In the run-up to Christmas, there’s a lot more to do than last-minute shopping. Here’s some of this week’s happenings we recommend:
Mon 12/21-Tue 12/22: Ever see a choir singing Handel’s Messiah and think, “Hey, I could do that”? Now’s your chance. At the Do-It-Yourself Messiah at Harris Theater (205 E. Randolph), a full orchestra and four soloists will lead the audience (seated according to vocal range) during the choral sections of the holiday classic. 7 PM
Mon 12/21: Recent People Issue subject Junior Stopka hosts 12 Comics of Christmas, a holiday-themed stand-up showcase at North Bar (1637 W. North). 8 PM
Tue 12/22: Air grievances and show off feats of strength at Festivus Eve, a celebration featuring cocktail specials and music from DJ Wav, all in the name of Festivus miracles. Bring your aluminum pole to Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel (1 W. Wacker). 4-8 PM
Tue 12/22: The International Flipper Pinball Association hosts the IFPA Pinball Tournament at Emporium Arcade Bar (1366 N. Milwaukee) with cash prizes for winners and a bag of tokens for everyone who enters. 7 PM
Wed 12/23: The Laugh Factory (3175 N. Broadway) hosts Supply and Demand, a stand-up showcase featuring local comedians Dave Helem, Jeff Arcuri, and Drew Frees. 8 PM
Thu 12/24: It’s the final night of the Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza (50 W. Washington)! The annual bazaar offers a variety of German-made holiday goods, from nesting dolls to cuckoo clocks. And then there’s the food: schnitzel, potato pancakes, sausages, currywurst—and plenty of German beer. 11 AM-8 PM
For more stuff to do this week—and every day—check out our Agenda page.