ECO GIFT FESTIVAL
Santa Monica Civic Auditorium
http://www.ecogift.com/
The largest green holiday shopping event in the world features 200 environmentally conscious vendors, an organic food court and free gift wrapping. Runs through Sunday. $10 a day; $20 for the weekend. Check website for times and details.

PUFFPIECES OPENING RECEPTION
Scoops
712 N. Heliotrope Drive
Enjoy some ice cream while you peruse this new show by Paul Evans which features humorous, affordable small wooden artwork. 7 – 10 p.m. FREE. Runs through Jan. 23.

THE NUTCRACKER
http://www.losangelesballet.org/
The Los Angeles Ballet will showcase 8 performances of the classic holiday dance spectacular in 3 venues around the city starting tonight through Dec. 28. Check website for details.

CHRISTMAS AT THE KNIGHTSBRIDGE
Knightsbridge Theatre
1944 Riverside Drive
http://www.knightsbridgetheatre.com/
If you like your holidays peppered with irreverence, then these 2 amusing – and raunchy – shows are for you: "The Eight: Reindeer Monologues" and "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever." This weekend and next weekend. Check website for details. $20; $18 for students

MARINA DEL REY HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE
http://www.mdrboatparade.org/
All the boats in the parade are decorated for the holidays competing for prizes in categories like spirit, lights & animation. Kicks off with a fireworks display at 5:55 p.m. FREE.

CHRISTMAS SWEATER FESTIVAL
The Echoplex
http://www.myspace.com/christmassweaterfestival
Wear your tackiest Christmas sweater while Castledoor, Pity Party, Amnion & more perform to raise money for Doctors Without Borders. Tix start at $5. 7 p.m.

DERBY DOLLS EXHIBITION GAME
The Doll Factory
1910 Temple St., Downtown
http://www.derbydolls.com/la/
The last roller derby event of the year features the Derby Dolls’ All-Star team battling the western national all-star team. 6 p.m. $20.

HORRORFEST III PARTY
Cabana Club
1439 Ivar, Hollywood
http://www.horrorfestonline.com/
See some previews of the horrors to come while the next Miss Horrorfest is crowned – absinthe cocktails too! 7-10 p.m. $20.

JAZZ CELEBRATION
Amoeba Records
http://www.amoeba.com
Herman Leonard shares stories of his remarkable life and experiences with jazz icons from his more than 70 years of photography and sign copies of his book, Jazz, Giants, Journeys: The Photography of Herman Leonard. 4 p.m. FREE.