There wasn't room for one more guest at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston when artists from Foundation for Modern Music (FMM) and Flamárt decided to seize the Dutch and Flemish masterworks from the Rose-Marie and Eijk van Otterloo Collection for a holiday concert with a Latino twist.

"Navidad Latina: An Afternoon of Spanish and Latin Carols and Dance" was the debut of both high-energy groups at MFAH, adding to a long list of nonprofits and ensembles that have brought a dash of performing arts to the city's premiere art museum. Hosted by Univision's Osvaldo Corral, the event morphed the impeccable gallery into a Christmas celebration at comfy south-of-the-border home, last supper-table setup and wine included.

It was an informal high-decibel musicale mingling the traditions of Spain, Venezuela, Cuba, Honduras and Mexico with villancicos, pastorelas, flamenco and classic Spanish dance with sassy sounds courtesy of guitars, tambourines, castanets, piano and canto.

The powerful voices of baritone Raúl Orland Edwards, FMM's artistic director, and Flamárt's Irma La Paloma hovered over the talents of percussionists Jorge "Cro-Cro" Orta, Solomon García and Andres Félix, guitarist Jeremías García, pianist Paul Boyd and keyboardist Rangel Marao. Solangel "Lali" Calix and Edith Niño were in charge of the dance moves.

A fundraiser for University of St. Thomas' new performing arts center, Aurora Picture Show's video Tube-Off Tournament Holiday Party, CultureMap's Mixers on the Map, Snow day at the Houston Zoo and a Vera Wang Trunk Show at Casa de Novia also made the mix of last week's event.

Christmas is almost here so your guide to this week's happenings comes a little earlier than usual in hopes of helping you plan ahead and safeguard your sanity while you get out and play.

BooTown's Grown-up Storytime at Rudyard's British Pub

Dismiss notions of once upon a time or happily ever after. BooTown's monthly reading series on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. at Rudyard's is as far away from love at first sight or moral stories as Rick Perry is to getting gay married. Instead, these real-ish stories written by anyone brave enough to submit them are performed by BooTown's company of actors and invited readers.

Expect tales about a woman's journey into prostitution, best and worst high school moments, vengeful love, kinky owls, drugs and just about everything hilarious in between. Anything goes. Just grab a beer from the bar, find a comfy seat and prepare to laugh.

Rienzi Holiday Twilight Tour

The former home of Carroll and Harris Masterson now holds the Museum of Fine Art, Houston's European decorative art collection. Rienzi's chambers are adorned with art, silver, porcelain and furniture that bridge the line between craft and exquisite workmanship.

The museum ups the ante at its Holiday Twilight Tour on Wednesday at 5 p.m. by displaying the family's collection of ornaments and decking the halls with holiday decor. Guests can get insider intel about the objects on display from docents stationed throughout the residence. As an added touch, live music, holiday nibbles and wine will enhance the festive ambiance.

A Tuna Christmas at the Grand 1894 Opera House

It's worth the drive to Galveston. The hilarious townsfolk of Tuna attempt to have a trauma-free Christmas celebration, but their seasonal future holds nothing of the sort. Comedian Jaston Williams and Tony Award nominee Joe Sears portray 24 characters living in this tiny Texas town “where the Lion's Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies.”

The run ends on Friday, so before another year goes by, you owe it to yourself to make the trek and enjoy an evening of ceaseless laughter at the expense of the holiday.

The Core Trio Concert with guest Chris Becker at Avant Garden

Amidst all the Messiah's, holiday musicals and Christmas shows, The Core Trio — saxophonist Seth Paynter, bassist Thomas Helton and drummer Richard Cholakian — presents a concert that has little to do with Santa Claus or dreidels. Instead, this experimental music ensemble aim for a more freely improvised, electronic, industrial and ambient aesthetic.

After a well received set at 14 Pews with CultureMap contributor Chris Becker as part of the Binarium Sound Series, the electro-music guru joins the threesome on Thursday evening at Avant Garden. Doesn't everyone need a respite from never-ending Christmas muzak?

Trans-Siberian Orchestra Concert at Toyota Center

Or perhaps you need more seasonal cheer in your life. If that's the case, perhaps the wintry rock-esque tunes of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra strikes your fancy. More than a music concert, the show also includes a narrator, shiny pyrotechnics, a laser light show, even snowfall. Think of mixing your favorite seasonal hymns with '80s big hair rock. Can't go wrong with that.

It's a great spectacle for the whole family, playing twice on Friday at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Arts smarty pants a beer lovin' lovable Dancehunter Nancy Wozny's pick: Screening of Young Adult

Nancy says: "The holidays are movie binge time for me. Can I suggest starting with Young Adult, directed by Jason Reitman, with a screenplay by Diablo Cody of Juno fame, now playing at the swanky Sundance Cinemas and other locales?

"Luckily, Cody has toned down her smart alec annoyances since Juno, letting a more brutal and honest tone come through. But the reason to go is Charlize Theron, who gives a killer good performance as the most unlikable person from high school. It's as painful as it is powerful. If you want to get your pre-holidays depression a head start, this is the film to see."

Assistant editor and nightlife expert Caroline Gallay's pick: Sixth Annual Eve of Christmas Eve Party

Caroline says: "My pick this week is the annual Eve of Eve party on Friday night benefiting Texas Children's, Bo's Place and the American Heart Association's Young at Heart. Hosted this year at Warehouse Live, '80s cover band Radio Star will keep guests entertained while holiday cocktails keep em' dancing." 9 p.m. Friday at Warehouse Live.