Arts & Entertainment
Holidays Aren’t Just for the Kids. Here Are 11 Adults-Only Events in the Chicago Area
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry’s “Naughty or Nice” event on Dec. 10 is the museum’s signature after-hours holiday celebration for those 21 and older. (Courtesy of Griffin Museum of Science and Industry)
You may want to leave the kids at home for these holiday events.
Beyond the countless holiday-themed bars that pop up in and around the city during the holidays, there are a number of events and celebrations for those hoping to take a break from the festive happenings that attract swarms of families with young children.
From after-hour events at beloved Chicago institutions to raunchy holiday theater productions, here are some adult-focused events to get into the holiday spirit.
Morton Arboretum’s IllumiBrew
Nov. 13
Be among the first to see Morton Arboretum’s annual Illumination holiday lights display while sampling seasonal beers, ciders and meads along the trail. A ticket includes entrance to Illumination, 18 three-ounce tastings and a light-up tasting glass. For designated drivers, a ticket includes entrance to Illumination, unlimited hot cocoa or hot cider, and a redemption ticket for one can of nonalcoholic beer.
Tickets: $95. $50 for designated drivers.
IllumiBrew on Nov. 13 offers access to Morton Arboretum’s annual Illumination holiday lights display along with seasonal beers, ciders and meads along the trail. (Courtesy of the Morton Arboretum)
Brookfield Zoo’s Holiday Sip & Stroll
Nov. 20
This adults-only evening offers warm drinks and seasonal cocktails as you explore Brookfield Zoo’s Holiday Magic lights display before the event officially opens to everyone else. Dance the night away to live beats from DJ Nurotic and soak in the magic of the season. Be on the lookout for Buddy and Mr. Grouch!
Tickets: $39.95
This adult-only evening at Brookfield Zoo on Nov. 20 offers warm drinks and seasonal cocktails as you explore the zoo’s lights display “Holiday Magic.” (Courtesy of Brookfield Zoo Chicago)
The Second City’s: Not Today, Santa
Nov. 25-Dec. 27 (select dates)
“Not Today, Santa” is the Second City’s ultimate holiday comedy celebration, featuring a mix of fan-favorite sketches, sharp satire and festive fun. Note: The event allows attendees who are 13 and older, and minors are required to be accompanied by an adult. The show is rated R for language and innuendo.
Tickets: $45-$85
Who’s Holiday! At Theater Wit
Nov. 27-Dec. 27 (select dates)
Set inside a holiday-bedazzled mobile home at the base of Mount Crumpit, hear the shocking story of Cindy-Lou Who, who is now 40, flirty and ready to spill the green tea about the Grinch. “Who’s Holiday!” brings R-rated Cindy-Lou Who, played by Veronica Garza, back to Theater Wit for her sixth consecutive year of adults-only holiday fun.
Tickets: $42-$46
“Who’s Holiday!” brings R-rated Cindy-Lou Who, played by Veronica Garza, back to Theater Wit for her sixth consecutive year of adults-only holiday fun. (Courtesy of Noelle Harrison)
Shedd Aquarium’s Holiday House Party
Dec. 5
Deck the halls and light up the dance floor. Shedd’s Holiday House Party is where house beats meet holiday cheer with Dee Jay Alicia and DJ Ron Troupe spinning festive house beats all night. Don’t forget to wear your favorite ugly holiday sweater!
Tickets: $29.95
Shedd Aquarium’s Holiday House Party on Dec. 5 is where house beats meet holiday cheer. (Courtesy of Shedd Aquarium / Heidi Zeiger)
The Chris White Jazz Trio Tribute to ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ — Adults-Only Evening Show at Lincoln Park Zoo
Dec. 6
Experience the Chris White Jazz Trio’s performance of Vince Guaraldi’s classic soundtrack “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” New this year, Lincoln Park Zoo has added an adults-only evening show for those ages 18 and up. It also includes a special appearance by Snoopy!
Tickets: $38-$53
The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show at Auditorium Theatre
Dec. 6
Drag queen powerhouses BenDeLaCreme and Jinkx Monsoon are coming back to the Auditorium Theatre with their latest holiday show featuring over-the-top camp spectacle, brand new songs, heartfelt storytelling, dance numbers and iconic costumes.
Tickets: $48.75+
Drag queen powerhouses BenDeLaCreme and Jinkx Monsoon are coming back to town with their latest holiday show at the Auditorium Theatre on Dec. 6. (Courtesy of Santiago Felipe)
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry’s Naughty or Nice
Dec. 10
No matter which list you end up on this year, you can still celebrate at this after-hours holiday party hosted by the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. Attendees can grab a seasonal cocktail, try their hand at holiday trivia and crafts, dance to DJ Ca$hera, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus or the Grinch and explore the museum.
Tickets: $35
Lincoln Park Zoo’s Adults Night Out: Sugar and Spice
Dec. 10
This lighthearted and kid-free holiday party promises to be equal parts sweet and spicy. The event includes access to the popular holiday lights display ZooLights, along with music from a DJ, caricatures from a professional artist, cocktails, hot cocoa, games and more.
Tickets: $25+
Chicago Botanic Garden’s Lightscape 21+ Nights
Dec. 10, Jan. 1
There will be two opportunities this winter to have an adults-only evening on a relaxed, stroller-free trail at Chicago Botanic Garden’s holiday lights display Lightscape. The event is poised to be a dreamy winter’s night out with dazzling lights, drinks and festive bites.
Tickets: Prices vary by date and time and are based on anticipated demand
Enjoy an adults-only evening on a relaxed, stroller-free trail at Chicago Botanic Garden’s Lightscape holiday lights display on Dec. 10 and Jan. 1. (Courtesy of Chicago Botanic Garden)
13th Floor Haunted House’s Krampus: The Fright Before Christmas
Dec. 11-13
Trade your Christmas cheers for Christmas fears. This special holiday haunted house pop-up in Schiller Park transforms 13th Floor’s haunted house into a winter horrorland for one weekend in December, a spokesperson confirmed. Horrifying holiday creatures are around every corner ready to haunt all those who enter. Guests can also enjoy themed photo ops, specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and festive merchandise. The haunted house warns it may be too intense for children 12 and younger, and minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Tickets: $29.99+
“Krampus: The Fright Before Christmas” haunted house pop-up in Schiller Park transforms 13th Floor’s haunted house into a winter horrorland Dec. 11-13. (Courtesy of 13th Floor Haunted House Chicago)
Contact Eunice Alpasan: [email protected]
