Kramers Ergot Book Tour @ Chicago Comics

Twelve talented comic book creators (including Chris Ware, Kevin Huizenga, Anders Nilsen and more) come together tonight to promote the release of the 7th volume of the influential and acclaimed comic anthology, Kramers Ergot. 3244 N. Clark St., 5pm-9pm. Libations will be served. Signing schedule and more information here.

A History of Hot Dog Stands and the Public's Passion for Them @ Kendall College

Join the Culinary Historians of Chicago as they explore the hot dog and its Chicago roots. Vienna Beef's Bob Schwartz will be on hand to sign his new book "Never Put Ketchup on a Hot Dog," and a post-lecture hot dog sampling for attendees. Event is 10am-12pm at Kendall College, 900 N. Branch. Cost is $3-5; email or call Barbara Olson at (708) 788-0338 to RSVP.

Christmas & Winter Beer Tasting @ Delilah's

From noon-5pm today, Delilah's is hosting their 10th Annual Christmas & Winter Beer Tasting. With over 100 beers to sample, it's about the biggest winter brew tasting you'll find in the area. Entry is $20, and you'll get 20 tickets for sampling, plus information about the beers.

Delilah's
2771 N. Lincoln Ave.
773-472-2771

Handmade Market

The Handmade Market returns to the Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave., today from noon to 4:30pm. Come shop for cool art and clever crafts from local folks. Free to get in, but only for those 21 and over (unless you're a kid accompanied by an adult).

Lawrence of Arabia @ Film Center

The Gene Siskel Film Center presents a month-long retrospective of the films of David Lean. Today's film is the 1962 epic Lawrence of Arabia, starring Peter O'Toole as the title character. The print shown today will be a recently struck 35mm widescreen print, so the viewing experience should be amazing. The film screens this afternoon at 3 PM (with a 10-minute intermission), and again on Tuesday, December 16 at 6 PM. See the Film Center Website for a complete list of films in this retrospective. Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.

CTA Holiday Train: Brown & Orange Lines

The CTA Holiday Train will be rocking the Brown and Orange lines. Passengers can start climbing aboard at 1:01pm, when the train heads north from the Midway stop on the Orange line. A second Orange run starts from Midway at 5:26pm. Southbound runs from the Kimball terminal on the Brown line get going at 3:12pm and 6:58pm. Santa and his elves will also be available for photos at the Midway and Kimball stops. Click here for a timetable. A schedule for the 2008 season is posted on the CTA web site here -- check it for future updates. Normal CTA fares apply. 888-YOUR-CTA (888-968-7282).

Hideout Workers' Comp Volume II Release Party

The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, celebrates the release of Hideout Workers' Comp Volume II, a compilation album featuring friends and employees of the tavern. Tonight's release party features performances by many of the participating artists: Box of Baby Birds, Lacona, Punk Band / Rabid Rabbit Big Band, Mely Z and JT / Juliana, Jake Moon, Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader Stringband, Judson Claiborne, Sonoi and Lawrence Peters. Copies of the CD will be available for purchase. Doors open at 8pm, music starts at 9pm. Tickets are $10. 21+

Facets Video Clearance Sale

Facets Mutimedia presents another video clearance sale. This is an excellent chance for you to pick up new and used VHS and new DVDs from Facets' massive archives. And since Facets deals in rare and unique films, this may be the only place you're going to find out-of-print titles for purchase. The sale happens today and next Saturday from 10 to 4 PM. For more information see the Facets Website, or ring them up. Facets: 1517 W. Fullerton. (773) 281-9075.

Maps & Atlases @ SubT

Do you like Math Rock? Have you ever seen Maps & Atlases? Well, if yes to number one, or no to number two you should get your booty on over to SubT tonight. It's an all ages show, so be there on time. And don't worry if you're not sure where the downbeat is...
Subterranean, 2011 W. North Ave, ALL AGES
Doors 7:30pm Tickets $12

Chicago Jelly Holiday Party

Jelly Chicago and a group of Chicago-based start-ups and organizations (including Gapers Block) host a holiday party at Noble Tree Coffee & Tea, 2444 N. Clark St., from 10pm till late. Enjoy drinks and snacks, and good friends for free -- but bring coats, gloves and hats as donation to the Night Ministry, or donate to OneBrick.org.