Chicago Neighborhoods News: Bucktown, Goose Island, Lakeview, Gold Coast, River West

Bucktown: Video games fans will want to put down their controllers and head over to Chicago Gamespace, located at 2418 West Bloomingdale Avenue, to check out the Video Game History Collection. The exhibit highlights this colossal industry’s roots where visitors can play and learn about the most important games from the 20th century. Fans of nostalgic classics like Pong, Super Mario Brothers, Tetris, and Mortal Kombat will delight in playing these titles, learning about the games’ production, and checking out designer artwork. The exhibit is free by appointment only on Sundays between 1 pm and 5 pm for a 30-minute visit until December 20th. Masks are required, and only 4 visitors are allowed in at a time. Find more info here.

Goose Island: Grab an Instagram-worthy holiday tree at the only Christmas tree trail in downtown Chicago at the Jack Frost Winter Walk & Christmas Tree Farm. Located at 1455 North Elston Avenue, this pop-up is located on two acres on Goose Island, creating a breathtaking evergreen environment to get you in the holiday spirit. Reservations are required as well as face masks for the duration of your hour and a half visit. Tickets range from $21 to $120 with a $49 package for two guests, including 12 Christmas donuts, or $120 for four guests, including a balsam fir tree to take home. Children under four years of age are free. This event runs until January 10th, 2021. Find more info here.

Lakeview: The holiday festivities continue throughout December with the It’s A Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago interactive show on Zoom. Presented by Lakeview’s American Blues Theater, this 19th annual show (the city’s second-longest-running holiday play) will be virtual this year with a retelling of the classic Frank Capra film. Tickets for this 90-minute event are $45 for adults and $35 for students. The Zoom broadcasts take place Thursday through Sunday from December 10th to the 20th. Find more info here

Gold Coast: The Ruth Page Center for the Arts presents Visions: A Nutcracker Experience taking place December 4th at 6 pm and December 20th at 5 pm. Due to COVID-19, the 33 in-person performances scheduled throughout the month have been canceled in favor of this online production. This virtual event features live dancing directly from the Center based on themes and classic scenes from this beloved Christmas ballet by Tchaikovsky. Watch the talented dancers bring to life the iconic images and characters like the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Kingdom of Sweets, and more from the comfort of your own home. Tickets are $25. Find more info here.

River West: One of Chicago’s most revered bars, The Hideout, presents their holiday sale from December 3rd through the 5th. While usually taking place in the backroom of this joint, this year’s edition is virtual. Featuring one-of-a-kind handmade items from Chicago artists and makers, you can expect to find the perfect gift for even the most challenging customer on your holiday shopping list. Artwork, jewelry, food, clothing, books, and music are just some of the things that will be available for purchase. The sale kicks off at 6 pm each night. Find more info here.

ERIC KAPLAN AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO