The Christmas Arts

By Justin Sondak in Arts & Entertainment on Dec 20, 2006 1:00PM

Chicago basically shuts down on Christmas Day and, with few exceptions, the artsy folk follow suit. It’s one of only three days all year The Art Institute’s in hibernation. Mondays are typically slow anyhow, so we’ll barely feel inconvenienced. On the 25th, family, worship, Chinese food and a movie, and/or that date with Shaq and Kobe take priority.

But there are still a few places you can get your culture on, Chicago style:

Zany hairstylists and cartoonish thugs work overtime, even as the glut of Christmas Carols and Wonderful Lives go dark. According to the League of Chicago Theaters site, only 3 productions will be fighting for an audience next Monday: Best of Second City, Shear Madness & Tommy Gun’s Garage.

Monday is just another day for Spertus Museum staff. They’re throwing Something Else! A Community Festival, featuring music, performances, art projects and even a 9-hole golf course.

The Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center in Skokie will be open for business. Strange to mark such a joyous holiday by remembering one of history’s darkest chapters, but showing your respect puts you a step ahead of certain world leaders.

It’s too damn difficult to shut down Millennium Park, so snap away at The Bean to your heart’s content. The ice rink and Park Grill are closed.