Have yourself an outré little holiday

For many, the pleasures of the holiday season rely on the sameness of traditions year to year. But real talk for a minute: Nobody likes fruitcake, and I'd wager that few people hear the word “carolers” and think, “Rad!” For those looking to veer off the idyllic, snow-dusted path, there are a number of quirky, holiday-related activities taking place around the city this week.

On Friday, December 11,catch the Sacramento Ballet's production of The Nutty Nutcracker, which only comes around once every 10 years and puts a looney spin on the classic Christmas ballet. Rubber chickens! Shirtless men in tutus and Davy Crockett hats doing the Tropak! Tickets range from $19-$75 and can be purchased at www.sacballet.org.

Federalist Public House (2009 Matsui Alley) turns 1 this weekend and is celebrating with Ugly Sweater Sing-Along Brunch Bingo—a lot of kitschy holiday bang for your buck, in other words. The party takes place on Sunday, December 13, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and more information can be found at http://federalistpublichouse.com.

For those in search of some one-of-a-kind gifts, the WAL Public Market (1104 R Street) is hosting an opening reception for 10 Under 100, a group show featuring 10 local artists with work that can be purchased and taken home the very same day for less than $100. Festivities kick off on Saturday, December 12, at 6 p.m. The show will be up through January 7, but obviously, the early bird gets the artsy worm.

And finally, what could be more nontraditional than holiday treats that are healthy (well, OK, not healthy, per se, but healthier)? The Sacramento Natural Foods Co-Op has you covered with its Wholesome Holiday Desserts class on Saturday, December 12, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., which will teach you to swap out refined sugars for coconut sugar and brown rice syrups in desserts like gingersnap cookies and chocolate-covered marzipan drops. Registration is $45 and can be completed at www.sacfoodcoop.com.