It will officially start feeling like the holidays this weekend with the return of seasonal favorites like “A Christmas Carol” at Goodman Theatre and Christkindlmarket. But if you’re not quite ready, don’t worry! “Don Giovanni” opens at Lyric Opera of Chicago, wndr Museum hosts a fall-themed event, and more.
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Opens Nov. 14
Chicago
This Museum of Science and Industry exhibit returns with more than 50 trees and displays showcasing holiday traditions from around the world.
“Don Giovanni”
Opens Nov. 14
Chicago
Lyric Opera opens a revival of its original “Don Giovanni” this week under the direction of Tony Award winner and Goodman Theatre Artistic Director Robert Falls. The opera will be performed in Italian with projected English translations.
Christkindlmarket
Opens Nov. 15
Chicago
For the 24th year, shop for holiday decorations, gifts, fashion, toys, and more while enjoying food, drinks, and performers at this market inspired by Germany’s Christkindlesmarkt.
wndr After Dark: Fall Frenzy
Nov. 15-16
Chicago
Explore wndr Museum, “an immersive art experience,” while enjoying activities like bobbing for apples and cornhole.
“A Christmas Carol”
Opens Nov. 16
Chicago
Get into the spirit of the season with Goodman Theatre’s beloved production of Charles Dickens’ classic tale of “kindness, compassion and redemption.”
Local Eclectic Pop-Up
Nov. 16-17
Chicago
Local Eclectic, an online jewelry store based in Chicago that showcases emerging and indie designers from around the world, will host a pop-up shop at 118 N. Peoria just in time for the holiday shopping season. At the Local Eclectic Tiny Shop, find brand new holiday jewelry collections, drinks, bites, and more — plus, the first 50 customers on Saturday will receive a free swag bag.
Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra Fall Concert
Nov. 17
Chicago
Future members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra will perform the Chicago premiere of a piece by Grammy-nominated composer Zhou Tian telling the story of Chinese immigrant labor oppression during the building of the Transcontinental Railroad.
More Can’t-Miss Events:
- When you need coffee this weekend, head to the new Starbucks Reserve Roastery Chicago, which opens Nov. 15 on Michigan Avenue. With four stories, this will be the “largest Starbucks in the world.”
- Join Eve J. Alfillé Gallery & Studio on Nov. 16 for an exhibit opening party to celebrate the newest fine art jewelry collection “Aux Portes du Passé.” Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, music, and more.
- For more festive shopping, visit the Lycée French Market Nov. 16-17 at Lycée Français de Chicago. Find home decor, jewelry, clothes, and more, and then visit the Bistro for authentic French fare.
Make a Difference:
- Shop at participating Central Street businesses in Evanston on Nov. 16 and a portion of proceeds will be donated to Curt’s Cafe, which provides work and life-skills training to at-risk youth.
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.
