First off, the Omicron variant has been tearing another hole through a lot of social venues. Among them Wolfden Brewing Co., which had several employees testing for exposure, and is now closed “until further notice.” But they could be reopening even as you read this, so check with any place you plan to visit.

Now that the pre-Christmas weekend has passed, I’m getting started on the New Year’s Eve list. It’s not complete by any means, but you can go to this link for my Calendar app. Enter Whatever date you like, but I;m trying to popular events for both NYE and New Year’s Day, for recovery.

Monday, December 20

Black Horizon Brewing Christmas Week
Black Horizon Brewing Co., 7560 S. Quincy St., Willowbrook, IL (630) 413-4964 Map
Starting Monday 12/20 we will be tapping the following one off drafts for the holiday week they will stay on tap until supplies last:
Hidden Presents – Dark lager w/cocoa nibs and graham cracker. ABV: 6% (Available for Growler Fills)
Our Hidden Corners dark lager flavored with cocoa nibs and graham cracker for an easy drinking holiday treat. Notes of bittersweet chocolate, honey graham cracker and mild spice.
Christmas Fried Punk – Double IPA w/cranberry and orange. ABV: 10% (Available for Growler Fills)
Chicken Fried Punk our Citra/Mosaic DIPA infused with fresh orange puree and cranberry juice for an extra refreshing hit of holiday citrus. Notes of tropical hops, big bright orange citrus, subtle cranberry tartness.
Naughty List VIP – Belgian Quad w/gingerbread, brown sugar, dates. ABV: 11.2% (Available for Growler Fills)
St. Baldus our Belgian Quadruple ale mixed up with gingerbread, brown sugar and dates. The result is a spicy and rich big winter sipper with notes of candied fruit, fresh ginger/gingerbread spice, sweet dates and Belgian spice.

11:00 am – 11:45 pm • This One’s For the Team!
Pierce Tavern, 5135 Main St., Downers Grove, IL (630) 869-5333 Map
Where would we be without our roster of caring industry professionals?
Join us Monday, all day and night as we give back to our entire team!
20% of ALL SALES will be donated to our staff for all of their hard work and dedication they show EVERY SHIFT!
Whether it’s lunch, beer, to-gos, gift cards, dinner or a bourbon break, it all counts. Let’s show some love!

3:00 – 7:00 pm • Country Grill Chicken Truck
Evil Horse Brewing Co., 1338 Main St., Crete, IL (708) 304-2907 Map
Country Grill Chicagoland is a food truck company offering rotisserie chicken and ribs fresh from the spit, homemade salads and pretzels.

4:00 – 7:00 pm • Wandering Cafe Pop-up
Temperance Beer Co., 2000 Dempster St., Evanston, IL (847) 864-1000 Map
Wandering Cafe will be serving up delicious food every Monday in our Tap Room!

7:00 – 9:00 pm • Monday Night Trivia
Une Année Brewery, 6343 W Gross Point Rd., Niles, IL (847) 635-0655 Map
Monday Night Trivia with Pub Trivia USA. Free to Play. Great prizes. Beer. BBQ. Trivia.

7:00 – 10:00 pm • Weekly Trivia @ Pilot Project
Pilot Project Brewing, 2140 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago (773) 270-5995 Map
Join us in the Pilot Project Heated Tent for free pub trivia every Monday!
Beer Special: Every player will receive one free 4oz taster of beer, booch or cider.
Reservations Available on Tock

7:15 pm • Monday Night Football
Rock Island Public House, 13328 Olde S. Western Ave., Blue Island, IL 708-388-5513 Map
Come watch the Chicago Bears take on the Minnesota Vikings on our big screen, inside or out!

Tuesday, December 21

1:00 – 11:00 pm • Surly Brewing Beer Pairing Dinner – Darkness Variants
Sidecar Supper Club & Beer Garden, 12 N. River St., Batavia, IL (630) 406-9200 Map
In celebration of the Darkest Day of the Year – a Beer Dinner with Surly Darkness variants and a darkness inspired menu!
We could not imagine any other way to celebrate than by paying homage to the Darkness itself with Surly Brewing. Perhaps our most epic pairing dinner yet. Menu items inspired by both the beers and the Darkness itself
Right in time for all of the seasons celebrations, so grab a beer geek friend and enjoy!
$85 Includes tax and branded giveaways (gratuity not included) RSVP is a must, so call, email, message today. We’ll confirm your seat with haste while seats are available. The Facebook page says this is sold out, but Eventbrite shows some still available.

6:30 – 8:30 pm • Tuesday Night Trivia at Chuck’s!
Chuck’s Café Darien, 8025 S. Cass Ave., Darien, IL 331-431-4000 Map
Trivia is coming back to Chuck’s in Darien! We’re so excited to welcome back trivia to Tuesday Nights!
FREE to play each & every Tuesday 6:30-830p.
General Knowledge along with a special themed night once a month!
Great drink specials each & every Tuesday including:
$2 Domestics | $2 PBR Drafts | $8 Flights |
$3 Imports | $4 Well Spirit One & One’s

6:30 – 10:00 pm • Holiday Sip & Shop
Woodie’s Flat, 1535 N. Wells St., Chicago 312-643-0093 Map
Join us for a holiday pop up with several local vendors in selling groovy artwork, clothing, jewelry and more. What’s better than some last-minute shopping with a drink in hand! Free reservations suggested here.

7:00 – 9:00 pm • Think + Drink Tuesdays
Beer Shop, 1026 North Blvd., Oak Park, IL (847) 946-4164 Map
Rally up your smartestest friends & come do brain things with us bi-weekly on Tuesday nights!
Things to know:
– Team max is 6
– Seating is first come, first serve
– Phones must be off the table until you’ve finished a round of trivia (public shaming could happen to YOU!)
– $5 pint specials all night!

7:00 – 10:00 pm • Weekly Movie Night
Pilot Project Brewing, 2140 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago (773) 270-5995 Map
In the Pilot Project Heated Tent
Movie Selection:
12/21: Christmas Vacation
12/28: Happiest Season
Food Special, House popcorn mix
Reservations available on Tock

7:00 pm • Classic Holiday Special Marathon
Rock Island Public House, 13328 Olde S. Western Ave., Blue Island, IL 708-388-5513 Map
Join us for a montage of all of our favorite holiday specials combined into one amazing night!

7:30 pm • Eat, Drink & Be Ugly
Tapster Lincoln Park, 2059 W. Wrightwood, Chicago (773) 549-4949 Map
If you’re a trivia regular or just want to wear your ugliest ugly sweater… come on over to Tapster Lincoln Park to show us what you’ve got!prize for 1st place.

Wednesday, December 22

12:00 pm • Matrix movie marathon
Zorn Brew Works Co., 605 E. 9th St., Michigan City, IN (219) 243-7157 Map
Whatcha doin’ to start your holiday vacation? We will be hanging here, drinking Zorn craft beer and seltzers, enjoying some new food items on our menu- while watching a movie marathon.Starting with The Matrix, then Matrix Reloaded, Matrix Revolutions, then Animatrix.

3:00 – 9:00 pm • Wing Wednesday!
Wildrose Brewing Co.,1104 E. Main St., Griffith, IN (219) 595-5054 Map
Wing Wednesday! Smoked then flash fried jumbo chicken wings tossed in our house spicy garlic, Jamaican Jerk or savory / sweet dry rub. Get ’em before they are gone!!!

5:00 – 10:00 pm • Stout Butcher For The Holidays
The Open Bottle, 7101 183rd St. #105, Tinley Park, IL 708-247-3757 Map
Begin your holiday celebrations with 3 stouts on draft from our friends at Hop Butcher! And because we’re tapping 3 stouts from a hop-focused brewery around the holidays, we had to affectionately designate them the new title of… Stout Butcher for the Holidays!
ABOUT THE BEERS
Fat Bear: peanut butter imperial stout brewed with chocolate. 10.5% abv
Minted: holiday imperial stout brewed with chocolate & Frango mint oil. a collaboration with Garrett Brands/Frango Mints. 10.5% abv
Mobula:  imperial stout brewed with chocolate, coconut & almonds. 10.5% abv

7:00 – 7:00 pm • Christmas Trivia
Off Square Brewing, 11000 Delaware Pkwy., Crown Point, IN (219) 310-8898 Map
Come join us and put your holiday knowledge to the test!

7:00 – 9:00 pm • Weekly trivia at Black and Gray Brewing!
Black & Gray Brewing Co., 311 Barrington Ave., East Dundee, IL (224) 484-8200 Map
Join us each Wednesday for our fun and free trivia game! Questions cover all subjects, and you play as a team. We don’t limit team sizes, so bring all the friends you want!
The top three teams will win gift certificates to be redeemed on a future trivia night. Join us for the fun!

7:00 pm • Drive-In, Dinner, and Drinks
Rock Island Public House, 13328 S. Olde Western Ave., Blue Island, IL 708-388-5513 Map
Join us for everyone’s favorite Arnold movie, Jingle All the Way!

7:00 pm • LEGO Club For Grown-Ups!
Temperance Beer Co., 2000 Dempster St., Evanston, IL (847) 864-1000 Map
Join the Evanston Public Library for their first LEGO club for adults! Bring your sense of fun and prepare to make new friends as we take on exciting LEGO builds. LEGOs and challenges will be provided by the Evanston Public Library.
Register here.

Thursday, December 23

7:00 – 7:00 pm • Christmas Trivia
Off Square Brewing, 11000 Delaware Pkwy., Crown Point, IN (219) 310-8898 Map
Come join us and put your holiday knowledge to the test!

4:00 – 8:00 pm • Que Pasta Food Truck
Flesk Brewing Co., 200 Applebee St., Ste. E, Barrington, IL 244-655-7291 Map
Join us for Que Pasta food truck! They’ll be serving up Mexican-Italian fusion food like chicken bruschetta tacos, loaded steak fries, burgers and more from 4-8pm!

4:00 – 11:00 pm • Barrel-aged Tap Takeover
Lake Bluff Brewing Co., 16 E. Scranton Ave., Lake Bluff, IL 224-544-5179 Map
Because of the pandemic, brewing our U.S. Beer Open Gold Medal winner Kosmonaut Russian Imperial Stout, got delayed and was brewed slightly later than normal. We want to make sure that this rare and special beer gets all of the time that it needs to age in the barrels so our annual Kosmonaut Day will be moved to Saturday, March 5.
Never fear, we are still having our annual before-Christmas barrel-aged day on Thursday, to celebrate our intense love for barrel-aged beers. Mike the Brewer is known far and wide for his successful barrel-aging program – you won’t want to miss this! We will have 4 to 6 of his barrel-aged beers on tap along with a limited supply of Kosmonaut cans from last year for sale.
We are excited to be releasing None More Black, which is a barrel-aged Black Squirrel Bourbon Stout, one of our best sellers and fan favorites. This particular batch will be a blend of a barrel from 2014 and one from 2017. This is a rare and unique opportunity to taste what happens to a beer when it stays in the barrels for a super long time.
When some of the beer from the barrel disappears during the aging process, it is called “angel-share,” because the beer evaporates “to the heavens.” The 2014 None More Black barrel had almost HALF of it gone due to angel-share, which is unheard of! When the angels bless a barrel with a visit, the flavors of the beer that remains are on steroids and like nothing else you’ve ever had before!
Here is the current line-up of barrel-aged delights on tap December 23rd:
None More Black
Madagascar Vanilla Bean None More Black
Cold-pressed Coffee None More Black
Blended-Barrel Aged Series 1
Limited supply of 2020 Kosmonaut cans for sale
And possibly more!

5:30 – 7:30 pm • Music Bingo at Noon Whistle Brewing Naperville
Noon Whistle Brewing, 1748 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville, IL 331-431-4882 Map
Join Baig of Tricks Entertainment every other Thursday for a fun night of Music Bingo at the brand new Noon Whistle Brewing in Naperville!
Enjoy some delicious brews and great music with a chance to win prizes at the same time.
Please respect and follow all COVID-19 restrictions set in place by the venue so everyone has a great, and safe, time.
Feel free to call the venue ahead of time for details and any questions.

6:00 – 10:00 pm • Festivus “For the Rest of Us”
Une Année Brewery, 6343 W. Gross Point Rd., Niles, IL  Map
I have a lot of problems with you people! Join us for a mostly annual celebration of the best non holiday there is! Festivus! There will be beer specials, there will be food specials, there will be Airing of Grievances (both the drinkable kind and the verbal kind), there will be feats of strength (in liquid form) and for sure an aluminum pole! The best night of the year! Kitchen closes at 8:30.

6:00 – 9:00 pm • Xtreme Music Bingo
Black & Gray Brewing Co., 311 Barrington Ave., East Dundee, IL (224) 484-8200 Map
An exciting combination of music trivia and the classic game of BINGO!
No boring numbers here, just one hit song after another as players listen, sing along and “Play BINGO to the Music”
It’s free to play and prizes will be given out to the winners!

7:00 pm • Crafted Ugly Sweater Contest
Crafted 1979, 19200 LaGrange Rd., Ste. E, Mokena, IL 708-860-2826 Map
Holiday spirit and cheer is in the air so break out those ugly sweaters here at Crafted! We will be hosting an ugly sweater contest starting at 7pm with phenomenal beer, cocktails, and great company.
There will be prizes for the two best holiday outfits; Gift Cards, Tin Takers, and more!

7:00 pm • Drive In, Dinner, and Drinks
Rock Island Public House, 13328 S. Olde Western Ave., Blue Island, IL 708-388-5513 Map
We wind down the holiday season with Die Hard!

7:00 – 9:00 pm • Brewery Bingo Season 7
The Open Bottle, 7101 183rd St. #105, Tinley Park, IL 708-247-3757 Map
Season 7 is here! We’re partnering with a new brewery every Tuesday at 7pm for our monthly Brewery Bingo! No more sneaking into bingo halls for you!
Every week, we’ll have a draft beer on special and prizes from a variety of breweries from across the U.S.
Up in December – Phase Three Brewing Co.
HOW TO PLAY
Imagine a Bingo card. Now replace the B-I-N-G-O with five breweries and the numbers replaced with their most popular beers. We’ll spin our bingo balls ’round and ’round until a random ball decides to set itself free. We call out a beer, you look at your bingo card, and then place a bottle cap on your card if you’re lucky. Get 5 in a row and win a prize! In between rounds, there will be penny pours, good music and even better times. Must be 21+ to play.

7:30 – 9:00 pm • Team Trivia
Sidecar Supper Club & Beer Garden, 12 N. River St., Batavia, IL (630) 406-9200 Map
Join us for Team Trivia every Thursday! Go 4 It Entertainment features 12 rounds of general trivia with musical hints and toss up questions to win your team free ‘tasty prizes’.
1st place – $30 gift certificate, 2nd place – $20 gift certificate, 3rd place – $10 gift certificate
Hosted by Chevy Mallhi

8:00 – 8:00 pm • Festivus For The Rest Of Us
DMen Tap, 2849 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago 773-961-8757 Map
Do you need an alternative to the pressures and commercialism of the Christmas season? Join DMen Tap and Bucket O’Blood Books And Records in celebrating a Festivus For The Rest Of Us!
1. Set up the Festivus Pole
2. Air Your Grievances
3. Perform Feats of Strength
4. Feast on amazing food and drinks
5. Endless Festivus Miracles such as episodes and trivia
Be prepared for Festivus MIRACLES, such as your chance to win Bucket O’Blood gift cards!!!