Neighborhood News – Lincoln Square, Lincoln Park, Navy Pier, Gold Coast, Chicago Loop

Happy Thanksgiving Day to all from Dean’s Team Chicago. We are thankful for you! In this holiday season, we wish you warm memories, good health, and glad tidings.

Friday, November 26 is known as ‘Black Friday’ the world over. But only Lincoln Square celebrates ‘Plaid Friday!’ The Lincoln Square/Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce created this new, fun, and enjoyable alternative to the ‘Black Friday’ consumer frenzy.  “Get comfy, wear PLAID, and come out to show your support for our locally owned businesses!” say they. 

Holiday magic reigns on Saturday, November 27 for ‘Small Business Saturday’ in Lincoln Square. Shop to the holiday tunes of Victorian Carolers, Santa Claus, and of course, the annual lighting of the holiday tree. Check the website for details!

Hollywood meets Chicago in a new production at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. From now to January 30, Melissa Gilbert (‘Little House on the Prairie’) and Dan Butler (‘Frasier’) star in ‘When Harry Met Rehab.’ According to the website, the play is based loosely on the real-life experiences of Chicago sports radio personality Harry Teinowitz. Described as a comedy that takes sobriety seriously, Harry ends up in the hands of four imperfect strangers who caught him every time he stumbled and made his denial and excuses disappear. In the end, the website says, it is a story of redemption, perseverance, and hope. Ticket prices vary, check website for details.

For more indoor fun than you can imagine, take the kids to Navy Pier’s Festival Hall, 600 E. Grand Ave., for ‘Light Up the Lake,’ starting Friday, November 26.  Chicago’s biggest indoor light garden features visits with Santa on Santa’s Merry Main Street, an Alpine ice rink, holiday light sculptures; a holiday beer garden, kiddie train rides, and a gift market. Tickets during Discount Days (now through December 16) are $15 for children and adults on Monday’sChildren are $19 and adults are $21 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 

On Saturday, November 27, Sequence Chicago, highlighting the city’s vibrant arts and cultural scene, presents three musical acts from 3pm-6pm. First is American alternative soul singer/songwriter Sharmon Jarmon from 3pm-4pm, followed by indie-pop duo Violet Crime from 4pm-5pm, and Bob’s Country Bunker, who describe their music as ‘hillbillyrockinsurfcountrydeathpunk’ from 5pm-6pm. Free.

So, the website asks…What’s winter without a WNDRland? Wonder no more as the WNDR Museum, 1130 W. Monroe St., transforms into a Winter WNDRland. Take a photo with the world’s first LED-interactive Saint Nick, starting Saturday, November 27, and continues Tuesday, 4pm-8pm,  and Saturday, 10am-2pm. Santa will land his light-up sleigh within the walls of WNDR. Other events of wonder include an Ugly Sweater Party, a wreath making workshop, a WNDRland of the Sweets, and more! Tickets are $30.

Work off those Thanksgiving Day pounds and find inner peace during this busiest of seasons with Chicago’s ‘highest’ weekly yoga class, presented by 360 Chicago Yoga, on the 94th floor of the former John Hancock Center, 875 N. Michigan Ave. Two one-hour class sessions every Sunday, starting November 28 through December 20. Registration is $25 (plus taxes and fees) and includes a General Admission ticket to the observation deck.

Alison Moran and Dean’s Team Chicago