CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS: Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Bucktown and Wicker Park, Lincoln Square, Logan Square, Oak Park

Lakeview: It’s not too early to think about Christmas! The Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce presents its Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on Tuesday, December 3 at 6:30 pm. There will be complimentary hot drinks, a live ice carving demonstration, music from a live caroling quartet, photos with Santa, and more. The event is 100% free and open to the public! For more information, click here.

Lincoln Park: Get your holiday shopping on at the Holiday Market at Lincoln Park Zoo! The market is held on Tuesday December 3 from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. This is an amazing collection of local artisans, shops, and boutiques. The event is just $10 to attend ($8 for Lincoln Park Zoo members). Children 12 months and under have free admission with the purchase of an adult ticket. You can ride for free on the Endangered Species Carousel until 9:15 pm, visit and take photos with Santa, listen to music on the main stage, hear holiday carolers throughout the zoo, see a fabulous light show set to holiday songs, and enjoy complimentary gift wrapping. There will be festive drinks including Dirty Snowman Irish Coffee, Mrs. Claus’ Apple Cider, Ho-Ho-Ho-t Chocolate, Snowy’s Spiked Slushies, and many more. Purchase your tickets here now!

Bucktown and Wicker Park: Remedy Bar Chicago is hosting a retro “Black Wednesday Blacklight Party” as part of their weekly Weird Wednesdays series on November 27. Kick off your Thanksgiving weekend with a night of blacklights, glow sticks, blacklight posters, and more. This is a 21 and up event and there is no cover. Drink specials include a half-off everything happy hour, as well as a Miller High life and Evan Williams shot for $8 all night. Find more information here

Lincoln Square: It’s time for the 15th Annual Lycée French Market! On Saturday, November 16 (10 am to 5 pm) and Sunday, November 17 (10 am to 4 pm), local and French artisans will sell fine and decorative arts, home decor, jewelry, apparel, accessories, gourmet food, and more. There is also a Bistro, serving a delicious menu of authentic French recipes. The market has a $5 suggested donation for entry. Find more information here!

Logan Square: Logan Squarist is hosting their final Neighbor Meetup at The Logan Theatre on Friday, December 13! This is a Nightmare Before Christmas holiday party extravaganza! From 7 to 9 pm, get ready for the holidays with your neighbors. Put on your ugliest Christmas sweater for your chance to win the Ugly Sweater Contest. You can also take your skills to the next level and compete in the Nightmare Before Christmas Costume Contest. Each contest winner will receive a prize! You can also write Christmas cards for seniors or decorate a winter tree ornament. They will be collecting donations for Logan Squarists’s charity partner inner City Impact. Inner City Impact works with children and teens in urban areas by developing programs where kids can feel safe, be engaged in wholesome activities, build healthy relationships, expand their self-worth, and develop the life skills they need to move confidently toward a better future. Find more information about this awesome holiday event here!

Oak Park: Animal Care League’s Holiday Bazaar is back for its 34th year! From Friday December 6 to Sunday December 8, you’ll get all of your holiday decor needs covered and check off all the items on your Christmas shopping list- all while supporting a great cause! You can also participate in a basket raffle, eat festive baked goods, and drink delicious refreshments. All proceeds benefit ACL in their efforts to care for local homeless animals looking for a second chance. Find more information on the event’s Facebook page!

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO