Embrace the chilly winter days with activities that will make your season sparkle. From exploring winter markets to indulging in delicious food & drinks while warming up inside, there is so much to experience and enjoy. Embark on snowy trails and visit local landmarks to add a touch of adventure to your winter plans. Don’t miss out on the exciting events scheduled for this weekend to fully appreciate the beauty of the season!
Camaraderie and Competition on the Golf Course
Grab your golf buddies to hit the links at the 2nd Annual Ice Bowl, a 4-player scratch scramble event that kicks off the holiday season with fun! Your ticket get you and your squad 18 holes of golf with a GPS-equipped cart, a delicious breakfast buffet, engaging hole contests, a raffle ticket, 2 drink tickets, a post-golf chili buffet, and a shot at exciting prizes. Adding to the excitement, enjoy 4 “Warm Up Holes” with drink tastings and fire pits to stay cozy during the round.
Uncover Sweet Secrets in Wheaton
Uncover Sweet Secrets in Wheaton
It’s time to don your holiday detective hat at Lincoln Marsh with a festive adventure at the Prairie Patch Candy Cane Hunt! Imagine the enchanting Prairie Patch Play Area adorned with whimsical elves who’ve playfully scattered candy canes, creating a sweet mystery waiting to be unraveled. This event promises an afternoon filled with laughter, fun, and the thrill of solving a deliciously delightful mystery!
Date: December 8
Time: 10AM
Cost: $14+
Location: Lincoln Marsh, 1000 W Lincoln Ave, Wheaton
More info: ilwheatonwt.wsc
See a Timeless Tale of the Season in Oakbrook Terrace
Experience the magic of the holiday season with the classic Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol! Buy your ticket to a heartwarming journey through Victorian London as Ebenezer Scrooge encounters the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future on Christmas Eve. This timeless tale of redemption and joy comes to life with live performances and enchanting set designs. Don’t miss the opportunity to be swept away by the spirit of A Christmas Carol and celebrate the true meaning of the season.
Date: Runs through December 30
Time: 10AM and 12PM
Cost: $52+
Location: Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace
More info: ticketmaster.com
Celebrate Fourth Night, Fourth Light for Hanukkah
Illuminate Wrigleyville with a complimentary Hanukkah festivity for Fourth Night, Fourth Light. Everyone is welcome to celebrate the joy of the holiday. Families can commence the evening with a DJ, live performances, exciting giveaways, and candle lighting. After the celebration, stick around to explore the enchanting Christkindlmarket in Wrigleyville during this festive celebration.
Date: December 10
Time: 3-5PM
Cost: Free
Location: Gallagher Way at Wrigley Field, 3635 N Clark St
More info: jccchicago.org
Get Elf’d Up in Wrigleyville
Returning for its sixth year, Elf’d Up is a spirited holiday pop-up bar inspired by the beloved Christmas movie “Elf.” This casual neighborhood Christmas bar has no cover charge and features over 1,000 elves, a 10-foot Christmas tree, and unique decorations paying tribute to the film. The festive atmosphere extends to Elf’d Up Happy House, offering Christmas-themed cocktails and a holiday menu, including the surprisingly tasty Buddy’s Breakfast Pasta. Join the holiday cheer at Elf’d Up for a memorable and whimsical experience!
Date: Runs through January 7
Time: Open During Bar Hours
Cost: Free reservations
Location: Stretch Bar & Grill, 3485 N Clark St
More info: elfdup.com
Drive-Thru Delight at Guaranteed Rate Field
Discover the magic of the season at Guaranteed Rate Field as it transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland, the Light of Christmas. This drive-thru holiday light display guides visitors along tunnels and walls adorned with approximately 1 million lights. As you navigate your car through this spectacle, immerse yourself in the festive spirit with holiday music broadcast through the radio. Synchronized to change color and flicker along with the music, the show promises a mesmerizing experience, bringing warmth and joy to all who attend.
Date: Runs through January 3
Time: 5-9PM
Cost: $24.99+
Location: Guaranteed Rate Field, 333 W 35th St
More info: blockclubchicago.org
DIY Latke Crawl
Embrace the festive spirit of Hanukkah, getting inspiration from this list of fun latkes across Chicagoland, with a DIY latke crawl! Celebrate the beloved tradition of fried potato pancakes that take center stage during this joyous holiday. Engage in the debate over preferences like mashed or grated potatoes and the eternal question of sour cream or applesauce. Uncover the unique and delicious variations that make each latke special, discovering the perfect one that resonates with your taste buds.
Date: Ongoing
Time: During Business Hours
Cost: Not a Latke!
Location: Various Restaurants around Chicago
More info: chicago.eater.com
A Forest of Festivity at MSI
Enjoy a journey of global holiday traditions and create lasting memories with loved ones at Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light at the Museum of Science & Industry. Originating in 1942 with a single tree, this cherished annual celebration at the Museum has evolved into a beloved exhibition. A towering four-story Grand Tree, adorned with intricate decorations, stands at the center, surrounded by a forest of over 50 trees, each uniquely adorned by volunteers to showcase diverse holiday customs from around the world. Step into this one-of-a-kind experience that beautifully encapsulates the spirit of the season.
Date: Runs through January 7
Time: 9:30AM-4PM
Cost: Included in museum entry
Location: Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr
More info: msichicago.org
