Awesome Things To Do In and Around Chicagoland for the Weekend of Dec. 6th-8th

Get set for a weekend packed full of diverse activities across Chicago and its suburbs! From cultural festivals to exciting outdoor events, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Here's what's happening:

CITY

Winterland at Gallagher Way

• Dates: December 6 - 22, 7:00AM-10:00PM

• Location: Wrigleyville, Gallagher Way (3637 N Clark St)

• Winterland at Gallagher Way

• More Info: Stop by this Wrigley Field-adjacent spot for fun and festive holiday activities. Shop for gifts, enjoy yummy treats, and even stop by for movie screenings on select days in December. 

One of a Kind Holiday Show

• Date: December 5 - 8, 10:00AM-7:00PM

• Location: River North, The Mart Shopping Center (222 Merchandise Mart Plaza)

• One of a Kind Holiday Show

• More Info: This weekend only the 7th floor of the Merchandise Mart will host 600 artists and artisans with offerings of gourmet food and handcrafted goods.

Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along

• Date: December 6, 6:00PM

• Location: Millennium Park, Cloud Gate (201 E Randolph St)

• Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along

• More Info: Join the Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center in celebrating Chicago's diverse holiday traditions. Click the link above to view the songbook!

The Nutcracker Ballet

• Date: December 6 - 28, Times Vary

• Location: The Loop, Lyric Opera House (20 N Wacker Dr)

• The Nutcracker Ballet

• More Info: You won't want to miss this rendition of this classic holiday ballet. In this Chicago-style rendition, the ballet is set in the 1893 World Fair, giving this show a unique flare.

Hyde Park Holly-Day

• Date: December 7, 10:00AM-5:00PM

• Location: Hyde Park, The Promontory (511 S Lake Park Ave)

• Hyde Park Holly-Day

• More Info: Festivities in Hyde Park will include ice carving and skating, crafts, dance performances, & a free movie screening. Don't forget to take a self-guided tour of the ice sculptures on 53rd Street!

Love Actually in Concert

• Date: December 7, 7:30PM

• Location: The Loop, The Auditorium Theatre (50 E Ida B Wells Dr)

• Love Actually in Concert

• More Info: The Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra steps up to make this beloved winter movie even better. Watch the classic film you know and love with live performances of the soundtrack throughout!

SUBURBS 

Christmas Light Parade

• Date: December 7, 5:30PM

• Location: Blue Island, Blue Island Public Library (2433 York St)

• Christmas Light Parade

• More Info: Crafts and pictures with Santa will begin earlier in the day, followed by a Kringle Mart and free fun rides in the afternoon. The highlighted Light Parade will start at Western Ave and Prairie and move South to Grove St.

Rotary Santa Run & Reindeer Dash

• Date: December 7, 9:30AM

• Location: Arlington Heights (At the corner of S Highland Ave and W Campbell St)

• Rotary Santa Run & Reindeer Dash

• More Info: Rather you plan to join the 5K run, 1-mile walk, or a Reindeer Dash, you're guaranteed to leave feeling in the holiday spirit. Costumes are provided for participants so get suited up!

Holiday Happenings

• Date: December 7, 9:00AM-6:00PM  

• Location: Wilmette, Downtown Wilmette (1200 Wilmette Ave)

• Holiday Happenings

• More Info: A family-friendly day full of activities such as scavenger hunts, live performances, and Santa visits. Don't forget to take advantage of one-day-only dining and shopping deals!

Merry Cary Holiday Parade & Festival

• Date: December 8, 12:30PM-3:30PM 

• Location: Cary, Downtown Cary (100 W Main St)

• Merry Cary Holiday Parade & Festival

• More Info: Entertain the whole family for hours with carolers, pony and sleigh rides, and appearances from both Santa and the Grinch. 

Frosty Fest

• Date: December 7, 4:30PM-7:00PM 

• Location: Downtown West Chicago (306 Main St)

• Frosty Fest

• More Info: Join the community in welcoming the holiday season! This event promises 150 min of fun, 100's of cups of hot chocolate served, and 1000's of memories made!

Winter Wanderland

• Date: December 7, 9:00AM-11:30AM

• Location: Winnetka, Community House (620 Lincoln Ave)

• Winter Wanderland

• More Info: Junior board members and other volunteers set up a scenic path to lead you along to Santa! 

Enjoy your weekend and drop me a line if you find any of these were really great! I'd love to hear from you!

Cheers! 🤩

Rita