Happy holidays, merry Midtown

Nowadays, holidays mean more than just shopping. To help you get in the mood, the Midtown Business Association and local businesses have planned the 12 Days of Midtown events. They will be taking place the first 12 days in December. The following will be happening this week:

Thursday, December 2: Yelp Ices Midtown, a special event pairing ice sculptures with drink specials and a fashion show. Kupros Bistro, 1217 21st Street, 8-10 p.m. Free.

Friday, December 3: Karaoke Carol Off, a contest sponsored by SN&R that rewards points for both singing and costumes. Hamburger Patties, 1630 J Street, 9 p.m. Free.

Friday, December 3 through Sunday, December 5: Wonderland, a holiday show by the Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus. First United Methodist Church, 2100 J Street, 8 p.m. $20.

Saturday, December 4: Holiday Port and Pairing, a food event pairing two ports with savory dishes. Revolution Wines, 2831 S Street, 2-4 p.m. $35, $25 for wine club members.

Saturday, December 4: Holiday on MARRS, a tree-lighting ceremony with storybook readings, ornament decorating, comedy and food specials. MARRS building, 1050 20th Street, 6-9 p.m. Free.

Sunday, December 5: Santa Paws, a holiday photo shoot with Santa benefiting United Animal Nations. Tres Chic Boutique, 2228 J Street, 1-4 p.m. Free.

Monday, December 6: Season of Giving, a blood drive. Donors receive a T-shirt and a pint of ice cream. BloodSource, 1608 Q Street.

Tuesday, December 7: Give a Gift, Get a Gift, an event where a donation to the Children’s Receiving Home of Sacramento earns you a stocking stuffer of your own. Blue Cue, 1004 28th Street.

Wednesday, December 8: Gingerbread House Decorating Party, an opportunity to create a tasty and fun house. ArtBeast Studio, 2226 K Street, 10 a.m.-noon. $8.

Additional shopping specials, events and hidden prizes can be found at www.exploremidtown.org.