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

Lakeview: Looking for some pre-Christmas fun? Look no further than Sunday Brunch with Santa at Port & Park! Santa will be in the dining room for photos and cheers while you and your family enjoy a hearty brunch. Kids brunch is just $7.50 and includes breakfast, a drink, and a cookie. For adults, there’s a full Bloody Mary cart available with all the fixings, $15 almost bottomless mimosas or bellinis, $6 single mimosas, and $8 boozy frappes. Make your reservations now here.

Lincoln Park: It’s time for Winter Camp at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum! Beginning on December 30 from 9 am to 2:30 pm, campers can join for child-led outdoor play, science activities, live animal encounters, and more. Children ages 4-11 can join for up to four days of wintry fun. Session dates are December 30, 31, January 1, and 2. Find more information here.

Bucktown and Wicker Park: What better way to start the New Year than with a new workout program? Nature Yoga is offering a 4-week Beginning Yoga Intro Series beginning on January 5. It’s just $60 for the four-week series. The one hour class introduces a new practitioner to the techniques and application of yoga. The class is taught at a slower pace with an emphasis on building strength and flexibility with proper alignment. There will also be an introduction to breathing exercises and meditation. This series builds in information each week, revisiting poses learned the previous week and exploring the major movements of the spine and larger joints. Find more information and register here.

Chicago Loop: The best way to celebrate NYE is with a fantastic fireworks display along the Chicago River! At midnight on NYE, the Chicago River will come alive with a choreographed fireworks display. It’s free and can be viewed from many of Chicago’s top restaurants, bars, and hotels. The fireworks will launch from multiple points from Wolf Point to Lake Shore Drive. Find more information about specific launch sites here.

Lincoln Square: Jerry’s is the best place to celebrate New Year’s Eve with your family! It’s an early NYE for the kiddos- the festivities start at 5 pm. The evening features a special menu, games, sparkling cider, and bubble-pack popping. For the adults, the menu includes beef tenderloin, fresh tuna poached and marinated in olive oil and herbs, Japanese eggplant, and burrata. You can also order any of the sandwiches from the regular menu! Reservations are suggested and can be made by calling 872-208-6264. Find more information here.

Oak Park: Still looking for your New Year’s Eve plans? Time to party like its the 1970s at New Year’s Eve 1979! Head to the Beer Shop (1026 North Boulevard) for a good old fashioned house party. Come decked out in your best 70s holiday outfit and you’ll be entered to win some amazing holiday prizes! You’ll enjoy plenty of delicious draft beer, a complimentary champagne toast, and fantastic music. Find more information here!

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO