THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Closing Out Another Year!

Not only is it the last weekend of December but it’s also the last one of 2018!  And here in Chicago, we’ll be closing out another year in grand style with a variety of festivities!!

It began in 1942 with a single tree at the Museum of Science and Industry (5700 S. Lake Shore Dr.) in the Hyde Park neighborhood.  Today, Christmas Around the World features a 45-foot Grand Christmas Tree surrounded by a forest of more than 50 smaller trees representing holiday traditions from cultures around the globe.  Also snow falls from the rotunda approximately every 30 minutes while live holiday performances fill the room on weekends!  And there’s even more to explore while you’re there: Colleen Moore’s Fairy Castle, the Henry Crown Space Center, ToyMaker 3000: An Adventure in Automation, and much more!!  It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that brings a whole world of joy under one roof!

For those who were unable to partake in the pre-holiday festivities around town, you’re in luck!  ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo, The Polar Express at Union Station, and Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo are all available through the end of the year for you to complete your holiday fun!!

As part of the lead up to the 2019 Bridgestone Winter Classic at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, IN between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Boston Bruins on New Year’s Day, the NHL is hosting a three-day fan festival, the Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic Park at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park (201 E. Randolph St.) in The Loop.  From December 29-31, fans will be treated to family-friendly interactions and experiences, autograph sessions with former Blackhawks and Boston Bruins greats, giveaways, food, live music from three Chicago-based bands, and an appearance by the Stanley Cup!

Meet People Chicago is hosting the only Saturday night (8:00 p.m.) Pre-NYE Masquerade Party at Chicago Lincoln Park’s newest and most intriguing bar, King of Cups (2238 N. Lincoln Ave.).  Come dressed to impress as prizes will be awarded for best male and female masque.  Admission includes entry, a complimentary drink, drink specials, and plenty of socializing!

Not a big fan of celebrating on New Year’s Eve?  Well how about celebrating on one of Anita Dee Yacht Charters’ Eve of the Eve Cruises on Sunday from DuSable Harbor (200 N. Breakwater Access) in The Loop.  Enjoy skyline views as well as live DJs and cocktails available for purchase!  Cruises are from 6:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. (boarding 5:45 p.m.) and from 10:30 p.m.-2:00 a.m. (boarding 9:45 p.m.).  There’s even a cruise on Saturday from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.!

For families who wish to close out the year with their kids, here’s a link to Kids’ New Year’s Eve in Chicago!

And for adults who wish to ring in 2019 at a hot party, here’s a link to Chicago’s 2018 New Year’s Eve Party Guide!

2018 – The End!!