The winter solstice is almost here! From that moment on, we'll be on the next seasonal path from winter to spring. The wild bunch from The Nest Collective will be celebrating this turning point (the longest night of the year) at their party, Reach For The Bunting. If you're oblivious - they're the people who've injected something frivolous and exciting into the folk scene - in the most charming way you can imagine. We're expecting their usual lusty night, full of radiant, ruddy glow, mischief and sparkle - if that's what you're after, look no further, player!

Giving the festivities a spin are Bourgeois and Maurice and the spandex-clad Sink The Pink gang - with their pop video 'Santamental'. Did you know that Jim Carer has been a Greenpeace member for the last 25 years? Yup - Downton Abbey's Carson is doing his bit to save Santa - see the Greenpeace film here. It's all for a good Clause, darling. And - the all-women pop choir LIPS are performing their Christmas Disco at the Coronet - we went last year, and gotta say - they rock!

As for NYE Parties - if you're not already sorted, and you're looking for a night out - we've picked out 11 of the best nights going! Look out for Scottee and crew at the Shoreditch Town Hall, Fuerzabruta at the Roundhouse, Die Freche Muse at the Old Boys Club, the BGWMC NYE party, Gypsy Disco at London Fields Brewery, White Mischief at Bush Hall, Ruby's Hollywoodland NYE Party at MC Motors - and a whole load more!

We're flirting with 2014 - here are few teasers of what's to come. Camp at the ICA (with Gavin Butt), Jarvis Cocker at the Curzon Chelsea, and the Jerwood Open Forest preview. We'll be back during w/c 6 Jan with some really amazing gems - expect a Full Moon party, David Lynch, the best contemporary dance, digital culture, a short film festival, a mime festival - and all the usual 'Think' and 'Wild Card' delights we love to share with you. Good times ahead amigo's!

Where can I find out more about what's going on? You're not a member of Run-Riot? What are you waiting for - sign up to the newsletter and we'll make sure you're kept thoroughly enriched.

Have a merry Christmas, and a cracking New Year - see you in 2014! Bottoms up RRxx