Neighborhood News – Chicago Loop, Lakeview, Millennium Park, Navy Pier
Is there anything better than the holidays in Chicago? So much to do…so many memories to make!
Still have shopping to do? Make it easy on yourself, and have fun! On Thursday, December 9, and Friday, December 10, the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, 12 S. Michigan Ave., invites everyone to get ‘Sauced,’ The Night Market Before Christmas, CAA’s 7th annual showcase of local vendors—plus food and booze, for a night of eating, drinking, and shopping from 5pm-10pm. Vendors include Exile in Bookville, Gingergold, Golden Root, and A Girl & Her Pug, among many others. DJ Johnny Walker performs. For admission to the market, guests must show proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test administered within 72 hours of the event. Free. No RSVP required.
For nearly 40 years, a holiday tradition at Lakeview’s Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport starts Friday, December 10, and continues through December 23. The 38th Annual Music Box Christmas Sing-A-Long & Double Feature of two holiday classics—1954’s ‘Holiday Inn,’ starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye, featuring 15 sing-along songs, and 1946’s ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’ starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed. Both classics use the holidays to explore the themes of family, sacrifice, heartbreak, disappointment, community, and ultimately, the triumph of the human spirit. Highlights include a Santa Claus visit and a Christmas carol sing-along, accompanied by Music Box organist Dennis Scott. All visitors ages 12 and up will need to show proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID test for all screenings. Check website for times and ticket prices.
Celebrate the holidays at the Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along near Cloud Gate Plaza, 201 E. Randolph St., on Friday, December 10 at 6pm, and Sunday, December 12 at 4pm. The concerts run for an hour and reflect Chicago’s many faith backgrounds, cultures, and holiday music traditions. Friday’s concert features The Chicago High School for the Arts Chorale Ensemble. Sunday’s concert features the Kol Zimrah Jewish Community Singers. Free.
“Hallelujah! Hallelujah!” These familiar words are the powerful and triumphant opening of Handel’s Messiah. Don’t miss the Apollo Chorus of Chicago, who’ve performed the classic since 1879. This year, they’re performing Saturday, December 11, and Sunday, December 12 at 7pm. The chorus blends voices and hearts at the Harris Theater at Millennium Park, 205 E. Randolph. Check website for ticket availability.
For a completely different take on Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale, see a ‘Q Brothers Christmas Carol,’ in Chicago’s rap master Q Brothers Collective’s ‘ad-rap-tation,’ the story follows Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey to redemption, accompanied by the ghosts of hip-hop Past, Present, and Future, to a mashup of hip hop, combined with contemporary musical styles, ranging from reggae to dancehall music, dubstep, and epic rock ballads—all underscored with beats spun live by a DJ. ‘Q Brothers Christmas Carol ‘ runs through December 23 at The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 East Grand Avenue. Tickets are $38-$56. Patrons must show proof of full vaccination OR Negative COVID Test, and wear masks.
Meet Jeremy Fisher, Simpkin the Cat, Peter Rabbit, and Tom Kitten at the The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party through December 24 at the Chicago Children’s Theatre, 100 S. Racine. Performances are Saturdays and Sundays at 9:30am and 11:30am. As the website says, charming storytellers interweave the classic narration and guide gentle interactive moments, recruiting young watchers to join the adventure. After the show, come up on stage to gently play with the puppets and take pictures. Then, head to the lobby for a festive spread of chocolate milk and cookies! Tickets are $47 each.
Alison Moran and Dean’s Team Chicago
