12th Annual 12 Bars of Christmas
Much more exciting than repeatedly singing the 12 Days of Christmas, the 12 Bars of Christmas is a walking tour of some of Wrigleyville’s finest bars. Price includes admission and drink specials. 3660 N. Clark, (773)755-4444. Dec. 8. $25.

9th Annual Bucktown Holiday Art Show
Skip the department stores and buy your holiday gifts from people who could really use the money. Featuring local and national artists, the show offers everything from one-of-a-kind big-ticket items to handmade crafts costing only a few bucks. Dec. 8-9, Holstein Park Fieldhouse, 2200 N. Oakley, (773)772-6009.

11th Annual Hothouse Holiday Event
This annual fundraiser features auctions of wreaths and other artworks designed by local artists and designers, as well as live music, buffet and open bar. Lincoln Park Conservatory, 2391 N. Stockton, (773)883-7275. Dec. 9, 6pm-9pm. $100-$120.

Aimee Mann's 2nd Annual Christmas Show
Aimee Mann is back once again for the holiday season as part of the 93.1 WXRT's Holiday Concert for the Kids series. With that in mind, please bring a new, unwrapped gift to help their worthy cause. Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield, (773)472-0449. Dec. 11, 7:30pm. $35.

A Charlie Chaplin Christmas
See the world of Charlie Chaplin recreated through this Silent Theatre production, as the play sets Chaplin's infamous character in the middle of the holiday season. Studio Theater of the Chicago Cultural Center 77 E. Randolph. (312)744-6630. Dec. 7-Jan. 6, 3pm (Sundays) and 7:30pm (Saturdays). $15-$20.

12th Annual Christkindlmarket Chicago
Always popular, this annual German market at the Daley Plaza features German food and drinks, handmade ornaments, and many other handmade items. Daly Plaza, 50 W. Washington, (312)644-2662. Nov. 22-Dec. 24. 11am-8pm daily. Free.

66th Annual Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
A staple exhibit over at the Museum of Science and Industry, see how Christmas is celebrated around the world with more than fifty Christmas trees, music, dancing and also exhibits on other winter holidays such as Chinese New Year, Kwanzaa and Hanukkah. 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, (773)684-1414. Nov. 16-Jan. 6. Free w/ Gen. Admission. $7-$11.

A Christmas Carol
What would the holidays be without this timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge struggling to find the true meaning of Christmas? See it this year for its thirtieth anniversary at the Goodman Theatre. 170 N. Dearborn, (312)443-3800. Nov. 16-Dec. 29. $15-$70.

24th Annual Christmas Sing-Along and Double Feature
Always entertaining, this year’s installment features the holiday classics of "White Christmas" and, of course, "It’s a Wonderful Life." If all that classical Hollywood cinema isn’t enough for you, you can also join Santa Claus in singing Christmas carols during intermission. Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave, (773)871-6604. Dec. 21-Dec. 24. $15 for the double feature, $10 single feature.

Brian Setzer Orchestra
Jump, Jive an’ Wail to the Brian Setzer Orchestra as they come into town for a Christmas concert. Paramount Arts Centre, 23 E. Galena Blvd. Aurora, (630)896-6666. Dec. 9, 7pm. $57.50-$67.50.

Caroling at Cloud Gate
Sing your heart out to the bean with a group of carolers. Featuring a different group every week, you also get to warm up afterwards with a free peppermint hot chocolate, mocha or coffee. Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph, (312)742-1168. Every week from Nov. 23-Dec.21, 6pm. Free.

Christmas Day Bagel Ride
Why not spend your Christmas riding a bike? If you can handle the cold, take a relaxing twelve-mile ride that ends with brunch at The Bagel Restaurant. Hosted by The Chicago Cycling Club. 3700 N. Recreation Dr, (773)509-8093. Dec. 25, 10am.

A Christmas Story
The Christmas cult film of the same name is brought to the stage this holiday season, as the plot revolves around a young boy who wants a BB gun for Christmas. Theatre Building Chicago. 1225 W. Belmont, (773)327-5252. Nov. 23-Dec. 29. $15-$25.

City of Chicago Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
See the big tree up in lights at the annual tree lighting ceremony. The event begins at 4:30pm with the actual lighting happening at 5pm. Nov. 23. Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington, (312)744-3370. Free.

Clay Aiken
Join American Idol Clay Aiken as he performs his Christmas concert here in Chicago. Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St, Waukegan, (847)263-6300. Nov. 29, 7:30pm. $68-$83.

Daryl Hall and John Oates
The blue-eyed soul singers swing by the UIC Pavilion for a show this holiday season to launch their first Christmas record. 1150 W. Harrison, (312)413-5740. Nov. 30, 8pm. $37.50-$75.

Dave Koz
Jazz artist Dave Koz performs a Christmas concert with Jonathon Butler, Wayman Tisdale and Kimberley Locke. Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St, (312)462-6300. Dec. 9, 7:30pm. $45-$65.

Eileen Ivers and Immigrant Soul
Ivers and Immigrant Soul put on an Irish music Christmas concert. Harold D. McAninch Arts Center Theatre 2, 425 Fawell Blvd. Glen Ellyn, (630)942-4000. Dec. 13, 8pm. $28-$38.

Fruit Cake
The Chicago Gay Men's Chorus promises a show that's "chock full of fruits and nuts." An evening of anthems, carols and holiday fairies will culminate in a visit from straight-talking art expert Sister Wendy who will reveal the subversive aspects of a Nativity painting. December 7, 8pm. Dec. 8, 3pm & 8pm. Athenaeum Theater, 2936 Southport,(773)935-6860. $20-$32.

The Hipmas Carol
A rhythmic, spoken-word adaptation of the Dickens classic. Running from November 23 through December 30 at the Apollo Theatre, 2540 N. Lincoln, (773)935-6100. $12-$22.

Holiday DEPART-ment
This craft fair features lots of one-of-a-kind items including handbags, jewelry, clothing and lots more. While it is cash only, there is an on-site ATM available. AV-aeire, 2000 W. Fulton, (312)342-6280. Nov. 30, 7pm-11pm, Dec. 1 and Dec. 2, 11am-5pm. Free.

Holiday Flower Show
Featuring poinsettias, Christmas trees, and lots of other festive greenery. Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park, (312)746-5100. Nov. 23-Jan. 13. Free. 9am-5pm (until 8pm Thurs).

Julmarknad Holiday Festival
This traditional Swedish holiday market features music, dance, gifts and more. Also features a Christmas café and Santa Claus. Swedish American Museum Center, 5211 N. Clark, (773)728-8111. Dec. 1 and Dec. 2, 1pm-5pm. $2.

Lucia Celebration
The procession and feast celebrates St. Lucia as a symbol of peace and goodwill. After the procession through Andersonville, return to the Swedish American Museum Center for a program that includes Christmas songs and more. Swedish American Museum Center, 5211 N. Clark, (773)728-8111. Procession begins at 4:45pm, with the program at 5pm. Dec. 13. Free.

Michael McDonald
The ever-popular singer comes to Chicago once again for a Christmas concert in the downtown area. Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State, (312)462-6300. Dec. 6, 7:30pm. $45-$75.

Millennium Park Ice Skating
Nothing says Christmas like a cold, hard smack on the ass. Lace up your skates and prepare to be humiliated in front of strangers at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink. The 2007-2008 season runs from November 14-March 16.

The Nutcracker by the Joffrey Ballet
The Joffrey Ballet returns with their very popular show of "The Nutcracker," as they perform the Tchaikovsky’s ballet with help from the Chicago Sinfonietta Orchestra. Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress, (312)902-1500 or ticketmaster.com. Dec. 12-30. $25-$110.

One-of-a-Kind Show and Sale Chicago
With more than 400 artists and designers from around the world on hand showing their work, there is lots to see here. In addition, the show also boasts fashion shows, live music and activities for the kids. Merchandise Mart, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, (800)677-6278. Dec. 6 noon-9pm, Dec. 7 11am-8pm, Dec. 8, 10am-8pm, Dec. 9 10am-5pm. $7-$10, kids under 12 get in free.

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Peanut Butter & Jelly, Turkey & Thanksgiving, Radio City & Christmas. It is pretty hard to survive the Christmas season without some mention of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, as it is almost as synonymous with Christmas as the Christmas tree itself. Enjoy the Rockettes, wooden soldiers, flying reindeer and more! Rosemont Theater, 5400 N. River Road. Through Dec. 2.

5th Annual Reindog Parade
Dress your dog to the nines in holiday gear, and enter them into one of many contests as you and your dog compete for prizes. Among the contests are best costume, best owner/dog look-alike and many more. While the event is free to attend, those that want to register have to pay $14-$19. Chicago Botanical Garden, 1000 Lake Cook, Glencoe, (847)835-5440. Dec. 1, 1:15pm.

Renegade Craft Fair
One of the larger holiday craft fairs in Chicago, this year’s installment will once again feature a hundred vendors through three different rooms. Offering everything from jewelry to comic books, there's lots to be had here. Pulaski Park Fieldhouse, 1419 W. Blackhawk. Dec. 8 and Dec. 9, Noon-8pm.

Scrooge! The Musical
If the horrifying apparition of your long-dead business partner doesn't make you break into song, then frankly, nothing will. This musical adaptation of Dickens' classic "A Christmas Carol" runs through December 23 at the Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Rd, Munster, Indiana.

Sin-Ta Claus City
The New Millennium Theatre Company brings a hard-nosed take on the holidays with their parody of Frank Miller's graphic novel-turned-film "Sin City." Fridays and Saturdays from Nov. 9-Dec. 15. National Pastime Theater, 4139 N. Broadway, (312)458.9083. $15.

Spirit of Christmas
Christmas carols, high-kicking chorus girls and more at this delightful stage show that will certainly get you and yours into the spirit. Paramount Arts Centre, 23 E. Galena Blvd. Aurora, (630)896-6666. Dec. 21, 8pm. Dec. 22, 2pm & 7pm. $35.50-$45.50.

Tidings of Tap
A production from the Chicago Tap Theatre, Tidings of Tap highlights the holiday season with performances set to music by Rashaan Roland Kirk, the Maxwell Street Klezmer Band and many more. The University of Illinois Chicago Theater, 1044 West Harrison, (773)866.3838 Dec.14, 8pm, Dec. 15, 8pm, Dec. 16, 3pm. $15-$25.

30th Annual Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade
This annual mega event is as massive as it is beneficial to the greater community with thousands of riders delivering toys of all kinds so that they can be donated to families in need. Even if you're not riding, you can still participate however by donating toys at one of the numerous stops along the motorcycle route. Dan Ryan Woods, 8300 S. Western, (773)866-8697. Dec. 2, sign-in begins at 6am, parade at 9.30am.

West Chicago Frosty Fest
West Chicago gets their holiday celebration going with carolers, live reindeer, a tree-lighting ceremony and even visits with Santa. Downtown West Chicago, (630)293-2200. Dec. 1, 4pm-7pm. Free.

Willie Pickens Trio with John Faddis
Legend Willie Pickens performs a Christmas concert with John Faddis near the University of Chicago. Hyde Park Union Church, 5600 S. Woodlawn, (312)235-2368. Dec. 12, 8pm. $25.

Winter Wonderfest
Keeping the tradition of elaborate holiday tourist traps alive, Navy Pier transforms itself into a winter wonderland complete with ice-skating rink, giant inflatable games and bungee run. Santa, who never rolls without his posse of toy-making elves, will be there every day until Christmas to listen to children's holiday wishes. Dec. 7-Jan. 6.

A Wonderful Life
What if…George Bailey's life had been a musical? Porchlight Music Theatre has the answer. Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont, (773)327-5252. Nov. 17-Dec.30.

ZooLights
The annual event is in its thirteenth year, featuring more than a million lights as well as ice-carving sculptures and much more. Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon, (312)742-2000. Nov. 23-Jan. 1, 5pm– 9pm. Free.
(2007-11-19)

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