Not going on the all-day drinking expedition that is the 12 Bars of Christmas (TBOX) pub crawl (see Best Bets)? We’ve got our own 12 bars of Christmas to offer up. Stop in at these spots for kitschy decorations and other boozy fun that’ll melt the heart of even the most cynical holiday scrooge.
CLUB LUCKY
1824 W. Wabansia Ave. 773-227-2300
From a light-covered facade to dangling, glitter-doused snowflakes, the decor here is so impressive that it’s not surprising the staff started preparing six weeks ago. Pick a holiday tune on the jukebox and nurse a peppermint patty martini ($9).
CORK & KERRY
10614 S. Western Ave. 773-445-2675
This Beverly bar’s annual over-the-top display features huge holiday mobiles and a miniature Christmas village above the main bar. Hit the Ho Ho Ho Party (9 p.m. Dec. 19, $35) for a costume contest and music from the ’70s,’80s and ’90s. Includes appetizers, beer, wine and cocktails.
CITIZEN
364 W. Erie St. 312-640-1156
Bright retro bulbs and a trimmed tree make a cheerful setting for sipping a dozen holiday cocktails, such as the Frost Bite (vodka, creme de cacao, peppermint schnapps and cream, $9). Donate to the Toys for Tots drive Friday and score an hour of hosted bomb shots at night’s end.
CLYBAR
2417 N. Clybourn Ave. 773-388-1877
Santa’s chummy face, glowing snowmen and mistletoe mask this Lincoln Park bar’s usual Purdue decor. Stop by the Be Merry or Get Scrooged bash
(8-11 p.m. Dec. 23, $20) for eggnog and Christmas flicks.
HAWKEYE’S
1458 W. Taylor St. 312-226-3951
After the multitudes of lights and garland went up at this Little Italy bar, the throngs of merrymakers really packed in. We suggest toasting the crowds with spiked hot chocolate ($7, $5 on Tuesdays).
LOTTIE’S
1925 W. Cortland Ave. 773-489-0738
Silent night? Not at this Bucktown bar, where hundreds of lights hang from the ceiling. Lotties’ Rock ‘N’ Roll Christmas Party (6 p.m. Dec. 25, no cover) promises a drawing for a Fender guitar, plus warm cocktails ($5) and a free buffet.
DELILAH’S
2771 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-472-2771
Everybody’s got Christmas beers. Only Delilah’s has 1995-1999 vintages of Festival Ale from defunct (and beloved) English brewer King and Barnes. Try those and 100 or so other rare and vintage seasonal beers at the Lincoln Park pub’s 11th annual tasting. 12-5 p.m. Saturday. $20.
SALUTE
46 E. Superior St. 312-664-0100
If you’ve overdone the glogg at Simon’s Tavern, seek new scenery at this Mag Mile wine bar. Proceed past the ruby lights outside, stake out a spot in front of the fireplace and warm up with a blackberry-ginger hot toddy ($8).
THE BLUEBIRD
1749 N. Damen Ave. 773-486-2473
Holiday cheer comes from a bottle at this bar. Try Brasserie du Ciel’s Solstice d’Hiver ($10), a toasty barley wine. Sample more seasonal ales at a tasting (7:30 p.m. Tuesday, $30) including Three Floyds’ Alpha Klaus and the limited Why Winter from Two Brothers.
HACKNEY’S
733 S. Dearborn St. 312-461-1116
If the 10 new winter beers on draft ($4.95-$6.95) at this South Loop tavern don’t warm you up, a mug of spiced glogg ($5.45) and a slice of candy cane pie ($4.95) sure will. Stop by at 7 p.m. Tuesday for a holiday sing-along in the bar.
TIN LIZZIE
2483 N. Clark St. 773-549-1132
At this Lincoln Park sports bar, you’re not too old to sit on Santa’s lap (or too big — his cushy red chair is big enough for you, a partridge, pear tree and your pint). St. Nick stops by Fridays at 10 p.m. Also: Bring gifts for Toys for Tots.
FAT CAT
4840 N. Broadway. 773-506-3100
Is last-minute Christmas-present panic taking the cheer out of the season? Swing by this Uptown bar and pick up a pre-wrapped custom six-pack of seasonal ales — to go! Options include $20 and $30 assortments.
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metromix@tribune.com.
