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

Bucktown and Wicker Park: Are you in need of a few laughs this holiday season? Get yourself to “Funny Ha-Ha: The Reason for the Season!” at The Hideout Theatre. This is Chicago’s favorite long-running literary humor reading series. Performers will read stories, show Powerpoints, and film! Proceeds benefit Sit Stay Read, an organization that teaches children to read by having them read aloud to dogs. How cute is that?! The show is on Friday, December 21 at 6:30 pm and is hosted by Claire Zulkey. Tickets are just $10! Purchase yours in advance here.

Lakeview: If you’re a Golden Girls fan, this event is for you! It’s The Golden Girls Pop-Up: Party on the Lanai! The event is on Friday, December 7 at 7 pm at 3617 N Broadway. Come dressed as your favorite character, in your favorite Golden Girls gear, 80s party attire, or as you are! Chef Stephen B and Jason Bailin of Chicago’s cooking school “Get in the Kitchen” start off the evening with an interactive Golden Girls appetizer! Guests will take part in making some delicious pierogis. Afterwards, everyone is invited to partake in the sit down “Evening on the Lanai” dinner, featuring a seasonal four-course Golden Girls themed menu. While you mix and mingle, Jason will host Golden Girls trivia, karaoke, and other party games throughout the evening. You can win prizes as well! Tickets are $79; book yours today here.

Lincoln Park: What better way to get in the holiday spirit than with a holiday movie?? ArcLight Cinema Chicago announces a special, seasonal film series featuring six nights of holiday movies. From nostalgic to romantic, hilarious to action-packed, they’ve curated a selection of timeless stories for film lovers to enjoy. “ArcLight Presents…. Let It Snow” begins runs through December 17. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles is the first in the series and shows on December 3 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $12.50 for adults. ArcLight members can use their two free “ArcLight Presents…” tickets for this series. To sign up for a membership, get more information, and reserve seats, visit https://www.arclightcinemas.com/en/movies/arclight-presents.

Chicago Loop: Ring in the holiday season with Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s “Merry, Merry Chicago!” This year’s festive program is led by guest conductor Michael Krajewski, featuring members of the CSO and vocalist Storm Large. The show is recommended for children ages 5 and older. The concert is approximately 90 minutes long, including intermission. The show is on various dates between December 14 and 23. Buy your tickets here.

Andersonville: Bring the whole family for a traditional Swedish pancake breakfast! Held at the Swedish American Museum, “Breakfast with Tomten” is one of the most popular family events of the year! On Sunday, December 9 at 9 am, you’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast, make traditional crafts, have a special visit from Tomten himself, and dance around the Christmas tree! Tickets are $15 for members (both adults and children 2 years of age and older), $20 for non-members, and $5 for children from 12-24 months. Prepaid and confirmed tickets are required! Purchase yours in advance here.

Evanston: Celebrate the holiday season on Saturday, December 8 at the Evanston Tree Lighting Ceremony! Join Mayor Hagerty, Santa, and Mrs. Claus to light up the live tree planted in Fountain Square plaza. The Evanston Children’s Choir will perform at 5 pm, followed by a holiday greeting by the Mayor who will light the tree at 5:30 pm. Afterwards, head across the street to Pete Miller’s Evanston to meet Santa and warm up with hot chocolate. Then, you can watch a live ice sculpture demonstration from 6-7 pm, all while sipping on hot delicious chocolate and coffee from Colectivo Coffee. For more information, check out the events’ Facebook page.

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO