Windy City Events

Dance it Yourself Nutcracker: Dance Center Evanston (Sun. 12/20, 2pm)

If you’ve sat through one too many Nutcracker ballets in your day, and just want to bring the kids to something a little more interactive, then this audience participatory version is just for you and the family! Dance it Yourself Nutcracker provides impromptu costumes and props, and mother/daughter team Angela Allyn and Tess Dinerstein will guide you through a loose interpretation of the storyline.  Its all about getting involved with this holiday classic that we all know and love; this time its just a lot more fun! › Continue reading

(500) Days of Summer: Gene Siskel Film Center (Fri. 12/18, 6pm and Sun. 5:15)

If you haven’t seen it yet, or if you loved it enough to see it again, then do go see the fabulous indie romance, (500) Days of Summer at the Gene Siskel Film Center this Friday. This quirky, unexpected take on relationships, staring Zoey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, explores the rise and fall on one couple, and how everyone can eventually find love if they are open to the possibility. › Continue reading

Gallery Talk: “Challenging Vision”: Chicago Cultural Center (Thurs. 12/17, 12:15pm)

Get a behind the scenes look at the curatorial approach of Barbara Crane’s photography retrospective at the Chicago Cultural Center.  This gallery talk will be led by curator Whitney Bradshaw, and will explore the sixty years worth of Chicago photography by Crane, who recently turned 81 and is finally being honored with her own show! The mix of black and white and colored pictures offer an intriguing look at Chicago’s past; the people and the city that inspired Barbara Crane.

Location:
Chicago Cultural Center
Exhibit Hall
78 E. Washington St
Chicago, IL 60602

Admission:
FREE

Ugliest Holiday Sweater Contest: Timmy O’Toole’s (Fri. 12/11, 9pm)

You know you have one- one with a sparkly snow scene, red and green plaid, or maybe some holiday kittens?  Its time to dig up your ugliest holiday sweater for Timmy O’Toole’s Ugliest Holiday Sweater Contest.   One winner will receive a $200 gift certificate to Water Tower Place.  Drink specials for the night include $8 buckets of domestic beer.  Its an opportunity to get some use out of that God awful Christmas gift from your great aunt Pam, and actually enjoy it! She’ll be so happy. › Continue reading

ZooLights: Lincoln Park Zoo (Daily 12/11-12/13 and 12/18-1/3, 5-9pm)

Lions and tigers and bears and lights! Lincoln Park Zoo comes alive with the holiday spirit this month, with a daily display of Christmas lights and activities.  The entire zoo is covered with over two million lights.  The zoo grounds will also host ice carvings, Christmas activities for the kids, and visits from Santa.  ZooLights is a Chicago Christmas tradition, and a spectacle not to be missed this holiday season. › Continue reading

Bears, Bulls and Beers: Joe’s Bar (Mon. 12/7, 7pm)

So the Bears aren’t playing this Monday, but here’s something even better for the Monday Night football fan.  You can hang out with Bears players, Charles Tillman and Alex Brown, as well as Bulls player Tyrus Thomas at Joe’s Bar, while watching the Baltimore Ravens play the Green Bay Packers! And you thought you and your buddies were intense about the games- just you wait.  Drinks specials include $1 Coors Light Bottles- so maybe you can buy Tyrus, Charles, and Alex a round! › Continue reading

Breakfast with Santa: Soldier Field (Sat. 12/5, 10am)

Bring the kiddies to meet Santa this Saturday at 10am at Soldier Field.  Tickets are $50 for adults and $25 for children ages 3-12.  (Under 3 are free.)  The morning will include brunch in the usually exclusive United Club, and some quality time with the man of honor- Santa of course- who will be joined by Chicago Bears player Jerry Azumah.  Christmas activities will abound, with cookie decorating and an ornament-making contest.  A toy drive will also occur, and guests are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to donate to the Connie Payton Foundation.  Christmas is only three weeks away- what better time for a day with Santa Claus and Christmas fun for the kids!

Chicago’s Largest Singles New Year’s Eve Party (Thurs. 12/31, 8pm-2am)

Hoping to find a kiss at midnight but not celebrating New Years Eve with a significant other?  Well then the biggest singles party in the city is where you should be.  Cagney’s in Lincoln Park will be hosting Chicago’s Largest Singles New Year’s Eve Party.  Dress to impress for a night of mingling in the New Year, with group activities, appetizers, party favors, $5,000 in door prizes, and a cash bar.  Tickets are $39 before Dec. 14^th, $49 after, and $69 at the door. › Continue reading

Chicago Printmaker’s Collaborative, 20th International Small Print Show (12/5 & 12/6)

Support local artists and find a unique holiday gift- or maybe something for yourself, at the grand opening party of the Chicago Printmaker’s Collaborative annual holiday sale.  Over sixty Chicago artists will be featured, and artists will be present to talk about their work or just chat over some hot cider at this cozy neighborhood event in Lincoln Square.  It’s a great opportunity to connect with local artists and see what exciting things are being produced by Chicago’s printmaking community. › Continue reading

World of Chocolate: Hilton Chicago (Thurs. 12/3, 6-10pm)

Commemorate World AIDS day and enjoy special treats from over thirty chocolatiers, restaurants and caterers.  This charity event, held at the Hilton Chicago in West Loop will include cocktails, an appetizer buffet, a holiday bazaar featuring unique, handmade gifts from Zimbabwe, and raffle prizes.  DJ Mark Picchiotti will provide the entertainment for the evening.  Tickets are $75-$100. › Continue reading