THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – HO-HO-HO – He’s Coming!
It’s hard to believe that this weekend is our last chance to get into the holiday spirit as Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are next week already. Which can only mean he’s coming! But before then, here’s more fun holiday events for your weekend pleasure!!
Don’t be surprised by the swarm of Santas in the West Loop neighborhood as Chicago SantaCon returns with its own version of New York’s infamous SantaCon this Saturday with check-in from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at PB&J (Pizza Beer & Jukebox) located at 205 N. Peoria Street. This festive Santa Bar Crawl offers an unforgettable night out dressed in your most festive Santa attire (or any other holiday character like an Elf, or the Grinch) as you explore the best bars and pubs with their cheerful decorations and joyous atmospheres. Your ticket includes over 4+ venues with waived cover fees; generously low drink specials; a live DJ at select venues; and a free after party. Come join this festive celebration! Afterall, it’s going to be a holly jolly good time so be sure you’re ready to jingle and mingle!!
Spread some holiday cheer with the young chefs in your family (ages 3-12) at the Little Chefs’ Holiday Donut Decorating class this Saturday (12 p.m-1 p.m.) at Time Out Market Chicago (916 W. Fulton Market) in the West Loop. 2d Restaurant will be hosting this class to teach young chefs how to create festive and delicious Santa’s Belly, Chocolate Reindeer, and Vanilla Snowman donuts. Plus, a variety of holiday-themed toppings and sprinkles will be available as they create their masterpieces. All necessary materials and even donuts to take home will be provided!
One of Chicago’s most popular and beloved Christmas traditions is celebrating its 41st year at The Music Box Theatre Christmas Double Feature and Sing-a-Long now through December 24th at 3733 N. Southport Avenue in the Wrigleyville neighborhood. Holiday revelers are greeted by Santa Claus himself who is accompanied by the Music Box organist Dennis Scott to lead you in singing the most cherished Christmas carols of all time. So no one misses a chance to sing their hearts out, the lyrics will be projected onto the theater’s screen. Afterwards, it’s time to kickback with your popcorn and pop to enjoy one or both Christmas classic movies being presented – It’s a Wonderful Life and White Christmas!
This year, it just so happens that Hanukkah begins at sundown on Christmas Day! So, to commemorate this Jewish holiday, the popular 8 Crazy Nights pop-up is returning for its 5th year to The Graystone Tavern (3441 N. Sheffield Ave.) in the Lakeview neighborhood on Saturdays (11 a.m.-3 a.m.) and Sundays (11 a.m.-2 a.m.) through January 5, 2025. Over 30,000 blue-and-white lights, dreidel ornaments, a lighted menorah, and a Hanukkah sweater wall fill the bar and its weatherproof patio as you dine on Hanukkah classics like matzo ball soup and latkes along with not-so-classic options like a gelt fudge sundae. Also featured are vodka-infused donuts, festival of lights martinis, and a giant 18-foot menorah shotski to pair with your meal!
Lastly, it’s our last opportunity to attend the following holiday events as they close down before Christmas: Marché De Noël (last day Saturday December 21); Winterland at Gallagher Way (last day Sunday December 22); and Christkindlmarket (last day Tuesday December 24).
MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY HANUKKAH!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
