The holiday festivities continue with family-friendly events in Chicago, Brookfield, and Rosemont; shopping in Evanston and Chicago; and much more.
Jinglefest
Dec. 15
Chicago
Chicago French Market’s Jinglefest features free photos with Santa, a balloon twister, more than 30 vendors selling holiday gifts and food, and special deals and treats.
Holiday Sip and Shop
Dec. 15
Evanston
Finish your holiday shopping at Eve J. Alfillé Gallery & Studio as you enjoy wine, non-alcoholic drinks, and small bites as you enter to win a necklace or bracelet. And stop by Sunday for a Bourbon and Beer Gentlemen’s Evening shopping event.
Holiday Magic
Dec. 15-16
Brookfield
Explore Brookfield Zoo as it’s lit with 1 million LED lights. Plus, don’t miss music and live entertainment, ice carving demos, magic shows, and more. Holiday Magic will return Dec. 22-23 and 26-31.
Holiday Kinderfest
Dec. 16
Rosemont
Looking for a fun outing everyone in the family will enjoy? This Hofbräuhaus Chicago event features $5 meals for kids ages 12 and younger and free activities like face painting, ornament decorating, magic acts, and more.
MADE
Dec. 16
Chicago
Shop art, clothes, home goods, and more, all made by hand, at this show. The first 100 attendees will be given a free cookie and $10 Dinner Certificate from Beatrix Fulton Market.
More Can’t-Miss Events:
- Learn how different animals survive winter before making s’mores around the campfire during Heller Nature Center’s Cozy Campfire event Dec. 14.
- Whether you love or love to hate Hallmark’s holiday movies, you won’t want to miss The Second City’s “A Snow Globe Kissmas: A Hallmark Christmas Movie Parody” Dec. 14 or 21.
- The three pieces that make up Evanston Dance Ensemble’s “Moving On” focus on the idea of transition. Performances take place Dec. 14-16 at Studio5 Performing Arts Center.
- Spend a day at the Art Institute of Chicago and register for a Build Your Own Gingerbread House event Dec. 15.
- Enjoy seasonal fun during the Wrigleyville Winter Wonderland pop-up experience Dec. 15-16 that will bring four heated geodesic domes to Wrigleyville with themes like Santa’s Workshop, Santa’s Surf Shack, and Ice Cave. Plus, don’t miss out on snowboard demos and crafts.
- Visit Harris Theater for The Apollo Chorus’ presentation of Handel’s “Messiah” Dec. 15-16.
Anna Carlson writes the weekly Weekend 101 column and monthly Recommended Events. A graduate of the University of Missouri, her work has been published in Chicago Parent, Inside Columbia Magazine, and Central California Parent Magazine. She is a proud supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
