 10 other things to do this weekend

By Joshua Encinias

The long slide into the holiday season is upon us. Soon you’ll have some time off. You can eat and sleep a little more. And you can enjoy the best of the borough this chilly, chilly weekend.

On Friday, the gorgeous spectacle of lights known as “Lightscape” returns for a second year at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, and Euripides’ Greek tragedy “Trojan Women” comes to the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Saturday, the holiday burlesque “Nutcracker Rouge” gets bawdy at Company XIV, and your kids can sleep with the fishes at the New York Aquarium. Sunday brings drag brunch at the Dromedary Urban Tiki Bar and the Nets host the Grizzlies at Barclays.

See what else is in store for the weekend in our event round-up:

Friday, November 18

Lightscape: illuminated holiday trail at Brooklyn Botanical Garden
Times vary
Brooklyn’s most enchanting winter show is back! Lightscape returns for year two at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden to light up the nights. The garden has over a million lights with illuminated sculptures, bright colors projected on the garden’s trees, along with seasonally decorated architecture and water fountains. Special music accent your walk through a winter wonderland. Select a time to walk through the trail and arrive within the 15 minute window on your ticket. The trail begins and ends at 990 Washington Avenue. Ticket prices vary.

Trojan Women at BAM
7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Euripides’ Greek tragedy “Trojan Women” comes to the Howard Gilman Opera House at the Brooklyn Academy of Music on Friday and Saturday nights. “Trojan Women” tells the story of female survivors of the sacking of Troy. Originating at the National Theater of Korea, this pansori (an ancient Korean singer-and-drummer storytelling tradition) includes contributions from K-pop producer and “Parasite” composer Jung Jae-il. 30 Lafayette Ave. Tickets start at $35.

Watch Anya Taylor-Joy in “The Menu” at the Alamo Drafthouse
Various times
You can devour a rich meal while you watch the delicious “eat the rich” satire “The Menu” at Brooklyn’s Alamo Drafthouse. The movie skewers fine dining and social media food culture, starring Anya Taylor-Joy, Nicholas Hoult, Hong Chau, Voldermort himself — Ralph Fiennes. 445 Albee Square West. Tickets are $18.99.

LCD Soundsystem kick off a 20-show residency
Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m.
Brooklyn’s own LCD Soundsystem begin a string of 20 shows at Brooklyn Steel on Friday that goes through December 18. Dance yrself clean while listening to the band’s new single and buy a ticket while you’re at it! Shows are 16+. 319 Frost St. Tickets are $80.

Saturday, November 19

“Nutcracker Rouge” at Company XIV
8 p.m.
You know what’s missing from “The Nutcracker?” Sex! Company XIV is back with the city’s best burlesque performers for the 12th anniversary season of “Nutcracker Rouge.” This year’s production features the return of Freddy Mercury-voiced Cunio as Drosselmeyer and a line-up of talented starlets from New York’s nightlife circuit. “Nuckcracker Rouge” proves the famous Russian ballet isn’t just for kids. 383 Troutman St. Ticket prices vary.

The Smile play Kings Theatre
Doors: 6:30 p.m., show at 8
The Smile consists of members from Radiohead, including Thom Yorke, and they’re playing Kings Theatre on Saturday night. The band makes a raucous sound with dystopian lyrics that you’ve come to expect from Yorke. It’s not a show you want to miss. All ages. 1027 Flatbush Ave. Tickets begin at $90.

Varietopia with Paul F. Tompkins
Doors at 9:30 p.m., show at 10 p.m.
Varietopia is billed as a modern variety show, hosted by Paul F. Tompkins, and traveling all over the country to highlight the best local comedian, musicians, and more. Tompkins’ shows at The Bell House this weekend keep selling out so they keep adding new performances. Saturday night’s 10 p.m. show is the only one with tickets left. Get them while you still can! 16 and under can attend with a parent or legal guardian. 149 7th Street (Between 2nd and 3rd Ave). Tickets are $35.72.

Kids sleepover at the New York Aquarium
Saturday at 6p.m. to Sunday at 9 a.m.
This sounds like the coolest thing ever: the New York Aquarium is hosting “Sharks After Dark Overnight” on Saturday. Yep, your kids can stay at the aquarium overnight and sleep near the sharks. Be sure to bring your sleeping back and get ready to explore the aquarium’s “Ocean Wonders: Sharks!” exhibit. Registration in advance is required. 5+ with adult. 602 Surf Ave, Brooklyn. Tickets are $80 for member and $100 for non-members.

Sunday, November 20

Music of the Allman Brothers for kids
Doors at 11 a.m., show at 12 p.m.
The Rock and Roll Playhouse travels across the country to play classic rock for kids. They’re coming to Brooklyn Bowl on Sunday to play from the Allman Brothers’ catalog in celebration of Duane Allman’s birthday. The show has games, dancing, stories and the opportunity for kids to explore their creativity to oldies from the Allman’s. All ages. 61 Wythe Ave. Kids under 1 get in for free and tickets are $15 for everyone else.

Drag Brunch at Dromedary Urban Tiki Bar
2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
If drag brunch doesn’t bring you out, surely a bar called Dromedary Urban Tiki at least piques your interest, no? And Dromedary say they’re home to Brooklyn’s longest-running drag brunch! Join hosts Nancy Nogood and Emi Grate for an afternoon of delicious food, tiki cocktails, and, of course, drag! 266 Irving Ave. There’s no cover charge, but bring your dollar bills for the queens.

Thierry Mugler: Couturissime at the Brooklyn Museum
Various times
The first retrospective of French designer and creator of iconic perfumes Thierry Mugler opens at the Brooklyn Museum this weekend. His fashion work in the 1970s spawned the term “glamazon,” popularized by RuPaul, and he used unorthodox materials like glass, plexiglas, vinyl, latex, and chrome in his clothes. The exhibition features over one hundred outfits ranging from haute couture pieces to stage costumes, and other ephemera from his collections. 200 Eastern Parkway. Tickets range from $10 for kids to $25 for adults.

Grizzlies v. Nets at Barlcays
7 p.m.
The Memphis Grizzlies come to Barclays to play the Nets on Sunday. The Grizzlies beat the Nets in their last three games, but maybe the Nets will have hometown vibe advantage this weekend. Kyrie Irving may be back on the court by Sunday’s game, so if you can, pinch your nose at his politics, and come root for the home team. 620 Atlantic Ave. Ticket prices vary.