Nine Places to Debauch Yourself with Friends this Season BY: Courtney Ryan | Nov 27, 2013
Although the holidays are touted as the season of selfless giving, the ready availability of eggnog and mulled wine encourage the indulgence of more earthly pleasures. We found nine Chicago events that embrace the more depraved spirit of the season.
For the Boozehounds SantaCon atCongress Plaza Hotel
If a run-of-the-mill pub crawl doesn’t put you in a jolly enough spirit, then strap on a red velvet suit for a journey that Kris Kringle wishes he could take each Christmas Eve. From noon onward, hundreds of Santa clones will stumble merrily to six bars—including
Bar Below and
Celtic Crossing —with photo stops in front of the
Art Institute and
Millennium Park’s Cloud Gate. (
520 S. Michigan Avenue. Saturday, December 7, at noon. Admission: $10 in advance/$15 at door . )
15th Annual Christmas & Winter Beer Tasting at Delilah’s
With probably the largest
whiskey selection in Chicago (more than 600 varieties at last count), it’s no wonder people flock to this Lincoln Park punk bar to warm up. Delilah’s holiday party, however, spotlights speciality beer—including winter vintages from
Anchor and King & Barnes as well as holiday brews from
Three Floyds and
Lakefront breweries. (
2771 N. Lincoln Avenue. Saturday, December 7, from noon to 5 p.m. Admission: $20 for 20 tasting tickets. )
"Happy Holly-daze: A Drinking Game Performance" at Cornservatory
Improv theater
Corn Productions is known for hosting rowdy late-night BYOB drinking games, so it’s no surprise to see them mixing alcohol, wit, and seasonal debauchery. You bring your poison of choice, and their team of comedy gladiators takes care of the rest. (
4210 N. Lincoln Avenue. 8 p.m. Thursday–Saturday from December 12 to December 28. Tickets: $7 on Thursday; $15 on Friday and Saturday. )
For the Theater-goers Who Don’t Blush "Old Jews Telling Jokes" at Royal George Theatre
It’s not
quite a holiday show, but if you’re missing your zaide’s wicked sense of humor this Hanukkah, then this five-actor revue just might fill the void. But be warned: creators Peter Gethers and Daniel Okrent promise to reinvent the classic jokes, so don’t roll your eyes until you hear the punchline. (
641 N. Halsted Street. Through February 16; view the full schedule . Tickets: starting at $45. )
"A Sack Full of Coal" at Gorilla Tango Theatre
Though this Bucktown theater is mostly known for mixing burlesque with geek-culture satire,
A Sack Full of Coal leans more heavily on the satire, mocking the holiday season’s mix of good will and consumerism. The show also shines a spotlight on the often-overlooked Christmas demon Krampus, who is said to punish naughty children by spiriting them away in a burlap sack. (
1919 N. Milwaukee Avenue. Every Saturday at 7:30 p.m. through December 14. Tickets: $15. )
For the Audience Members Who’d Rather Participate Live Band Karaoke at Schubas
Buying multiple craft brews won’t just soften your inhibitions for holiday-themed
live band karaoke —it will also keep kids warm this winter. Proceeds from the bar go directly to
Coat Angels , a nonprofit that donates warm outerwear to children from low-income homes. (
3159 N. Southport Avenue. Wednesday, December 18, at 8 p.m. Admission: free. )
"Christmas Bingo: It's a Ho-Ho-Holy Night" at Royal George Theatre
The "sisters" behind
Late Night Catechism put their own spin on the history of Christmas with an interactive lesson. The audience plays along with bingo cards for the chance to win prizes and (hopefully) not be shamed in front of the entire class. (
1641 N. Halsted St. Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. through January 5. Tickets: $38.95. )
For the Truly Debauched "A John Waters Christmas" at City Winery
If the holiday season ramps up your desire for debaucherous camp, then you owe it to yourself to see the King of Filth hold court during a smutty, Christmas-themed one-man monologue. With the noble goal of putting “X back into X-mas,” the legendary filmmaker and author tackles subversive topics ranging from perverted gifts to holiday horror stories. (
1200 W. Randolph Street. Saturday, December 1, at 8 p.m. Tickets: starting at $65. )
Vaudezilla Craft Fair at Vaudezilla Studio
Burlesque troupe
Vaudezilla puts a brassy spin on traditional craft fairs with a showgirl-themed array of vintage and handmade pin-up crafts and clothing. Decadent sweets from
Three Moms Bakery will be on display among the assortment of lingerie and bombshell jewelry from glamorous vendors such as
Annie’s Red Hots and
Acidic Housewife . (
3614 W. Belmont Avenue. December 21. Admission: Free. )
Image courtesy of SantaCon
BY: Courtney Ryan
Guide Staff Writer
Courtney Ryan is a Chicago-based writer and Derrick Rose fan. She spends almost 100% of her time making or eating popcorn.
Fun & Leisure Deals in Chicago
Grouber
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cui-has-distance\">\n <span class=\"cui-location-name\">\n Addams/Medill Park\n </span>\n <span class=\"cui-location-separator\"> • </span>\n <span class=\"cui-location-distance\">\n 1.1 mi\n </span>\n </div>\n \n \n \n \n \n </div>\n <div class=\"cui-udc-right-one\">\n </div>\n</div>\n <div class=\"cui-udc-bottom-row\">\n <div class=\"cui-udc-left-two\">\n \n \n \n <div class=\"cui-quantity-bought c-txt-gray-dk\">\n 370+ bought\n </div>\n\n \n </div>\n <div class=\"cui-udc-right-two\">\n \n <div class=\"cui-price\" data-pingdom-id=\"deal-price\">\n <s class=\"cui-price-original c-txt-gray-dk\n \">$82.15</s>\n <span class=\"cui-price-discount c-txt-price\n\">$60</span>\n </div>\n\n \n \n \n </div>\n </div>\n\n <div class=\"cui-udc-stacked-rows\">\n <div class=\"cui-udc-no-data\"></div>\n \n <div class=\"cui-location cui-truncate c-txt-gray-dk cui-has-distance\">\n <span class=\"cui-location-name\">\n Addams/Medill Park\n </span>\n <span class=\"cui-location-separator\"> • </span>\n <span class=\"cui-location-distance\">\n 1.1 mi\n </span>\n </div>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n <div class=\"cui-quantity-bought c-txt-gray-dk\">\n 370+ bought\n </div>\n\n \n \n \n \n <div class=\"cui-price\" data-pingdom-id=\"deal-price\">\n <s class=\"cui-price-original c-txt-gray-dk\n \">$82.15</s>\n <span class=\"cui-price-discount c-txt-price\n\">$60</span>\n </div>\n\n \n \n \n \n </div>\n\n </div>\n\n </div>\n\n </a>\n</figure>\n","classNames":"block-grid cui-one-up cui-medium-one-up cui-small-one-up one-up","listCardsHtml":false,"gridCardsHtml":true}},"c3":{"uuid":"4e8bfd9d-cd97-47aa-8485-bb21eb4e9ac8","section_title":"Fun & Leisure Deals in Chicago ","section_link_title":"Other Fun & Leisure Deals in Chicago ","section_link":"/local/chicago/fun-and-leisure-activities","content":{"dealCardsHtml":"<figure class=\"card-ui cui-c-udc c-bdr-gray-clr\n \n has-additional-value-message\n \n \n \n \n \n cui-udc-responsive\n \n \n \n \"\n data-pingdom-info=\"purchasable-deal\"\n data-bhc=\"card:deal#2da4007c-1180-4fff-bf02-139e3c6a859a\"\n data-bhd=\"{"cardUUID":"2da4007c-1180-4fff-bf02-139e3c6a859a","cardSubtype":"LOCAL","title":{"type":"title","content":"Up to 68% Off Sunset Cruise at Chicago Cruise Tickets"},"slot_1":{"type":"location-and-distance","content":"Mystic Blue Navy Pier(3.2 mi)"},"slot_2":{"type":"number-bought","content":1000},"value":{"type":"price","content":"$25 $9"},"additional_value":{"type":"urgency-pricing","content":"Sale Ends 6/23"}}\"\n \n data-bh-viewport=\"respect\"\n >\n\n <a href=\"https://www.groupon.com/deals/chicagocruisetickets-com-6\"\n >\n <div class=\"cui-content c-bdr-gray-clr ch-bdr-gray-md \">\n <div class=\"cui-udc-image-container\">\n <div class=\"cui-udc-image-overlay\"></div>\n <div class=\"cui-image-lazy-container cui-image-hover-zoom\">\n <img class=\"cui-svg-placeholder c-bg-gray-bg\" type=\"image/svg+xml\" height=\"211\" width=\"349\" src=\"data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg' height='211' width='349'%2F%3E\" alt=\"Shop Groupon\">\n\n <img class=\"cui-image lazy-load \"\n src=\"data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg' height='211' width='349'%2F%3E\"\n data-original=\"//img.grouponcdn.com/deal/36zU8dQNDQ8oNX3EgJPp/Xs-2048x1242/v1/c349x211q50.jpg\"\n data-high-quality=\"//img.grouponcdn.com/deal/36zU8dQNDQ8oNX3EgJPp/Xs-2048x1242/v1/c349x211q85.jpg\"\n data-high-quality-2x=\"//img.grouponcdn.com/deal/36zU8dQNDQ8oNX3EgJPp/Xs-2048x1242/v1/c349x211q85.jpg\"\n alt=\"Up to 68% Off Sunset Cruise at Chicago Cruise Tickets\">\n </div>\n\n </div>\n <div class=\"cui-udc-details c-txt-gray-dk\">\n <div class=\"cui-udc-title c-txt-black two-line-ellipsis\">\n Up to 68% Off Sunset Cruise at Chicago Cruise Tickets\n </div>\n \n \n \n <div class=\"cui-udc-top-row\">\n <div class=\"cui-udc-left-one\">\n <div class=\"cui-location cui-truncate c-txt-gray-dk cui-has-distance\">\n <span class=\"cui-location-name\">\n Mystic Blue Navy Pier\n </span>\n <span class=\"cui-location-separator\"> • </span>\n <span class=\"cui-location-distance\">\n 3.2 mi\n </span>\n </div>\n \n \n \n \n \n </div>\n <div class=\"cui-udc-right-one\">\n \n <div class=\"cui-price\" data-pingdom-id=\"deal-price\">\n <s class=\"cui-price-original c-txt-gray-dk\n \">$25</s>\n <span class=\"cui-price-discount cui-urgent c-txt-err\n\n\n\">$9</span>\n </div>\n\n \n \n \n </div>\n</div>\n <div class=\"cui-udc-bottom-row\">\n <div class=\"cui-udc-left-two\">\n \n \n \n <div class=\"cui-quantity-bought c-txt-gray-dk\">\n 1,000+ bought\n </div>\n\n \n </div>\n <div class=\"cui-udc-right-two\">\n \n \n <div class=\"cui-promotions\">\n <span class=\"cui-urgent cui-offer c-txt-err\">Sale Ends 6/23</span>\n </div>\n \n \n \n </div>\n </div>\n\n <div class=\"cui-udc-stacked-rows\">\n \n <div class=\"cui-location cui-truncate c-txt-gray-dk cui-has-distance\">\n <span class=\"cui-location-name\">\n Mystic Blue Navy Pier\n </span>\n <span class=\"cui-location-separator\"> • </span>\n <span class=\"cui-location-distance\">\n 3.2 mi\n </span>\n </div>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n <div class=\"cui-quantity-bought c-txt-gray-dk\">\n 1,000+ bought\n </div>\n\n \n \n \n <div class=\"cui-price\" data-pingdom-id=\"deal-price\">\n <s class=\"cui-price-original c-txt-gray-dk\n \">$25</s>\n <span class=\"cui-price-discount cui-urgent c-txt-err\n\n\n\">$9</span>\n </div>\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n <div class=\"cui-promotions\">\n <span class=\"cui-urgent cui-offer c-txt-err\">Sale Ends 6/23</span>\n </div>\n \n \n \n \n </div>\n\n </div>\n\n </div>\n\n </a>\n</figure>\n <figure class=\"card-ui cui-c-udc c-bdr-gray-clr\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n cui-udc-responsive\n \n \n \n \"\n data-pingdom-info=\"purchasable-deal\"\n data-bhc=\"card:deal#58678292-3486-4d0b-a7fa-8479850f1cbd\"\n data-bhd=\"{"cardUUID":"58678292-3486-4d0b-a7fa-8479850f1cbd","cardSubtype":"LOCAL","title":{"type":"title","content":"Blue Man Group — Up to 37% Off"},"slot_1":{"type":"location-and-distance","content":"Briar Street Theatre"},"slot_2":{"type":"number-bought","content":1000},"value":{"type":"price","content":"$94.15 $59.50"}}\"\n \n data-bh-viewport=\"respect\"\n >\n\n <a href=\"https://www.groupon.com/deals/gl-blue-man-group-briar-street-theatre\"\n >\n <div class=\"cui-content c-bdr-gray-clr ch-bdr-gray-md \">\n <div class=\"cui-udc-image-container\">\n <div class=\"cui-udc-image-overlay\"></div>\n <div class=\"cui-image-lazy-container cui-image-hover-zoom\">\n <img class=\"cui-svg-placeholder c-bg-gray-bg\" type=\"image/svg+xml\" height=\"211\" width=\"349\" src=\"data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg' height='211' width='349'%2F%3E\" alt=\"Shop Groupon\">\n\n <img class=\"cui-image lazy-load \"\n src=\"data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg' height='211' width='349'%2F%3E\"\n data-original=\"//img.grouponcdn.com/deal/tZFUd4Kxy3gmAzmQUBPe/sa-700x420/v1/c349x211q50.jpg\"\n data-high-quality=\"//img.grouponcdn.com/deal/tZFUd4Kxy3gmAzmQUBPe/sa-700x420/v1/c349x211q85.jpg\"\n data-high-quality-2x=\"//img.grouponcdn.com/deal/tZFUd4Kxy3gmAzmQUBPe/sa-700x420/v1/c349x211q85.jpg\"\n alt=\"Blue Man Group — Up to 37% Off\">\n </div>\n\n </div>\n <div class=\"cui-udc-details c-txt-gray-dk\">\n <div class=\"cui-udc-title c-txt-black two-line-ellipsis\">\n Blue Man Group — Up to 37% Off\n </div>\n \n \n \n <div class=\"cui-udc-top-row\">\n <div class=\"cui-udc-left-one\">\n <div class=\"cui-location cui-truncate c-txt-gray-dk \">\n <span class=\"cui-location-name\">\n Briar Street Theatre\n </span>\n </div>\n \n \n \n \n \n </div>\n <div class=\"cui-udc-right-one\">\n </div>\n</div>\n <div class=\"cui-udc-bottom-row\">\n <div class=\"cui-udc-left-two\">\n \n \n \n <div class=\"cui-quantity-bought c-txt-gray-dk\">\n 1,000+ bought\n </div>\n\n \n </div>\n <div class=\"cui-udc-right-two\">\n \n <div class=\"cui-price\" data-pingdom-id=\"deal-price\">\n <s class=\"cui-price-original c-txt-gray-dk\n \">$94.15</s>\n <span class=\"cui-price-discount c-txt-price\n\">$59.50</span>\n </div>\n\n \n \n \n </div>\n </div>\n\n <div class=\"cui-udc-stacked-rows\">\n <div class=\"cui-udc-no-data\"></div>\n \n <div class=\"cui-location cui-truncate c-txt-gray-dk \">\n <span class=\"cui-location-name\">\n Briar Street Theatre\n </span>\n </div>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n <div class=\"cui-quantity-bought c-txt-gray-dk\">\n 1,000+ bought\n </div>\n\n \n \n \n \n <div class=\"cui-price\" data-pingdom-id=\"deal-price\">\n <s class=\"cui-price-original c-txt-gray-dk\n \">$94.15</s>\n <span class=\"cui-price-discount c-txt-price\n\">$59.50</span>\n </div>\n\n \n \n \n \n </div>\n\n </div>\n\n </div>\n\n </a>\n</figure>\n <figure class=\"card-ui cui-c-udc c-bdr-gray-clr\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n cui-udc-responsive\n \n \n \n \"\n data-pingdom-info=\"purchasable-deal\"\n data-bhc=\"card:deal#63394c2c-27af-4028-967b-9d4c4da576c8\"\n data-bhd=\"{"cardUUID":"63394c2c-27af-4028-967b-9d4c4da576c8","cardSubtype":"LOCAL","title":{"type":"title","content":"Up to 50% Off Admission to Taste of Polonia Festival"},"slot_1":{"type":"location-and-distance","content":"Jefferson Park(9.9 mi)"},"slot_2":{"type":"number-bought","content":50},"value":{"type":"price","content":"$10 $5"}}\"\n \n data-bh-viewport=\"respect\"\n >\n\n <a href=\"https://www.groupon.com/deals/taste-of-polonia-2\"\n >\n <div class=\"cui-content c-bdr-gray-clr ch-bdr-gray-md \">\n <div class=\"cui-udc-image-container\">\n <div class=\"cui-udc-image-overlay\"></div>\n <div class=\"cui-image-lazy-container cui-image-hover-zoom\">\n <img class=\"cui-svg-placeholder c-bg-gray-bg\" type=\"image/svg+xml\" height=\"211\" width=\"349\" src=\"data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg' height='211' width='349'%2F%3E\" alt=\"Shop Groupon\">\n\n <img class=\"cui-image lazy-load \"\n src=\"data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg' height='211' width='349'%2F%3E\"\n data-original=\"//img.grouponcdn.com/deal/2JoQsCCMPQgGqGz2yQqpuMqQyjJx/2J-2048x1228/v1/c349x211q50.jpg\"\n data-high-quality=\"//img.grouponcdn.com/deal/2JoQsCCMPQgGqGz2yQqpuMqQyjJx/2J-2048x1228/v1/c349x211q85.jpg\"\n data-high-quality-2x=\"//img.grouponcdn.com/deal/2JoQsCCMPQgGqGz2yQqpuMqQyjJx/2J-2048x1228/v1/c349x211q85.jpg\"\n alt=\"Up to 50% Off Admission to Taste of Polonia Festival \">\n </div>\n\n </div>\n <div class=\"cui-udc-details c-txt-gray-dk\">\n <div class=\"cui-udc-title c-txt-black two-line-ellipsis\">\n Up to 50% Off Admission to Taste of Polonia Festival\n </div>\n \n \n \n <div class=\"cui-udc-top-row\">\n <div class=\"cui-udc-left-one\">\n <div class=\"cui-location cui-truncate c-txt-gray-dk cui-has-distance\">\n <span class=\"cui-location-name\">\n Jefferson Park\n </span>\n <span class=\"cui-location-separator\"> • </span>\n <span class=\"cui-location-distance\">\n 9.9 mi\n </span>\n </div>\n \n \n \n \n \n </div>\n <div class=\"cui-udc-right-one\">\n </div>\n</div>\n <div class=\"cui-udc-bottom-row\">\n <div class=\"cui-udc-left-two\">\n \n \n \n <div class=\"cui-quantity-bought c-txt-gray-dk\">\n 50+ bought\n </div>\n\n \n </div>\n <div class=\"cui-udc-right-two\">\n \n <div class=\"cui-price\" data-pingdom-id=\"deal-price\">\n <s class=\"cui-price-original c-txt-gray-dk\n \">$10</s>\n <span class=\"cui-price-discount c-txt-price\n\">$5</span>\n </div>\n\n \n \n \n </div>\n </div>\n\n <div class=\"cui-udc-stacked-rows\">\n <div class=\"cui-udc-no-data\"></div>\n \n <div class=\"cui-location cui-truncate c-txt-gray-dk cui-has-distance\">\n <span class=\"cui-location-name\">\n Jefferson Park\n </span>\n <span class=\"cui-location-separator\"> • </span>\n <span class=\"cui-location-distance\">\n 9.9 mi\n </span>\n </div>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n <div class=\"cui-quantity-bought c-txt-gray-dk\">\n 50+ bought\n </div>\n\n \n \n \n \n <div class=\"cui-price\" data-pingdom-id=\"deal-price\">\n <s class=\"cui-price-original c-txt-gray-dk\n \">$10</s>\n <span class=\"cui-price-discount c-txt-price\n\">$5</span>\n </div>\n\n \n \n \n \n </div>\n\n </div>\n\n </div>\n\n </a>\n</figure>\n","classNames":"block-grid cui-three-up cui-medium-two-up cui-small-one-up three-up","listCardsHtml":false,"gridCardsHtml":true}},"c7":{"uuid":"92202c3e-ac34-456c-b4bb-4f2bf6bcd950","content":{"widget_list":[{"id":"facebook","enable":true},{"id":"twitter","enable":true},{"id":"pinterest","enable":true},{"id":"googleplus","enable":true},{"id":"email","enable":true}],"class":"round","url":"https://www.groupon.com/articles/nine-places-to-debauch-yourself-with-friends-this-season-al","title":"Nine Places to Debauch Yourself with Friends this Season","description":"Although the holidays are touted as the season of selfless giving, the ready availability of eggnog and mulled wine encourage the indulgence of more earthly pleasures. We found nine Chicago events that embrace the more depraved spirit of the season."}},"c9":{"uuid":"92202c3e-ac34-456c-b4bb-4f2bf6bcd950","content":{"widget_list":[{"id":"facebook","enable":true},{"id":"twitter","enable":true},{"id":"pinterest","enable":true},{"id":"googleplus","enable":true},{"id":"email","enable":true}],"class":"round","url":"https://www.groupon.com/articles/nine-places-to-debauch-yourself-with-friends-this-season-al","title":"Nine Places to Debauch Yourself with Friends this Season","description":"Although the holidays are touted as the season of selfless giving, the ready availability of eggnog and mulled wine encourage the indulgence of more earthly pleasures. We found nine Chicago events that embrace the more depraved spirit of the season."}},"c6":{"uuid":"b526e8e6-e554-4ea4-ae4e-17803c3086fc","content":{"title":"Nine Places to Debauch Yourself with Friends this Season","author_name":"Courtney Ryan","published_on":"Nov 27, 2013","article_by":"BY:","showAuthor":true,"showPublished":true}},"c8":{"uuid":"18219421-87d1-4e24-88ba-40c55ed33583","content":{"content":"<img src=\"https://img.grouponcdn.com/seocms/ZpPUnziLk4mzabdwT5h2h/Nine-Places-to-Debauch-Yourself-with-Friends-this-Season_600x390-600x390.jpeg\" alt=\"Nine Places to Debauch Yourself with Friends this Season\">Although the holidays are touted as the season of selfless giving, the ready availability of eggnog and mulled wine encourage the indulgence of more earthly pleasures. We found nine Chicago events that embrace the more depraved spirit of the season.\r\n\r\n<strong style=\"color: #4db054; font-size: 1.5em;\"><strong>For the Boozehounds</strong></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong></strong><strong><a href=\"http://www.fanfueled.com/Event/Details/6378-santacon-chicago-2013-hosted-by-crawlnightlong\">SantaCon</a> at</strong> <strong><a href=\"http://www.congressplazahotel.com/index.cfm\">Congress Plaza Hotel</a></strong><em>\r\n</em>\r\n\r\nIf a run-of-the-mill pub crawl doesn’t put you in a jolly enough spirit, then strap on a red velvet suit for a journey that Kris Kringle wishes he could take each Christmas Eve. From noon onward, hundreds of Santa clones will stumble merrily to six bars—including <a href=\"http://www.thebarbelowchicago.com/\">Bar Below</a> and <a href=\"http://www.celticcrossingschicago.com/\">Celtic Crossing</a>—with photo stops in front of the <a href=\"http://www.artic.edu/\">Art Institute</a> and <a href=\"http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park.html\">Millennium Park’s</a> Cloud Gate. (<em>520 S. Michigan Avenue. <em>Saturday, December 7, at noon. Admission: <em>$10 in advance/$15 at door</em></em>.</em>)\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.delilahschicago.com/2013/12/07/\">15th Annual Christmas & Winter Beer Tasting</a> at <a href=\"http://www.delilahschicago.com/\">Delilah’s</a></strong><em>\r\n</em>\r\n\r\nWith probably the largest <a href=\"http://www.delilahschicago.com/whiskey/\">whiskey</a> selection in Chicago (more than 600 varieties at last count), it’s no wonder people flock to this Lincoln Park punk bar to warm up. Delilah’s holiday party, however, spotlights speciality beer—including winter vintages from <a href=\"http://www.anchorbrewing.com/\">Anchor</a> and King & Barnes as well as holiday brews from <a href=\"http://www.3floyds.com/\">Three Floyds</a> and <a href=\"http://www.lakefrontbrewery.com/\">Lakefront</a> breweries. (<em>2771 N. Lincoln Avenue. </em><em>Saturday, December 7, from noon to 5 p.m. Admission: <em>$20 for 20 tasting tickets.</em></em>)\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://cornservatory.org/on-stage/holly-daze/\">\"Happy Holly-daze: A Drinking Game Performance\"</a></strong><strong> </strong><strong>at</strong><strong> </strong><strong><a href=\"http://cornservatory.org/\">Cornservatory</a> </strong>\r\n\r\nImprov theater <a href=\"http://cornservatory.org/about/\">Corn Productions</a> is known for hosting rowdy late-night BYOB drinking games, so it’s no surprise to see them mixing alcohol, wit, and seasonal debauchery. You bring your poison of choice, and their team of comedy gladiators takes care of the rest. (<em>4210 N. Lincoln Avenue. <em>8 p.m. Thursday–Saturday from December 12 to December 28. Tickets: <em>$7 on Thursday; $15 on Friday and Saturday.</em></em></em>)\r\n\r\n<strong style=\"color: #4db054; font-size: 1.5em;\"><strong>For the Theater-goers Who Don’t Blush</strong></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://oldjewstellingjokesonstage.com/home/\">\"Old Jews Telling Jokes\"</a> at <a href=\"http://www.theroyalgeorgetheatre.com/\">Royal George Theatre</a></strong><em>\r\n</em>\r\n\r\nIt’s not <em>quite</em> a holiday show, but if you’re missing your zaide’s wicked sense of humor this Hanukkah, then this five-actor revue just might fill the void. But be warned: creators Peter Gethers and Daniel Okrent promise to reinvent the classic jokes, so don’t roll your eyes until you hear the punchline. (<em>641 N. Halsted Street. <em>Through February 16; view the <a href=\"http://www.ticketmaster.com/Old-Jews-Telling-Jokes-tickets/artist/1828104\">full schedule</a>. <em>Tickets: starting at $45.</em></em></em>)\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"https://www.gorillatango.com/cgi-bin/public/gttv2.cgi?location_number=2&show_id=1114\">\"A Sack Full of Coal\"</a> at </strong><strong><a href=\"http://www.gorillatango.com/chicago/contact.htm\">Gorilla Tango Theatre</a></strong><em>\r\n</em>\r\n\r\nThough this Bucktown theater is mostly known for mixing burlesque with geek-culture satire, <em>A Sack Full of Coal</em> leans more heavily on the satire, mocking the holiday season’s mix of good will and consumerism. The show also shines a spotlight on the often-overlooked Christmas demon Krampus, who is said to punish naughty children by spiriting them away in a burlap sack. (<em>1919 N. Milwaukee Avenue. <em>Every Saturday at 7:30 p.m. through December 14. Tickets: $15.</em></em>)\r\n\r\n<strong style=\"color: #4db054; font-size: 1.5em;\"><strong>For the Audience Members Who’d Rather Participate</strong></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.schubas.com/Shows/12-18-2013+LH+and+ST+Holiday+Party\">Live Band Karaoke</a> at Schubas</strong>\r\n\r\nBuying multiple craft brews won’t just soften your inhibitions for holiday-themed <a href=\"http://www.livebandkaraoke.com/\">live band karaoke</a>—it will also keep kids warm this winter. Proceeds from the bar go directly to <a href=\"http://coatangels.org/\">Coat Angels</a>, a nonprofit that donates warm outerwear to children from low-income homes. (<em>3159 N. Southport Avenue. <em>Wednesday, December 18, at 8 p.m. Admission: <em>free.</em></em></em>)\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://theroyalgeorgetheatre.com/shows.php?s=2\">\"Christmas Bingo: It's a Ho-Ho-Holy Night\"</a> at <a href=\"http://www.theroyalgeorgetheatre.com/\">Royal George Theatre</a></strong><em>\r\n</em>\r\n\r\nThe \"sisters\" behind <em>Late Night Catechism</em> put their own spin on the history of Christmas with an interactive lesson. The audience plays along with bingo cards for the chance to win prizes and (hopefully) not be shamed in front of the entire class. (<em>1641 N. Halsted St. Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. through January 5. Tickets: $38.95.</em>)\r\n\r\n<strong style=\"color: #4db054; font-size: 1.5em;\"><strong>For the Truly Debauched</strong></strong>\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://www.citywinery.com/chicago/tickets/a-john-waters-christmas-live-comedy-show-12-1-1.html\">\"A John Waters Christmas\"</a> at </strong><strong><a href=\"http://www.citywinery.com/chicago/\">City Winery</a></strong><em>\r\n</em>\r\n\r\nIf the holiday season ramps up your desire for debaucherous camp, then you owe it to yourself to see the King of Filth hold court during a smutty, Christmas-themed one-man monologue. With the noble goal of putting “X back into X-mas,” the legendary filmmaker and author tackles subversive topics ranging from perverted gifts to holiday horror stories. (<em>1200 W. Randolph Street. <em>Saturday, December 1, at 8 p.m. <em>Tickets: starting at $65.</em></em></em>)\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"http://vaudezilla.com/chicago_burlesque_shows.html\">Vaudezilla Craft Fair</a> at Vaudezilla Studio</strong>\r\n\r\nBurlesque troupe <a href=\"http://vaudezilla.com/\">Vaudezilla</a> puts a brassy spin on traditional craft fairs with a showgirl-themed array of vintage and handmade pin-up crafts and clothing. Decadent sweets from <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/ThreeMomsBakery\">Three Moms Bakery</a> will be on display among the assortment of lingerie and bombshell jewelry from glamorous vendors such as <a href=\"http://www.etsy.com/shop/anniesredhots\">Annie’s Red Hots</a> and <a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/pages/Acidic-Housewife/272901809395454\">Acidic Housewife</a>. (<em>3614 W. Belmont Avenue. <em>December 21. Admission: <em>Free.</em></em></em>)\r\n\r\n<em>Image courtesy of SantaCon</em>"}}}}
Although the holidays are touted as the season of selfless giving, the ready availability of eggnog and mulled wine encourage the indulgence of more earthly pleasures. We found nine Chicago events that embrace the more depraved spirit of the season.
For the Boozehounds
SantaCon at Congress Plaza Hotel
If a run-of-the-mill pub crawl doesn’t put you in a jolly enough spirit, then strap on a red velvet suit for a journey that Kris Kringle wishes he could take each Christmas Eve. From noon onward, hundreds of Santa clones will stumble merrily to six bars—including Bar Below and Celtic Crossing—with photo stops in front of the Art Institute and Millennium Park’s Cloud Gate. (520 S. Michigan Avenue. Saturday, December 7, at noon. Admission: $10 in advance/$15 at door.)
15th Annual Christmas & Winter Beer Tasting at Delilah’s
With probably the largest whiskey selection in Chicago (more than 600 varieties at last count), it’s no wonder people flock to this Lincoln Park punk bar to warm up. Delilah’s holiday party, however, spotlights speciality beer—including winter vintages from Anchor and King & Barnes as well as holiday brews from Three Floyds and Lakefront breweries. (2771 N. Lincoln Avenue. Saturday, December 7, from noon to 5 p.m. Admission: $20 for 20 tasting tickets.)
"Happy Holly-daze: A Drinking Game Performance" at Cornservatory
Improv theater Corn Productions is known for hosting rowdy late-night BYOB drinking games, so it’s no surprise to see them mixing alcohol, wit, and seasonal debauchery. You bring your poison of choice, and their team of comedy gladiators takes care of the rest. (4210 N. Lincoln Avenue. 8 p.m. Thursday–Saturday from December 12 to December 28. Tickets: $7 on Thursday; $15 on Friday and Saturday.)
For the Theater-goers Who Don’t Blush
"Old Jews Telling Jokes" at Royal George Theatre
It’s not quite a holiday show, but if you’re missing your zaide’s wicked sense of humor this Hanukkah, then this five-actor revue just might fill the void. But be warned: creators Peter Gethers and Daniel Okrent promise to reinvent the classic jokes, so don’t roll your eyes until you hear the punchline. (641 N. Halsted Street. Through February 16; view the full schedule. Tickets: starting at $45.)
"A Sack Full of Coal" at Gorilla Tango Theatre
Though this Bucktown theater is mostly known for mixing burlesque with geek-culture satire, A Sack Full of Coal leans more heavily on the satire, mocking the holiday season’s mix of good will and consumerism. The show also shines a spotlight on the often-overlooked Christmas demon Krampus, who is said to punish naughty children by spiriting them away in a burlap sack. (1919 N. Milwaukee Avenue. Every Saturday at 7:30 p.m. through December 14. Tickets: $15.)
For the Audience Members Who’d Rather Participate
Live Band Karaoke at Schubas
Buying multiple craft brews won’t just soften your inhibitions for holiday-themed live band karaoke—it will also keep kids warm this winter. Proceeds from the bar go directly to Coat Angels, a nonprofit that donates warm outerwear to children from low-income homes. (3159 N. Southport Avenue. Wednesday, December 18, at 8 p.m. Admission: free.)
"Christmas Bingo: It's a Ho-Ho-Holy Night" at Royal George Theatre
The "sisters" behind Late Night Catechism put their own spin on the history of Christmas with an interactive lesson. The audience plays along with bingo cards for the chance to win prizes and (hopefully) not be shamed in front of the entire class. (1641 N. Halsted St. Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. through January 5. Tickets: $38.95.)
For the Truly Debauched
"A John Waters Christmas" at City Winery
If the holiday season ramps up your desire for debaucherous camp, then you owe it to yourself to see the King of Filth hold court during a smutty, Christmas-themed one-man monologue. With the noble goal of putting “X back into X-mas,” the legendary filmmaker and author tackles subversive topics ranging from perverted gifts to holiday horror stories. (1200 W. Randolph Street. Saturday, December 1, at 8 p.m. Tickets: starting at $65.)
Vaudezilla Craft Fair at Vaudezilla Studio
Burlesque troupe Vaudezilla puts a brassy spin on traditional craft fairs with a showgirl-themed array of vintage and handmade pin-up crafts and clothing. Decadent sweets from Three Moms Bakery will be on display among the assortment of lingerie and bombshell jewelry from glamorous vendors such as Annie’s Red Hots and Acidic Housewife. (3614 W. Belmont Avenue. December 21. Admission: Free.)
Image courtesy of SantaCon
