Cocktails & Capone
Wed, Dec 5, 6P, Chicago History Museum, 1601 North Clark Street (Old Town Triangle) $40
Transport back to the 1920s with Al Capone's great niece! She'll share intriguing family stories while you sip on complimentary cocktails from Templeton Rye Whiskey & celebrate the 79th anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition (Dec 5th, 1933). www.chicagohistory.org/planavisit/upcomingevents/special-events/cocktails-and-capone
Ugly Sweater Holiday Party
Wed., Dec. 5, 8P, Division Ale House 1942 W. Division St. Wicker Park, Free 773-384-6886
The regular draft list is replaced by brews from California’s Lagunitas Brewing Company, with brewery reps on site to discuss their beers. Wearing ugly holiday sweaters is encouraged. www.divisionalehouse.com
(Ragstock has some great Ugly Christmas Sweaters www.thesweaterstore.com or ragstock.com / Lakeview, Wicker Park, Schaumburg, Oak Brook)
Geneva Park Dist's - Santa's Workshop
Sat., Dec. 8, 10A, Sunset Community Center, 710 Western Ave., Geneva, $18-$27 | 630-232-4542
One of Santa's elves helps children ages 3-4 make handmade crafts from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and children ages 5-8 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. www.genevaparks.org/
Stories With Santa
Sat., Dec. 8, 10A-3P, River Forest Public Library , 735 Lathrop Ave., FREE!, 708-366-5205
Santa visits the River Forest Public Library for their annual holiday program for children features stories with their talented librarians, crafts in our meeting room, and visits & pictures with Santa upstairs by the fireplace. Bring your camera to have a keepsake of your own! www.riverforestlibrary.org
Family Holiday Party
Sat., Dec. 8, 3P, Kids Plus at Courts Plus 186 S. West Ave. Elmhurst, $5-$15 per family | 630-993-8900
Families can have a meet-and-greet with Santa while making holiday crafts and enjoying snacks and entertainment. www.courts-plus.com/kids-plus
Hanukah Party
Sun., Dec. 9, 4:30P - 5:30P, Congregation Beth Shalom, 3433 Walters Ave. Northbrook Free. RSVP,
The celebration for families with special needs includes sing-alongs, games, latkes, jelly donuts, candle lighting and storytelling. 847-498-4100 www.bethshalomnb.org/article.aspx?id=12884909523
ONGOING HOLIDAY EVENTS ----------------------------------------------
It's a Wonderful Life: Live at the Biograph
Now thru Dec. 30, Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. in Lincoln Park, $19-$49 | 773-871-3000
From the original director and Ensemble that bring this holiday tradition to Chicago since 2002. Join the American Blues family as we take you back to a 1940s radio broadcast of Frank Capra’s holiday classic—It’s a Wonderful Life with live Foley sound effects, an original score, and a stellar cast of eight that bring the entire town of Bedford Falls to life. From the moment you walk through the doors, you will be transported back to the Golden Age of Radio and experience the story of George Bailey like never before.
www.victorygardens.org/onstage/abt.php
Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier
Now thru Sun, Jan 6, Navy Pier 600 East Grand Avenue, Chicago, (312) 595-7437
Celebrate the holidays in a 170,000 square foot winter playground indoors! Enjoy ice- skating, rides, holiday attractions, rides, music, entertainment and more all from one of the city's best spots! FREE Admission but you need wristband for rides & attractions. www.winterwonderfest.com
17th Annual Christkindlmarket
Now thru Christmas Eve Mon, Dec 24, Daley Plaza
Experience a traditional German Christmas at the 17th Annual Christkindlmarket, inspired by the famous Nuremberg Christmas market dating back to 1545.This outdoor market offers exquisite handmade gifts, unique ornaments, rare European fabrics and German delicacies like brats, goulash, potato pancakes, cookies & Gluhwein (a warm spiced wine). www.christkindlmarket.com
UL Santa House
Now thru Christmas Eve Mon, Dec 24, Daley Plaza (Santa's visiting hours vary)
A photographer is on duty and visitors can download their free photos when they visit the UL website, www.safetyathome.com. However, you may use your personal camera.
Lincoln Park Zoo ~ ZooLights
Now thru Jan 6, from 5–9P
Join LPZ for the brilliance of this annual fun, free, family-oriented holiday celebration, featuring luminous displays and holiday-season activities throughout zoo grounds. We’ll flip the on switch for the free holiday fun on Fri, Nov 23. Afterward, ZooLights will shine each Friday–Sunday until December 26, at which point the lights will stay on nightly until January 6. (Santa heads back to the North Pole after December 23, however.) www.lpzoo.org/events/calendar/zoolights
The Blue Island Light Parade
Sat, Dec 1, 5:30P, Western Ave, Parade route is along Western Ave & travels south from Union to Vermont
Join the Blue Island Park District and ALL of Santa’s helpers in Blue Island as we parade down Western Avenue in honor of the upcoming winter season.
Aurora Festival of Lights Phillips Park
Now thru Wed, Dec, 26, 5–9P, 615 S Smith Blvd, Aurora, IL FREE
Take a drive through a winter wonderland of animated displays, lighted tunnels, a forest full of lights and so much more! www.aurorafestivaloflights.com
Winter Wonderland Holiday Light Show
Now thru Mon, Dec 31, 6-10P, 1350 N Milwaukee Ave, Vernon Hills, $5-$10, (847)362-3042
Drive through the grounds of the Cuneo Estate are covered brightly lit figures of animals, elves and characters from children’s stories. The holiday display is a delightful family outing or romantic date.
www.vernonhills.org/special_events/WinterWonderland.asp
Santa's Reindeer at Chalet Garden Center
Now thru Sun, Dec, 16, 3132 Lake Avenue, Wilmette, 847-256-0561
Santa's reindeer are collecting all wish lists! Bring your wish list to Chalet by Sunday, December 16th and the reindeer will be sure to get it to the North Pole for Santa. www.chaletnursery.com/events-schedule.cfm
2nd Annual Downers Grove’s Gingerbread Festival & Visit with Santa
Now thru Mon, Dec 31, Downtown Downers Grove, Main & Curtiss St., Free | 630-725-0991
Downtown Downers Grove is offering something for all ages to enjoy: Gingerbread Story-time, Tree Lighting Ceremony, Gingerbread Man Hunt, Gingerbread House Contest, visits with Santa in his Gingerbread House, Small Business Saturday, Gingerbread Boy and Girl perusing town, and Complimentary Carriage Rides.
Art Institute Holiday Choral Series
Mon, Dec 3-14, 12P, Art Institute of Chicago, Free with museum admission
Listen as medleys of carols from Chicagoland high school students fill the museum with holiday cheer. December 3: Orpheus Choir (Olivet Nazarene University)
www.artic.edu/event/holiday-choral-series?did=0
Santa at Woodfield Mall
Now thru Mon, Dec 24 - 5 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, IL, 847-330-1537
This holiday season take an enchanted journey into a magical world at the Ice Palace. This immersive winter wonderland features a soaring 22’ dome, a magical snow and light show and amazing polar footage from BBC Earth. Santa is available during all mall hours & generally breaks* for milk and cookies from 12-12:30P & 6-6:30P. Sign Language Santa, Grand Court Thurs, Dec 6 12:30P-9P. www.shopwoodfield.com/santaphotos
Pretend You're On Ice! & Snow Much Fun!
Now thru Sun Nov. 25 - Chicago Children's Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave. @ Navy Pier
Free with museum admission, $11-$12 | 312-527-1000
Build snow forts, throw snowballs and ice skate - all indoors - at this daily winter tradition at the museum. Skate in your socks, build ice forts and start a friendly snowball fight. No mittens required to enjoy these winter pastimes! www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org
Millennium Park Ice Rink Opens
Now thru mid-march 2013, Millennium Park, FREE
It's time to lace up and get out on the ice! Skate in the heart of downtown; skate rental available for $10. www.explorechicago.org/city/en/things_see_do/event_landing/events/dca_tourism/mccormick_tribune0.html
Rink at Wrigley
Seasonal depending in weather, Adults $5, Kids $3, Skate Rental $5
Due to the unusually high temperatures the rink will be closed Sunday, December 2 and Monday, December 3.
For the fourth consecutive year, an ice skating rink will welcome skaters to the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field this winter, thanks to the generosity of the Ricketts family and Chicago Cubs Charities, the City of Chicago, the Chicago Park District, Central Lakeview Merchants, local businesses and community groups.
www.chicago.cubs.mlb.com/chc/community/rink_at_wrigley.jsp
Christmas Around the World & Holidays of Light
Now thru Sun, Jan 6, Museum of Science & Industry, 5700 S Lake Shore Dr. Chicago (773)684-1414
The Museum halls will be decked, holiday singers and dancers will fuel the festivities, and the sparkle of dozens of decorated trees will greet you at the annual Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light. www.msichicago.org/whats-here/exhibits/christmas-around-the-world/
'The Polar Express' Breakfast at The Shedd
Sat, Dec. 8, 15 & 22, 8A-11A, Shedd Aquarium, $44.95; $34.95 for kids 3-11 | 312-939-2438
First, you’ll enjoy a buffet. Then it’s “All aboard!” for a private viewing of the 15-minute The Polar Express 4-D Experience, followed by a drawing for special prizes. Your holiday fun continues with a visit to Shedd's children's exhibit, the Polar Play Zone, where you can meet Santa, have your photo taken with him and receive a gift, and finish your special day with reserved seats to A Holiday Fantasea. www.sheddaquarium.org
CONCERTS ----------------------------------------------
Dave Mathews Band Wed 12/5 7P United Center $38-83
Air Supply Fri 12/7 7P Arcada Theater (St. Charles) $40-85
Johnny Mathis Sat 12/8 7P Akoo Theater (Rosemont) $65-95
Trans Siberian Orchestra Sat 12/8 3P/8P Allstate Arena $31-70
Daughtry w/ 3 Doors Down Sun 12/9 7P Akoo Theater (Rosemont) $51-71
THEATER & COMEDY ----------------------------------------------
A Klingon Christmas Carol
Sat, Dec 1 - 30, The Raven Theater, 6157 North Clark Street, Chicago (Edgewater Glen), $20-35
CHICAGO’S NEWEST HOLIDAY TRADITION IS BACK! Scrooge has no honor, nor any courage. Can three ghosts help him to become the true warrior he ought to be in time to save Tiny Tim from a horrible fate? Performed in the Original Klingon with English Supertitles, and narrative analysis from The Vulcan Institute of Cultural Anthropology.As always, the show is presented with English Super-Titles for those who do not speak tlhIngan Hol (The Klingon Language) fluently. (Fri 11/30/12 Preview $10) www.cbtheatre.org
Jeff Garlin's - Closer Than I Appear
Tues, Dec 4 thru Sun, Dec 16, 8P, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, $25
Laugh out loud with the star of HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm AND Second City Alum Jeff Garlin at this stand-up comedy show you won't want to miss.
www.steppenwolf.org/Plays-Events/productions/index.aspx?id=582
A Christmas Carol
Now thru thru Sat, Dec 29, Goodman Theatre, $21.50-57
Charles Dickens' timeless tale returns to the stage for its 35th anniversary. A holiday staple, this show is the perfect family event during the holiday season. www.goodmantheatre.org/season/A-Christmas-Carol/
Mrs. Claus, A Holiday Musical
Now thru Dec 21, Beverly Arts Center- Chicago Kids Company, 2407 W. 111th Street, Chicago, 773-205-9600
Chicago Kids Company's Holiday Classic returns for the 14th year! Their biggest and most colorful show will put you in the Holiday Spirit in no time. Join the new Elf Class of 2012 as they try to find the missing "List" in time for Christmas. Will Mrs. Claus save the day? Performances at: 10:30A weekdays, with an additional performance at 12:00pm on select weekdays. Sat, Dec 8 & Sun, Dec 16 at 1P.
'Twas the Night Before Christmas -
Now thru Sat, Dec 15, Theatre at The Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, IN, 219-836-3255
Come celebrate the season with this timeless musical classic. Join the family fun as the excitement builds on Christmas Eve. Laugh and sing-a-long! Running Time: 1 Hour. www.theatreatthecenter.com
SPORTS ----------------------------------------------
BULLS
vs Indiana Pacers ~ Tues 12/4 @ 7P HOME
vs New York Knicks ~ Sat 12/8 @ 7P HOME
WOLVES (Allstate Arena, Rosemont)
vs Grand Rapids Griffins ~ Fri 12/7 7.30P HOME
