THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – A Slew of Magical Holiday Cheer for All to Enjoy!
This weekend continues to provide a slew of magical and fun holiday cheer for all to enjoy as we enter the last month of 2024 by celebrating our final, upcoming holidays of the year!
Opening this weekend at Gallagher Way (3637 N. Clark St.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood is Winterland at Gallagher Way through December 22 (weekends only). This free event is open to the public and will host a variety of seasonal activities that include a holiday train ride, bumper cars, photos with Santa, learning to make your own wreath, live music, carnival rides (beginning next weekend), holiday movie screenings on select Thursdays in December, and food/beverages available for purchase which also include seasonal themed items. And even though the annual Christkindlmarket is taking a hiatus this year, there will be a Winter Market with a wide variety of vendors selling everything from home décor to seasonal baked goods, jewelry, candles, giftable items, and more. It’s a perfect place to meet up with family and friends for some holiday cheer!
Returning to the Merchandise Mart (222 Merchandise Mart Plaza) on the Near North Side for its 23rd year is the One of a Kind Holiday Show this Saturday (10 a.m.-7p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m.-5 p.m.). Find thousands of handmade products across 20 categories from over 600 exceptional artists, designers and makers offering unique, handmade gifts for everyone on your list. In addition, check out some live music and other activities throughout the weekend as well as chatting with the artists themselves. Plus, a portion of this year’s ticket sales will benefit the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. It’s one of Chicago’s premier holiday shopping destinations!
Back by popular demand for its 7th year, Elf’d Up returns to the Stretch Bar & Grill (3485 N. Clark St.) in the Wrigleyville neighborhood now through December 31. This pop-up is based on the 2003 holiday movie Elf with a full-blown tribute by decorating the establishment from floor to ceiling with over 1,000 elves of all shapes and sizes, a 10-foot Christmas tree, an upside-down Christmas tree, strands of festive colored lights, cut outs of Buddy the Elf and Miles Finch, and much more. In addition, each table will have condiments of the “four main food groups” – candy, candy canes, candy corn, and syrup. And don’t forget your complimentary fresh elf-shaped cookie being handed out at 10 p.m. I’ve heard that this event is the best way to spread Christmas cheer by singing loud for all to hear!
Explore rich holiday traditions from around the globe at Christmas Around the World now through January 6 (9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.) at the Museum of Science and Industry (5700 S. Lake Shore Dr.) in the Hyde Park neighborhood. Every year, the museum puts up its four-story, floor-to-dome Grand Tree and surrounds it with over 50 trees representing Chicago’s various communities and their respective holiday celebrations. Visitors can also take in more seasonal cheer at the Holidays of Light exhibit. A regular museum ticket will cover access to both these Holiday events. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience all under one roof!
This holiday season, step into a wonderland at Chicagoland’s longest-running lights festival featuring more than two million twinkling LED lights at the 43rd annual Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo now through December 31 (3 p.m.-9 p.m.) This festive atmosphere features enchanting scenes that come to life with giant illuminated animals, a dazzling tunnel show, captivating walkthrough displays, two new immersive displays – Candy Cane Lane and Sparkling Coast, Santa, and much more. It’s a magical experience for the whole family to enjoy!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
