Diane Pathieu's Weekender Report
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Christmas is just days away and there's no place more magical than the Chicagoland area!
Wonder City Pop-Up - 1457 N. Halsted
The Wonder City Pop-Up is now open offering a winter wonderland with indoor and outdoor holiday activities. Enjoy the synthetic ice-skating rink, holiday photo ops, visits with Santa, crafts, and special events. We'll take a closer look - but first! Today's WEEKENDER!
Christmas Carol - Studebaker Theater
Manual Cinema's Christmas Carol is now open at the Studebaker Theater. This unique adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic features hundreds of handmade puppets, immersive sound design, and live music, offering an inventive take on the story.
Blue Man Group NYE - Chicago's Briar Street Theatre
Blue Man Group will host four special New Year's Eve performances! Families can enjoy early shows featuring "midnight" countdowns, party hats, noisemakers, along with pre-show face painting for kids. The 7 p.m. performance includes a champagne toast, festive hats, and a meet-and-greet with the Blue Men, while the 10 p.m. show features a midnight countdown party with a balloon drop and champagne toast. These performances mark the final chance to see Blue Man Group at Chicago's Briar Street Theatre, as their iconic 27-year run concludes on January 5.
Ruth Page's The Nutcracker - James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts
Experience the magic of Ruth Page's The Nutcracker at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts. This beloved full-length production features international guest artists, dancers from the Ruth Page Professional Dance Training Program, and the Ruth Page School of Dance.
Noon Year's Eve - Wonder Works Children's Museum Oak Park
Celebrate the New Year with a family-friendly Noon Year's Eve at Wonder Works on December 31ST. Dress in your festive best and enjoy a day of fun featuring a balloon drop (at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.), a New Year's art project, costumed character encounters, a photo booth, and full museum access-all designed to wrap up before bedtime.
Chicago Fair Trade Holiday Pop-Up - 663 N. Michigan Avenue
Need to get those last minute gifts? Visit Chicago Fair Trade's Holiday Pop-Up Shop it continues through the end of this month at 663 N Michigan Ave. Discover a selection of fair trade, eco-friendly products from over two dozen local businesses, find unique holiday gifts ranging from gourmet treats and cozy apparel to elegant home décor.
Night Before Christmas Vintage Market - 4325 N. Ravenswood
Or visit Vintage House Chicago it's also a go-to destination for unique gifts this holiday season - its 4th annual The Night Before Christmas Vintage Holiday Market in Ravenswood, will feature over 70 vendors offering vintage and handmade treasures. Enjoy two floors of shopping, food trucks, a bar, and free admission.
Willow Hill Lights - Willow Hill Golf Course, Northbrook
A cherished holiday tradition returns to Northbrook! The Willow Hill Light Show features 1.5 million LED lights and 400 animated displays along a 2.5-mile drive-through route. Now in its fourth year, this festive event has welcomed over 45,000 cars since its 2021 debut and proudly supports Misericordia. There are special themed nights, including discounts for veterans, military personnel, first responders, and more. 80,000 visitors are expected!
Santa Send-Off- Bolingbrook
Santa is in town! He plans to leave for the North Pole Friday from Bolingbrook-and you can wish him off at the town center and watch him head to the Chicago Bolingbrook international airport to depart in his helicopter! Families can follow Santa's route in real-time on the Mayor's Facebook page! Don't miss this magical farewell.
