e v e n ts
r e c o m m e n d e d dec 2012
B y K e l ly K o n r a d
editor’s pick: downtown family cheer It’s the holidays, so make a day of it! Pack the family up and head downtown to visit three hot spots in a single daylong adventure. Start with … Christkindl Market Through December 24 Daley Plaza, Chicago christkindlmarket.com After the museum, make your way to Daley Plaza for schnitzel, potato pancakes, marzipan and sweet cheese fritters. And while you are chowing down, check out the gorgeous glass ornaments and other holiday musthaves. dec
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“Unboxed: Adventures in Cardboard” Ongoing | Chicago Children’s Museum, Navy Pier | chicagochildrensmuseum.org Everyone knows when you’re young, the best thing about the holidays is the box the gift comes in. Let the kids go crazy in the Cardboard Studio, crawl their way through a box maze and more. dec
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Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Co. Holiday Lights Tour Through December 31 | Downtown Chicago | coachusa.com/chicagotrolley Let someone else do the driving this year—take a trolley ride through and to Chicago’s biggest “lights” venues, including the Lincoln Park ZooLights, the Mag Mile, State Street and even the windows at Macy’s. Special 30-minute stops are incorporated at the Christkindl Market and Lincoln Park Zoo. dec
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Renegade Craft Fair 1 7th Annual Holiday Sale December 1 & 2 | Pulaski Park Fieldhouse, 1419 Blackhawk St., Chicago renegadecraft.com Serious fun for serious hipster crafters— dec
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this is not your run-of-the-mill craft show. Expect big crowds, great food and drink and gift ideas that’ll impress even the biggest curmudgeon on your list this year. Evanston Dance Ensemble: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe November 30 – December 2 Josephine Louis Theatre, 20 Arts Circle Dr., Evanston | evanstondanceensemble.org Mix up the holiday routine with a visit to Narnia this weekend—the Evanston Dance Ensemble has been in business since 1997 and never fails to entertain—it’s top-notch dance theater on the North Shore. dec
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Judith Owen & Harry Shearer’s Holiday Sing-a-Long December 4 | SPACE, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston | evanstonspace.com Can’t sing in tune? We doubt anyone will care at this fun-filled evening with the former “Saturday Night Live” star and his songwriter/humorist wife. Psst … there’s even a super-secret special guest. dec
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Winter Wonderwalk December 5 | Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart, 760 E. Westleigh Rd., Lake Forest | woodlandsacademy.org Get into the holiday spirit with a holiday house walk and gift boutique. Want a little inspiration? Check out home editor Tate Gunnerson’s write up in our November issue. dec
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photo courtesy of chicago children’s museum
An Evening with Mandy Patinkin 1 and Nathan Gunn December 1 | Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 50 Arts Circle Dr., Evanston | pickstaiger.org “Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya …” Everyone has their favorite Mandy Patinkin performance, from Broadway to Hollywood—and Nathan Gunn’s baritone will bowl you over. Don’t miss this exclusive North Shore appearance that benefits the Over the Rainbow Association. dec
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11/6/12 11:04 AM