THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Bidding Farewell to Another Year!
It’s time to bid farewell to the last weekend of 2024 as we also await the arrival of our final Holiday of the year New Year’s Eve on Tuesday, December 31st. I’m looking forward to bringing you many fun adventures for your 2025 weekends!
Come experience the remaining magic of the holiday season this weekend at one, or both, of these traditional, classic Christmas productions:
The Nutcracker will host its final performance of the holiday season this Saturday (2 p.m.-4 p.m.) at the Lyric Opera House (20 N. Wacker Dr.) in The Loop. Performed by the Joffrey Ballet, this brand-new version is set in Chicago against the backdrop of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition which debuted in 2016 after nearly 30 years of co-founder Robert Joffrey’s classic Christmas ballet ended. In addition, this year’s production will feature music performed by the Lyric Opera Orchestra as well as the stunning choreography of Tony Award winner Christopher Wheeldon. This Chicago-inspired iteration will have you humming “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” for days afterward!
The annual holiday production of the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol will host its final three performances through Monday, December 31st at the Goodman Theatre (170 N. Dearborn St.) in The Loop. This play has been a staple of the Goodman’s holiday calendar for over 40 years, and allows returning attendees and new generations to see this quintessential Christmas story unfold right before their eyes as Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three spirits. It truly is one of the best Christmas stories ever told!
Are you ready to ring in the New Year? Well, here’s what Chicago New Year’s Eve 2024 has planned for you.
From swanky balls at historic Chicago hotels to live DJs at underground clubs to even unforgettable meals at Michelin-Starred Restaurants, there are many ways to ring in the New Year! In fact, one of Chicago’s most spectacular NYE’s celebrations is Grand Chicago New Year’s Eve (9 p.m.-1 a.m.) at Navy Pier’s Aon Grand Ballroom (840 E. Grand Ave.) in the Streeterville neighborhood. All attendees will enjoy a drink package, live music and DJs, the largest dance floor, light appetizers, and a 70-foot balloon drop, unless you upgrade to a VIP ticket for more perks such as food stations and access to balconies. Come experience the grandeur of this event where elegance meets excitement as you ring in the New Year!
Or you can celebrate the arrival of the New Year at either of these events:
New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Navy Pier will light up the sky over Lake Michigan at the stroke of midnight. This award-winning display will be extended to a spectacular 15 minutes featuring a dazzling display of fireworks synchronized to music.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Chicago Riverwalk. The countdown to midnight will be projected onto The Mart’s massive façade starting at 11:55 p.m. followed by a show-stopping fireworks display from the six bridges along the Chicago River at midnight!
Here’s to a Fabulous 2025!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
