Creating special memories is such an important part of the holiday season. Thanks to the upcoming December Free Days at many Chicago area museums, you and your family can create extra special memories, find extra-special gifts and save money! 

Located on the Museum Campus, the Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive,  Illinois residents can enjoy free admission (with proof of residency) every Wednesday from 4pm to 10 pm.  

Wednesday tickets include entry to the museum at one of the designated entry times, 4pm or 7pm (last admission 9pm). You may enter anytime after your chosen entry time, and up to the next designated entry time.

NOTE: Admission is always free for Illinois teachers.  

Make sure to book online and in advance by clicking here.

In the Loop, The Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Avenue offers Free Weekdays, from December 1 – 18. 

To receive free admission tickets, Illinois residents must reserve online in advance. Free admission is available from 11 a.m. through closing (5 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and 8 p.m. on Thursdays).

It’s the perfect time to take in special collections like Strange Realities, with haunting works by Munch, Redon, and Gauguin through January 5, Elizabeth Catlett: “A Black Revolutionary Artist and All That It Implies” through January 4, and Raqib Shaw: Paradise Lost through January 19.

NOTE: The museum is always free for Chicago teens under age 18, all children under age 14, Link and WIC cardholders, active-duty military, and Illinois educators. To reserve tickets, click here. 

Lincoln Park’s Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark Street, helps you explore both Chicago and American history at their upcoming Illinois resident Free Day on Wednesday, December 10.

Note: Throughout the year, admission is always free for active-duty military and active-duty Chicago police and firefighters, Illinois teachers, Illinois residents under age 18, and all children under 12. For tickets, click here. 

Washington Park’s DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center, 740 E. 56th Place,  offers free entry on select dates and for certain groups.

There’s free admission for all every Wednesday.

Note: Admission is always free for military and first responders, University of Chicago students, Chicago Park District employees, Illinois public school students, and other groups. For tickets and information, click here.

Streeterville’s Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Avenue, reserves every Tuesday from 5pm – 9pm for Illinois residents to receive free admission 

Note: The museum is always free for visitors under age 18, visitors with disabilities and their caregivers, active members of the military, police, and fire departments, veterans and their families, and Illinois elementary and high school teachers. 

And …If it’s not Tuesday evening, MCA has a pay-what-you-can policy — no one will be turned away.

Pilsen’s National Museum of Mexican Art. 1852 W. 19th Street, is always free! Their Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) exhibit remains open through December 14, showcasing ofrendas (altars) by local and national artists, and an immersive installation designed by the youth artists of Yollocalli Arts Reach. On Saturday December  6, the museum hosts Mañanas en el Museo, their sensory-friendly hours from 9am –11am. Light refreshments will be provided. For moreinformation, click here. 

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive. Every Thursday is free for Illinois residents at this Lincoln Park destination for nature enthusiasts and families seeking to connect with the diverse ecology of Chicago and beyond. Suggested donations are $10 on free days. For tickets and information, click here. 

Another Museum Campus favorite is the venerable Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive.  Illinois residents free access to all permanent exhibits on select dates throughout the year. In December, you can enjoy free Tuesday evenings from 5pm- 9pm Monday December 9th and 16th. 

Illinois Resident Free Hours include access to all exhibits and seasonal Stingray Touch.

And…Admission is always free for Chicago police officers and firefighters, active-duty U.S. military personnel, and educators from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

NOTE: There is a $5 convenience fee per order for Free Hours reservations made online. 

HOWEVER, you can reserve tickets by phone with no convenience fee by calling 312-939-2438. 

Andersonville’s Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark Street, has free admission every second Tuesday of the month throughout the year, and Children aged 1 year or younger are admitted free every day they are open. Their current exhibit, We Are America, explores Swedish immigration to Chicago. There are environmental displays such as the deck of a steamship, a 19^th century Swedish stuga (cottage), an early 20^th century Swedish-American woodshop, and a mid-century Swedish-American kitchen. 

If you plan on visiting with a group of 10 or more, it is highly recommended that you contact the museum so that they can accommodate you for a guided or self-guided tour.  For more information, click here. 

And a reminder…though not a museum, Lincoln Park Zoo, 2400 N. Cannon Drive, offers free admission 365 days a year. Discover fascinating wildlife, make unforgettable memories, and embrace the thrill of the wild. And through January 4, for $7 per person,  you can experience the magic of ZooLights!

Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago

It’s sure getting cold out in Chicago! We’ve just received 10 inches of snow this last week—a sign that the cold weather is settling in after a warmer-than-usual Fall. Here are a few simple tricks to keep your home nice and toasty this season (and save a few dollars too). 

Clear clogged gutters. Clogged gutters on your home in the winter are one of the most damaging things. Ice and snow will melt in the sun, and if the water has nowhere to go, it will creep up the roof and refreeze, forming an ice dam. This will damage your roof and even the interior of your home. Hopefully you were able to do this before you got a lot of snow or cold. Another tip to keep the outside safe is covering any exterior faucets or spigots, after draining them first. 

Keep using your ceiling fan. If you have ceiling fans you can still use them in the winter! Simply reverse to spin clockwise and run at low speed. This pushes down the warm air hanging out at the ceiling.

Install some weather-stripping tape. Apply around door frames and windows to eliminate leaks. Even easier is weather sealing tape that can be applied directly to frames and windows, then removed as weather warms. 

Stick a doorstopper in your exterior doors. No door holds perfectly tight without letting some cold air seep in. A door stopper is a simple and effective solution. 

Use vent covers. Your heating vents push warm air into rooms, but they can also allow drafts and a loss of warm air if the room is not in use. A few magnetic vent covers can block off vents not in use and are easily removed if needed.

Cover your chimneys and fireplaces. These two are draft central in the winter! A chimney balloon will block these, and a fireplace plug for fireplaces is a great idea to keep that heat in. 

Insulate any exterior pipes. If you have a kitchen sink that’s on an exterior wall you know those pipes can freeze in extremely cold weather. Use some insulating foam tubes. If it’s a particularly cold night, prop open the cabinet to let warmer air in (especially overnight). 

Install an a/c cover. If your window air conditioners stay in over the winter, this is crucial. Use some weather sealing tape or weather stripping around the window. 

Apply window film. Window film kits are inexpensive and really work. Apply and shrink tight to the window with a hair dryer. Add some heavy thermal curtains to keep everything warm and cozy all winter. 

Keep the attic from stealing your heat. If you have pull-down stairs to your attic, install an attic stairway cover to prevent all your heat ending up in the attic. 

Save energy with a water heater blanket. Your water heater most likely is located in a cooler part of your house, so insulating it will keep your hot water hot for less money!

Do you have any tips to keep the house warmer this winter?

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago

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.