1. Lighten up!
Join Chicago's Jewish community and merrymakers as the 10-foot menorah is lit for the holidays in Evanston's Fountain Square at the Grand Chanukah Menorah Lighting. Evanston mayor Mayor Elizabeth B. Tisdahl is on-hand to give season's greetings and assist in this yearly ceremony. Music and refreshments are provided. (Fountain Square, 1600 Orrington Ave, Evanston, 5:30pm. Free)
If you don't know the art of dance, this is the show to go to in Chicago. We're not talking an overpriced performance of the Whip and Nae Nae here. These performers have spent the majority of their lives perfecting dance moves that have been around for well over 100 years, thrown in with a few that are completely new. Tonight is the final performance of the Lincoln Center at the Movies: Great American Dance series, which features The Nutcracker—it's your last chance. (Regal City North 14, 2600 N Western Ave, 7pm. $17–$20.16)
3. So, maybe you hate the holidays
Should you not like Christmas, there's a concert for that. Specifically, it's by a local punk band named The Lawrence Arms who are officially declaring war on the holiday. The event is sponsored by Riot Fest, which, in addition to sporting an extra-snarky Twitter account, has been promoting more and more local shows as of late. Expect power chords to ring from the stage as well as irreverent standbys such as "Drunk Tweets" and "Paradise Shitty." Another reason to catch this show is that the legendary Chicago venue where the concert is held could very well close soon. (Double Door, 1572 N Milwaukee Ave, 7:30pm. $26)