CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS: Lincoln Park, Bucktown and Wicker Park, Lakeview, Chicago Loop, Andersonville, Oak Park

Lincoln Park: The holiday season is fast approaching! Mark your calendars for December 5 and get yourself to Theater on the Lake for an evening of red wine, great food, and holiday fun! Theater on the Lake is completely renovated and is partnering with Jackson Family Fine Wines for an evening of walk-around tasting of cabernets, red blends, and pinot noirs. Misericordia will also be displaying a variety of holiday gift options. Your purchase directly supports their mission to support their residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. All wines will be available for purchase from Vin Chicago! The Lakefront Restaurant’s Executive Chef Cleetus Friedman has put together a menu of lovely wine samples and food bites for you to enjoy during the evening. You can look forward to meats and cheeses, slow cooked short ribs, roasted butternut squash polenta, seared pork tenderloin, and a portobello mushroom and bleu cheese dip. Admission is $30 per attendee. Find more information and purchase your tickets here.

Bucktown and Wicker Park: Is there any better way to celebrate the holidays than by seeing a  holiday show? Join The All Fools Company for their production of “The Greatest Holiday Show Alive Ever Live!” This farcical vaudeville romp is a love letter to everything Looney Toons, Borscht Belt, and Monty Python. The show is performed at The Den Theatre every Saturday night at 8 pm from November 24 through December 29. Tickets are just $25! Purchase yours here.

Lakeview: The Nutcracker is a timeless, classic show for the holiday season! The story is inspiring, the music is gorgeous, and the choreography is charming. Join Ballet Chicago for their production of The Nutcracker at the Athenaeum Theatre. The show opens on Friday, December 7 at 7 pm and runs through Sunday, December 16. Tickets range from $17 to $47. Find the full show schedule and purchase your tickets here.

Chicago Loop: The Apollo Chorus’ rendition of Handel’s Messiah has been performed every December since 1879. This is the 139th year of performing this timeless and beautiful work! This year, Apollo welcomes outstanding soloists Jamie Rose-Guarrine (soprano), Annie Rosen (mezzo), Josh Lovell (tenor), and Evan Boyer (bass). You only have two chances to catch this amazing concert! Saturday, December 15 at 7 pm and Sunday, December 16 at 2 pm at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance. Tickets range from $35 to $70 and can be purchased here.

Andersonville: You don’t want to miss the St. Lucia Festival of Lights on December 13! One of Andersonville’s many traditional Swedish events, the festival begins with a torch-lit procession down the sidewalks of Clark Street at 4:45 pm, beginning at the Swedish American Museum. Children and adults are welcome to join the procession! Afterwards, everyone is invited to the Lucia celebration at the Museum. There will be a telling of the Lucia legend, family entertainment, and Swedish holiday treats. Admission is $1 or a can of food to benefit Care for Real, Edgewater’s food pantry. Find more information here.

Oak Park: The Animal Care League is hosting their 33rd Annual Holiday Bazaar on Friday, November 30, Saturday December 1, and Sunday December 2! Hours are Friday from 3 pm to 9 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm. Shop for new holiday decor, lights, gift wrap, fresh baked goods, and much more! The Bazaar will also feature fantastic, new pet items for your four-legged friends. You can also sign up for the basket raffle, enjoy a relaxing chair massage, listen to local musicians, and snack on baked goods and refreshments. There will also be pictures with Santa on Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm and Sunday from 12 to 2 pm. All proceeds benefit Animal Care League in their efforts to care for local homeless animals looking for a second chance. Find more information about this awesome event here!

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO