Jenny Slate
Helium hosts two nights of stand-up with the beloved comedian, actress and author, best known for her role as Mona-Lisa Saperstein on Parks and Recreation and for being the voice and co-creator of Marcel the Shell. (Fri-Sat Dec 14-15, 7:30 pm & 10 pm, Helium Comedy Club, $30-45)


A John Waters Christmas
The crown prince of perversion, John Waters, returns to Portland with his one-of-a-kind one-man show, A John Waters Christmas. Those who are faint of heart beware: The famed director of Female Trouble will regale the audience with all sorts of triggering, holiday-bashing rants that includes questioning the sexuality of Santa’s reindeers, unsafe toys to give your child, and the most pressing question, “Is it wrong to steal purses from cars in graveyard parking lots on Christmas Eve while mourners leave flowers?” Prepare for an evening of hilarious blasphemy. (Sat Dec 1, 8 pm, Aladdin Theater, $37-115, all ages) WM. STEVEN HUMPHREY

David Gborie
The Old Town Comedy Show presents a headlining show with the beloved Los Angeles-based comedian and writer known locally for his regular appearances on Ian Karmel's All Fantasy Everything podcast and for his excellent sets at Minority Retort, the Bridgetown Comedy Festival, and Pickathon. (Sun Dec 2, 7:30 pm, Siren Theater, $15)

Troop Beverly Hills
Qurb Magazine and Peaches Christ Productions present a drag stage show parody of Shelley Long '80s cult classic, Troop Beverly Hills, with RuPaul's Drag Race star Trixie Mattel heading up a talented cast in a one-night engagement at the Aladdin Theater. (Sun Dec 2, 7 pm, Aladdin Theater, $30, all ages)

The I, Anonymous Show
One of the greatest Portland comedy shows returns—and with more guaranteed laughs! It’s the monthly I, Anonymous Show which takes the Mercury’s wildest I, Anonymous column submissions and presents them alongside a panel of hilarious comedians. This month features pinch-hitter and Mercury 2018 “Genius of Comedy” Kate Murphy, hosting a panel including Neeraj Srinivasan, Shain Brenden, and Dylan Jenkins! Face it, you need some laughs, and the I, Anonymous Show will absolutely provide ’em! (Wed Dec 5, 7:30 pm, Curious Comedy Theater, $10) WM. STEVEN HUMPHREY

The SIren Theater's BRAND NEW Best Christmas Ever!
Somebody has to say it: Holiday spectaculars are reliably unspectacular. But not when they star the gut-busting geniuses at the Siren Theater. That’s right! Charming goofballs Shelley McLendon, Erin Jean O'Regan, Justin Himes, and the Mercurys own Wm. Steven Humphrey (to name just a few!) are back with an all-new sketch comedy holiday treat. Turn off Netflix’s Yule Log and get out there! (Fri-Sat Dec 7-8, 8 pm, Siren Theater, $12-20) MEGAN BURBANK

Everything's Coming Up Simpsons
LA-based comedians and writers Allie Goertz and Julia Prescott bring their beloved Simpsons podcast on the road for a live taping at Mississippi Studios where they'll take a deep-dive into a classic episode of the show along with a pair of special guests: former Simpson's writer Bill Oakley and "Woo Hoo! Classic Simpsons Trivia" host Adam Smith. (Sat Dec 8, 6:30 pm, Mississippi Studios, $18-20)

Bri Pruett
Guess who's coming home for Christmas? Only one of the most talented stand-ups and writers in this city's recent memory, that's all. Bri Pruett returns to Portland with new stories to share, and support from some of her friends. (Sun Dec 9, 7:30 pm, Siren Theater, $15)

A Drag Queen Christmas: The Naughty Tour
Douse yourself in the holiday spirit with help from an array of RuPaul’s Drag Race contestants as they rock the catwalk and take turns bringing their festive and naughty routines to the stage at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. Hosted by Miz Cracker. (Tues Dec 11, 8 pm, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, $22.25-159)

Uncle Cait & Aunt Amy's Holiday Party
Just as Caitlin Weierhauser withdrawals were setting in, we’re given this sweet holiday reprieve. AND Amy Miller is back too! Two of Portland’s funniest expat comedians are back for a single holiday-themed show full of sweaters, jokes, and adorable nicknames. Just the thought makes me warm and jolly inside. Here’s your last chance to catch them before the winter dreadfuls set in. Wow, this is gonna sell out. (Sat Dec 15, 8 pm, Siren Theater, $15) SUZETTE SMITH

Gina Yashere
Fresh off a featured spot in season two of Netflix's The Standups, the London-hailing comedian and Senior British Correspondent for The Daily Show brings her stand-up to the Mission Theater stage for Portland stop on a West Coast tour. (Mon Dec 17, 8 pm, Mission Theater, $15-20)

Natasha Leggero & Moshe Kasher
Fresh off their tour-turned-Netflix special "The Honeymoon Tour," the recently wed comics and Another Period co-stars bring their latest material to Helium for a three-night stand. (Dec 20-22, Thurs 8 pm, Fri-Sat 7:30 pm & 10 pm, Helium Comedy Club, $25)

Matt Braunger
LA-based comedian and Bridgetown Comedy Festival co-founder Matt Braunger cut his teeth in the Chicago stand-up scene, but he’s still a Portlander at heart. This weekend the affable comedian returns to his hometown to spend holidays with his family, but not before treating an audience to a set of his lovable, self-deprecating jokes and unrivaled storytelling. (Fri Dec 21, 8 pm, Aladdin Theater, $20, all ages)

To Jesus, Thanks For Everything, Jinkx & DeLa
Seattle drag queens BenDeLaCreme and Jinkx Monsoon bring their winter extravaganza through the Aladdin Theater for some post-holiday laughs and stress relief. (Thurs Dec 27, 8 pm, Aladdin Theater, $32-75)

Becky with the Good Jokes: End of Year Smash Show!
Becky Braunstein's all-star comedy extravaganza makes sure to close out 2018 with one big-ass stand-up smash of a bash, with comedy from Simon Gibson, Phil Schallberger, Brandon Lyons, Andy Iwancio, and not one, but two special musical guests: Hutch Harris, and Dead Lee! (Sat Dec 29, 10 pm, Funhouse Lounge, $8-12)

Greg Fitzsimmons
Helium invites you to ring in the new year with a night of insightful, incisive stand-up from the Emmy award-winning writer and host of the “FitzDog Radio” podcast and "The Greg Fitzsimmons Show” on Howard Stern’s SiriusXM channel. (Mon Dec 31, 8 & 10:30 pm, Helium Comedy Club, $39-64)

Don't forget to check out our Things To Do calendar for even more things to do!