November-December 2009 Chicago Events | What's Happening in Chicago this Holiday Season | Visitor Things To Do from Chicago Traveler
There’s No Place like Chicago for the Holidays!
The holiday season is once again upon us. This magical, wonderful time of year is anticipated by all and makes everyone feel young at heart and full of joy. Here in Chicago there are so many ways to bring the spirit of the holidays to yyour family. With this season’s Highlights, let us show you some of the best that the city has to offer!
Chicago Holiday Theatre: See a Classic
The holidays are a great time to see a theatre production that captures the spirit of the season. Classic tales evoke the themes that we have come to equate with the holidays: family, love, goodwill and peace, to name a few. This year, watch your favorite show come to life on stage! There are many from which to choose, and all will fill you with that inner glow that is so unique to this time of year.
A Christmas Carol: Goodman Theatre, November 20th-December 31st.
The Goodman Theatre's production of A Christmas Carol is sure to delight.
The story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his three ghostly visitors is a timeless
tale that reminds us what is really important in life.
Miracle on 34th Street: Porchlight Music Theatre, November 20th-January
3rd.
What holiday season would be complete without Miracle on 34th Street? The
Porchlight Music Theatre's rendition of this classic will have you, too,
believing in Santa Claus. This one is truly a feel-good experience for the
entire family.
Nutcracker: Joffrey Ballet, December 11th-27th.
Every year, audiences flock to see the Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker.
Seeing the Joffrey's version of this Tchaikovsky masterpiece has truly
become a Chicago tradition. Hailed as "a perfect ballet" by the Washington
Post, this masterpiece brings to life the beautiful Land of Snow and the
magical Kingdom of Sweets. The ballet features local children's choruses
and over 120 dancers.
Dance Along Nutcracker: Chicago Cultural Center, December 6th.
For a different way to experience the Nutcracker, visit the Chicago
Cultural Center for the Dance Along Nutcracker. Open to adults and
children and free for all, you can glide onto the dance floor with
characters from the ballet and learn dance steps; be a part of the fun
instead of simply watching!
A
Nutty Nutcracker Christmas: Emerald City Theatre, November 14th-January
2nd.
The Emerald City Theatre has a show especially for kids: A Nutty
Nutcracker Christmas. This show is a great way to introduce kids to this
famous ballet, in a way that both inspires and entertains them. With
special songs, bright costumes and lively acting, adults and kids alike
will have the time of their lives.
City Hall Holiday Concert Series, December 1st-18th.
City Hall invites area children's choirs to participate in the City
Hall Holiday Concert Series with performances every weekday from noon to
1:00pm. Enjoy beautiful renditions of holiday classics in the lobby near
the LaSalle Street entrance.
Center for Performing Arts, Governor's State University Holiday
Performances, December 5th-19th.
The Center for Performing Arts' Holiday Performances offer something
for everyone. Reminisce with a sing-a-long performance of 50's and 60's
hits and holiday songs at Holiday Hop. Scrooge is on stage with the
Center's performance of A Christmas Carol. Young children will enjoy 'Twas
the Night Before Christmas. Be sure to check the Center's website for a
complete list of performances.
See our entire List of Chicago Holiday Events for 2009.
Make Memories: Holiday Traditions in the Windy City
Chicago is full of traditions; every season there are recurring events that have come to symbolize a certain time of year in the city. The holidays are no exception. There are dozens of great holiday events that bring families closer together and let everyone fully take part in the fun of the season. With so many exciting things going on, you’ll wish the holiday season could last all year long!
Santa's House: Daley Plaza, November 25th through December 24th.
Several free events take place in Daley Plaza; one of these is Santa's
House, where crowds flock to meet the big jolly guy. Come meet him and
give him a list of all the things you desire this holiday season!
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony: Daley Plaza, November 25th.
Every year, locals and visitors gather in Daley Plaza to watch the
spectacular Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. This is the 96th year that a
spectacular tree will be lit to much fanfare, making it a symbol of the
holiday season in the Windy City.
Lights Festival & Parade: Magnificent Mile, Oak Street/Michigan Avenue,
Nov. 21st.
The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and Parade is a great way to usher in
the holiday season. The festival features a full day of events, including
live musical performances, a parade led by several Disney characters
including Mickey Mouse and of course the lighting of one million lights on
200 trees. It's a day of wonder, lights and fun!
Winter
Wonderfest: Navy Pier, December 4th-January 3rd.
The Navy Pier Winter Wonderfest is a yearly event that takes over Navy
Pier with holiday activity. General admission is free, but you will need
to purchase a wristband if you would like to enjoy unlimited access to
rides and activities. The Wonderfest transforms the pier into a festival
of lights and features an indoor Ferris Wheel, an ice rink, a train ride,
a carousel, games, live music and much more.
Kwanzaa
Celebrations: DuSable Museum of African American History, Dec 26 - Jan
1st.
The DuSable Museum is host to several Kwanzaa events throughout the month
of December, including a variety of theatre shows that teach the
principles of Kwanzaa and its history. These shows are appropriate for
children as well as adults and are educational as well as entertaining.
Chanukah Wonderland: Kohl's Children's Museum, December 21st.
This year, bring the family to the Kohl's Children's Museum in Glenview,
IL (north of Chicago) to learn more about Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of
lights. Chanukah Wonderland is held on December 21st, the first night of
Chanukah, and features several activities, including crafts and
activities, the sculpting and lighting of an Ice Menorah, photo
opportunities and refreshments.
Hanukkah Dinner and Concert: Chicago Botanic Garden, December 13th.
Another great way to celebrate Hanukkah is the Hanukkah Dinner and Concert
at the Chicago Botanic Garden, located in Glencoe, IL (north of Chicago).
This event features a live concert by The Spirit Orchestra, as well as a
traditional Hanukkah dinner, admission to the Garden's Wonderland Express
and ice skating tickets. This is a great way to celebrate the festival of
Hanukkah as well as enjoy some beautiful music and delicious cuisine!
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light: Museum of Science and
Industry, November 20th-January 3rd.
It's time again for the Museum of Science and Industry's beautiful holiday
exhibit, Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light. Members of
Chicago's many different ethnic communities come to the museum and
decorate trees and displays according to the traditions of their
homelands; this results in an exhibition that is truly multicultural and
authentic. Visit the Museum of Science and Industry and feel like you've
taken a trip around the world as you check out this beautiful, inspiring
celebration of the diversity that exists around our globe.
Also included in this exhibit are daily performances by dance and choral groups on the Holiday Stage. And before you leave, make sure you stop at the Museum's 45-foot tree for some great photo opportunities; the tree is decorated with ornaments that represent the classic exhibits of the museum!
See our entire List of Chicago Holiday Events for 2009.
Shopping in Chicago: A Gift for Everyone on your List!
Santa isn’t the only one making a list and checking it twice. If you are like everyone else, you are already thinking about gifts for your friends and family. Where should you begin to find the perfect present for each person on your list? We have the answer. With a host of shopping opportunities going on this month, we’ll help you make your holiday shopping a bit easier and a lot more fun!
Chicago Toy and Game
Fair: Navy Pier, November 21st-22nd.
The Chicago Toy and Game Fair is a one-of-a-kind event; it is hailed
as the only toy and game fair that the public is invited to attend.
Everyone should definitely take advantage of this unique opportunity for
fun! The two-day toy extravaganza is held at Navy Pier and brings together
toy lovers and hot toys that are about to hit the market. In addition to
getting first dibs at some of the newest toys out there, some features of
the fair include the Renaissance Knights Chess Pavilion, where you can
play chess against an expert, and the Young Inventor Challenge, where kids
ages 6-16 can compete in a toy invention contest. At a fair like this one,
the name of the game is fun, fun, fun!
Christkindlmarket: Daley Plaza, November 26th-December 24th.
A favorite Chicago holiday shopping experience is Christkindlmarket.
This market boasts over 50 vendor booths selling all kinds of German
wares. Buy clothing, jewelry, ornaments and all kinds of knick-knacks that
are handmade and unique. If you need a beer stein or a nutcracker for
someone on your list, this is the place to find it! Be sure to try the
food as well; there are sausages and strudels and potato pancakes, which
you can wash down with some Glühwein (hot spiced wine). This market is a
great way to experience a piece of Germany right here in Chicago, while
picking up one-of-a-kind gifts.
Julmarknad: Swedish American Museum, December 5th-6th.
Another ethnic market that cannot be missed is Julmarknad. This is the
annual Christmas Bazaar presented by the Swedish American Museum and
features handmade goods that make beautiful gifts. There is special
entertainment at the market as well that includes folk dancing and Lucia
processions.
More Shopping Opportunities: Wicker Park
Wicker Park/Bucktown, located near Lincoln Park and northwest of the
Loop, is a happening place. Visitors and locals love to visit this
exciting neighborhood and take full advantage of the fun, dynamic scene.
The shopping in this area is bustling, with boutiques and shops
specializing in everything from apparel and jewelry to crafts and home
furnishings. With the holiday season right around the corner, you can
easily find special treasures for all the friends and family on your gift
list!
More Shopping Opportunities: Gold Coast
The Gold Coast, located along Lake Michigan and north of the
Magnificent Mile, is known as Chicago's most upscale neighborhood. It
makes sense, then, that the shopping here is as upscale as it gets. The
finest, most internationally recognized labels have shops in the Gold
Coast, including Hermes, Prada, Chanel and Louis Vuitton.
If you have a less substantial budget, there are many popular options that will not break the bank; check out Diesel, Adidas, Puma and Anthropologie. No matter how long your gift list is this holiday season, you will surely find all you seek in the Gold Coast. Best of all, with the area's beautiful architecture and peaceful, tree-lined streets, the experience will be as aesthetically pleasing as it is productive!
For more Chicago Shopping Information, visit the See More Shopping Chicago Guide.
Chicago Highlights is a publication of Chicago Traveler written by Zahra Ink - Chicago Writing Services, for more issues, see the Chicago Highlights Archive.
