10 Things To Do This Weekend: Dec. 23-25

The annual “Christmas Around the World” exhibit at Museum of Science and Industry. (Credit: Heidi Peters / Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago)The annual “Christmas Around the World” exhibit at Museum of Science and Industry. (Credit: Heidi Peters / Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago)

1. Sparkle

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Santa Claus traverses the globe in one day, and you can too – well, sort of. Explore holiday traditions of more than 50 countries at “Christmas Around the World.” The 80th anniversary of this event features dozens of decked out trees, including a four-story “grand tree.” Grab a photo with Santa and check out the world’s largest LEGO display’s festive features at “The Art of the Brick” (not included with general admission).

Details: 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Friday; 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday; closed Christmas Day; hours vary through Jan. 8 at the Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive. $21.95; $12.95 for kids ages 3-11 / MAP


Find more holiday events: Chicago 2022 Holiday Events Guide 


2. Savor

The 1983 classic film about Ralphie Parker’s quest to get his dream Christmas gift – a Red Ryder BB Gun – comes to life, with a soundtrack, in “A Christmas Story, The Musical.”

Details: 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday with additional performances through Jan. 1 at The Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. $59-$64 / MAP


3. Revel

Straight No Chaser put a capella on the map decades ago, and now the all-male group is bringing its “25th Anniversary Celebration” to town. Expect to hear holiday staples, R&B smooth jams and more.

Details: 8 p.m. Friday at The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St. $25 and up / MAP


4. Frolic

Move over Santa Claus, this party’s for the holiday icon made famous by Dr. Seuss. The family-friendly Grinchmas 2022 includes games, photo stations and a visit from a special guest – I’m sure you can guess Who.

Details: 6-8 p.m. Saturday at 1010 W. 35th St., 6th floor. $10 / MAP


5. Be cheeky

The Buttcracker: A Nutcracker Burlesque” puts an adult twist on the holiday classic with burlesque performances, belly dancing and sword swallowing. Show is for 18 and up – and IDs will be checked at the door.

Details: 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, with additional performances 8 p.m. Dec. 29-31 at Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. $36-$156 / MAP

Members of The Buttcracker Burlesque ensemble, including Hannah Silverman (left to right), Mandyn Mueller and Eilish Morse-O’Rourke in “The Buttcracker: A Nutcracker Burlesque” now playing through Dec. 31 at the Greenhouse Theater Center. (Photo by Matthew Gregory Hollis)Members of The Buttcracker Burlesque ensemble, including Hannah Silverman (left to right), Mandyn Mueller and Eilish Morse-O’Rourke in “The Buttcracker: A Nutcracker Burlesque” now playing through Dec. 31 at the Greenhouse Theater Center. (Photo by Matthew Gregory Hollis)

6. Glide

Lace up your ice skates (or rent a pair) and join Jolly Old St. Nicholas on the ice at Skate with Santa.

Details: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday at Centennial Ice Rinks, 2300 Old Glenview Road, Wilmette. $4-$8 for kids; $9 for adults; $5 with non-perishable food donation / MAP


7. Come together

The Puerto Rican Cultural Center is getting into the spirit of the season with its first-ever Puerto Rican Christmas market, featuring handmade goods, artisanal items and specialty products from the island. Three Kings family photo ops and festive activities are also on tap.

Details: 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Saturday through Jan. 6 at ¡WEPA! Mercado del Pueblo, 2559 W. Division. St. Free / MAP


8. Gaze

The weather outside is forecast to be frightful this holiday weekend. Enjoy lights displays from the comfort and warmth of your own car at the Let It Shine Light Show featuring more than one million lights synchronized to holiday classics.

Details for the Northbrook location: 6-10 p.m. daily through Jan. 1 at Northbrook Court, 1515 Lake Cook Road, Northbrook. $32.99-$42.99 / MAP

Details for the Schaumburg location: 6-10 p.m. daily through Jan. 1 at Wintrust Field, 1999 S. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. $32.99-$42.99 / MAP


9. Trim

Leave room on your Christmas tree for a special bauble for your fur baby. At DIY Howliday Dog Ornaments you’ll create a one-of-a-kind piece while raising funds for One Tail at a Time.

Details: 2-5 p.m. Sunday at Indigo & Violet Studio, 1411 W. Irving Park Road. $22-$62 / MAP


10. Adore

Watch as Hans Christian Andersen’s story “The Steadfast Tin Soldier“ comes to life. The holiday classic detailing a tin soldier’s perseverance includes a “sensory-friendly/relaxed” show (Jan. 5), mask-required shows (Dec. 27) and an audio-described show (Jan. 6).

Details: Show times vary through Jan. 8 at Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. $65-$90 / MAP

“The Steadfast Tin Soldier” cast. (Photo by Liz Lauren)“The Steadfast Tin Soldier” cast. (Photo by Liz Lauren)

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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