TUESDAY FREEBIE
Killer ‘B’
McDunna’s Bar and Grill, 1505 W. Fullerton Ave. 773-929-0944
Talk about freshman year nightmares: In the Japanese exploitation flick “Battle Royale,” a 9th-grade class plunked on an island by a futuristic government must fight each other to the death. B-movie enthusiasts the Chicago Psychotronic Film Society host the screening. Includes half-price food with drink purchase; specials include $2 PBR cans. 8 p.m.
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tue 9
Open all night
The Second City e.t.c., 1608 N. Wells St. 312-337-3992.
Insomniacs in need of a little humor need look no further than The Second City That Never Sleeps: Letters to Santa. The seventh annual 24-hour improv marathon features Second City performers and alums with musical guests Robbie Fulks, The Breeders, Nina Nastasia and Tullymonster. The bash culminates with a special set by Jeff Tweedy of Wilco (9 p.m. Wednesday, $10 extra). Proceeds provide holiday gifts for children in need. 9 p.m. $10.
What you crave
Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St.
Giving is great, but receiving also has its merits. Do a little of both at the Crave Holiday Shopping Party. Browse clothing, jewelry, handbags, beauty products, housewares and more from 40 local boutiques and designers. Includes samples of Rain organic vodka, plus appetizers and spa services such as manicures, facials, acupuncture and hair styling. 5:30 p.m. $20. 866-931-3988. Tickets: craveparty.com/chicago
Sugar and spice
Park West, 322 W. Armitage Ave. 312-553-1212.
Earn a spot on Santa’s naughty list at “Land of the Sweets: The Burlesque Nutcracker.” The classic Christmas ballet gets a bawdy makeover with a swing-era soundtrack, singing, acrobatics, comedy and exotic dance performances by local and national performers Lily Verlaine, Michelle L’Amour, Dirty Martini, Miss Indigo Blue, Kitten La Rue and others. 7 p.m. Through Wednesday. $30.
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Present state of mind
Broadway Cellars, 5900 N. Broadway. 773-944-1208.
Sample 20 affordable vintages at a holiday wine tasting, which also features an appetizer buffet and a signature cocktail from North Shore Distillery co-founder Sonja Kassebaum. Pick up bottles for gifting — or keeping — including 2007 McManis pinot noir from California, 2006 Domaine du Tariquet chardonnay from France and 2007 Coto de Hayas garnacha from Spain. 6 p.m. $20.
Beauty to the people
People Lounge, 1560 N. Milwaukee Ave.If spendy spas are on your no-go list in recessionville, don’t fret: You can still sneak in some indulgence. Sheque Chicago’s Get Pampered features complimentary manicures and massages, $5 Sobieski cocktails and $7 martinis. 7 p.m. No cover. 312-638-9033. RSVP recommended: jebergman7@yahoo.com
