Dec 27, 2011 17:39 - By: Rosalind Cummings-Yeates

Goose Island holiday ale
Wine may be the more common seasonal libation, but Goose Island brewery provides another means to be merry. Every month, Chicago’s premier craft brewery hosts a beer academy that allows participants to indulge in a range of custom blended brews. This month’s workshop features the festive theme of holiday brews.
On December 28 at 6:30 PM, the Beer Academy kicks off at the Goose Island brewery on Clybourne.
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Dec 27, 2011 7:24 - By: Whit Honea

Hello, Santarazzi! The big man was spotted this holiday season doing a bit of elf-free Christmas shopping. This supports my theory that elf culture is devoid of art and/or trinkets. Lots of toys though.
What do you think about Santa Claus shopping outside of the North Pole? Does he deserve to shop like the rest of us (but not online, apparently), or is he spreading doubt about the quality of his own workshop? Leave you views in the comments below!
This month we are featuring Holiday Window Decorations! Normally on Tuesdays we run the UpTake Tuesday Roadside Attractions Series. If you have a photo of an odd, funny or interesting roadside attraction that you would like to see featured here please submit it via the link in the sidebar with subject line: Roadside.
Dec 26, 2011 5:43 - By: Whit Honea

Christmas may be over, but that doesn’t mean the holidays are! New Year’s Eve is right around the corner and there is lots of fun to be had (please drink responsibly).
While New Orleans would be awesome, it may not be quite as family-friendly as New Orleans Square in Disneyland. Sure, both have beads and Dixie, but one has less public nudity (Disneyland). So there’s that. (And you can buy drinks at Disney’s California Adventure or Downtown Disney)
However you spend New Year’s Eve, make it safe for everyone. Don’t drink and drive!
Photo: Disneyland Resort
Dec 23, 2011 8:23 - By: Whit Honea

These holiday lights over London’s Regent Street in the famous West End are a simple blanket over the busy town. Many of London’s popular tourist attractions are located along Regent Street and the yearly Christmas light display is a London tradition dating back to the end of World War II when it was safe to be bright again (the decorating began during the war, but consisted mainly of trees and not lighting).
If you find yourself on Regent Street, anytime of year, check out Piccadilly Circus (not an actual circus) and All Souls Church. If you find yourself there during the holidays just look up. That should suffice nicely.
This post is part of UpTake’s Family Friday Series. This month the emphasis is on holiday lighting. If you see a display worth mentioning send us a photo via the contact link in the sidebar.
Photo: fotologic via Flickr