CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS: Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Bucktown and Wicker Park, River North, Logan Square, Portage Park

Lincoln Park: With chilly weather here to stay, now’s the perfect time to check out one of Chicago’s fabulous museums. The Chicago History Museum has a new exhibit, “Vivian Maier’s Chicago”. The museum’s website says, “See Chicago through the eyes of Vivian Maier and witness the life’s work of a photographer who wowed the world with breathtaking images of everyday life in urban America.” She lived in Chicago from 1956 until her death in 2009. The collection features 15,000 negatives, 1,000 prints, 30 homemade movies, and numerous slides. The exhibit is open until December 31 and is included in a general admission ticket. Purchase your tickets here!

Lakeview: Get into the holiday spirit with the annual Christmas Pageant at the Annoyance Theatre! The show features a retelling of two classic Christmas stories: A Charlie Brown Christmas and Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer. The cast puts their own spin on the classic tales, while keeping them appropriate for the whole family. The show runs until December 23, every Saturday at 7 pm. Check out the show schedule and purchase your tickets here! Tickets are $20 for general admission and $12 for children under the age of 12.

Bucktown and Wicker Park: Have you ever wanted Harry Potter to be real life?? You’re not alone! The Laboratory Chicago is here for you with “The Science of Harry Potter for Adults”. The website proclaims, “Grab your wand, robe, and a table full of your closest friends as we use Muggle science to bring the world of witchcraft and wizardry to life!” The evening begins with guests being sorted into their respective Hogwarts houses. Then, guests will take classes in Transfiguration, Divination, Alchemy, Dragons, and more. They’ll earn House Points as well! The class takes place on Friday, December 1 from 7 to 8:30 pm. A House Table for 6 is $120 and you can add up to 2 additional participants for $20 each. Hurry and reserve your spot now!

River North: It’s time for the Chicago Santa Crawl! Grab your ugly Christmas sweater, your holiday cheer, your friends, and get ready to crawl through the best bars in River North! The crawl is on Saturday, December 16 from 10 am to 6 pm. Tickets include a breakfast buffet, gift cards to use on the crawl, a Santa hat, drink specials, giveaways, and more! Bars are subject to change, but as of now include Moe’s Cantina, Old Crow Smokehouse, El Hefe, Bar Louie, Joy District, and Hubbard Inn. Now’s the time to buy your ticket, with super discounted early bird prices, they’re just $10! Buy yours now, here!

Logan Square: If you’re looking for comfort food, look no further! The General is Logan Square’s Southern comfort food specialty restaurant. This winter, they’re serving up Bluegrass Brunch. Live Bluegrass bands play every Saturday! Brunch begins at 11 am and the live music is from 12 pm to 3 pm. This Saturday, November 25, check out Tiny Country. Keep apprised of the music schedule by checking out their website! Sneak a peek at their brunch menu while you’re at it!

Portage Park: It’s time for the annual Portage Park Tree Lighting Ceremony and Festivities! The festival is on Saturday, December 9, beginning at 10 am. Start your day off by strolling through the craft fair, with tons of handcrafted goods for everyone on your Christmas list. There will be raffle prizes throughout the day! Admission is just $1 (free for kids) and all proceeds go to Friends of Portage Park. There will be free hot cocoa, carriage rides around the park, live music, and a visit from Santa! The tree lighting festivities begin at 3:30 pm. Find more information about this exciting holiday event here!

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO