Whether you can’t make it home for the holidays or don’t go in for all the hoopla, there’s no reason to sit at home watching “A Christmas Story” for the 300th time. Here are a few options around town to make Dec. 24 a great night.
Uptown Lounge
If your only Uptown travels are to Green Mill, make a detour and head to this low-key neighborhood joint where the bartenders are a different breed than those stuck-up downtown apple martini machines. The Uptown will be having an Effen Christmas Eve this year, with $5 Effen vodka martinis and $4 Effen cocktails. One of the bartenders is not only threatening to entertain customers with his unique collection of Christmas tunes but will be serving his deadly eggnog martini, a combination of Captain Morgan’s, Stoli Vanil, Goldschlager and eggnog. It’s a drink you can handle only once a year. 1136 W. Lawrence Ave. 773-878-1136.
Vision
If mega-clubs with pulsing lights and throbbing beats are your thing, Vision’s Retro Eve should be right up your alley. Four levels of dance floors, bars and lounge space will be transformed into a ’70s/’80s flashback, with DJs catering to your every memory. Pull on your bell bottoms or parachute pants and get ready to scream “Oh my God, this song was the sh#@!” Get there early to take advantage of the two-hour open bar, kicking off at 8 p.m. $25. 640 N. Dearborn St. 312-266-2114.
Cork and Kerry
With a warm, woody interior, great prices and around 20 drafts, it’s easy to see why folks from Hyde Park to Beverly call this South Side tavern home. Meet the neighbors on Christmas Eve, when a tap tasting will get you four, 10-ounce draft beers for $4, including seasonal favorites like Sam Adams Winter Lager and Bell’s Winter White. The owners will also be putting out free hors d’oeuvres under twinkling colored lights and ornaments. Think of it as a no-hassle holiday celebration that someone else has to clean up after. 10614 S. Western Ave. 773-445-2675.
Wild Hare
Jamaica is about as far away from Christmas carols as you can get. If you can’t afford to jet-set your way to the Caribbean this year, you can fake it at this Wrigleyville Rasta mainstay. On Christmas Eve the bar is hosting a Kuya spiced rum and Malibu rum cocktail party, with free samples of the island libation. If that doesn’t get you movin’ mon, DJ Cojo B, one of the best-known dance hall DJs in the city, surely will. Admission is $7 for men, $3 for women. 3530 N. Clark St. 773-327-4273.
Club Foot
Sometimes sitting alone at a dive bar on a nearly deserted residential street is just what the doctor ordered. You can wander in–no line, no looks–and have a drink in your hand in under a minute. If that sounds good to you come Christmas Eve, head to this long-standing West Town favorite. Given this spot’s rock ‘n’ roll status, you can expect the night-before-Christmas soundtrack to include everything from Brit-pop to punk to garage, plus whatever else DJ Sandie feels like playing. And with $2 well drinks and $2 PBRs, if the giving spirit moves you, buying a round for the table won’t break the bank. 1824 W. Augusta Blvd. 773-489-0379.
