THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Continuing with Our Holiday Events!
Here’s what’s happening this weekend in Chicago and beyond as we inch closer to the arrival of Christmas!
Come experience a larger than life, outdoor, multi-sensory adventure for people of all ages at the Jack Frost Christmas Pop-Up being held at Fulton Market (170 N. Green St.) in the West Loop now through December 31st. This sprawling two-acre attraction is illuminated by dazzling lights and Christmas decorations featuring a holiday market, photo opportunities, ice skating, winter bumper cars, axe throwing, ice curling, fortune tellers, and more! Plus, guests can enjoy a variety of seasonal snacks as well as some boozy hot cocoa and other holiday cocktails, if you’re 21 and over. Not only is this a festive extravaganza making your holiday season unforgettable, but it also just might become your new favorite winter-long destination!
Just steps off the Magnificent Mile, the Driehaus Museum (40 E. Erie St.) is hosting the holiday season with “Drie-cember,” a new month-long celebration of weekend programs and holiday concerts for families to enjoy. However, this Saturday it’s Santa Saturday (8:45 a.m.-2 p.m.) when Santa comes for his annual visit. He will be in the museum’s Front Parlor on the first floor so don’t forget your Christmas wish list and be ready to take some selfies with the jolly ‘ole fellow!
A family-friendly, festive celebration awaits you at Jingle Jam at NEWCITY-VILLE this Saturday (4 p.m.-7 p.m.) at NEWCITY (1457 N. Halsted St.) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. This festive event celebrates the holiday season with an indoor event featuring festive tunes, courtesy of a live DJ; balloon twisters and face painters; an arts & crafts station to unleash your creativity; visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, plus special surprise guests; and more. There’s even a Grand Prize Giveaway but you need to pre-register, check in at the event for your chance to win, and the winner MUST be present (drawing takes place at 6:45 p.m.)!
Begin your holidays at the annual Christmas Bazaar and Breakfast this Sunday (9 a.m.-7 p.m.) at the Irish American Heritage Center (4626 N. Knox Ave.) in the Irving Park neighborhood. This year’s festivities include breakfast (requires a ticket), an artisan craft and bake sale with over 60 vendors, children’s activities, a visit from Santa (1 p.m.-3 p.m.), and more! New this year, enjoy a Holiday horse-and-carriage ride around the Center. Plus, the fun continues into the evening with music by the fireplace and food and drink for purchase!
The White Sox’s Guaranteed Rate Field located in the Bridgeport neighborhood has once again been transformed into a winter wonderland of glimmering lights for this year’s Light of Christmas Drive Thru now through January 3rd from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. No matter how cold it is outside, guests can safely stay in their warm cars as they are immersed into a wonderland of over one million LED light displays, all synchronized to fun holiday classics!
The home of the Chicago Dogs is once again hosting its Sparkle Light Festival at Impact Field (9850 Balmoral Ave.) in Rosemont now through December 31st. This year’s festival will feature a new, completely redesigned layout with the addition of an ice-skating rink. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking displays of millions of holiday lights among winter attractions such as the two-story Alpine ice slide and the Holly Trolly train as well as wander through five illuminated villages that include the Frozen Forest, Snowflake Circle, Winter Wonderland, the North Pole, and Deck the Walls. Plus, festive food and beverage options will also be available!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
