1. Keep your holidays intimate with the mask and puppet production by Incurable Theater of "The Nutcracker and the King of Mice." Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington, (312)744-6630. 7:30pm. $10-$15.

2. These are trying times for the man in red as "The Eight: Reindeer Monologues" casts Santa as a man accused of sexual harassment by a member of his sleigh team. Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont, (773)327-5252. 11:30pm. $20.

3. Light your fire as the good Reverend Horton Heat performs a set chock full of holiday covers. Metro, 3730 N. Clark, (773)549-0203. 9pm. $21.

4. Well, fa-la-la! Nocturne, Chicago's gay a capella swing trio, brings its "Swingin' Holiday" show to the Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark, (773)725-4032. 7pm & 9pm. $10.

5. And while we're talking balls of holly, About Face Theatre puts on a special holiday event featuring seasonal performances. Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted, (773)784-8565. 6pm-9pm. $10.

6. Get in the Chrismukah spirit when Chicago Cabaret Professionals perform Christmas and Hanukkah songs for charity. Davenport's Cabaret, 1385 N. Milwaukee, (773)278-1830. 7:30pm. $20.

7. Don't forget to ask her about the cranberry relish when NPR's Susan Stamberg, joined by several local actors, reads from the new anthology, "Hanukkah Lights: Stories of the Season." Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State, (312)747-4300. 6pm. $10.

8. Give mom a break and learn how to create a fine holiday meal at this World Kitchen Cooking Class: Holiday Spirits. Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 E. Randolph, (312)742-8497. 8:30pm. $30.

9. Give yourself a break with "Screw X-Mas," a holiday-bashing event for the scrooge in all of us. Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted, (312)988-9000. 9:30pm. $15.

10. Get gifts with local style at Dance Down Division, an all-day shopping party, with four after-parties. West Division Street, between Ashland and Leavitt, noon-7pm.

11. You won't hear this playing at the mall: Conductor Joseph Glymph leads a classical orchestra through a bevy of Christmas songs. Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington, (312)744-6630. 3pm.

12. Talk about a gift! Check out the White Sox tree at Christmas Around the World at the Museum of Science and Industry, 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, (773)684-1414.

13. We may be biased, but there's nothing like a Scandinavian Christmas. Join the procession for the Lucia Celebration at the Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark, (773)728-8111. 4:45pm.

14. Watch out for the heat miser in "The Year Without a Santa Claus," a parody of a Christmas classic that some might say needs no parody. The ComedySportz Theatre, 2851 N. Halsted, (773)549-8080. 7:30pm. $10.

15. Get your picture taken in the photo booth with Santa at The Synesthesia Xmas Party 2005, featuring performances by Assassins and Venue. Darkroom, 2210 W. Chicago, (773)276-1411. 9pm-2am. $10.

16. Nothing says yule log like polka punk rock, we say. DANK Chicago's Christmas Party returns, featuring the infamous Polkaholics. 4740 N. Western, (773)727-5748. 7pm. Free.

17. Do you think Seth Cohen will be doing his Chrismukah jig at Q101's Twisted 12, featuring Death Cab for Cutie? Aragon Ballroom, 1106 W. Lawrence, (312)559-1212. 7pm. $29.75.

18. Put a little blue state energy into this "red" holiday when you shop the Annual Hothouse Holiday Market, with an array of handmade gifts ranging from soap to pottery. 31 E. Balbo, (312) 362-9707. 11am-6pm.

19. Calling all mermaid aficionados: Neptune returns in his seahorse-drawn sleigh to oversee crafts, games and more at the annual Neptune's Holiday Kingdom. Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. Lake Shore, (312)692-3333. 10am-4pm.

20. See the season from an African-American perspective in Congo Theatre Company's production of Langston Hughes' "Black Nativity: A Gospel Song Play." Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn, (312)587-2292. 7:30pm. $40.

21. Go to camp, so to speak, when "Judy's Scary Little Christmas," recreates a holiday TV special from 1959. Strawdog Theatre, 3829 N. Broadway, (312)409-4357. 8pm. $15-$20.

22. Did we say camp? As the big day approaches, treat yourself to increasing doses of absurdity at "The Awesome 80's Prom," where the spring formal comes decorated as a winter wonderland complete with snow and a Christmas tree. 901 W. Weed. (312)664-7766. 8pm. $39-$69.

23. If you just gotta hear one more Christmas carol, take in the final night of the CSO's Sara Lee Welcome Yule concerts. 220 S. Michigan, (312)294-3000. 3pm and 7pm. $14-$58.

24. It's Christmas Eve, and that means it's your last chance to lobby the big guy for the good gifts. Meet Santa at Santa's House on Daley Plaza. Washington and Dearborn, (312)744-3315. 11am-4pm. Free.

25. Say goodbye to the year with some energy. The annual Chicago Cycling Club Bike Ride starts at the Clock Tower and rides ten miles to a bagel lunch. Waveland and Lake Shore Drive, (773)248-5499. 10am.

(2005-11-21)

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