If you’re still overstuffed from your Thanksgiving meal and/or had an exhaustive Black Friday getting those holiday deals, this weekend is filled with seasonal activities for you and your family and friends to have a fun and relaxing festive weekend!

Uniting cherished German and European tradition with international flair and local charm, the Christkindlmarket returns to Daley Plaza (50 W. Washington St.) in The Loop this Saturday (11 a.m.-9 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m.-8 p.m.) through December 24.  Celebrate that Christmassy feeling by browsing stalls stocked with German food, plenty of hot beverages, a variety of handmade gifts, and spiced glühwein (German hot wine) served in the market’s famous boot mugs.  In addition, enjoy a one-of-a-kind holiday celebration rooted in German folklore as Krampus storms the market and sets-up his Haus of Krampus filled with music, treats, and mischievous magic.  A ticket includes 75 minutes in the Haus of Krampus along with one festive beverage, one warm Bavarian pretzel from a market vendor, and one keepsake printed photo of you and Krampus himself.  This event is always an ideal place to make unique memories!

After taking a hiatus last year, Winterland at Gallagher Way returns this holiday season now through December 31 at Gallagher Way (3637 N. Clark St.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood.  As usual, guests will be able to shop for gifts at the winter market; visit with and have a photo taken with Santa at his workshop; sip a hot beverage and enjoy delicious treats; enjoy a variety of holiday pop-ups; catch a holiday movie on Holiday Movie Nights (Thursdays); show off your holiday cheer and talent by crafting a holiday wreath at the wreath workshops; and more.  In addition, the Gallagher Ice Rink is back through February 15, 2026.  Welcome Back!

Celebrate the season at the 83^rd annual Christmas Around the World now through January 5, 2026 (9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) at the Griffin Museum of Science & Industry (5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr.) in the Hyde Park neighborhood.  This beloved exhibit started in 1942 as one tree to represent unity during World War II and has now blossomed into more than 50 trees representing various Chicago communities and displays representing international celebrations like Diwali, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, Hanukkah, and others (known as the Holidays of Light exhibit) that surround the four-story Grand Tree in the Rotunda.  Plus, guests can stroll through the museum’s indoor forest and light displays, take a photo in front of the Grand Tree, enjoy specialty holiday treats at the Stan’s Donut pop-up, and more.  It’s a one-of-a-kind experience bringing a world of holiday joy under one roof!

Returning with a brand-new light display, Holiday Magic celebrates over 40 years at Brookfield Zoo (8400 31^st St.) in Brookfield now through January 4, 2026.  This spectacular interactive display transforms the Zoo into a dazzling winter wonderland with over 3.5 million lights including a new giant light-up maze and interactive light displays; more light tunnels for a twinkling star walk-through experience; a new holiday Dolphin Discovery Show along with seasonal treats and beverages, shopping in the Holiday Market, visits with Santa, and so much more.  Come discover the magic that makes Holiday Magic a beloved holiday tradition!

Finally, this Saturday is Small Business Saturday.  Come and support the following small businesses that offer discounts and promotions this holiday season.

Chicago Artisan Market this Saturday and Sunday (11 a.m.-5 p.m.) at the historic Artifact Events Building (4325 N. Ravenswood Ave.) in the Ravenswood neighborhood; Andersonville Small Business Saturday at the Swedish American Museum (5211 N. Clark St.); Bronzeville’s Takeover on Small Business Saturday at 3521 South King Drive (8 a.m.-5 p.m.).

Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago

Happy Thanksgiving Week! At Dean’s Team Chicago, we are thankful for you! 

Tell us … did your holiday plans fall through? Did the turkey fail to defrost? If you’re in a bind for Thanksgiving Day and need a quick change of plans, we’re here to help! As of Tuesday morning  there’s still plenty of Thanksgiving reservations and takeout available for you!

For example, River North’s Chicago Chop House,  60 W. Ontario, has extended its hours from 1pm – 9pm on Thanksgiving Day. For $89 per adult and $19 per child 12 and under, you can choose from Bacon-Wrapped Seared Scallops or Jumbo Crab-Stuffed Mushroom starter, to entrées like Slow-Roasted Turkey, USDA Prime Rib, or the Seared Pork Loin, accompanied by your choice of sides like Sweet Potato Casserole, Green Beans Amandine, Classic Stuffing with Cranberry Sauce, or Classic Mashed Potatoes and Gravy. Finish your Thanksgiving feast with a classic slice of Apple, Pumpkin or Pecan Pie. For reservations, click here. 

At the Gold Coast’s Alpana, 831 N. State Street, restauranteur/master sommelier Alpana Singh is offering aspecial three-course prix-fixe Thanksgiving menu for $85 per person and $28 per child.  

Note: Pricing does not include 20% gratuity, tax and beverages.

While your family can start by feasting on House baked Focaccia with sun-dried tomato dip and herbed butter, you can choose from starters like Apple Crunch Salad with shaved fennel, celery, manchego, almond praline, and champagne vinaigrette or Crème of Cauliflower Soup with chives and yuzu jam. Entrées include their Slow-Roasted Turkey Breast, accompanied by buttery whipped potatoes, black truffle brioche stuffing, green beans, mushroom gravy and cranberry chutney. For something completely different, Faroe Island Salmon comes with beluga lentils, carrot ginger puree, and autumn vegetables. Harissa Roasted Cauliflower is accompanied by warm ferro, parsnip puree, lemon feta and pomegranate. For dessert, choose from a French Chocolate Mousse, Classic Pumpkin Pie with Whipped Cream, Chocolate Layer Cake or Raspberry Sorbet. For reservations, click here. 

In Lincoln Park, The J. Parker, 1816 N. Clark Street, at the top of Hotel Lincoln, still has spots for their ‘Thanksgiving Buffet with a View’ from11am-4pm, for “$50++ per guest.” They are also offering their Thanksgiving Dinner Plate for dine-in or takeout, at “$25++ per plate.”

Enjoy the panoramic views above Lincoln Park while enjoying Chef Felicia’s elevated take on holiday classics. Their Thanksgiving menu includes Roasted Turkey Breast with turkey gravy and fresh herbs, Garlic Mashed Potatoes with chives and butter, Homemade Dressing (Stuffing) with sage, onion, celery, butter, and herbs, Green Beans with garlic and butter, and cranberries. Unusual tastes include Maple Thyme Carrots with pineapple, brown sugar, and herbs. Finish with Cranberry Orange Sauce, Buttermilk Biscuits, Apple Turnovers and Pumpkin Pie. For reservations, click here.

At Wicker Park’s Mediterranean-Turkish Elia, 1938 W. Division Street, they’re offering a celebratory feast from 11am – 10pm. That night, they’re offering All-You-Can-Eat Mezzes (small dishes) and Kebabs for $35 per person from 5pm – 9pm. Mezzes could include such Mediterranean delicacies as Muhammara, made with tomato paste, roasted red pepper, bread crumbs, walnuts, and pomegranate molasses. Or Babaganush, which is smoked eggplant with garlic sauce, egg yolk, and EVOO (extra virgin olive oil).  Htipiti is a blend of roasted, spicy red peppers and creamy feta cheese. Kefalograviera Pide with Black Truffle is made with graviera cheese, black truffle pate, and served on flat bread. Lahmacun is a spiced mixture of minced meat, tomatoes, onions, and peppers, often served with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.

Kebabs could include an Adana Kebab, with mild spicy Turkish pepper and chopped red pepper. Or, a Truffle Eggplant Kebab has Middle Eastern seasoned ground lamb and eggplant skewers, “char-grilled to perfection and enhanced with truffle, (and) served with tzatziki sauce.” Lamp Chop Kebab is made with char-grilled grass-fed Australian lamb chops and served with roasted pepper mash. For reservations, click here. 

At East Lakeview’s Le Petit Marcel, 2914 N. Broadway, they’re offering a French-inspired cozy and festive Thanksgiving prix fixe menu for $90 per guest, starting with appetizers like Brie en Croûte with cranberries and walnuts, or Roasted Butternut Squash Soup. Entrée choices include Braised Short Rib, served with braised leeks and pommes (potato) purée, Roasted Acorn Squash filled with fregola (toasted pasta), roasted sweet potato, arugula, crispy shallots and fried brussels sprouts leaves. Turkey Ballotine is served with pan gravy, sweet potato gratin, and green beans almondine. Finish off your feast with a Pumpkin Tarte Tatin or a Crème Brulée. For reservations, click here. 

For a complete list of Thanksgiving restaurant reservations still available on Open Table, click here.

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

Minimalism isn’t about owning less—it’s about making room for what truly matters. The beauty of minimalist design is that it doesn’t require a huge investment or major renovations. With a few thoughtful adjustments, you can create a calm, stylish space that feels both intentional and inviting. Here are practical, budget-friendly ways to embrace minimalist decor and transform your home—one small change at a time.

1. Start With a Simple Declutter

Before buying anything new, take a fresh look at what you already own. Minimalism thrives on space, not stuff.

• Remove items that no longer serve a purpose or bring you joy.
• Clear surfaces like countertops, dressers, and coffee tables.
• Keep only what you love or use daily.

Why it works: Decluttering costs nothing but instantly makes a room look larger, cleaner, and more peaceful.

2. Reorganize for Visual Calm

A minimalist room isn’t empty—it’s intentionally arranged.

• Group similar items together.
• Use baskets, bins, or boxes you already own to store smaller pieces.
• Rearrange furniture to open up walkways and maximize natural light.

Even free changes like shifting a bulky chair or clearing a cluttered shelf can dramatically improve the flow of your space.

3. Embrace a Neutral Palette (Without Repainting Everything)

While white and beige are minimalist classics, you don’t have to repaint your whole home.

Try these budget-friendly tweaks:

• Add neutral throw pillows or blankets.
• Swap busy wall art for simpler, calming prints.
• Tone down vibrant areas with natural textures—linen, cotton, wood, or woven materials.

Soft colors help your space feel cleaner and more cohesive, even if the walls stay as they are.

4. Shop Your Home Before Buying

Minimalist decor is about intentional choices, not a specific aesthetic. Look around your home:

• Can you repurpose a vase, tray, or lamp?
• Move a decor piece from one room to another for a fresh look.
• Reuse old picture frames with new (or homemade) prints.

You may discover that you already own everything you need to create a soothing, uncluttered space.

5. Choose Functional Decor

In minimalism, beauty and purpose go hand in hand.

Consider decor that doubles as something useful:

• A simple clock or mirror
• A stylish storage basket
• A plant that purifies air
• A lamp with a warm, soft glow

These pieces enhance your space without adding unnecessary clutter.

6. Add a Touch of Nature

Plants are one of the most affordable and effective ways to elevate minimalist decor.

• Choose low-maintenance greenery like pothos, snake plants, or succulents.
• Use one statement plant instead of several small ones to maintain clean visual lines.
• If plants aren’t your thing, bring in natural textures—wood, bamboo, stone, or woven fibers.

Nature adds warmth and movement to minimalist spaces without overwhelming them.

7. Highlight One Focal Point

Minimalism thrives on intentional design. Choose a single standout element for each room:

• A bold piece of art
• A beautifully styled bookshelf
• A textured rug
• A statement light fixture

This keeps your decor simple and impactful—no extra accessories needed.

8. Let Light Do the Work

Minimalist spaces often feel airy and open because they make the most of light.

• Keep window treatments light or sheer.
• Rearrange furniture to avoid blocking natural light.
• Add mirrors to reflect and amplify brightness.

Light is free—and one of the most powerful design tools you have.

9. Invest in Just One Quality Piece (Optional)

If your budget allows, purchase one durable, high-quality item that anchors your room.

This could be:

• A comfortable sofa
• A timeless dining table
• A plush area rug

A single well-chosen piece can elevate everything around it—no need to buy multiple accessories.

10. Practice “One In, One Out”

Once your minimalist space is set, maintain it with this simple rule:

For every new item you bring in, let go of another.

This keeps your home intentional and clutter-free long-term.

Final Thoughts

Minimalist decor doesn’t require a big budget—just thoughtful choices. By decluttering, repurposing what you already own, and making small, strategic changes, you can create a space that feels calm, stylish, and uniquely yours.

Minimalism is less about perfection and more about living comfortably with what you truly value. Even the smallest changes can spark big transformations.

“This is North and Clybourn,” announces a man over the PA speakers as the train approaches that station. “Welcome aboard with Santa Claus and his elves.”

Life in Chicago Blog, 11/25/08

Every year, Chicago’s public transportation system goes all-out for the holidays! 

Instead of just riding into and out of the city, the CTA’s Red, Blue, Green, Pink, Purple, Yellow and Brown Lines, as well as the CTA Holiday Bus, pull out all the stops for a merry holiday experience!

Welcome to November and December’s Holiday CTA Trains and Bus! 

🚂 🚂 🚂 🚂

CTA Holiday Train History: A Charitable Past and Present 

The train began on the Blue Line in 1992 when a “Season’s Greetings from the CTA” sign was placed on the front of an out-of-service train used to deliver food to various charities. Over the years, this holiday tradition evolved from its modest and humble beginnings to a spectacular, joyous sight to see – in daytime or nighttime.

Today

You’ll see the holiday train as Santa waves to riders from his sleigh on an open-air flatcar carrying his reindeer and decorated holiday trees.

In 2025, the CTA Holiday Trains begin service on Friday, November 28. Normal CTA fares apply.

As Wikipedia describes it, six cars are adorned with seasonal decorations and bright lights. The interior of these cars are adorned with multi-color lights, red bows, garland, and red and green overhead lighting. The hand poles are transformed into (inedible) candy canes. Santa Claus rides on an open-air flatcar and waves to the passengers coming aboard from his sleigh. 

Each car of the train is wrapped with holiday and seasonal images. Thousands of twinkling lights outline the shape of the train and windows, with even more lights running across the tops of the cars.

And the festively decorated trains serve two very important purposes: to deliver joy and the holiday spirit to thousands of riders and ALSO …to deliver food baskets to various charitable agencies throughout the city.

In the true spirit of the season, they’ll donate approximately 400 food baskets to local community organizations.

Each food basket contains all the preparations for a festive holiday meal, including a canned ham, potatoes, mixed vegetables, muffin mix, macaroni and cheese, fruit cocktail, green beans, corn and dessert. 

Fun for the Kids! 

Photos with Santa will be taken by a “Santa’s Helper’ (CTA employee) using your device (iPhone, Android, Camera.)

Photos are on a first-come, first-served basis, limit one photo set-up per family/group. Photo props will be available. 

A request: The CTA asks riders to please have devices ready for use when it’s your turn with Santa. 

NOTE: Every effort is made to accommodate those lined-up for photos; however, there is a firm-cut-off time to ensure the CTA Holiday Bus/Train depart and remain on schedule. See the CTA’s on-site staff for more information.

Holiday Train Schedule 

Green Line

Green Line & Photos with Santa: Saturday, November 29 Green Line 📷

Departing: Harlem/Lake to Ashland/63^rd at 2:32pm

Cottage Grove to Harlem/Lake at 5:47pm

Brown and Orange Lines

Orange Line & Brown Line & Photos with Santa: Saturday December 6 📷

• Departing: Kimball toward Loop, then Midway at 1:13pm.
• Midway toward Loop, then Kimball at 4:21pm.
• Kimball toward Loop, then Midway at 5:50pm.

Blue Line

Blue Line & Pink Line & Photos with Santa: Saturday, December 13 📷

Forest Park (Blue Line): 2:45pm to 3:40pm

O’Hare (Blue Line): 5:45pm to 6:45pm

Red and Purple Lines & Photos with Santa Saturday, December 20 📷

Departing:

• Howard to 95^th/Dan Ryan at 12:36 
• 95^th/Dan Ryan to Linden at 3:21
• Linden to Howard at 6:51Saturday, December 20

Howard (Red Line): 11:15am to 12pm

For a complete schedule, as well as the CTA bus schedule, click here. As the holidays come closer, a special holiday tracker will keep track of all holiday trains and buses .

The CTA Holiday Bus History and Today

Day or night, the commutes of thousands and the streets of Chicago’s neighborhoods are made merry with the CTA Holiday Bus. 

When you hear holiday music playing and a jolly “Ho-ho-ho!” from down the street, look up and you’ll see Santa waving and greeting all the good boys and girls of Chicago from the roof hatch of the bus. 

A holiday tradition since 2014, this 60-foot bus has been transformed by CTA employees into a winter wonderland to say “thank you” to customers and bring added cheer during the holiday season.

The exterior of the bus features the Christkindlmarket and famous sights around Chicago including the Bean, the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel and Buckingham Fountain.

NOTE: Riders who wish to take photos with Santa on board the bus are encouraged to do so only when the vehicle is stopped, and ideally, just before exiting through the rear doors.  

The CTA Holiday Bus will make stops throughout Chicago’s neighborhood bus routes. For a complete schedule, click here. 

Happy Holidays, Everyone!

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago