EVENTS ----------------------------------------------
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
Downton Abbey Kickoff Party & Tea
Sat, Jan 5, 4P, Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St. Naperville,15-50
If you're a fan of Downton Abbey then you have to be at this event to celebrate the premiere of season three on Sun @ 8P on WTTW 11. Enjoy tea, Downton-inspired activities and a thrilling round of trivia with fellow fans.
http://www.napersettlement.museum/Calendar.aspx?EID=724&month=1&year=2013&day=5&calType=0
ONGOING HOLIDAY EVENTS ----------------------------------------------
Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier
***LAST WEEKEND*** 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
Christmas Around the World & Holidays of Light
***LAST WEEKEND*** Now thru Sun, Jan 6, Museum of Science & Industry
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/
Lincoln Park Zoo ~ ZooLights
***LAST WEEKEND*** 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
CONCERTS, THEATER & COMEDY ----------------------------------------------
Shatner’s World Fri 1/4 8P Paramount Theatre, Aurora
Marc Cohn Wed&Thurs 1/9&10 8P City Winery
10,000 Maniacs Fri 1/18 8P City Winery
COMEDY
Carlos Mencia
Sat & Sun, Jan 4-5, 8P &10:30P, UP Comedy Club, Piper's Alley, $30
Join the TV personality & stand-up favorite Carlos Mencia to ring in the New Year!
www.upcomedyclub.com/show_right.cfm?id=196509&cart
12th Annual Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival
Thurs- Sun, Jan 3-13, Stage 773 - 1225 W. Belmont Ave (Lakeview), $14-15 ($150 pass for all shows)
Start the New Year off on a hilarious note by snagging tickets to the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival, which is the largest sketch festival in the world. Showcasing more than 800 artists performing more than 170 shows on 4 different stages, the world's largest sketch comedy festival will celebrate its 12th hilarious year in Chicago! taking place over 8 days, so you'll have to pick and choose which ones to see. www.chicagosketchfest.com
The Second City Guide to the Opera
Sat, Jan 5, 8P, Lyric Opera of Chicago, $40
Co-hosted by Renee Fleming & Patrick Stewart (Jean-Luc Picard & Prof. X), this funny & fabulous evening will entertain opera fans AND those who love to laugh! www.lyricopera.org/tickets/production.aspx?pid=11014
Sandra Bernhard: I Love Being Me, Don't You?
Fri & Sat, Jan 4-5, 8P, City Winery 1200 W Randolph St Chicago, $45-65
