The holidays are all about spending time with family and friends. Here’s a short guide of some of the best ways to get out-and-about with the family (or the family that you chose) in Chicago and the suburbs this month.
Christkindlmarket, the annual German-style Christmas market at Chicago’s Daley Plaza and Aurora’s RiverEdge Park, provides a safe, free, outdoor experience for the whole family. The smell of roasted nuts, fresh pretzels, bratwurst and hot spiced wine, the sound of festive music, and the glimmer of sparkling Christmas ornaments takes all your senses on a journey.
The unique shopping experience, cheerful live entertainment, and original/imported food and beverages make Christkindlmarket a preferred, popular destination, mentioned by big media outlets, such as Chicago Tribune, Choose Chicago, and Chicago Magazine. Participate in special events and enjoy the unique shopping experience; visit ChristkindlMarket.com for details.
When it comes to recent classic holiday films, "elf," starring Will Ferrell and James Caan, is a family favorite. Now imagine watching it in the splendor of Chicago’s Symphony Center with the luminous music performed live by members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
We remember the story of how Buddy is accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf outfit, in search of his real father. Relive this heartwarming story projected on a giant screen that looms large above the orchestra playing John Debney’s wonderful score.
Be forewarned, tickets go fast for each show (December 13, 14 & 15). Order online by visiting CSO.org.
Another one of America’s most cherished silver-screen classics comes to the Lincolnshire Marriott stage in the holiday favorite, Irving Berlin’s "White Christmas". Packed with dazzling hits like “Blue Skies,” “Count Your Blessings,” “I Love a Piano” and the title song “White Christmas,” your entire family will celebrate this magical time of year with this uplifting story.
"White Christmas" tells the story of showbiz-buddies Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, former war comrades, who stage a winter pageant to save a struggling Vermont inn owned by their old commanding officer and meet their ideal matches, two talented performing sisters. With dazzling costumes, captivating dance numbers, and unforgettable score, "White Christmas" provides a timeless tradition enjoyed for generations. Shows Wednesday - Sunday through December; see MarriottTheatre.com for showtimes and tickets.
Inspired by yet another all-time classic film, “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” is performed as a 1940s live radio broadcast in front of a studio audience. Five actors perform as dozens of characters and a Foley artist is on-stage doing all sound effects.
The play is a retelling of the story of George Bailey (in the film portrayed by James Stewart), a man from small town Bedford Falls who is down on his luck on Christmas Eve. This version remains true to the original with the added element of being a show-within-the-show. There’s lots of action as actors morph between the beloved film script and behind-the-scenes drama of an old-time radio show.
Visit AthenaeumCenter.org for show times and tickets. The Athenaeum is in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood (2936 N Southport Ave.).
After several years visiting Crystal Lake’s Raue Theater, Jane Lynch’s “A Swingin’ Little Christmas” sashays into Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theater for six performances December 12-15. Featuring music from her album of the same name, Lynch performs with friends Kate Flannery (best known as Meredith on NBC’s "The Office") and Tim Davis (a producer on Fox TV's "Glee" and an industry-leading vocal arranger) as both featured singers and as part of a classic-sounding vocal group (under Mr. Davis’ direction). The trio, accompanied by The Tony Guerrero Quintet — a nationally-recognized jazz ensemble — performs holiday classics, snappy and lighthearted humor, and sparkling new seasonal songs reminiscent of the classic Christmas albums of the 1950s and 60s. Tickets at Cart.Steppenwolf.org.
Performances of “The Nutcracker” at Chicago’s Lyric Opera House begin December 9, ending December 28. The Joffrey Ballet’s magical retelling of the story opens on Christmas Eve, mere months before the start of Chicago’s 1893 World’s Fair.
In this adaptation Marie and her mother, the sculptress who created the fair’s iconic Statue of the Republic, attend a festive celebration including a surprise visit from the mysterious Great Impresario. That night, after awakening to an epic battle between Toy Soldiers and a Rat King, Marie is swept away by a Nutcracker Prince on a whirlwind journey to the dreamlike fairgrounds of the World’s Columbian Exposition.
Set to Tchaikovsky’s classic score, this Nutcracker features a celebrated creative team of Tony Award winners. Show times and tickets at Joffrey.org.
"I grew up in Chicago, and nobody does Christmas like Chicago. We would play the same albums over and over every Christmas." (Jane Lynch)