13 Of Our Favorite Events In Chicago This Weekend
By Michelle Meywes Kopeny in Arts & Entertainment on Dec 16, 2016 5:14PM
Image via International Museum of Surgical Science's Facebook page.
This weekend brings another chill, but there are lots of events to keep you warm.
FRIDAY DECEMBER 16
CANDLELIT MUSEUM TOUR: Get a candlelit tour of the mansion that holds the International Museum of Surgical Science at 6:30 p.m. The historical Gold Coast mansion is decked out for the holidays complete with carolers. Examine the architecture and discuss the many ways in which residents shaped and participated in some of Chicago’s early history. A complimentary reception will follow the tour. Tickets are $25.
FUNNY HA HA: Some friends of Chicagoist are on Friday’s lineup at Funny Ha Ha: Wintry Mix. Former Chicagoist editor Chuck Sudo and Gapers Block (RIP) publisher Andrew Huff are just a couple of the writers ready to make you laugh at the humor reading series at Hideout at 6:30 p.m. Admission is a $10 suggested donation at the door benefiting Sit Stay Read.
WIRED FRIDAY: Your lunch break just got a lot hotter. Head out of the office and into the Chicago Cultural Center for a noon dance party. Afro-Latin house DJ Excursions takes over the beats this week, mixing broken beats, nu-soul and jazz-funk. Free.
MERRY MERRY ORCHESTRA: The Chicago Children's Choir joins the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for their newest tradition, the Second Annual Merry, Merry, Chicago! Hear holiday classics like "Joy to the World," "Holiday Flight" from Home Alone and Tchaikovsky Selections from The Nutcracker. Performances run through Dec. 23. Tickets start at $35.
SATURDAY DECEMBER 17
MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER: Experience the holidays in the most epic way possible with Mannheim Steamroller this Saturday at 8 p.m. Instead of sitting in your car staring at someone’s holiday lawn light show, see the real thing on stage at Rosemont Theater. Their “unique Neo-Classical” take on popular carols and songs will be accompanied by snow machines, dancers, and more. It’s the real deal, folks. Tickets are $63.
ARETHA: 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.
Image courtesy of Elixr Andersonville.
MULLED WINE CLASS: Get schooled in making the season’s most popular drink: mulled wine. Elixir Andersonville hosts the class where you’ll create your own blend of mulling spices and sample different wines. We’re thinking they’ll make great gifts and/or party favors for the holidays… Tickets are $15.
BIG JOLLY ANIMAL BASH: The karaoke mainstay Trader Todd’s has a special connection to Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control as owners Virginia and Todd have fostered six animals this year alone. This Saturday evening, they’ll hold a Big Jolly Bash to benefit the organization including two hours of food, open bar and new holiday tiki drinks. 6 p.m. A donation of any amount will get you in.
Image courtesy of the Palmer House, A Hilton Hotel.
TUBACHRISTMAS: Things will get deep at The Palmer House’s Annual TubaChristmas. Some 400 tuba and euphonium musicians will take over the Grand and State Ballrooms for a free concert from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. It’s surely a brass sight to be seen.
SUNDAY DECEMBER 18
MADE IN CHICAGO HOLIDAY MARKET: Find last minute gifts at the Made in Chicago Holiday Market from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Chicago Reader hosts the fourth annual market at Plumbers Union Hall with 80 local vendors selling goods from jewelry to housewares to food and drink. Free.
KRAMPUS MART: Township brings us an alternative holiday market: Krampus Mart from 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The second annual event brings more than 20 crafters and artisians selling goods perfect for yourself or someone else. Tunes courtesy of DJ Scary Lady Sarah. Free.
Image via Hyde Park Handmade's Facebook page.
HYDE PARK HANDMADE BAZAAR: Sunday really is the day for handmade shopping in Chicago. Hop on down to Hyde Park for the Handmade Artisan Bazaar and Farmers Market at The Promontory at 11 a.m. DJ Sean Alvarez will spin jazzy, soulful tunes while you sip libations and shop the south side's top crafters and artisans. Free.
WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP: MYOW (Make Your Own Wreath) at Spilt Milk Tavern Sunday afternoon from noon to 2:30 p.m. They've teamed with Verdant Company for the workshop and will provide all the supplies you'll need to craft a festive wreath for your front door. Get even more into the season's spirit by sipping on their winter punch. Tickets are $60. For reservations, email events@verdantcompany.com.