Happy holidays card with mistletoes

THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Last Holiday Weekend of the Season!

Happy holidays card with mistletoes

We finally made it to the last holiday weekend before Christmas day this coming Monday.  And guess what?  Yep, there’s still plenty of holiday festivities to get you in the spirit for Christmas before then!

How about just kicking back at The Music Box Christmas Double Feature and Sing-a-Long which runs through this Sunday at the Music Box Theatre (3733 N. Southport Ave.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood.  Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, this holiday event is one of the most popular and beloved Christmas traditions here in Chicago.  The double feature includes “It’s a Wonderful Life” with Jimmy Stewart, and Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” with Bing Crosby.  Plus, during intermission, sing holiday carols with Santa while the lyrics are projected on the screen so you can join in on the fun as well!

If you happen to be hosting this Christmas, take a little break at the Guided Wine & Antipasto Tasting Tour of Italy this Saturday (3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m.) located at Eataly (43 E. Ohio St.) in the River North neighborhood.  Enjoy an afternoon as you walk through a tasting tour of Italy through meat, cheese, and wine.  You will learn which wines to pair with the meat and cheese by sampling three wines, two cheeses, two meats, and accompaniments during the class.  Then create your own Formaggi or Antipasto board with Eataly’s imported and domestic products to impress your family and friends that you’ll be entertaining!

For those who need an alternative to the pressures and commercialization of the Christmas season, join DMen Tap (2849 W. Belmont Ave.) in the Avondale neighborhood as they celebrate Festivus, which was a holiday featured in the Season 9 Seinfeld episode “The Strike” that aired on December 18, 1997.  This event includes the setting up of the Festivus pole, the airing of grievances, performing feats of strength, feasting on amazing food and drinks along with endless Festivus Miracles such as trivia and episodes, and other fun festivities!

In case you weren’t aware of this new winter season event (like me), Winter Fireworks will host its last show this Saturday (9:00 p.m.-9:10 p.m.) at Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave.) in the Streeterville neighborhood.  Come get cozy on the Pier as you enjoy Navy Pier’s free dazzling award-winning spectacular fireworks winter display!

Indulge in the merriment of the holidays on a Christmas Eve Premier Dinner Cruise with City Cruises Chicago located at Navy Pier from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for an elegant celebration on Lake Michigan.  This cruise includes plated, chef-prepared menus, delicious cocktails, and top-notch service.  Plus, their DJ will set the mood while you take in the stunning views of the Chicago skyline, the Adler Planetarium, and Willis Tower.  This may very well be a Christmas Eve celebration you’ll never forget!

Finally, Christmas Eve also brings the Matzo Bash to the Joy District (112 W. Hubbard St.) in the River North neighborhood from 9:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.  This fun-filled evening kicks off with Tito’s Vodka Cocktails and Hardly Water Canned Cocktails covered by the establishment from 9:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.  The festivities then continue on multiple levels where you can choose from schmoozing in the bar and/or dancing in the club to Top 40, mashups, and throwback hits spun by Chicago’s best DJs.  Best of all it’s a party that’s Bubby approved!

Have a Wonderful Merry Christmas!

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago