The holiday season starts earlier and earlier—Chicago has already had two tree-lighting ceremonies, for Saint Nick’s sake—but the purists out there have saved up their cheer for after Turkey Day. To reward your patience, we’ve handpicked the season’s best events and created a comprehensive holiday calendar with everything from Yuletide food and drink events to Christmas theater to nondenominational celebrations that just happen to benefit from a little snow. Ten of our top picks are below, but you can see our full, ever-updated list here.
Dining With Santa If you thought Santa was busy on Christmas Eve, you should see his brunch schedule. There are plenty of chances to eat pancakes with the big guy around town, including Sat 12/6, 8 AM, at the Field Museum (Sue will be there, too!); Sat 12/6, 11 AM, at the Driehaus Museum’s Glitter and Gold Brunch; and Sat 12/15 and Sat 12/20, 8 AM, at the Shedd Aquarium. Not an early riser? Dinner with Santa at Macy’s on Sat 12/15 might be more your speed.
Renegade Craft Fair Holiday MarketChicago is a lot more boring when there isn’t a street fair or block party to hit every weekend. Luckily, the Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Market is here. Held indoors, the off-season edition of Renegade offers chilly Chicagoans the opportunity peruse some craft goodies without freezing to death. Also 12/7, Bridgeport Art Center, 1200 W. 35th, renegadecraft.com, free.
