If the thought of watching another sugar plum fairy glide across the stage doesn’t give you a warm-and-fuzzy holiday feeling, don’t worry: You have options.
Whether it’s a Christmas tale told by drag queens or running a charitable 5K surrounded by Santas, there are lots of unique ways to enjoy the holidays, whether you want to bring along the kids or see something more suited for adults only.
WBEZ did some digging. We compiled a list of musicals, game nights, classes, charity events and fairs that offer at least a modicum of holiday cheer but also promise a unique twist.
See something we missed? Tag us on social media #HolidayFun or drop us a line at web@wbez.org. Your suggestions could be included in a reader suggestion roundup in our weekly Rundown newsletter.
Break out in song
This rendition of Handel’s Messiah promises to bring you a reinvented take on a classic. Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah features a chamber orchestra, a dynamic choir and stunning solo performances by Alfreda Burke, Karen-Marie Richardson and Rodrick Dixon.
The signature program always makes a festive start for the season, but this year, it offers a new twist, said Rich Regan, the CEO of Auditorium Theatre. “We’re inviting audience members to share their ‘Hallelujah Moments’ — personal expressions of joy, gratitude or perseverance — and we’ll be showcasing them throughout the program in a special way.”
Dec. 3-4 at the Auditorium Theatre (50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago). Tickets start at $35; discounts for students and seniors.
Shop for a cause
If singing and dancing isn’t your type of holiday fun, the annual Renegade Craft Fair at Morgan Manufacturing in the West Loop offers a bevy of abstract, impressionist and contemporary modern artists selling art and crafts. Find unique artisan crafts like handmade jewelry, tapestries and sculptures that make great gifts — or might just be something you purchase for yourself.
Dec. 17-18 at Morgan Manufacturing (401 N. Morgan St., Chicago). Suggested entry donation of $12 goes to The Nature Conservancy.
Have a gay yuletide
Two legendary Queens from RuPauls’s Drag Race — Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme — will join forces for the holiday spectacular The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show.The show is only one night, Dec. 8, and will feature the pair in witty and clever comedic and musical takes on everything from family to holiday gift ideas — because sometimes all a girl really wants for Christmas is spiked alcohol and eyebrow glue.
Dec. 7 at the Auditorium Theatre (50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, Chicago). Tickets start at $47; discounts for students and seniors.
Spring for a ‘hallucinogenic’ Nutcracker
Take a “hallucinogenic trip” with Clara and her Buttcracker to the Land of Sweets where they battle rats, celebrate body and sex positivity, and enjoy Chicago’s nightlife. The Buttcracker: A Nutcracker Burlesque is a twist on a classic that takes audiences through the world of burlesque, boylesque, magic, sword balancing, circus, dance and more.
Running the entire month of December at the Greenhouse Theater in Lincoln Park, each week features “the best of Chicago’s nightlife entertainment,” said James Juliano, the head of media relations for Greenhouse Theater Center. Performers will take on the roles of “Tea,” “Coffee,” “Chocolate,” “Vodka” and “Mother Ginger.” Audiences can also expect sword swallowing, belly dancing, classic burlesque and more.
Dec. 1-31st at the Greenhouse Theatre (2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago). Tickets begin at $30 online; a limited number of $20 standing room tickets will be sold at the door.
Explore holiday taboos
Iconic, unconventional and sometimes controversial, filmmaker John Waters offers audiences his take on Christmas…
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