You don't have to wait until New Year's Eve for the next big party-and you don't have to stop then either. Whether you love holiday music, need to show off your most hideous sweater or didn't get enough celebrating in during Hanukkah, these eight bashes will help you keep the holiday spirit going until January.
Maker's Mark Ugly Sweater Party at American Junkie
15 W. Illinois St. 312-239-0995
When: Wednesday, Dec. 18
Show off the ugliest holiday garb you can find for a shot at winning a $150 gift card for the River North bar. Maker's Mark also will be doling out 50 miniature sweaters that will fit on a bottle of booze. Bourbon cocktails are on the house until 8 p.m. and $5 after. 7-10 p.m. No cover.
'80s-Themed Holiday Party at Quenchers Saloon
2401 N. Western Ave. 773-276-9730
When: Thursday, Dec. 19
Don some '80s garb or an ugly sweater and rock out to tunes from cover band Counterfeit i. The Bucktown bar will also be devoting its 24 taps to breweries that were established in the '80s, including Great Lakes, Goose Island and Summit. Expect a mix of Christmas beers and limited releases. 7 p.m. No cover.
Ugly Sweater Party at Porkchop
941 W. Randolph St. 312-733-9333
When: Friday, Dec. 20
The West Loop barbecue joint doles out shot glasses, flasks and shirts as prizes for the most hideous holiday apparel. If your sweater isn't keeping you toasty enough, warm up with a hot toddy, Irish coffee or apple brandy-spiked cider. 8 p.m. No cover.
Ugly Sweater Party at Rockit Bar & Grill
22 W. Hubbard St. 312-645-6000
When: Friday, Dec. 20
Rock you most ridiculous outerwear and you'll score 20 percent off all food, including the holiday ham TV dinner ($21) featuring bourbon- and brown sugar-glazed ham, mashed potatoes, mac 'n' cheese, broccoli, corn, sweet potato fries and sugar cookies. The River North bar's bash also offers live music from cover band Rendition and $6 Apple Jameson and Deschutes Jubelale. 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m.
Givers vs. Livers at Estate Ultra Bar
1177 N. Elston Ave. 312-582-4777
When: Saturday, Dec. 21
Bring a toy or food donation and you'll get $5 off the $40 charge for a drink package that includes cocktails from Svedka, Bacardi and Captain Morgan. The River West bar is also waiving its normal dress code and encouraging partiers to come in their pajamas, so get cozy and hang out with Santa and elves doling out shots from a Christmas tree made of green Jameson bottles. Proceeds benefit Little Elves of Love, which brings holiday cheer to kids in Chicago hospitals. 10 p.m.-1 a.m. No cover.
Matzo Bash at Castle
632 N. Dearborn St. 312- 266-1944
When: Tuesday, Dec. 24
This annual bash, which benefits several Jewish charities, has gotten so big that last year it was split between two bars. This year, 2,000 expected revelers will all be able to celebrate together in this massive River North club, where DJs will be spinning hits and mash-ups on five floors. Tickets include two hours of cocktails and appetizers. 8 p.m.-4 a.m. $20. Tickets: matzobash.com
Rock and Roll Christmas at Lottie's Pub
1925 W. Cortland St. 773-489-0738
When: Wednesday, Dec. 25
The Bucktown bar plays Christmas tunes from Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, Mariah Carey and other stars at the 10th annual bash, which owner Mark Domitrovich said has gotten more popular every year. You'll get entry into a raffle for a guitar and can take advantage of $3.50 Heineken and a menu of seasonal cocktails. 4 p.m.-2 a.m. No cover.
Wrecked Resolutions Bar Crawl at Four Shadows Tavern & Grill
2758 N. Ashland Ave. 773-248-9160
When: Wednesday, Jan. 1
You could try to recover from your New Year's Eve debauchery by having a bloody mary at brunch. Or you could keep the party going by hopping the Blackout Bus, which runs between Four Shadows, Wheel House, Trinity Bar, Temple Bar, Clover Sports and Leisure and Mahoney's. All the bars are offering $3 Coors Light, $4 Fireball whiskey and $5 select bombs, plus tickets for a raffle at the end of the event. Noon-7 p.m. $10. Tickets: eventbrite.com