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10 Things to Do This Weekend: Dec. 9-12

Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo attendees dressed up as characters from “Game of Thrones” at 2020’s event. (C2E2 / Facebook)Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo attendees dressed up as characters from “Game of Thrones” at 2020’s event. (C2E2 / Facebook)

1. Geek out

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Dress up as your favorite superhero or villain this weekend at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo – better known as C2E2. The annual pop culture event features exhibits, panel discussions, autograph sessions and elaborate costumes. Proof of negative COVID-19 test administered by a medical provider within 72 hours of entry or vaccination required, as well as face masks.

Details: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday at McCormick Place South Building, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive. $40-$45; $15 digital ticket / MAP


Find more fests: 2021 Festival Guide


2. Unwind

Art and Yoga: Holiday String Art kicks off with a one-hour gentle flow class to get the creative juices flowing. Post-yoga enjoy hot cocoa and tea while you make a holiday string art piece. BYO hammer – all other materials provided.

Details: 2-4 p.m. Sunday at Wildlight Yoga, 4041 N. Milwaukee Ave., 302. $50 / MAP


3. Shop

The DANK House German American Cultural Center is transformed into a winter wonderland for its Weihnachtsmarkt, or Christmas market. The indoor event features German-inspired holiday goods, visits with Santa Claus, music, food and, of course, glühwein.

Details: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday at DANK House German American Cultural Center, 4740 N. Western Ave. $5 suggested donation / MAP


4. Be jolly

Pilsen is the final stop for “Destinos al Aire, a Holiday Extravaganza!” Festivities include food trucks serving Latin American fare, artisans selling culturally-inspired goods and live entertainment, including the all-women Puerto Rican ensemble Las BomPlenaras. Want to know more? Check out our “Latino Voices” conversation about the series.

Details: 4-7 p.m. Friday at Harrison Park, 1824 S. Wood St. Free / MAP


5. Wonder

The Hyde Park School of Dance puts a modern twist on “The Nutcracker,” including a breakdance battle. The 75-minute production showcases students’ talents alongside the school’s professional studio company. Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the show and masks required. Can’t make it this weekend? Performances will be livestreamed Dec. 18 and 19.

Details: Performances at 7 p.m. Friday; 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday at The University of Chicago’s Mandel Hall, 1131 E. 57th St. $30; $25 for seniors; $10 for kids ages 5-18; free for kids 4 and under / MAP

The Hyde Park School of Dance’s “The Nutcracker.” (Photo by Marc Monaghan)The Hyde Park School of Dance’s “The Nutcracker.” (Photo by Marc Monaghan)

6. Delight

Original holiday-themed sketches and songs written by children are on tap for “That’s Weird, Grandma: Comes Home for the Holidays.” Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test and masks required.

Details: Performances 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday through Dec. 19 at Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N. Ashland Ave. $22.50-$25; $12.50 for kids under 12 / MAP


7. Melt

At the Candle Making Workshop, you’ll create a 17-ounce soy candle, choosing your own scent, color and flower embellishments.

Details: 1-2 p.m. Saturday at VIP Paints, 2015 S. Laflin St. $45 / MAP


8. Browse

The Chicago Artisan Holiday Market showcases the wares of independent, small business owners and creators, according to organizers. A DIY holiday wreathmaking class is also on tap, with options to create a mini 6-inch wreath or 16-inch wreath (Cost is $35-$65 and includes admission).

Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday at Morgan MFG, 401 N. Morgan St. $8-$10 / MAP


9. Envision

Set goals for the year ahead at the Manifestation Vision Board Workshop. All supplies are included, but feel free to BYO magazines or newspapers to scrap. Refreshments, beverages and swag bag included in price of admission.

Details: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sunday at Lacuna Lofts, 2150 S. Canalport Ave. $30-$45 / MAP


10. Giggle

Cindy Lou Who, the sweet child who met the Grinch in the Dr. Seuss’ classic, is all grown up – and drinking and smoking – in “Who’s Holiday!” The now 40-year-old lives in a trailer home on Mt. Crumpit and reveals the twists and turns her life took after that fateful Christmas Eve encounter. COVID-19 vaccination or negative test within 48 hours of performance and masks required. Show is for mature audiences only, according to a press release.

Details: Performance times vary through Dec. 26 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. $20-$35 / MAP

Veronica Garza plays a 40-something Cindy Lou Who in Theater Wit’s Chicago debut of “Who’s Holiday!” (Photo by Charles Osgood)Veronica Garza plays a 40-something Cindy Lou Who in Theater Wit’s Chicago debut of “Who’s Holiday!” (Photo by Charles Osgood)

Events listed are subject to change. We recommend double-checking times and locations before you head out the door. Want to share your upcoming events with us for consideration in a future roundup? Send us an email.


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