KEY This Week In Chicago, 2015 Holiday Activity Guide

This WeekIn Chicago

This WeekIn Chicago

holidaysholidayscelebrating the

2015 holiday ACTIVITY GUIDE

Welcome Chicagoto

Chicago is a very special place any day of the year, but all throughoutthe holiday season the Windy City becomes a truly magical destination. Whether you are visiting from Naperville or New York City,we are glad you’re here! This Holiday Activity Guide is our gift to you,think of it a festive Bucket List - overflowing with holiday activities,events and suggestions that will leave you and your loved ones withtreasured memories guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Happy holidays, and stay warm!

You’re in for the Time of Your Life!

Ice Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park photo by Ada

m Alexand

er

52015 holiday ACTIVITY GUIDE

Caroling at Cloud GateHoliday music is in theair! Celebrating 10 glorious years, Carolingat Cloud Gate has become a cherishedholiday tradition for visitors and locals alike.From 6:00pm-7:00pmevery Friday beginningNovember 27th localchoral groups will sing(audience participation isencouraged!) holidayclassics such as “WinterWonderland” and “It’sThe Most WonderfulTime of the Year” at thefoot of Cloud Gate -also known as TheBean, in MillenniumPark. 201 E. Randolph,312.742.1168. Make sureto come early or stay lateto take in the majesty ofthe City of Chicago’s official Christmas Tree, a towering 63-foot Colorado Blue Spruce.

Holiday Lights TourDazzling lights and holidaysights are guaranteed withChicago Trolley. This 2 ½hour tour features: TheMag Mile, State Street,Macy’s windows as well as two of Chicago’s mostfestive traditions, ZooLightsand the Christkindlmarket.Tickets $19/kids, $29/adults.Tour departs from 875 N.Michigan. For a completelist of tour dates and timesvisit chicagotrolley.com

A Visit with SantaHe’s making a list andchecking it twice. He’sgonna find out who’s been naughty and nice.All throughout the holidayseason visitors will findmore bearded men than they can shake apeppermint stick at. See page 15.

6 2015 holiday ACTIVITY GUIDE

Open SomethingGreaterGreat gifts come inpackages of all sizesbut the very bestones come with nowrappings at all. The Art Institute ofChicago has severalfun and exciting holi-

Afternoon TeaNobody does afternoontea better than the Palm Court set withinthe legendary DrakeHotel. $22/kids,$45/adults. 140 E. Walton, 312.787.2200.

Macy’s Holiday Windows“Santa’s Journey to theStars” is this year’s themefor Macy’s annual Holidaywindows, a tradition thatcombines old schoolartistry with new visual elements and dates back to 1897. See pg. 30 formore Macy’s info. 111 N.State, 312.781.4483.

day gifts for visitors thisseason. From the annual wreathing ofthe lions on Nov. 27 tothe intricate miniaturedecorated ThorneRooms the Art Instituteis the perfect way tospend an afternoon.Free/under 14, $25/adults. 111 S. Michigan,312.443.3600.

Winter WonderFestHoliday spirits soar at the 15th annual WinterWonderFest celebration at Navy Pier. Visitorswill find thrills without the chills includingmore than 170,000 square feet of awesomerides, slides and attractions, plus an indoorice-skating rink all set within a winter wonderland. New attractions for 2015 include an indoor ice peaks climbing wall,and Polar Extreme. Dec. 5 to Jan. 10. General Admission $10, Activity Admission$25. 600 E. Grand, 312.595.PIER.

Holiday MagicSee the lights and feel the magicwith the Brookfield Zoo’s HolidayMagic winter display. Featuring over1 million twinkling lights illuminatingthe walkways, an interactive lightshow, ice-carving demonstrations,singing to the animals Santa andmuch more. 4:00pm-9:00pm,weekends throughout Dec.$11.95/kids, $16.95/adults. 3300Golf Rd. Brookfield, 708.688.8400.

Selfie withan ElfieThe Chicago LoopAlliance once again takes the holidays to a wholenew level. Visitorsare invited to exploreLoop landmarks,restaurants and hotels to find colorful Elfie cut-outsand post their Selfieat #selfieswithelfies.Best selfie eachweek will win a prize.

Figure EightsWork off some of thatdeep-dish on the ice!From the elegant Ice-Ribbon at Maggie DaleyPark, 337 E. Randolph,to the classic oval at theMcCormick Tribune IceRink, 201 E. Randolph,Free. $12/rentals

Walnut RoomIt all started with Mrs. Hering’s pot-pie 125 years ago in the Tea Room. The Walnut Room and it’s towering Great Tree is de rigueur for everyone wanting a true Chicago holiday experience.Reservations are NOT accepted so arrive early. 7th floor at Macy’s.111 N. State, 312.781.3125.

LUMAThe story of Mary, Joseph andJesus has special appealthroughout the season and Artand Faith of the Creche: TheCollection of James and EmiliaGovan, shows visitors how artistsfrom around the world celebratethe Nativity. LUMA. 820 N.Michigan, 312.915.7600.

Club LuckyRated on Yahoo’s list ofChicago’s top-10 restau-rants for “Best HolidayDecorations” patrons ofthis eternally hip spot willfind hundreds of dazzlingsnowflakes danglingfrom the ceiling, garlandand wreaths galore,thousands of lights asthey sip on a holidaymartini. 1824 W. Wa-bansia, 773.227.2300.

IlluminationDeclared a “must-see destina-tion” by the Chicago Tribune, Illumination: Tree Lights at theMorton Arboretum, is an out-door interactive multi sensoryexperience. The trees are notonly bathed in dazzling LEDlights but also respond to touchand sound. Dates, prices andhours vary, visit mortonarb.orgfor more info. 4100 Illinois Rt.43 Lisle, 630.968.0074.


Joffrey BalletThe world-renowned JoffreyBallet transformsthe AuditoriumTheatre into a winter wonderlandfull of magical toys,sugar plums andwaltzing snowflakesduring the lastpresentation ofRobert Joffrey’s TheNutcracker. TheChicago Philhar-monic provides liveaccompaniment of the classicTchaikovsky score.Dec. 4-27. Tickets$32-$136. Audito-rium Theatre. 50 E. Congress,800.982.2787.

ZooLightsThe City is all aglow, but nowhere is this truer than at The Lincoln Park Zoo,which is illuminated with over two millionlights for the seasonal ZooLights cele-bration. Visit the polar bears, and pen-guins while enjoying warm drinks or craftbeers alongside ice-carving, carouseland train rides and visits with Santa.4:30pm-9:00pm, weekends Nov. 27-Jan3. 2200 N. Cannon, 312.742.2000.

Pickle in the PineA German tradition for generations,Pickle in the Pine is a holiday mainstay at The Berghoff. Childrenare invited to comb through thebranches of the restaurant’s brightly lit tree to find the pickle ornament.Those under 12 lucky enough to find the pickle will receive a FREE root beer. 17 W. Adams,312.427.3170

ChristkindlmarketLocated in Daley Plaza, this German market offers an experi-ence like no other. Vendors offerone-of-a-kind treasures includingcuckoo clocks from the Black Forest, Bavarian Christmas orna-ments and authentic German beersteins, While browsing the aislessip on German beer or Glühwein(hot spiced wine) served in a souvenir “boot-mug” and splurgeon treats like artisanal cheeses,baked apples and strudel.11:00am-8pm (til 9:00pm Fri. &Sat.) through Dec. 24. 50 W.Washington, 312.494.2175.

A ChristmasCarolAudiences continue to enjoy the Dickens’ classic tale of Scrooge, amiserly old man who de-spises Christmas. Join hisjourney of self-reflectionwith visits from the ghostsof Christmas past, presentand future. Now playingthrough December 27.Tickets $25-$102. Good-man Theatre. 170 N.Dearborn, 312.443.3800.


Christmas Around The WorldIt’s a cultural holiday experience atthe Museum of Science and In-dustry’s annual Christmas Aroundthe World and Holidays of Lightexhibit featuring 50 Christmastrees all beautifully decorated byvolunteers from Chicago’s diverseethnic communities that representvarious cultures and holiday traditions. $11/kids, $18/adults.5700 S. Lake Shore, 773.684.1414

Carriage RideIs there a more charming way to seeChicago in all of its holiday glory than withan old-fashioned carriage ride? We thinknot. Explore the Windy City’s downtown,lakefront and neighborhoods in all of theirseasonal splendor with Antique Coach andCarriage. Perfect for couples or the entirefamily. $40 for 20 minutes, $50 for 30 minutes or $100 for an hour. Rides departfrom 820 N. Michigan, near the historicWater Tower, 773.735.9400.

Wonderland ExpressSome people think summer is the best time to visit The Chicago Botanic Garden,however each holiday season the Gardensare transformed into a winter wonderland oftwinkling lights, garden-scale trains, exquisitehorticulture displays and much more as partof it’s annual Wonderland Express exhibit.Open 10:00am-5:00pm Nov. 27-Dec.17and til 7:00pm Dec. 18-Jan 3. $10/kids,$12/adults. 1000 Lake Cook Rd. Glencoe,847.835.5440.

family funExciting family activities…

Luxurious shopping options…

Festive dining choices…

sweets and kings

we can all fly at iFly

Rosemont has it ALL!If you are looking for a holidaydestination that offers something for everybody, MBFinancial Park (5501 Park Place)and Fashion Outlets ofChicago (located across thestreet) are it! Adrenaline junkiescan head over to Polar Peaktubing and shoppers will be delighted with world-class storessuch as Prada & Tory Burch.Hungry? Try the Fish and Chipsat Five Roses Pub or Strudel atHofbrauhaus. These are just afew of the exciting opportunitiesthat await - The only difficultchoice is where to begin!

Have visions of sugar plums dancing in yourhead? Then head to The Sugar Factory and satiate your sweet tooth. If the Holiday’shave you stressed out, decompress with several strikes and spares as you sip on afew cocktails at Kings Bowl.

Holiday memories are truly the gift that keepson giving so why not invite the whole familyto share in a experience that will last a lifetime. Whether you are 3 or 103, iFLY’spowerful vertical wind tunnel helps you floaton a cushion of air without the need to jump out a perfectly good airplane!


Naughty Niceor

In terms of sheer numbers, the annual December Santa Clausroundup seems to favor suburban malls. But quantity and quality are two very different things. The success of Claus, after all, relies onauthenticity and you can’t spell “authenticity” without “city” Here are a few of our favorite and unique Santa encounters. For a complete listof Santa Sightings download KEY’s Holiday Mobile app – search KEYCHICAGO in either iTunes or Google Play.

He’s making a list and checking it twice!

Santaland at Macy’s

900 North Michigan Avenue, level 5 (312) 440-9550www.galtbaby.com

Michigan Avenue’s Premiere Toy Store!

Children of all ages can visit with Santaevery day throughout the season at the900 North Michigan Shops. If your kidscan’t wait for Christmas morning toopen their presents, don’t worry, as every child receives a free gift! 900 N. Michigan level 3, 312.915.3916.

Need a little more out of your Santa experience? Look no further than theShedd Aquarium. Start your morningwith a Santa brunch, photo’s and a“meet and greet.” Next on the agenda,The Polar Express 4-D Experience followed by hot chocolate and cookies.Families will end the morning with the Holiday One World aquatic show.8:00am Dec. 12, 19 and 22.$39.95/kids, $49.95/adults. 1200 S. Lake Shore, 312.939.2438.

In every other part of the world Santa arrives by sleigh, but in the Windy CitySanta takes the train (or the L to morespecific) All throughout the holiday season, visitors will find Santa and hisband of merry makers pulling into stopsall over the city, handing out candycanes and helping spread holiday cheer. For specific routes and times visit transitchicago.com/holidaytrain.

Beyond the snow-capped mountainsand twinkling lights of Macy’s Santaland, Saint Nick himself is waiting to heareveryone’s holiday wishes. 111 N. State level 5,312.781.4483.


themagnificent mileWhen it comes to shopping, North MichiganAvenue is so much more than just anothercity street – there’s a reason they call it theMagnificent Mile, after all. So it should come as no surprise that the biggest shopping season of the year is always just a little bit bigger in this part of town. Lined with horse-drawn carriages, skillfullydecorated storefronts, holiday carolers, and delectable treats, visitors have a specialplace to relish and rejoice during the festiveholiday season.

From large Department stores likeMacy’s, Nordstrom, and Neiman Marcus to luxury brands such as, Burberry, Rolex, Gucci and Louis Vuitton, Michigan Avenue is home to hundreds of leading

continued on page 18...

Win Me!It’s really very simple,

just take a photo of somebody in your travel party “posing” with a copy of KEY This Week In Chicago (or our 2015 Holiday Activity Guide)

and post the image to KEY This Week In Chicago’s

facebook page or Twitter Account.

All entries received by noon on December 16, 2015 will be included in a raffle and the winner notified

via social media.

The Mary Ellen Larkin doll will arrive Before Christmas

just in-time to surprise your little one.


retailers at every price point. Make sure tocheck out the new store Uniqlo (830 N.Michigan) an import from Japan that offerssimple design, a timeless appearance andexcellent value.

This splendid shopping stretch also famouslygave birth to the concept of the vertical shopping mall, paving the way with the illustrious Water Tower Place back in 1975. Located just behind the retail portion of themall is the Broadway Playhouse where A Charlie Brown Christmas is currently playing and throughout December audienceswill delight in the parody Potted Potter.

Monday through Saturday:11:00am ~ 6:00pm

Sunday:11:00am ~ 5:00pm

706 North DearbornChicago – 312-654-8100www.marymarygis.com

Receive 15% OFFyour purchasewith this ad!

Complimentary Gift WrapWorldwide Shipping


mag-mile brunchBetween Shopping on Michigan Avenueand getting a little ice-time at the “Ribbon” you are sure to work up a significant hunger. Luckily for you, a newbrunch oasis has just opened in the middle of the Magnificent Mile. La Stanza Ristorante, the fine dining roomof Labriola, is now serving Sunday Brunch.The menu features unique dishes such as Lobster Thermidor Benedict, shrimp polenta and octopus hash alongside more traditional fare including brick oven pizzas. Make sure to save room for dessert because guests are invited to dive into the DIY donut bar featuring legendary Stan’s donuts. Every Sunday8:00am-4:00pm. 535 N. Michigan,312.955.3100.


the lap of luxuryIf luxury is what keeps you warm, step into the sophistication of The 900 NorthMichigan Shops. Anchored by Bloomingdale’s department store and home to theFour Seasons Hotel, this lavish seven story mall features more than 70 retailers like Gucci, MaxMara and Michael Kors as well several independent stores such asGalt Toys, Crosell & Co. and The Goldsmith to name just a few.

Art lovers will rejoice as The 900 North Michigan Shops is home to three of thecity’s premier galleries. On the 6th floor, visitors will find original oils and limited edition prints by Picasso, Renoir and Chicago’s very own Michael Cheney inside Atlas Galleries. Steps away at Lotton Gallery connoisseurs of glass will be in-awe ofthe pieces from the entire Lotton family clan of glass blowing artisans. New to thescene is Artspace8, a 14,000 square foot gallery specializing contemporary paint-ings and prints from emerging artists from around the world.


900 N. Michigan Ave., 3rd floorChicago, IL 60611

312.951.7290 enchantelingerie.com

900 N. Michigan Ave., 3rd floorChicago, IL 60611

312.951.7290 enchantelingerie.com

Luxurious Lingerie

the wrap barThis holiday season The 900 North Michigan Shops welcomes back The Wrap Bar. Located on the secondlevel, shoppers are invited to unzip theirwinter coats and relax in comfort andstyle. Offering complimentary coat-checkand recharge stations for cell phones and laptops the bar is the perfect sanctuary for power shoppers who need abrief rest as they hunt for the perfect gift.

You have spent a considerable amount of time and energy (and maybe money)searching out the perfect gift, why not finalize the whole process by having your present expertly wrapped, courtesy of volunteers from the Make-A-Wish® Foundation - donations greatly appreciated.

While you wait for your packages to be wrapped, head upstairs to Frankie’sScaloppine and enjoy one, or two, glasses of their famous Prosecco Sangria.

BILLY GOATTavern & Grill

430 N. Michigan (lower level)(312)222-1525 | billygoattavern.com

700 E. Grand(312)670-8789

BUTT IN ANYTIME!

CHEEZBORGER.CHEEZBORGER.

CHEEZBORGER.

est. 1934


a centennialcelebration

We cordially invite you to come back next year to join us as we celebrate the100th anniversary of Navy Pier. As part of the redevelopment, every aspect of thepier is being re-shaped to give visitors an even more exciting and memorableexperience.

See you soon!

in the loopChicago’s Loop neighborhood is alwaysbuzzing with activity but all throughout theholiday season the Loop is THE place tobe. We have created a special holiday itinerary for you that even Saint Nick wouldbe proud of. Now get out and enjoy!

With so many fun and exciting things to doand see, we suggest you start early. Graban early breakfast by heading to Loncheriainside Latinicity on the 3rd floor of Block37 (108 N. State) for a bacon and eggtorta. Local fashion house Akira is justdownstairs and offers contemporary cloth-ing and accessories for even the most dis-cerning clientele. Continue the shoppingpursuit at two of Chicago’s oldest retailers,tobacconist, Iwan Ries & Co. and numismatics specialist Harlan J. Berk.


Block 37

Need a mid-morning snack? If you let yournose lead the way, you will certainly end upat Garrett Popcorn Shops. A Chicago institution for over 65 years with 5 locationsthroughout the Loop. Make sure to orderthe Garrett Mix – don’t say we didn’t warnyou though.

Now it’s time for some fun. Head over tothe Willis Tower and get out on The Ledgeto see what it’s like to look 1353 feetstraight down. Fear of heights? Not toworry, you can stay “grounded” aboard anarrated Big Bus city tour. The 2-hour hop-on, hop-off tour departs from thebase of Willis Tower. Make sure to hop-offnear Millennium Park where you can take aphoto at The Bean, do some figure eightson the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, as wellas see Chicago’s official Christmas Tree.


a storiedtraditionGazing at the windows…

A visit with Santa…

Lunch at the Walnut Room…

Although the name haschanged, the customs continueto remain the same. Macy’s (111N. State, 312.781.1000) Flag-Ship Store still features many ofthe special holiday customs thatThe Marshall Field and Co.Department Store began over115 years ago. From the whim-sically decorated holiday win-dows and Mrs. Hering’s Pot Pieunder the towering Great Treein the legendary Walnut Room,to a visit to the 5th floor’s Santa-land, no trip to the Windy Cityis complete without “meetingunder the clock”

inside / out

the walnut room

While the experience might start outside as you gaze at the joyous holiday windowsor iconic green clock, the real excitementbegins as you step inside. Nine gloriouslydecorated floors offer just about anythingand everything you can imagine.

Ask any Chicagoan worth their salt what is atthe top of their holiday bucket-list, the answerwill always come back – lunch at the WalnutRoom. This 7th floor institution is celebratingit’s 125th anniversary and is the oldest restaurant within a department store. Saveroom for the Frango Kahula Hot Chocolate

Lunchtime! Of course, the classic choiceis Mrs. Hering’s Pot-Pie at the WalnutRoom. But, you are trying to fit as much in as possible so the hour plus wait is not in the cards. Three greatoptions are just around the corner.The Italian Village (71 W.Monroe, 312.332.7005) is actually three restaurants underone roof. The Village servesclassic Northern Italian specialties and Vivere is it’s counterpart serving contemporary interpretationsin a cutting edge atmosphere. La Cantinawill be open for lunch onselect dates throughout December soplease call for reservations. Another fantastic lunch option is Catch 35 (35 W. Wacker, 312.346.3500).

Order the Chilean Sea Bass or Yellow Fin Tuna. You can’t leave the Windy City without trying our pizza and Pizano’s

(61 E. Madison, 312.236.1777)serves a thin crust version that was voted #1 by the Oprah

Winfrey Show.

Need to “rest” a little after yourmeal, next on the agenda is theGene Siskel Film Center (164 N. State, 312.846.2800)to catch an independent or art-house film. Continue onyour cultural and artisticbend by seeing TheFlamingo by Alexander

Calder located at Kluczynski Plaza (230 S. Dearborn) and the famous Picasso sculpture at Daley Plaza (50 W. Washington).



the boot is back!

Breakfast • Lunch • DinnerAfter Theatre • Food • WineSpirits • Espresso • Desserts

Open daily at 7:30am

The Fine Arts Building 412 S. Michigan Avenue

(312)939-7855and now open at

1150 S. Wabash Avenue(312)583-9940

www.artists-cafe.com

While taking in the majesty of the Picassosculpture it’s a little hard not to notice theopen-air market all throughout DaleyPlaza (50 W. Washington). Inspired by theChristkindlmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany,which dates back to 1545, Chicago’s version is no less festive. Dozens of vendors offer unique products such asholiday ornaments, clocks, clothing andGerman nik-naks. You can’t say you’vebeen to Christkindlmarket without havinga few glasses of Glühwein (a spiced wine)and luckily for you, it will be served onceagain in the famous souvenir boot!

Lastly, make sure to catch one of theMagical holiday shows like A ChristmasCarol playing at the Goodman Theatre(170 N. Dearborn, 312.443.3811) or The Nutcracker, playing at the AuditoriumTheatre (50 E. Congress, 800.982.2787)from December 4-27.

21st ammendmentPresident Franklin D. Roosevelt ratified the21st amendment repealing prohibition (thank goodness) and The Berghoff (17 W.Adams, 312.427.3170) was soon awardedChicago’s liquor license #1. Make sure toorder a house-made Bavarian pretzel along-side your Dortwunder lager or Winter Ale.

schöne ferien

There is old school…and then there’sThe Berghoff

Arriving from Dortmund, Germany in 1870, HermanJoseph Berghoff began brewing his now famous beer,but it wasn’t until the ChicagoWorld’s Fair of 1893 that theBerghoff legend took hold.Visitors to the Fair were sotaken with the delicious lagerthat Herman decided to openthe Berghoff Café. The barsold a beer for 5 cents and included a sandwich for free.Fast-forward 100 plus yearswhere you will find Herman’sgreat-granddaughter Carlyn,who is now in-charge of thefamily legacy.

traditionTradition is certainly the only way to reason-ably account for the ongoing practiceknown as the Pickle in the Tree (or Die Weihnachtsgurke). A distinct holiday customfor generations of Chicagoans, this odd butbeloved German custom continues a longand storied run this year at The Berghoff.

It goes something like this: as familiesagain gather to feast on classic Germandishes such as weiner schnitzel and sauerbraten, or to take advantage of theBerghoff’s special holiday prix fixe menu,the kids (12 and under) take to therestaurant’s Christmas tree, combingthrough the thicket in search of the elusive gherkin. Those lucky enough tofind a pickle ornament hidden in thepine (no real pickles are harmed in thisquest) are rewarded with a free mug of signature Berghoff root beer and aholiday memory that’s unlikely to be replicated anywhere else in town. It’s a Merry Christmas – or Frohliche Weihnachten, to be more precise – German, by way of Chicago.

on stageon stageholidays

Christmas Schooner

Tis the season to celebrate everyone’s favoritePeanuts pals as they dig past the commercializedgimmicks of presents and decorations to rediscover the true meaning of Christmas. Through a pageant and a spindly tree, Charlie Brown and friends bring the holiday spirit back to life for families once again! Tickets $16-$32. A Charlie Brown Christmasperforms every Saturday and Sunday at 10am. Broadway Playhouse (175 E. Chestnut,800.775.2000).


one fateful nightThere are jam sessions and then there is Million Dollar Quartet! Playing at theApollo Theater (2540 N. Lincoln, 773.935.6100), the show is based upon eventsfrom the actual recording session on December 4, 1956 at Sun Records studio inMemphis. The “Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Sam Phillips discovered each member of the quartet and played an important role in the impromptu (and ONLY) jam sessionbetween Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. This high energy musical revue captures the essence of its four iconic performers through live renditions of classic hits like “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Hound Dog” and many more. In the process, it transports audiences back to the golden age of rock music like few other experiences can.

Unfortunately all good things must come to an end at some point and the last blockof tickets is now on on-sale as the show must close on January 17, 2016. Fortunatelyfor you tickets are still available including seats for the 3000th performance that alsocelebrates the 59th anniversary of the historic night!

Million Dollar Quartet photo by Suzan

ne San

tos


IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE:LIVE IN CHICAGO!American Blues Theater2257 N. Lincoln, 773.404.7336American Blues Theater presentsthe cherished holiday tale It’s a Wonderful Life as a live andwarm-hearted 1940s radio broadcast, complete with a castof eight, original music, and livesound effects – plus milk andcookies after every show! Now at 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. Tickets ($19-$49) available online atAmericanBluesTheater.com

SHERLOCK HOLMESAND THE CASE OF THECHRISTMAS GOOSERaven Theatre6157 N. Clark, 773.338.2177Sherlock Holmes and his trustysidekick Dr. Watson are back onthe case for the fifth year at theRaven Theatre. Sherlock Holmesand the Case of the ChristmasGoose follows Holmes and Watson as they hunt a jewel thiefafter finding a rare gem inside aChristmas Goose. PerformancesDec. 9 through Jan. 3. Tickets($19-$24) call 773.338.2177

CHRISTMASSCHOONERMercury Theater3745 N. Southport, 773.325.1700The whole family will enjoy this heart-warming story of thefirst Christmas tree ship and thefamily who risked their lives to fill Chicago with the Christmasspirit. This critically acclaimedproduction features a powerful,moving story, an exquisite scoreof original music and traditionalholiday favorites, and a companyof 25 actors and musicians.

CHRISTMAS BINGO Royal George Theatre1641 N. Halsted, 312.988.9000Vicki Quade, co-creator of thesmash hit Late Nite Catechism,invites you to get into the Christ-mas spirit with her hilarious holi-day show Christmas Bingo: It's aHo-Ho-Holy Night. Brush up onyour Yuletide trivia, because withthis uniquely interactive show,you'll be playing for actual prizes.8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2p.m. Sundays, Nov. 27 throughJan. 3. Tickets ($30) available online at Nuns4Fun.com

IT’S A WONDERFUL SANTALAND MIRACLE NUT-CRACKING CHRISTMASSTORY... JEWS WELCOME!Stage 7731225 W. Belmont, 773.327.5252A show jam-packed full of Christ-mas nonsense! Back by populardemand, Stage 773 combinesdozens of the world's mostbeloved holiday stories in one exciting and hilarious show. Take a seasonal adventure withsinging, dancing, sketch-comedy,and non-holiday specific eggnog.This is the holiday show for comedy lovers!

TWIST YOUR DICKENSGoodman Theatre170 N. Dearborn, 312.443.3800The Second City and GoodmanTheatre partnership Twist YourDickens returns this holiday sea-son to offer a unique and hilari-ous adaptation of A ChristmasCarol. Scrooge, Tiny Tim and theghosts of Christmas past, pres-ent and future run rampant inthis parody featuring Second Citycast members. PerformancesDec. 4-27. Tickets ($15-$45) call312.443.3800.


chi-townrising.com

Harley fans will love this genuineHeritage Nylon Bomber Jacket

($140-$150) available at Chicago Harley Davidson. 668 N Michigan, 312.335.8000.

Vintage in design and contemporary in styling, these durable, high-gloss cars

(prices vary) make great gifts! Available at Galt Toys

900 N. Michigan level 5, 312.440.9550.

Looking for that one-of-a-kind gift?At Bucketfeet each pair of

shoes (prices vary) is designed by an individual artist, to tell a

unique story! 108 N. State level 1, 312.631.3201.

Surprise her with this beautifulMary Walter color-block a-symmetrical cashmeresweater ($250) and

Amet & Ladoue scarf ($130) only at Mary Walter.

33 W. Superior, 312.266.1094.

Give her the gift of luxury andcomfort with this beautiful, softMatelassé long robe ($388)

from Enchanté. 900 N. Michigan level 3,

312.951.7290.

gift guide2015 holiday


Steal a smooch under this Mistletoe Kissing Crystal ($15)

from Mary Mary. 706 N. Dearborn, 312.654.8100.

15% off with coupon on page 20 of the Holiday

Activity Guide!

Make the holiday season even merrier with these

Milk Glass Snowmen ($95) at Lotton Gallery.

900 N. Michigan level 6,312.664.6203.

If you’re looking for rare and unique,you be hard pressed to beat thisCrucifixion Period Roman Iron

Nail - 1st Century AD($50) at Harlan Berk.

31 N. Clark, 312.609.0018.

Capture her heart with this North Star Pendant crafted in18k yellow gold with 14k rose andwhite gold, set with a .20 ct ovaldiamond ($1850) available atGoldsmith. 900 N. Michigan

level 4, 312.751.1986.

!

C

oS on

ko cm ae B

Documents

KEY This Week In Chicago, 2015 Holiday Activity Guide