THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Holiday Season in Full Swing — Cheers!
The Holiday Season here in Chicago is in full swing, and this weekend is no exception. Cheers to a festive weekend!
It’s time to let out your festive spirit at one of Chicago’s whimsical Christmas Bar pop-ups which include the following:
For the ultimate Christmas Holiday experience, Frosty’s Christmas Bar brings you three levels of festive fun with four bars, two dance floors, life-size Nutcrackers, sexy Santas and elves, and non-stop holiday music now through December 31st. This pop-up is located at 809 W. Evergreen Avenue on the Near North Side near Goose Island. Come decked out in your favorite holiday attire to enjoy some delicious Christmas cookies along with a fancy winter cocktail from the Holiday bar while enjoying the overstuffed decorations. It’s a seasonal experience not to be missed!
You better watch out! The Santa Baby Christmas Bar returns to the Bamboo Club (3505 N. Clark St.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood now through January 7th. This multi-level pop-up bar is festooned with wall-to-wall holiday décor that includes jingle bells, gingerbread statues, ceilings crowded with glittering ornaments, and more. In addition, extravagant holiday cocktails which include the Merry Mojito and Jingle Juice as well as spiked hot chocolate and eggnog will be featured along with oversized festive meals like Santa’s Sliders and Nacho Tree. Plus, families are welcome to stop by during the day but after 8 p.m. its 21+. It’s Christmas cheer like you’ve never seen or experienced before so reservations are highly encouraged!
Back by popular demand for its 6th year, Elf’d Up is held at the Stretch Bar & Grill (3485 N. Clark St.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood now through December 31st. Adorned with more than 1,000 decorative elves of all shapes and sizes, Christmas trees, and plenty of festive colored lights, this high-energy pop-up is a full-blown tribute to the beloved Christmas movie “Elf.” Festive food such as Buddy’s Breakfast Cereal and boozy hot chocolate along with other holiday cocktails will keep you busy until 10 p.m. when the establishment treats its patrons to complimentary fresh elf-shaped cookies. Also, I’ve heard there’s never a cover charge as well as room for everyone on the Nice List at this casual neighborhood bar!
The second annual A Very Dandy Holiday has popped up at The Dandy Crown (694 N. Milwaukee Ave.) in the River West neighborhood now through December 31st. The halls will be decked, and merriment will ensue with yuletide cheer as both alcoholic and non-alcoholic holiday concoctions will be served by award-winning bartenders. Plus, the bar is hosting themed events, such as holiday trivia and ugly sweater night, throughout December!
Besides the Christmas bar pop-ups, there are other holiday events taking place this weekend as well. They are –
The One-of-a-Kind Holiday Show takes place Saturday (10 a.m.-7 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) at the Merchandise Mart Plaza, 7th Floor (222 W. Merchandise Plaza) in the River North neighborhood. This 22nd annual fan-favorite event will feature over 500 outstanding artists, makers, and designers spanning 20 categories of handmade work all under one roof and is Chicago’s premier holiday shopping destination!
Don your most cozy holiday pajamas or festive holiday sweater to the inaugural Clark Street Cookie Crawl this Sunday (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) with check-in at Tin Lizzie (2483 N. Clark St.) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Participating Clark Street businesses between Fullerton and Diversey Avenues will each feature their own holiday cookie to hand out to each jolly participant who stops by. Other activities include pictures with Santa, live carolers, crafting stations, and hot chocolate!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
