If you haven't attended an Adler After Dark event at the city's planetarium, get ready for an out of this world experience. The Chicago institution offers a boozy mash-up of science and pop culture that is both fun and educational. This month's edition is Star Wars–themed, so you'll find attendees dressed up in costume for a cosplay contest, light saber training and a screening of the Star Wars parody Spaceballs. If you can't make it this time, check out next year's schedule. (Adler Planetarium, 1300 S Lake Shore Dr, 6:30pm $25, advance $20)
2. Catch a Christmas double feature
Two classic Christmas films screen tomorrow at the Music Box Theatre: It's a Wonderful Life at 5pm and White Christmas at 8pm. Both are part of the Annual Music Box Christmas Sing-A-Long & Double Feature, which features Christmas carols during the intermission between the two films. If caroling isn't exactly your cup of egg nog, you can always excuse yourself and grab a drink. (Music Box Theatre, 3733 N Southport Ave, 5pm. $13 single feature, double feature $20)
If you want to see some of the finest Christmas light displays in the area, a trip to the suburbs might be in the cards. Fortunately, you won't have to drive far, especially if Morton Arboretum is you destination. Fifty acres of trees are decorated with LED lights, inviting guests to walk along a one-mile path in one of the most pristine wooded areas around Chicago. Get there before the snow does. (Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Rte 53, 5pm. $12–$20, kids $6–$13)