THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Last Pre-Holiday Weekend – They’re Coming!
Enjoy this last pre-holiday weekend as Chicago’s Holiday Season will be in full swing next weekend and continue right on through to the beginning of the new year!
For one weekend a year, the international school Lycée Français de Chicago located at 1929 West Wilson Avenue in the Lincoln Square neighborhood will transform into a bustling Parisian Marché this Saturday (10 a.m.-5 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) for their 18th annual Lycée French Market. This two-day shopping extravaganza event features over 50 local and French artisans offering unique apparel, jewelry, gourmet food, home décor, and more! And when you need to take a break from shopping, head over to the famous family-run French Bistro with a menu of delicious, authentic, home-cooked French food, and drinks as well as live entertainment. Plus, guests can learn how to make puff pastry or chocolate mousse before resuming their shopping!!
The KOVAL Distillery (4241 N. Ravenswood Ave.) in the Ravenswood neighborhood is hosting the Ravenswood Makers Market this Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. A wide variety of handmade goods will be offered by 22 makers that include knit goods, jewelry, home décor, soap, candles, prints, paintings, metal working, and more! This is a free, family-friendly event (alcohol will be present) and you only pay for items you wish to purchase and any drinks you wish to consume.
The world-famous European style antique and vintage holiday market returns to Plumber’s Hall (1340 W. Washington Blvd.) in the West Loop this Saturday and Sunday through Sunday, December 18th with the annual Randolph Street Holiday Market. Guests will discover a holiday array of one-of-a-kind gifts consisting of the most unusual and stylishly crafted mix of vintage and modern decorative objects; handmade clothing for women, children, and men; hostess gifts; housewares; art and more from over 125 vendors! Also, while browsing these vendors located on three floors, why not enjoy a drink from the market bar for a beer, wine, champagne, or bloody mary as well as a bite from some of the best local eateries!!
Welcome to The Lazy 0.5k this Saturday at Lottie’s Pub (1925 W. Cortland St.) in the Bucktown neighborhood. Check-in opens at 10:30 a.m. (not the crack of dawn) with a Shotgun Start at 11:15 a.m. as racers begin to take their marks for the 11:30 a.m. WALK. The racecourse is .31 miles from a bar to a park and back with Hydration Stations serving complimentary doughnuts and hot beverages along the way! There are also freebies like one free slice of Lottie’s Pub pizza; drink specials; prizes for Best Costume, Best Spirit and more!! Don’t sleep in for this one!!!
Since this event is always quick to sell out, you may want to get an early jump on it. Lightscape is a display of festive lights during the holiday season and hosted by the Chicago Botanic Garden (1000 Lake Cook Rd.) in Glencoe now through January 8, 2023. This year’s holiday event returns with a new path and new light-filled installations. This after-dark experience features a series of installations to explore the whimsy of nature in winter through light, music, fire, and color. Plus, check out the new exhibits like Starscape, a series of more than 700 handmade acrylic stars lighting up a 130-foot-long tunnel! It’s the brightest spot for holiday cheer!!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
