THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Closing Out Another Holiday Season!
Chicago’s Holiday Season of 2023 will officially be closing out this first weekend of 2024 – Happy New Year! So, there’s still time to enjoy the remaining holiday events around town, especially if you didn’t have an opportunity to do so earlier.
It’s the final weekend for ZooLights, one of Chicago’s favorite holiday traditions, at the Lincoln Park Zoo (2400 N. Cannon Dr.) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Besides featuring over 2.5 million LED lights, this year’s event includes new and exciting artistic/interactive displays and programming; a holiday light tunnel; and a 65-foot Ferris wheel for incredible views. Plus, there’s plenty of glow toys, hot chocolate, and snacks at stands throughout the park along with fire pits for roasting s’mores!
During baseball’s off season, where can one go to step foot on a baseball field? To Winterland at Gallagher Way of course! The Chicago Cubs’ friendly confines will keep its doors open this final weekend for its annual holiday extravaganza with wintry attractions that include an ice rink, ice bumper cars, on-field games, carnival rides, a miniature train, and more. Being on the field, instead of in the stands, is an experience you’ll never forget! I sure didn’t!!
Experience a timeless holiday tale like never before at “The Immersive Nutcracker: A Winter Miracle” brought to life on a majestic scale. This 30-minute adaptation takes place at Lighthouse Art Space (108 W. Germania Pl.) in the Old Town neighborhood this Saturday and Sunday only. As viewers are guided through this abbreviated version of the tale, Tchaikovsky’s soundtrack will be providing his famous score with the likes of “The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” and “The March of the Toys”. It’s an event for the entire family!
Done with the holiday season? Perhaps the following events will inspire you.
A once-in-a-lifetime event is taking place at the Exhibition Hub Art Center Chicago (2367 W. Logan Blvd.) in the Bucktown neighborhood now through January 22nd. Come celebrate the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company at Disney 100: The Exhibition which has been capturing the hearts of all ages from around the globe. This exhibit not only showcases Disney’s storied history but also features ten interactive installations, over 250 artifacts and works of art, costumes, props, and incredible memorabilia! Plus, guests can purchase exclusive merchandise from the gift shop as well as take photos in front of enticing backdrops. It’s a day for Disney fans to rejoice!
Experience lots of hands-on excitement at the Model Train Experience this Saturday (12 p.m.-4 p.m.) at the Historic Pullman Exhibit Hall (11141 S. Cottage Grove Ave.) in the Pullman neighborhood. It’s an awesome display of vintage Lionel trains offering hundreds of feet of track and four unique set-ups which includes the Polar Express exhibit! Do you know which role the Pullman community played in the making of the Polar Express Christmas classic? You’ll have to attend to find out!
Do you know whose 77th birthday it is on January 6th? To honor this legend’s special day, the Metro located at 3730 North Clark Street in the Wrigleyville neighborhood will be hosting the Bowie Ball this Saturday from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. To help celebrate the life and music of David Bowie, this bash features glittery specialty cocktails, projection mapping, drag and burlesque performances, a Special Club Bowie DJ set by DJ Heaven Malone, and much more! And don’t forget to dress up in your most outrageous, glammed-up Bowie outfit for the occasion!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
