Christmas is all about tradition, and for some, it would be literally sacrilegious to break from the norm. But traditions are made to be broken right? There's all sorts of holiday-themed events in Chicago this week that are slightly left of center.
- Of course you've heard of the holiday tune the 12 Days of Christmas. Well if an event this weekend is any indication, on the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave me beer. On the 11th day, a shot. We're thinking that's the idea behind the 13th annual 12 Bars of Christmas in Wrigleyville. The bar crawl kicks off at 10 a.m., and $30 gets you admission into all of the establishments, and of course drink specials along the way.
- The Nutcracker is a popular Christmas-themed production, but the if the word "ballet" is already starting to elicit a yawn, consider checking out the Nutcracker on horseback. The Noble Horse Theater is putting on this interesting take on this holiday classic for the next few weeks. Dinner service is also available within the walls of this magnificent castle located conveniently in Old Town.
- Speaking of the -- ahem -- Nutcracker, the very sexy Michelle L'Amour will perform her alternative version on Tuesday at Park West. It's called the Burlesque Nutcracker.
- If you've never seen the magnificent display that is a Redmoon Theater show, now's as good a time as any. The Winter Pageant Redux will be performed on on various dates through Dec. 20 at Redmoon's West Hubbard theater. Audience participation is a big part of this show, so if that's not your thing, you've been warned.
Check out the weekly "Word on the Street" segment on "24/7 Chicago: Secrets of the City," Saturday nights at 12:30 a.m. on NBC5.
