Classical Revolution Chicago is holding their last "chamber jam" of the decade, featuring Chicago's best up-and-coming lot of young musicians. The group will be playing works of old and new, including everything from Mozart to pieces by local Chicagoan Robert Mucyznski. Classical Rev Chicago will be bringing you the most influential works of the last 300 years. The event, held at the Gallery Cabaret, will be filled with flowing beer and good company, so bring a friend! For more information, contact the Chicago chapter of Classical Revolution at chicago@classicalrevolution.org.

Insider Info: Classical Revolution is a collective of young musicians who aim to make classical music more enjoyable by bringing it out of the concert hall and into the community! Their goal is to make an old tradition more accessible to their audience by performing in a comfortable and familiar atmosphere. Classical Rev also uses music to strengthen their communities and break the widely-held perception that it is outdated and elitist. They love to get their audience involved and end every show with a "jam session" where amateur and professional musicians share the stage in an interactive performance. For more information on the organization, visit their website.

There’s a unique winter show at Carl Hammer Gallery that you should be sure to see by the end of January. Featured are 20 original, vintage photographs by a 19th century scientist/artist who is known today as Wilson “Snowflake” Bentley. Bentley grew up in snowy Vermont, and when he was 17 he acquired a photomicroscope so he could take pictures of isolated crystals. During his lifetime, Bentley photographed 5,381 crystals, and no two are alike. The original photographs in the show are also unique, not printed in editions.

Insider Info: Today, the complex, beautiful images we see often of snowflakes are largely due to Bentley’s work. You might recall an award winning children’s book called Snowflake Bentley – and now you know where the story came from. Bentley published his own book about his body of work in 1931, Snow Crystals. When walking home in a blizzard less than a month after the book’s release, Bentley died from pneumonia. He made a famous statement about his mysterious subjects to Popular Mechanics in 1922: “Every snowflake has an infinite beauty, which is enhanced by knowledge that the investigator will, in all probability, never find another exactly like it.”

If you’re looking for a place to have a fantastic Christmas Eve dinner, why not try Kiki’s Bistro this year?  This venue is one of Chicago’s finest French restaurants, and was even voted to be the best French food in Chicago on citysearch.com. This Christmas Eve they will be hosting a candlelight dinner between 5:30 and 8:30 PM. Guests will also be able to enjoy the talents of harpist Karen Skubish, who will be performing a variety of French songs and carols. Georges “Kiki” Cuisance will also be giving all those who attend an orange, to commemorate his childhood Christmas experiences in France during World War II when fruits such as those were very hard to come by.  This restaurant has received rave reviews from many different sources, so consider this event to be a part of your Christmas this year!

Insider Info: Since this venue has become very popular, reservations are highly recommended.  These can be done over the phone or online at the restaurant’s website.  Valet parking is also complimentary at this event.  Kiki, the owner, has an impressive resume with regard to the restaurant industry.  He is a native of eastern France and he entered into the restaurant business while still in Europe.   One of these places he was associated with was La Closerie des Lilas in Paris, which had many famous clients, including Ernest Hemingway!  If your Christmas Eve is already filled, consider attending the New Year’s Eve event that Kiki’s Bistro will be hosting this year as well.

As much fun as it is to eat Chinese food and go to the movies with Bubby and Zadie, don’t let your lack of Christmas stocking keep you from enjoying Christmas Eve. Rock out with your yarlmulke out at the 23rd annual Matzo Ball at Martini Park. Sponsored by the Society of Young Jewish Professionals, SLEEK Medspa and JDate (of course!), the evening is packed with partying, networking and matchmaking. Attendees will enjoy drink specials, on-the-house hors d’oeuvres from 9:00 – 11:00 p.m. and a live DJ. If you really want to do the night right, you can purchase the VIP tickets for $95 and have a delicious 3-course meal at SUSHISAMBA rio.

Insider Info: The Matzo Ball is by far the biggest of the Christmas Eve parties, taking place in six cities simultaneously, but Chicago has a few other places to schmooze and nosh on December 24. Rockit Bar and Grill will host Rockmitzvah, complete with drinks like Rabbi’s Little Helpers and Mitzvah-tinis and KISS FM’s DJ Special K spinning from 9:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. District Bar’s The Juju Ball provides free appetizers from 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. and premium liquor and beer sponsors.

Hey Northsiders – you don’t have to head all the way down to Millennium Park to go Ice Skating this winter.  The Chicago Park District has partnered with Wrigley Field to create “The Rink at Wrigley,” which is adjacent to Wrigley Field at Clark and Waveland. Once you skate up an appetite, you can head next door to Rockit Wrigley for ½ priced soups (with your rink pass.) Choose from classic French Onion Soup, Roasted Butternut Squash Soup or thick and smoky Split Pea Soup.

Insider Info: Looking to warm-up with a more adult beverage?  Try some Hot Rockit Chocolate, made with freshly-shaved Cadbury Chocolate and Bailey’s and Butterscotch Schnapps; Super Cider, made with apple cider, Kilo Kai Spiced Rum; Peppermint Paddy, made with espresso and Jameson or  Glug It!, made with red wine, brandy, cloves, cinnamon sticks, allspice, orange rind, nutmeg and coriander. Non-alcoholic versions are available for all drinks with the exception of the Glug It! Also, The Rink at Wrigley will be open now through February 28th. Rink hours are: Mon - Thur 2pm to 9pm, Fri 2pm to 11pm, Sat 10am to 11pm, Sun 10am to 8pm.