THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – HO HO HO – MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Even though Christmas falls on Saturday with most of us celebrating with family and friends, this weekend in Chicago still brings a variety of festive holiday fun our way to suit everyone’s needs!
Want to just snuggle up in front of your favorite roaring fire, crack open a beer or pour yourself a glass of wine? Then sit back and enjoy The Factory Theater’s Annual Holiday Special for viewing exclusively online now through January 6th. This year’s virtual event consists of four all-new short plays that explore the many nuances of the holiday season. They are “Hamilton Beach 4/20 Special,” “All Is Calm,” “There’s Always Time,” and “Elf Slang for Murder.” With the purchase of a $10 ticket, you’ll receive a link active for one week and allowed to choose your preferred viewing week.
Chicago’s go-to spot for all things savory and sweet this holiday season is JoJo’s Winter Wonderland located at 23 W. Hubbard Street in the River North neighborhood now through January 17th. This festive heated pop-up tent is filled with a 17-foot Christmas tree, a 1954 red Ford truck, giant presents and two Igloo domes for your perfect holiday photo needs! More importantly though is the incredible food and beverage experience you’ll have with JoJo’s over-the-top shakes like The Winter Wonderland Shake (peppermint flavored and topped with cookies, marshmallows, and a candy cane). Plus, fanciful seasonal cocktails and sweets like Santa’s Milk & Cookie Flight are available as well!
The hit holiday comedy Christmas Bingo: It’s a Ho-Ho-Holy Night returns to the Greenhouse Theater Center (2257 N. Lincoln Ave.) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood now through January 2nd. The show features the character of Mrs. Mary Margaret O’Brien, a former nun and current bingo caller who interacts with audience members playing bingo while also answering questions about Christmas traditions, the origin of St. Nick, where do candy canes come from, and more. Plus, audience members will be decked out in angel wings and halos! It’s a show that brings together two of the best things about being Catholic: Christmas and Bingo!
Every year, the Museum of Science & Industry (5700 S. Lake Shore Dr.) in the Hyde Park neighborhood hosts Christmas Around the World, and this year is no different. Now through January 2nd, visitors will be able to view the 45-foot tall Grand Tree surrounded by more than 50 trees representing Chicago’s various communities and their respective holiday celebrations. This year’s exhibit celebrates the golden age of travel with themed décor and a spotlight on the Pioneer Zephyr train and the 727 in the “Take Flight” exhibit. Take in more seasonal cheer at the accompanying “Holidays of Light” exhibit recognizing the traditions of Chinese New Year, Diwali, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, Hanukkah, Vaisakha Puja Day, and St. Lucia Day!
There’s simply no need to stress about cooking this holiday season since some of the Best Restaurants in Chicago are open on Christmas Day with holiday menus fit for every preference. Whether you’re looking to splurge on filet mignon and views of the Chicago River or score half-priced drinks and happy hour deals, select restaurants have you covered this holiday season! And don’t forget to spread the Christmas cheer with an extra-generous tip for your server!
Have a Wonderful Holiday Weekend!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
