This weekend, continue your holiday shopping at the One of a Kind Holiday Show and Brushwood Center Holiday Art Market and Open House. Or, take a break from the hustle and bustle of the season with a new Medieval Times show, a holiday festival in Skokie, or a concert in Highland Park.
One of a Kind Holiday Show
Dec. 7-10
Chicago
This annual show returns to The Mart with more than 600 artists selling a variety of gift options in categories like accessories, bath and body, fashion, paintings, and sculpture. The show will also feature gourmet food, fashion shows, live music, and more. Plus, a portion of ticket sales will benefit Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.
Medieval Times’ New Show
Opens Dec. 7
Schaumburg
There’s now a queen in charge at Medieval Times. “Where previously our female characters played in more supportive roles, we are now showing a woman fully in charge, a woman whose authority is sometimes challenged, but she quickly rises to the occasion as a strong leader, squelching opposition,” says Leigh Cordner, Medieval Times show director. The new storyline, the first since 2012, will feature more than 700 new costumes, 200 new suits of armor, and new music music by Dr. Daniel May.
Holiday Fest
Dec. 8
Skokie
Skokie Heritage Museum will host a Holiday Fest where guests can donate winter hats, gloves, and coats, new toys, and/or non-perishable food items for the Niles Township Food Pantry. Plus, the festival will feature live reindeer, photos with Santa, carolers, crafts, and more festive fun.
Holiday Art Market and Open House
Dec. 9-10
Riverwoods
Shop nature-themed art at Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods, where you’ll also be able to view the work of Brushwood botanical artists and photographers, meet children’s author Anne Grall Reichel, enjoy a luminary hike through Ryerson Woods led in either English or Spanish, and more.
Highland Park Strings Holiday Concert: “All (Mostly) Strings”
Dec. 10
Highland Park
The Highland Park Strings will present a free holiday concert with soloist (and Highland Park native) Steven Honigberg, a member of the National Symphony Orchestra, performing on cello, and his daughter, Lily Honigberg, performing on violin. Maestro Robert Hasty, PhD, will serve as principal conductor. A free pre-concert conversation will also take place with Stephanie Ettelson at 2 p.m.
Bonus
- For even more holiday fun, don’t miss the North Suburban YMCA Holiday Extravaganza on Dec. 10. Take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, create artistic masterpieces, go caroling, enjoy delicious treats, and more.
More from Make It Better:
- 6 Ski Resorts 3 Hours or Less From Chicago
- 15 Must-See Plays in Chicago for the Holiday Season
- 5 Life-Changing Family Vacations to Take With Your Kids Now
Anna Carlson writes the weekly 5 Things to Do column and monthly Recommended Events. A graduate of Glenbrook South High School and 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.
