APOCALYPSA: TOYS FOR TOTS FUNDRAISER / END OF THE WORLD PARTY
Fri, Dec 21, 7P-12A, Portage Theater 4050 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, ALL AGES! (Bar 21+ w/ ID), $5 Suggested Donation
Wondering where to go for the Apocalypse? The Portage Theater, 4050 N. Milwaukee Ave., hosts Apocalypsa, on Dec 21 at 7pm, an all-ages “end of the world” party and fundraiser benefiting Toys for Tots.
Featuring live music performances by:
The Earth Program http://earthprogram.net
The Sweeps http://facebook.com/TheSweeps
Jennifer Hall http://jenniferhall.com/
The Black Tape http://theblacktape.com/
Doleful Lions http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doleful_Lions
Peekaboos http://facebook.com/peekaboosmusic
Bill Tucker (solo) http://billtucker.net/
Holiday Wasteland: a collection of xmas/holiday themed cartoons, clips & shorts ranging from the absurdly obscure to cult classics
Wrappin Raffle: enter for a chance to win radical prizes!
All Proceeds to be donated to Toys for Tots!
http://www.portagetheater.org/Events/160/apocalypsa-toys-for-tots-fundraiser-end-of-the-world-party/
Teen Gingerbread House Making
Fri., Dec. 21, 3:30P, River Forest Public Library 735 Lathrop Ave,River Forest FREE
Children and teens in grades 5 and up make gingerbread houses. http://www.riverforestlibrary.org/
Friday Night Lights: Polar Party
Fri., Dec. 21, 5:30P, Lincoln Park Zoo, $13-$16
Kids ages 4 and 5 can explore polar animals at this program that runs in conjunction with the ZooLights festival. Children learn to communicate like a penguin, walk like a bear and more. Explore the world of polar bears, grey seals, puffins and penguins, and learn how these animals survive in frigid polar habitats. Advance registration is required. http://www.lpzoo.org/education/programs/friday-night-lights
The Wizard School Scavenger Hunt
Sat., Dec. 22, 2P, Art Institute of Chicago, $30; $15 for kids ages 10-13; includes museum admission
Search for art that echoes characters, places and enchanted objects in the Harry Potter books and movies.
http://www.watsonadventures.com/public/event/the-wizard-school-scavenger-hunt/
Westfield Old Orchard Ice Skating
Now thru through February, Westfield Old Orchard, Skokie
For a truly winter wonderland experience, Westfield has opened an ice skating rink. The Ice rink is housed near Bloomingdales priced by the hour at $12 per person including skate rental or $10 per person if you bring your own personal skates. Hours are noon to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Holiday hours may be extended. www.westfield.com/oldorchard for details.
Magic
Now thru Jan 6, Chicago History Museum 1601 N. Clark St., Lincoln Park, Kids free; $14; $12 seniors
This exhibit explores the history of magic and incorporates live magic shows, an artifacts display and an interactive theater experience. The exhibit runs through January 6, 2013. Live magic shows to accompany the exhibit take place on weekends. www.chicagohs.org/planavisit/exhibitions/magic
Southwest Holiday Trolley Tour
Now thru Dec 22, 10A, Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture, $10
The 63rd Street Growth Commission hosts this trolley tour where you will visit the city's Southwest side, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, and do some shopping. http://holidaytour.eventbrite.com/
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.
29th Annual Music Box Christmas Show
Now thru 24th at 6:40pm, Music Box Theatre, $12-20
Enjoy screenings of White Christmas & It's A Wonderful Life at one of the most popular Christmas events in Chicago. www.musicboxtheatre.com/collections/29th-annual-music-box-christmas-show
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
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
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, 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 ----------------------------------------------
Martina McBride Fri 12/21 8P Chicago Theatre $36-76
THEATER & COMEDY ----------------------------------------------
War Horse
Now thru January 5th at 7:30pm, Cadillac Palace Theatre, $27-87
The Tony Award-winning play finally comes to Chicago. Set during World War I, watch the story of a boy and his horse reunite in the middle of war.
www.broadwayinchicago.com/shows_dyn.php?cmd=display_current&display_showtag=warhorse12
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Now thru 30th at 8pm, Akoo Theatre, $30-75
The Radio City Rockettes make their return to Chicago even more spectacular than before! This year the Rockettes will perform 5 new numbers, there will be new sets, costumes and an overall bigger & better show than years past- be sure not to miss this!
www.rosemonttheatre.com/radio_city_christmas_spectacular.php
A Christmas Carol
Now 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/
The Book of Mormon
Now thru June, Bank of America Theatre, $45-115
Try to snag tickets to one of the best new musicals in years! Written by the creators of South Park, you'll laugh a lot at this Tony Award-winning play. www.broadwayinchicago.com
A Klingon Christmas Carol
Now thru Dec 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
SPORTS ----------------------------------------------
BEARS
Sun, Dec 23 @ Arizona Cardinals / 3:25 pm EST
Sun, Dec 30 @ Detroit Lions / 1P
BULLS
Fri, Dec 21 @ New York Knicks / 6.30P
Sat, Dec 22 @ Atlanta Hawks / 6P
Tue, Dec 25 @ Houston Rockets / 7P
Wed, Dec 26 @ Indiana Pacers / 6P
