THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Moving on to the Next Holiday!

Hope you had an enjoyable Thanksgiving! Now it’s time to move on to the next holiday — Christmas. Here’s what the city has planned for you and your family to continue enjoying our traditional holiday events safely.

Visitors from around the nation will be able to enjoy their annual tradition of shopping for their favorite products at this year’s “Home for the Holidays” Virtual Christkindlmarket now through December 31. This online event will feature a marketplace, fun interactive activities, and family-friendly events. You’ll also be able to explore vendors’ products from all over the world for a unique shopping experience. Plus, kids will have an opportunity to participate in Kinder Club Activities! All this from the safety and comfort of your home!!

Unfortunately, the city’s 107th annual in-person Christmas tree lighting ceremony was canceled this year; however, the City of Chicago Christmas Tree is available for viewing now through January 7, 2021, at Millennium Park near Michigan Avenue and Washington Street in The Loop. This year’s tree was donated by the family of Catherine Townsend of Chicago’s Morgan Park neighborhood and is a 45-foot Blue Spruce! Groups of 10 people or fewer who practice social distancing and wear face coverings can view the tree daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

It’s that time again to enjoy a twinkling winter wonderland at this year’s ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo now through January 3, 2021, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. This one-of-a-kind holiday experience features festive activities that include: socially-distant visits with Santa from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. until December 23; incredible 3D displays; a holiday pop-up bar offering warm spiced wines, frosty beers, and festive specials; delicious holiday snacks; hundreds of larger-than-life displays, and much more! Tickets will cost $5 per guest, are required for adults, children, and infants to enter this event, and groups cannot exceed 10 people. BTW, the Zoo will close to the public after ZooLights ends.

Support our local businesses on Small Business Saturday (November 28) by beginning to knock out your holiday shopping list at Live Love Shop Rogers Park + Walk Chalk Howard Street. Dozens of unique, independent businesses will be offering special discounts and promotions now through December 31, both online and in-store! There’s also a self-guided outdoor walking tour featuring 3D art by Nate Baranowski at select storefront windows, which he created for this year’s Virtual Chalk Howard Street event!

With all the holiday events, shopping, and preparations for Christmas taking place, why not explore classic cuisine and fine dining options to keep yourself and your family fed while supporting local businesses during the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Restaurant Week at Home. This event runs in tandem with the Take Out Chicago campaign supporting local restaurants. Simply order your prix-fixe dinner by Monday, December 7 at 3 p.m. for pick-up on December 9th or 10th direct from the restaurant you selected!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago