Here are five events in the holiday spirit, and with some luck, open seats — great for those who have guests in town.
ALL WEEKEND
‘Scrooge!
The Musical’
What this musical show lacks in Dickens fidelity it makes up for it with toe-tapping enthusiasm. 2:30 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Rd., Munster, Ind.; 219-836-3255. $36-$39.
A City Lit Christmas
UPTOWN/EDGEWATER
Hear holiday stories for grown-ups (Mark Twain, Edna Ferber, others). 8 p.m. Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday. City Lit Theatre Company, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.; 773-293-3682. $25.
… AND CHRISTMAS EVE
Christkindlmarket
LOOP
An open-air, German-style market showcases handmade ornaments, accessories, clothing and gifts, plus live entertainment. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Christmas Eve. Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St. 312-494-2175. Free.
Music Box Christmas Show
LAKEVIEW
Sing carols with Santa between screenings of “White Christmas” and “It’s a Wonderful Life.” 1, 4, 7 and 9:50 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 1 and 4 p.m. Christmas Eve. Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave. 773-871-6604. $15 for double feature; $10 for one film.
Ice skating MILLENIUM PARK
Ice skate under the skyline at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Christmas Eve, noon to 8 p.m. Christmas Day. Check out millenniumpark.org or call 312-742-1168 for more info. Free, rentals are $9.
All weekend
REDEYE/MMX PICK
Woman Made Gallery Holiday Bazaar
RIVER WEST
Browse works by more than 90 artisans, ranging in price from $5 to $1,000. 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Woman Made, 685 N. Milwaukee Ave. 312-738-0400. Free admission.
Amy & Freddy: How The
Diva Stole Christmas 2
LAKEVIEW
Vocalist Amy Armstrong and pianist Freddy Allen perform an R-rated holiday revue. 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 4 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: lakeshorethe ater.com. Lakeshore Theater, 3175 N. Broadway. 773-472-3492. $25.
Christmas special at The Beer Bistro
WEST TOWN
In honor of the holiday, the bar serves up 12 special seasonal bottle beers every day in December. Brews 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. No cover. The Beer Bistro, 1061 W. Madison St. 312-433-0013.
Saturday
Akido class
LAKEVIEW
An exercise class focuses on moves derived from ancient samurai traditions. 1 p.m. Japanese Culture Center, 1016 W. Belmont Ave.; 312-752-5475. First class is free; $60 for eight classes.
Small Print Show and Holiday Open House
LINCOLN SQUARE
Browse small works on paper and handmade gifts including cards, jewelry and boxes by more than 40 artists. Noon. Chicago Printmakers Collaborative, 4642 N. Western Ave. 773-293-2070. Free.
LaSalle Bank Classic Film Series
PORTAGE PARK
Screenings of classic films include shorts, cartoons and features. This week: “My Darling Clementine.” 8 p.m. LaSalle Theatre at LaSalle Bank, 4901 W. Irving Park Rd. 312-904-9442. $3-$5.
REDEYE/MMX PICK
Festivus Party
LAKEVIEW
A party based on the famous “Seinfeld” episode begins with a “midnight Mass” screening of clips from the episode. Afterward, participate in a “Feats of Strength” contest. The winner receives a “Seinfeld” Season 9 box set. Midnight. Bottle Bar, 950 W. Wolfram St. 773-665-5660. No cover.
Climax Lounge Christmas Party
RIVER NORTH
Features an appearance by Playboy.com “cybergirl of the month” Brie Anna. 9 p.m. 10:30 p.m. Climax Lounge, 324 W. Chicago Ave. 312-280-9800. $10-$20.
Sunday
Bad Sweater Party
LAKEVIEW
Wear your ugliestholiday top as the bartenders go shirtless and don Santa hats. 9 p.m. Minibar – Winebar, 3339-41 N. Halsted St. 773-871-6227. No cover.
Movie theater discount
STREETERVILLE
Bring in your same-day ticket stub from the AMC River East 21 movie theater (322 E. Illinois St.) and get a 20 percent discount on your entire bill. Lizzie McNeill’s Irish Pub, 400 N. McClurg Ct. 312-467-1992. No cover.
‘Six Degrees of Sunday’ movies
LAKEVIEW
Film screenings begin at 8 p.m. Sheffield’s, 3258 N. Sheffield Ave. 773-281-4989. No cover.
REDEYE/MMX PICK
Scrabble Sundays
WEST TOWN
It’s free to participate, and winners from each round snag a dessert and drink on the house. 1 p.m. Swim Cafe, 1357 W. Chicago Ave.; 312-492-8600. No cover.
THE GAMER
WHO’S PLAYING AT HOME this weekend
Bulls vs. Houston
7:30 p.m. Saturday, United Center
Bears vs. Green Bay
Noon Sunday, Soldier Field
Blackhawks vs. Edmonton
6 p.m. Sunday, United Center
