THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Ready or Not Here Come the Holidays!

The holidays are approaching rather quickly; however, with the rise in COVID-19 cases, many of our favorite holiday events have been canceled. But that doesn’t mean we can’t still celebrate! So, ready or not, here come the holidays!!

The annual South Side Pie Challenge hosted by the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club is taking this year’s event to the streets with Pie It Forward through November 30. Registrants will bake two pies then deliver to a friend or neighbor who will then rate the pies by logging onto the website as well as registering to bake two pies themselves to “pie it forward!” An interactive online Pie Map will keep track of all pies baked and where they were delivered. Participants are also encouraged to email (southsidepie@gmail.com) photos of their pies to be shared on social media and the Pie Map. Plus, your registration fee will support local food pantries during their time of need! And bakers of all ages are welcomed!!

The Revolution Craft Show sets-up shop this weekend at 1345 W. 19th Street in the Pilsen neighborhood for some early, socially distanced holiday shopping. This year, the show is part craft show and part gift shop featuring the same great handmade items from local Chicago artists such as BrandySparks Studio, Chicago Maple, and Golden Sapphire, but in a semi-private shopping experience. Reservations will be limited to 10 every 30 minutes; however, you’re allowed to book as many reservations as you want. Also, no more than 15 guests are allowed in the building at any given time, and high-touch surfaces will be sanitized regularly. Reservations are $5 each and will cover the cost of PPE for staff. Reserve your spot today and happy shopping!

The One of a Kind Holiday Show has brought together over 300 artists and makers on one virtual platform through December 6. This show features a variety of work so you can shop for thoughtful and unique holiday gifts, discover new works, and even experience studio tours and demonstrations all online! Best of all, shoppers will be supporting small businesses impacted by COVID-19!!

Many Christmas events are starting early this year (before Thanksgiving), so everyone will have an opportunity to attend them since organizers are required to follow state guidelines in response to COVID-19. Two such events are:

Enter a world of color and sound, bask in a glowing moment of calm, surround yourself in sparkling lights, dazzle your senses, and make new holiday family memories at Lightscape through January 3, 2021. The Chicago Botanic Garden (1000 Lake Cook Rd.) in Glencoe hosts this annual display of festive lights set along a one-mile path for an after-dark experience you’ll never forget. Installations to explore include a 110-foot tunnel constructed of 100,000 lights, a group of trees decked out in bulbs singing holiday songs, and others! New procedures this year include limited capacity per time slot, a one-way trail with a separate entrance and exit, and the entire event is outdoors.

This past Thursday, the Long Grove Vintage Holidays kicked-off their holiday season in Long Grove’s historic downtown. Local businesses will be open late every weekend through December 20 so their guests can have fun shopping, sipping, and/or dining. Participating businesses will also have specials, discounts, giveaways, and more planned for those who attend. You can also be entered to win prizes donated by merchants throughout the night by registering in advance or at the event! It’s time to start planning your holiday fun!! Check back next week for more details.

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago