Christmas usually starts out with a bang (presents!) and ends with a whimper (food-induced coma), but these events can help prolong the holiday’s allure or, at the very least, provide an excellent excuse to ditch the relatives.
‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’
AMC River East 21, 322 E. Illinois St., 847-765-7262
This buzz-worthy flick once again pairs director David Fincher (“Fight Club,” “Seven”) with Hollywood hunk Brad Pitt as they take on an F. Scott Fitzgerald short story about a man born old. As everyone else around him ages, Pitt’s character grows stronger and more youthful. This poses certain problems when wooing his childhood sweetheart, played by Cate Blanchett. The film’s permeating sense of melancholy ties in perfectly with the realization that work awaits us in the morning. $6 before noon, $8.50 noon to 4 p.m., $10.50 after 4 p.m.
Christmas Day Bagel Ride
Meet at Waveland Clock Tower,3700 N. Recreation Drive
Nothing works up an appetite quite like a 12-mile bike ride through the streets of Chicago with only the frigid winter temperatures to keep you company. Hosted by the Chicago Cycling Club, this leisurely cruise ends at The Bagel Restaurant & Deli (3107 N. Broadway. 773-477-0300) where cyclists can defrost with a steaming bowl of the Jewish delicatessen’s famous Mish-Mash soup. 10 a.m. Free.
Brunch buffet
The Peninsula, 108 E. Superior St.
312-573-6760
Celebrate Christmas like a celebrity with a decadent brunch buffet at Jennifer Aniston’s favorite hotel. The Peninsula’s The Lobby and Avenues restaurants host three coveted seatings throughout the day with menus tailor-made for an episode of Oprah’s “Favorite Things.” From mouthwatering beverages (peppermint cappuccino, brandied eggnog) to diet-busting desserts (gingerbread creme cake, poached cranberry and white chocolate cheesecake), this spread can transform the most casual diner into a foodie. Hit the bloody mary cocktail station before diving into Maine lobster eggs Benedict, vanilla-scented waffles smothered in Bing cherry compote and pistachios, and tender prime rib. Enjoy live jazz while dining. 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. $128 for adults, $30 for children 12 and under.
Skee-Ball, etc.
Dave & Buster’s, 1030 N. Clark. 312-943-5151
Reclaim your inner child at this adult playground on the holiday that’s made and marketed for kids. Remember those birthday parties at Showbiz Pizza (Or Chuck E. Cheese’s)? Here’s a chance to relive some of your fond memories without the scary animatronics or chewy pizza. Play a few rounds of Skee-Ball at Dave & Buster’s and redeem your winning tickets for prizes that rival a Chinese finger trap — those were so 6th grade, anyway. Take advantage of the $15.99 Eat & Play Combo, which includes one dinner entree and a $10 game card. 5 p.m.-1 a.m. No cover.
Bowling
Lucky Strike Lanes, 322 E. Illinois St.
312-245-8331
Put down the Wii and get acclimated to the weight of a real bowling ball at Lucky Strike. After spending the holiday with inquisitive relatives, you might find solace in throwing and knocking things down — but keep it to one lane please. Kids are welcome prior to 9 p.m., so the whole family can release all of that pent-up holiday frustration. Eat, drink and be merry in the funkiest rental shoes this side of the circus. 5 p.m. to midnight. $5.95 per game.
Non-denominational imbibing
Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark St. 773-334-9851
If seeing another fat man in a red suit or hearing Yoko Ono warble through “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” one more time turns your stomach, head over to Hopleaf, where there’s a fire burning in the fireplace, but nary a chestnut to be found. The kitchen stays closed, but the spirits flow into the wee hours — just enough time to chase away the loop of holiday songs in your head. 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. No cover.
———-
JANINE SCHAULTS IS A METROMIX SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR. METROMIX@TRIBUNE.COM
