Enjoy winter with new experiences to make your season bright! From cultural opportunities through food and festivals, to adventures in the arts, to exploring new areas and shops, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a round-up of five activities this weekend that we think you will love!
A Cherished Fairytale Comes to Life
You don’t need to follow Hansel’s breadcrumb trail to find your way to the Lyric Opera’s riveting show, Hansel & Gretel. This adaptation of the beloved fairytale by the Brothers Grimm debuted 20 years ago, and it is back this season by popular demand with an eye-popping production that does full justice to Engelbert Humperdinck’s glorious score. Filled with musical gems, this whimsical masterpiece is a great introduction to opera for audiences of all ages.
Date: January 27 & January 29
Time: Fri 7:00PM; Sun 2:00PM
Cost: $60+
Location: Lyric Opera House, 20 N Wacker Dr
More Info: lyricopera.org
Disney on Ice: Frozen and Encanto
Hosted by Mickey and Minnie, this dazzling on-ice production features the beloved characters and music from two of Disney’s most popular movies. Join the fearless Anna, Kristoff and Sven the reindeer from Frozen as they search for Anna’s sister, Elsa. Then journey into the mountains of Colombia to meet the extraordinary Madrigal family who live in their magical village of Encanto.
Date: Jan 26 – 29
Time: Thu 7:00PM; Fri 10:30AM, 7:00PM; Sat & Sun 11:00AM, 3:00PM, 7:00PM
Cost: $20+
Location: United Center, 1901 W Madison St
More Info: disneyonice.com
Hop On Over to Argyle
For Chinese people all over the world, the rabbit is a symbol of peace—and the Year of the Rabbit is expected to usher in a period of greater tranquility, with time for rest and introspection. So hop on up to Uptown this weekend to welcome the Lunar New Year with this annual celebration. It’s a 40-year-old tradition featuring community groups, cultural institutions, dancers and performers!
Date: January 28
Time: 12:00 – 4:00PM; Parade kicks off at 1:00PM
Cost: Free
Location: Argyle St between Winthrop Ave and Broadway
More Info: exploreuptown.org
See Wuthering Heights Go From Page to Stage
Filled with intense passion, revenge and ultimately redemption, Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights is indeed a withering, scorching tale. Now this epic story has been exuberantly reimagined by pioneering theater-maker Emma Rice. Live music, dance and puppetry come together in this captivating stage production starring Liam Tamne as Heathcliff and Leah Brotherhead in the role of Catherine.
Date: Opens Jan 27
Time: Fri 7:30PM; Sat 2:30PM, 7:30PM; Sun 2:00PM
Cost: $59 – $106
Location: Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier, 800 E Grand Ave
More Info: chicagoshakes.com
From Privet Drive to Hogwarts
Follow Harry Potter’s journey with this new, interactive hands-on experience at Water Tower Place. Enter the castle at Hogwarts through its beautiful boathouse before you try the Sorting Hat for yourself. There’s even a chance to develop your skills as a Quidditch Beater or Seeker! Plenty of fun photo ops and the Butterbeer Bar complete this fun-for-all-ages adventure.
Date: Weekends Through May 14
Time: Fri 12:00 – 10:00PM; Sat 10:00AM – 10:00PM; Sun 10:00AM – 8:00PM
Cost: $29.50+
Location: Water Tower Place, 835 N Michigan Ave
More Info: harrypottermagicatplay.com