CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS: Bucktown and Wicker Park, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Chicago Loop, Andersonville, Evanston

Bucktown and Wicker Park: Whirlyball presents a Holidaze Brunch this Saturday, December 2, at 11 am. This fabulous holiday event features a 3 hour brunch buffet, drinks (including Bloody Mary’s, Jim Beam cocktails, Tito’s cocktails, and mimosas), and a game of your choice. You can choose between bowling and Whirly Ball for your game! Buy your tickets now!

Lakeview: The American Blues Theater presents “It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!”. The production opened on November 16 and runs until January 6, 2018. For 16 years, the ABT has presented this fabulous live 1940s radio broadcast. The cast recreates the entire town of Bedford Falls with Foley sound effects, an original score, and holiday carols. Find performance information and buy your tickets here.

Lincoln Park: Chicago A Cappella presents “Holidays A Cappella”. Their mix of holiday music is their most popular event each season! Anne Heider, Guest Music Director, brings her renowned musicality to traditional European and American carols, Christmas spirituals, folksongs, and more. The concert is about 90 minutes, including an intermission. Find performance dates, concert locations, and information about tickets here.

Chicago Loop: It’s time for another holiday tradition! Joffrey Ballet presents: The Nutcracker, running from December 1 through the 30th. Joffrey has reimagined this classic ballet as a journey inside Chicago’s 1893 World Fair. Young Marie’s mother is a renowned sculptress, creating the fair’s iconic Statue of the Republic. A visit from the Great Impresario at their holiday party begins a Christmas Eve dream of romance and adventure. This traditional production has been boldly reimagined and is a must see! Purchase your tickets here now!

Andersonville: Check out the new Andersonville Holiday Trolley! Running from 5-9 pm each Friday night, the trolley is sponsored by the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce. The trolley is free and makes a continuous loop to six stops along the Clark Street District. Visitors and shoppers can hop on and off throughout the evening as they like! Stops include: Lawrence & Clark, Carmen & Clark, Swedish American Museum, Balmoral & Clark, Bryn Mawr & Clark, and Gethsemane Garden Center. Find more information here!

Evanston: The holidays can be so stressful! Take a break from your hectic schedule at the Holiday Healthcare Fair. Heartwood Body Mind Spirit is hosting this rejuvenating and relaxing event on Saturday, December 9. Located at the Heartwood Center (1818 Dempster St), get a complimentary massage, reiki, acupuncture, or tai chi session. Shop for creative and healing gifts for your loved ones, while listening to beautiful music and snacking on tasty desserts. Find more information on the event’s website!

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO