Creepy Christmas

Need an antidote for the pervasive holiday cheer? WGBH’s “Creepy Christmas’’ may be the answer. Author and paranormal investigator Jeff Belanger will explain the history behind holiday ghosts, legends, and monsters like Krampus, Belsnickel, and the Gryla. While there is no specific age restriction, WGBH says the event is scary enough that it’s not appropriate for young children. (Thursday, Dec. 6 from 7 to 9 p.m.; WGBH, Boston; $25-$30; not for young children)

A John Waters Christmas

Filmmaker, author, and general oddball John Waters will bring “A John Waters Christmas’’ to the Berklee Performance Center this Thursday. Waters is billed as “a damaged St. Nick for the Christmas corrupted’’ with a “bag full of sticks and stones for the devoted and the damned,’’ so don’t expect much in the way of conventional Yuletide merriment. (Thursday, Dec. 6 at 8 p.m.; Berklee Performance Center, Boston; $30-$125)

How the Grinch Stole First Fridays

The monthly 21-plus party at the ICA will have a Grinch-like spirit this weekend, with a Mount Crumpit photo booth, a Whoville sleigh, and an ugly sweater contest. What will remain unchanged will be the music from DJ Knife, the dancing and the drinks, and the chance for an after-hours look at the ICA’s collection. (Friday, Dec. 7 from 5 to 9 p.m.; Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston; free for ICA members, $15 for nonmembers; 21+)

Esperanza Spalding

Berklee grad and current Harvard music professor Esperanza Spalding has built an impressive career as a singer-songwriter and bassist, collaborating with artists like Bruno Mars and Stevie Wonder and putting out seven albums in a 12-year span. She’ll be back at her alma mater on Saturday evening, performing an intimate show at the Berklee Performance Center. (Saturday, Dec. 8 at 8 p.m.; Berklee Performance Center; $35; all ages)

Harvard Book Store Warehouse Sale

If you’re looking to get a chunk of holiday shopping done this weekend, the Harvard Book Store Warehouse Sale is a great place to start. At the second weekend of the semiannual sale, get 70 percent off used books and 15 percent off remaindered books, and find sales on rare and unusual books collected by the store over the years. (Saturday, Dec. 8 and Sunday, Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Harvard Book Store Warehouse, Somerville; free entry; all ages)

KEVIN SLANE, Boston.com

Want more ways to get out of your home and not be bored in the city this weekend? Check out five additional things to do from now through Sunday at boston.com/BosTen.

Kevin Slane can be reached at kevin.slane@globe.com.