Chicago Neighborhood News: West Loop, Lincoln Park, Virtual, Wicker Park

West Loop: With Thanksgiving in our rearview, Christmas is right around the corner. Get in the holiday spirit in a safe, socially distanced way with the Miracle on West Madison drive-in movie experience. Located at 645 West Madison, this holiday event will feature a family-friendly 60-minute movie (films have yet to be announced) as well as appearances from The Grinch, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and many other beloved holiday characters amidst a festive decor outdoors. Tickets are $75 per car, and you can bring as many guests as will fit in your vehicle. Hours of operation for this event are Monday through Friday from 6 pm to 9:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 4:30 pm to 10:30 pm. Find more info here

Lincoln Park: The drive-in movie experience and Christmas theme continue in Lincoln Park with the Holly Jolly Drive-In located at 2833 North Sheffield Avenue in Lincoln Park. Just like the Miracle on West Madison, this event will feature a holiday movie (titles have yet to be announced) and appearances from Santa, Mrs. Claus, and many more of our favorite holiday characters. Run times are Monday through Friday from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 4:30 pm to 10:30 pm. Tickets are $75 per car, and the first screenings kick off this Friday, November 27th. Find more info here.

Virtual: The pandemic robbed us of many activities this year, and near the top of that list is live music in Chicago. While in-person music events are on hold, the CIVLization streaming concert series presents free performances you can check out on their social media pages beginning Friday, November 27th, at 8pm. Featuring filmed performances by ESSO, Dos Santos, Beats y Bateria, and Half Gringa from various Chicago venues, the streaming event will help raise funds for all Chicago music industry professionals hit hard by the pandemic. More artists will be announced in the coming weeks for this virtual concert series. If you can, donations to help these music professionals are much appreciated as you enjoy the tunes. Find more info here.

Wicker Park: Just because the weather is turning colder doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of the great farmers markets in Chicago. The Wicker Park Farmers Market is now open virtually with contactless pick-ups to ensure social distancing. Choose from tons of vendors, including Jacobson Family Farm, Lemaster Family Kitchen, Maia Salsa, Tomato Bliss, and many others. Simply place your order on the What’s Good app or Wicker Park website Monday through Friday from 8 am to midnight. Then pick up your goods behind the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce office located at 1414 North Ashland Avenue on Sundays between 10 am and 1 pm during the time you have been allotted. The best part? First-time customers will get 50% off their order when using the code “NOV50.” Find more info here.

Have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving, Chicago!

ERIC KAPLAN AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO