In case you weren't already aware, the same guy who composed the music for Jurassic Park and Star Wars also created the tear-jerking tunes for Home Alone. Watch the classic Christmas film on the big screen while the Chicago Symphony Orchestra plays a live rendition of John William's score. (Symphony Center, Orchestra Hall, 220 S Michigan Ave, 7pm Friday, 3pm Saturday & Sunday. $35–$98)
2. Make all your cheesy dreams come true
Time Out Chicago searched far and wide to find the 10 best grilled cheese sandwiches in the city and now we're letting you taste them at the Grilled Cheese Meltdown. Your ticket gets you a sample of each gooey creation and two beers from local brewer Forbidden Root. Take your pick from three different sessions, but don't wait too long. Tickets are close to running out—claim your spot now! Want to know what's on the menu? Meet the grilled cheese here. (Chop Shop, 2033 W North Ave, 11:30am-1:30pm, 2-4pm or 4:30-6:30pm)
3. BEER FIGHT!
One hundred beers, 30 breweries, lucha libre-style wrestling—what could possibly go wrong at the Beerfest Beatdown? Enjoy beers from local breweries such as Two Brothers and Lagunitas as well as national favorites like Dogfish Head, Lakefront and Bells. Masked wrestlers will be competing in the ring while hearty snacks are served. (Sears Centre, 5333 Prairie Stone Pkwy, Hoffman Estates, 2pm Saturday. $40, VIP $65, designated driver $10)
Join a horde of fitness nerds at the Ugly Sweater Run, a 5K where runners wear—you guessed it—ugly Christmas sweaters as they perspire on their way to the finish line. After the race, participants are given a well-deserved hot chocolate and a beer. Our advice: Don't wear wool. (Soldier Field, 1410 S Museum Campus Dr, 11am. $40)
Demi Lovato returns to Chicago for B96's annual Christmas concert at the Allstate Arena this Saturday. The Jingle Bash also features teen heartthrobs 5 Seconds of Summer, R&B crooner Jason Derulo, a cappella troupe Pentatonix and newly-minted pop diva Hailee Steinfeld. (Allstate Arena, 6920 N Mannheim Rd, 6:30pm. $60–$105)