It’s cold out, the nights are long, and all of the squirrels and bears have disappeared for a winter’s sleep. Let’s roundup this weekend in Otown! The pickings are a little slim, but they’re good ones. And if you’re near the radio this afternoon, tune into CHUO for our Apartment613 Live show, wherein all of us editors talk about our favourite picks of the year. Hosts Ryan and Trevor will get things underway at 4pm over at 89.1 on your FM dial and online over here.

Onto the happenings: DJ Illo and Jon Deck will be hosting the Higher Ground Christmas Party at Babylon tonight, while Krom, Matt Tablyn and Sir Ett drop their beats down at Ritual. For you musicians who are itching to get into SXSW, head over to Raw Sugar this evening (but RSVP before doing so!) to have all of those secrets demystified by some of Ottawa’s in-the-know music folk. Friday night down at Greenfield’s you’ll find The Love Machine playing their Annual Holiday Hometown Party with Amos the Transparent stopping by to rock out a few tunes. Out at the Black Sheep, Honeyman and the Brothers Farr will play on Friday, along with Caroline Keating. Babylon is throwing yet another holiday bash Friday, but this one’s a bit more rock ‘n’ roll, featuring Silkenn Laumann, Uranium Comeback and Male Nurse Band (which is apparently comprised of members/ex-members from every band in town).

Things slow down Saturday and Sunday, but we’re back with more music and dancing on Monday with not one, but two shows at Ritual. The first one features USS, Fire and Neon and Zoo Legacy, for a little bit of an indie/electro/hiphop mashup. Later, there’s an all-star DJ line up with four turntables and four talented DJs who will spin the night away. Babylon is having their annual Boxing Day shindig with a little Disorganized reunion.

For those of you who will need a break from too much family, food and hullabaloo, escape to the ByTowne or the Mayfair (on Bank or out in Orleans) to catch a flick or two.