Chicago's Jewish Christmas Guide: Alternatives For Dec. 24th And 25th (PHOTOS)

Hanukkah may overlap Christmas this year, but menorah-lighters aren't expecting that to diminish Santa's power over this season.

Luckily, that fact helps preserve a parallel tradition: yuletide abstainers painting the otherwise red-and-green town. Particularly for Chicago's Jewish residents, the two days Christmas revelers spend holed up with family, reenacting eggnog- and tinsel-drenched rituals, are two days to dominate the city's nightlife. Check out a host of events citywide to entertain the stocking-free, or poach plans from some notable, elfless Chicagoans.

SATURDAY, DEC. 24 (CHRISTMAS EVE)

Rockmitzvah
Ever wish you could do your b'nai mitzvah over again? Similar crowd, similar playlist, but after your awkward phase and with a better-stocked bar? Hit up Rockit Bar & Grill for a do-over filled with food, drinks and tunes, and stay out later than last time for the official after party at The Underground.
Where: Rockit Bar and Grill River North, 22 W. Hubbard, Chicago
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 24
Price: $30 GA, $350 VIP

Matzoball
Hot, tasty and tightly-packed can describe a good matzo ball floating in soup, or one of the biggest annual Christmas parties for young, urban Jews. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Matzoball goes down this year in eight cities. Chicago's is hosted at Mercadito, and VIP tickets come with a Canastita sharing menu and signature drinks.
Where: Mercadito a la Planxa
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 24
Price: $30 GA, $65 VIP

SUNDAY, DEC. 25 (CHRISTMAS DAY)

Sticks-n-Flicks
Chinese food and a movie has long been a Jewish-Christmas staple outing, and this year, Aria makes it easy. The chic Asian-fusion restaurant and bar in the Fairmont Hotel is offering a special "Sticks-n-Flicks" package: a special three-course Chinese menu comes with a ticket for the AMC River East Theater a block and a half away. (Check out their showing schedule here.)
Address: Fairmont Hotel, 200 N. Columbus Drive, Chicago
Phone: [phone]
Christmas Hours: 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Cost: $45 per person

Jewmongous
Into the idea of holiday carols but looking for lyrics you can better relate to? Rockapella founder Sean Altman is performing "Jewmongous: Unkosher Comedy Songs" at the Skokie Theater, an acclaimed comedy song concert debuted in 2006 that has sold out 25 U.S. cities. Sing along with new classics, like "Reuben the Hook-Nosed Reindeer" and "They Tried To Kill Us (We Survived, Let's Eat)."
Where: Skokie Theater, 7924 N. Lincoln Ave, Skokie
When: 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 25
Price: $25

Sushisamba Rio
If you revel in the freedom to eat more exotically while your Christian friends chow through Thanksgiving: The Sequel, Sushisamba Rio's Christmas Day cuisine mingles Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian flavors for a meal with more miles on it than Santa's sleigh.
Where: Sushisamba Rio, 504 N. Wells Street, Chicago
When: 12 p.m. - 2 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 25
Price: Free (Entrees $20-40)

Here's what some notable Jewish Chicagoans have planned for this weekend:

Comments

[CaptainVideo]

10:38 AM on 12/28/2011

Winter Solstice was observed during this time long before there was a Christmas. The optimal way for Jews and other non-Christians, including atheists, to celebrate the holidays is to celebrate Winter Solstice. Since the Christmas tree was originally part of the pagan Winter Solstice celebrations in northern Europe, there is no reason why they cannot have and decorate a Winter Solstice tree. Jews can put a star of David on top. There is virtually no connection left between the Christian St. Nicholas, whose feast day is actually on Dec. 6, and Santa Claus, the jolly old man who lives on the North Pole, so there is no reason why Santa cannot bring such children gifts.

[Koushiro Izumi]

11:40 PM on 12/27/2011

Hey! It's Chrismukkah!

[RuffyofLA]

12:01 PM on 12/27/2011

Jews who try to replicate or compete with Christmas are a) Hopelessly conflicted b) Whacky from Gelfite Fish or c) from NYC. Living in LA I have many Jewish friends and all just celebrate with we Christians. Some have Christmas trees and exchange gifts. Why not I have been to seder at Passover enjoying their horrible wine~~

[robertstone1robert]

09:21 PM on 12/24/2011

I've picked a few hints from Jewish college roommate. Try latkes and dough nuts. (I'm sorry I didn't ask for the ingredients.)

[local21]

12:00 PM on 12/22/2011

Jewmongous, Rockmitzvah now that's funny :)

Happy Hanukkah .

[frant52]

11:42 AM on 12/22/2011

Brilliant! I especially think Sticks-n-Flicks sounds like a strong possibility. I'm not Jewish, but I don't celebrate Christmas either. Thanks for the ideas!

[planetjeffy]

03:39 AM on 12/22/2011

hmmm....anti-semites are so 1950's

[Jimm Milenski]

10:10 PM on 12/21/2011

Maybe someday the love of good food and the respectful pursuit of happyness will become the universal religion.