Chicagoist's Guide To December: 20 Fun Things To Do This Month

By Michelle Meywes Kopeny in Arts & Entertainment on Dec 1, 2016 5:06PM

December is all about the classics and making new traditions. Holiday spirit is in the air, so don't forget about other seasonal events like Christkindlemarket, ice skating at Millennium Park and the Museum of Science and Industry,’s "Christmas Around the World" events that we mentioned last month.

THE LAST SPEAKEASY

December 1

If there’s one date that’s meaningful to Chicagoans, it’s the repeal of Prohibition. Chicago History Museum toasts the occasion with a party at The Last Speakeasy: On the Eve of Repeal from 7 to 11 p.m. Templeton Rye will create classic Prohibition-style cocktails, and they’ll have 1930’s style music, dancing lessons and games. Chicago historian and author Richard Lindberg will lead a discussion on Prohibition gangs of Chicago, among other fun learning opportunities. Tickets are $100.

What makes our makers One of a Kind: Laura Tanner Swinand from One of a Kind Show Chicago on Vimeo.

ONE OF A KIND HOLIDAY SHOW

December 1-4

Find the perfect gift at the One of a Kind Holiday Show at the Merchandise Mart this weekend. New and emerging artists will have works for sale including home goods, ceramics, jewelry, photography, furniture, sculpture and more. Pick up something unique for yourself while you’re checking everyone else off your gift list. Tickets are $12.

WINTER WONDERFEST

December 2 to January 8

The indoor winter playground is back at Navy Pier with rides, slides, a ferris wheel, the Chicago Blackhawks ice skating rink and more. This is the 16th year for the family-friendly fest that crams more than 170,000 square feet of winter fun indoors. Tickets start at $10.

TWIST YOUR DICKENS

December 2 to 30

Go on a different kind of Charles Dickens adventure with The Second City and Goodman Theatre as Twist Your Dickens returns for a third year in the Owen Theatre. Written by Emmy Winning Colbert Report writers Peter Gwinn and Bobby Mort, the story brings Scrooge, Tiny Tim and the rest of the Cratchits to life in a hilariously twisted way. Ironically enough, the traditional version of the holiday classic A Christmas Carol is playing next door in the Albert Theatre. Tickets start at $20.

BLOODSHOT HOLIDAY POP-UP

December 3

Bloodshot Records opens their doors for the very first time for a holiday shopping party. They’ve acquired a lot of merch in their 17 years at BSHQ, and they’re looking to unload it to you from noon to 7 p.m. They’ll also have exclusive holiday merch, new records, apparel and more. Bloodshot DJs will be spinning, refreshments will be aplenty, and yes, there will be snacks.

DANCE-ALONG NUTCRACKER

December 4

The kids classic returns to the Chicago Cultural Center with ballet lessons and performances accompanied by the Lakeside Pride Symphonic Band. Dancers of all ages and abilities are invited to participate as members of Ballet Chicago teach basic ballet skills and then everyone dances along to the Tchaikovsky classic. Dance lessons are at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.; performances are at noon and 3 p.m. Free.

WHIRLYCRUZ CUP

December 4

Stars from NBC’s Chicago Fire come out to compete for the WhirlyCruz Cup at WhirlyBall at 6 p.m. Joe Minoso (aka Joe Cruz) will host the second annual tournament which benefits Shriner’s Hospitals for Children. Fans and cast members from the family of NBC "Chicago" TV shows face off in games of WhirlyBall as light bites, cocktails and music by DJ Matt Roan round out the evening. Tickets are $75.

FOR GRACE from FilmBuff on Vimeo.

MIDWEST INDEPENDENT FILM AWARDS GALA

December 6

The Midwest Independent Film Festival presents The Best of the Midwest Awards Gala at Rockit at 7 p.m. There are ten categories up for grabs at the event celebrating midwest-made films like SXSW fave For Grace, Slamdance hit Mad and the ad world satire No Other Way to Say It. Cocktail reception begins at 7 p.m. and the awards ceremony is at 8 p.m. Tickets are $50.

ADULT NIGHT AT ZOOLIGHTS

December 7

Lincoln Park Zoo’s Zoolights display is a must-see during the holiday season, but there’s one night that you can leave the kids at home and enjoy the display with other adults and adult beverages. Adults Night Out: Holiday Edition features unique animal chats, delicious food & bars throughout the zoo, and a live band from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $15.

SEINFELD

December 8-9

He's back, baby. Comedian Jerry Seinfeld is set to do four shows in two nights at the Chicago Theatre. Creator and star of the hit TV show about nothing that somehow perfectly encapsulated life, Seinfeld's core was always in stand up. See him return to his roots at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets start at $63.25.

HOUNDSTOOTH BALL

December 9

Show your support for the no-kill, all-breed dog rescue One Tail at a Time at their 8th Annual Houndstooth Ball from 7 to 11 p.m. The cocktail event have an open bar and dinner for the humans, and a dog-treat buffet for your best friend. Tickets start at $85 for humans and $30 for pups.

JOFFREY’S NEW NUTCRACKER

December 10 to 30

The holiday tradition gets an update this year from none other than Tony Award Winner Christopher Wheeldon. The new Nutcracker puts the spotlight on Chicago, taking place during the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. The story of Marie and her dancing toys is still set to the classic Tchaikovsky score, but the setting will be all Chicago and a dream-like World’s Fair. More than 90 young dancers from the Chicagoland area and local children’s choirs will join the full Joffrey company on stage. Tickets start at $35.

CHRISTMAS DOUBLE FEATURE + SING-A-LONG

December 10 to 24

The Music Box Theatre is showing two classic Christmas films back-to-back, but wait, there’s more. It’s a Double Feature Sing-A-Long with White Christmas and It’s a Wonderful Life. Belt it out with Bing Crosby, Danny Kay and Rosemary Clooney and cheer for Jimmy Stewart all in one day. Tickets start at $20 for the Double Feature ($13 for Single Feature).

B96 JINGLE BASH

December 10

Sometimes our holiday spirit takes us all the way to the Allstate Arena. This year’s B96 Jingle Bash has a lineup stacked with chart topping pop stars like Britney Spears, the Chainsmokers, DNCE, Alessia Cara and more. We’re exhausted just reading that bill! Show starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $70.

THE MAGIC FLUTE

December 10

Operatic fairytale The Magic Flute opens at the Lyric Opera at 7:30 p.m. The new production was Mozart’s final opera, and is a sweet story of young love, a magic flute and an evil Queen who invariably gets in the way. It’s performed completely in German with projected english translations, and is the perfect introduction to opera for fans of all ages. Runs through Jan. 27. Tickets start at $39.

12 NIGHTS OF R. KELLY

December 13 to 14

God help us all. Love him or hate him, R. Kelly is one hell of a songwriter with hits like “Ignition (Remix),” “I Believe I Can Fly” and “Bump N’ Grind.” Now the local R&B star wants to get all up in your holiday celebration with a Christmas album featuring 12 new songs. His Holiday Jam comes to the Chicago Theatre for two nights at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $61.50.

GEZELLIGHEID CONCERTS

December 14 to 16

Andrew Bird’s Gezelligheid concerts have become something of a tradition in his native Chicago. The Dutch term loosely translates to “cozy,” and the singer-songwriter brings that mood to the Fourth Presbyterian Church once again for a three night residency. Bird’s latest album, Are You Serious, went a little more alternative than we’re used to from the pop musician rooted in jazz, even collaborating with 90s breakout artsit Fiona Apple. Tickets start at $42.50.

KISS FM JINGLE BALL

December 14

Another radio station playing the hits brings even more pop stars to the Allstate Arena this month. The Kiss FM Jingle Ball boasts a lineup of Ariana Grande, Ellie Goulding and the Backstreet Boys, just to name a few. 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $30.

ARETHA

December 17

The diva herself is in the house. “The Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin comes to the Chicago Theatre (making up a canceled November date) with songs from her latest release, The Great Diva Classics. Expect to hear legit Aretha classics like “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “Chain Of Fools,” and more. Tickets start at $49.50.

CHI-TOWN RISING

December 31

Chicago’s answer to a Times Square NYE is back for a second year. There are many different ways to watch the star rise at Chi-Town Rising, from free ticketed viewing areas near the riverfront to toasting Prosecco at the Corona Extra Beach House. They’ll also be broadcasting the event live on NBC. We’re still waiting for the 2017 lineup to be revealed, but last year Mario Lopez hosted the event with musical performances from rock band Chicago and other local talent. For more information on party options and to acquire tickets, visit Chi-Town Rising’s website.