1. Have a truly global holiday
The Christmas Around the World exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry has displays of more than 50 trees, completely decorated by volunteers from Chicago's ethnic communities to reflect how each culture has made Christmas its own. The current exhibition is paired with another called Robot Revolution, which features more than 40 interactive robots, also from across the globe. (Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S Lake Shore Dr, 9:30am–4pm. $11-$18)
Robbie Fulks is a local roots musician who has made rare and popular country covers a mainstay for his performances and recordings. Chicagoans can find him every Monday night at The Hideout playing old classics like Hank Williams, Gram Parsons and maybe even some Townes Van Zandt. Fulks is regularly in the company of other local musicians on stage—you never know who you'll see onstage. (The Hideout, 1354 W Wabansia Ave, 7pm. $10 suggested donation)
3. Enjoy a weird start to the week
Try something a little different this Monday and head out to Andersonville for That's Weird, Grandma, a long-running show by comedy troupe Barrel of Monkeys. The troupe takes kids' stories from CPS student writing workshops and translates them into hilarious skits, musical numbers and songs. (Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N Ashland Ave , 8pm. $6-$12)