nov 19 - dec 2, 2025 Vol. 33 No. 38
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4 Arts & Entertainment 6 Cover Story: Holiday Markets + Local Gifts Event highlights of the week!
StreetWise vendors are entrepreneurs, so we have a special affinity for small businesses and craftspeople who make their own way. This holiday season especially is the time to not only support small and independent businesses, but to seek out your neighbors and make new friends, new memories.
15 The Playground
THIS PAGE: The Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza in the Loop (courtesy photo). DISCLAIMER: The views, opinions, positions or strategies expressed by the authors and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or positions of StreetWise.
Dave Hamilton, Creative Director/Publisher
dhamilton@streetwise.org
StreetWiseChicago @StreetWise_CHI
Suzanne Hanney, Editor-In-Chief
suzannestreetwise@yahoo.com
Julie Youngquist, Executive director
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT RECOMMENDATIONS Compiled by Dave Hamilton
The Rumors, The Nastiness!
‘The Real Housewives of the North Pole’ Hell in a Handbag’s season kicks off this winter with the world premiere of The Real Housewives of The North Pole. The North Pole is in trouble. Santa and all the North Pole power players are indicted for fraud and it’s up to the women to try and save their families from financial ruin. But how? Years of wealth and privilege have left them with a lot of designer clothes and jewelry, but little else. Luckily, Andy Cohen and the Bravo network swoop in to save the day with the perfect showcase for those with no talent or skills – reality television! Join Mrs. Ruth Claus, Mrs. Frosty The Snowman, Suzy Snowflake, Gladys Dasher, and others as they claw their way to instant fame. Running November 20 - January 4 at The Clutch, 4335 N. Western Ave. Tickets are $44.25 at handbagproductions.org
King & Queen B!
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Beethoven x Beyonce This fusion production by Steve Hackman combines pop’s Queen B with classical music’s King, for a fantastical trip through an imaginary music festival curated by those two artists: Beethoven and Beyoncé. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 is the canvas onto which 15 of Beyoncé’s most popular songs across her prolific catalog are interwoven. The genre-blending production reaches its emotional peak when two of the most recognizable melodies from each composer are intertwined: “Halo” and the hauntingly beautiful second movement of Beethoven’s 7th. Thursday, November 20, 7:30 p.m., at Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph St. Tickets start at $51.80 at hassistheaterchicago.org
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An Angel Gets His Wings!
‘It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play’ Experience unmatched holiday cheer with Frank Capra's beloved classic, “It's a Wonderful Life,” reimagined as a captivating Live Radio Play, complete with Foley sound effects and set in the WBFR radio studio. Journey to Bedford Falls, where George Bailey's troubles lead him to wish he was never born. Clarence, an angel sent to intervene, steps in to make his wishes come true and George quickly learns just how many lives he has touched and just how blessed he really is. This heartwarming production is the perfect way to embrace the spirit of the Christmas season, playing at Oil Lamp Theater, 1732 Glenview Road, Glenview, November 20 - December 28. Tickets are $55 at oillamptheater.org
Defining Beliefs!
‘American Prophets: Writers, Religion & Culture’ American Writers Museum's largest special exhibit and program series to date, "American Prophets" will explore the profound ways writing reflects and influences our understanding of religion. Religion is an inherent part of American culture, and throughout U.S. history, up to the present, writers have helped deepen our understanding of our beliefs and the beliefs of others. From the poet Phillis Wheatley to the comedian Harold Ramis, writers are driven by their beliefs and the beliefs of those around them, and their work can in turn influence countless readers. Opening November 21, and on display through 2026 at the American Writers Museum, 108 N. Michigan Ave. americanwritersmuseum.org
All-day Performances!
‘321 Plays for Trans Futures’ “321 Plays for Trans Futures: An Experiment in Trans Community through Performance” will transform the Little Studio at the Fine Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan Ave., into an all-day performance art show, honoring the work of trans, non-binary, and ally artists, with an emphasis on centering and expanding trans community. Running 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. November 20, "321 Plays for Trans Futures" is divided into thematic movements, each containing a series of unique and interwoven works. Audiences can purchase tickets to individual movements or experience the full day of diverse trans performance for only $15 at bit.ly/playsfortransfutures
'Tis the Season!
‘Sleeping at Last: Home for the Holidays’ The Auditorium, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, welcomes indie singer-songwriter, Sleeping At Last with The Chicago Philharmonic in a special holiday show “Home for the Holidays.” The program features a mix of world premiere arrangements of some of Sleeping At Last’s beloved Christmas music including favorites like “Snow” alongside classics from Sleeping At Last's non-holiday catalogue arranged for full orchestra and chorus. The one-night-only presentation takes place Saturday, November 29 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $44 at auditoriumtheatre.org.
Who Wants Happiness?
‘Dorian’ In a world obsessed with beauty and power, what happens when someone is given the chance to remain perfect—forever? This modern interpretation of the Oscar Wilde classic dives headfirst into vanity, desire, and the danger of refusing to age, illuminating the darkest corners of our obsession with self-image and fame. “Dorian” fuses gothic horror, biting satire, and cabaret flair into an unforgettable night of theater. Fridays-Sundays, November 28 - December 14 at Open Space Arts, 1411 W. Wilson Ave. Tickets are $30 at openspacearts.org VECTORWORKS EDUCATIONAL VERSION
Chicago Premiere!
‘Falstaff, ossia le tre burle’ Chicago Opera Theater (COT) presents the Chicago premiere of “Falstaff, ossia le tre burle” by composer Antonio Salieri and librettist Carlo Prospero Defranceschi. Featuring a cast of local and national stars, this sparkling classical Italian opera is a comedic gem full of laughs, pranks, and fun. Presented in three performances only: December 3 at 7:30 p.m. and December 6 and 7 at 3 p.m., at the Studebaker Theater in the Fine Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan Ave. Tickets are $50-$150 at cot.org. Presented in Italian with English supertitles. VECTORWORKS EDUCATIONAL VERSION
Power of Collaboration!
‘In Process: God Complex’ Power and panic. Strength and collapse. Fear and violence. Teatro Vista Productions presents a kaleidoscope of characters delving into the mire of modern masculinity told by one of Chicago’s premier performers. Co-created by Gabriel Ruiz and Lorena Diaz and starring Tommy Rivera-Vega. November 21 & 22, 8 p.m., at Steppenwolf, 1650 N. Halsted St. Tickets are $33 at steppenwolf.org
Light the Match!
‘Gaslight’ You’ve heard the term “Gaslight” from the 1944 film. Now feel the thrill in this turn-of-the-century Victorian mystery, where strange things start to happen as the seemingly perfect marriage of Jack and Bella devolves into something sinister. Why is the attic door locked? Whose footsteps wander the halls at night? Bella’s reality is twisted into an indistinguishable tangle of truth, manipulation and her husband’s intentions, where certainty is uncertain, for characters and audience alike. Playing November 28-Jan. 4, 2026 at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie; tickets at northlight.org or 847.673.6300.
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Holiday Markets +Locally Made Gifts
Christkindlmarket
November 21-December 24 Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St. Sun-Thurs 11 am-8 pm; Fri-Sat 11 am-9 pm; Preview November 20 5-9 p.m.; Thanksgiving (Nov. 27) & Christmas Eve (Dec. 24): 11 am-4 pm November 21- December 24 Aurora/RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway Thurs 11 am-7 pm; Fri-Sat 11 am to 9 pm; Sun 11 am-6 pm; Thanksgiving (Nov. 27) & Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) 11 am-4 pm; Mon (Dec. 22) & Tues (Dec. 23) 11 am-7 pm
Compiled by Suzanne Hanney Gift Ideas by Judi Strauss-Lipkin *except Toffee Traditions by Suzanne Hanney
November 1-December 23
November 21-23
Chicago Fair Trade Holiday Pop-up
2717 N. Clark St. Tues-Sat 11 am-7 pm, Sun 11 am-6 pm, closed Mon Curated selection of fair trade, eco-friendly products that create a positive impact on communities locally and globally. Find gourmet treats, cozy apparel and elegant home décor! chicagofairtrade.org/ holiday-pop-up-shop November 21-22
COVER STORY
Women’s Board of Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Holiday Boutique
Forester Hotel, 200 N. Field Drive, Lake Forest Fri 9 am-6:30 pm, Sat 9 am-3 pm 46th annual event features cheer-filled shopping with vendors from across the nation. lfhwomensboard.nm.org/ events-and-fundraising.html Tickets $10/$5 age 65+. Proceeds benefit palliative care and supportive care at Lake Forest Hospital.
November 23-December 31 Gallagher Way, 3635 N. Clark St. Mon-Thurs 3-9 pm; Fri-Sat 11 am-10 pm; Sun 11 am-7 pm; Thanksgiving (Nov. 27), Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) & New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31) 11 am-4 pm; Christmas (Dec. 25) CLOSED; Mon (Dec. 29) & Tues (Dec. 30) 11am-9 pm Modeled after the classic holiday market in Nuremberg, Germany, Christkindlmarkets take your senses on a journey with the smell of roasted nuts, fresh pretzels, bratwurst and hot spiced wine, the sound of festive music, the glimmer of Christmas ornaments and products from around the world. The Aurora market will be the largest ever organized by German American Events, LLC, a subsidiary of the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest, with more than 60 vendors. The neighborhood market in Wrigleyville welcomes back many of its staple vendors. www.christkindlmarket.com/
Millennium Park Holiday Market
Millennium Park: Chase Promenade North, 205 E. Randolph St. Fri-Sat: Noon-8 pm; Sun: Noon-5 pm Local artists’ market is aligned with the lighting of Chicago’s 112th annual Christmas tree and runs through the weekend. FREE admission.
Pet TREATS BY KOKO's Kitchen
Koko’s Kitchen is all about treating your dog like a VIP – since our pets deserve holiday gifts too! Her plant-based frozen treats are crafted in small batches with only real human-grade ingredients and packaged with recyclable materials/sustainability in mind. The mission is also “giving-back:” 1% of annual revenues to support animal welfare, service dog training, and programs that empower underserved communities. Kymbrielle Anglin started the Chicagobased business for her dog named Whoodle in November 2024, and you can now buy these amazing iced treats (served at the PAWS Chicago beach party this summer!) online treatsbykokoskitchen.com/shop-all. Follow them for sneak peeks and adorable dog photos on Instagram and Facebook.
November 22
Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Michigan Avenue, Oak Street-Chicago River Mickey and Minnie Mouse lead the nation’s largest nighttime parade past 200 trees with one million lights followed by fabulous floats with beloved friends from Walt Disney World® Resort, marching bands from across the country, musical celebrities, Santa Claus and The Wintrust Fireworks Spectacular. www.themagnificentmile.com/lights-festival November 22-23
West Chicago Holiday Makers
DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton Sat-Sun 11 am-5 pm 130+ vendors of fashion, design, art, food and more in an atmosphere of community. $10+ at www.marketsformakers.com/west-chicago
courtesy of St. Jerome Church (donations benefiting St. Jerome appreciated). Part of Live Love Shop Rogers Park Rebate program. business.rpba. org/events/details/mercadito-12711
Live Love Shop Rogers Park Rebate program continues through Dec 31. Save your receipts and earn cash back when you visit businesses located in the 60626 ZIP code! business.rpba.org/events/
November 22 - December 20
November 29
Evanston Arts Center, 1717 Central St., Evanston M-Th 9 am-6 pm; F 9 am - 5 pm; S&Su 9 am-4 pm The Winter Arts & Crafts Expo includes original handmade works of jewelry, ceramics, fiber, metal, glass, painting, photography, mixed media, and more. All proceeds from the Expo will benefit the ongoing exhibition, education, and outreach programs at the Art Center. Free Admission. evanstonartcenter.org
FREE pictures with Santa: kids 10 amnoon at The Perfect Cup, 4700 N. Damen Ave.; pets 1-3 p.m. at Urban Pooch Canine Life Center, 4501 N. Ravenswood Ave.; Victorian Carolers, 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (30-minute performances at the top of the hour) in Giddings Plaza, 4731 N. Lincoln Ave.; Lincoln Square Tree Lighting, 5:30 p.m. in Giddings Plaza. www.lincolnsquare.org/small-businesssaturday
Evanston Art Center’s 23rd Annual Winter Arts & Crafts Expo
Fragrance by Memoir Fragrances
Memoir Fragrances is the scented biography of creative director and founder Terrance Pratt, who developed the brand in, and as an homage to, Chicago, where he found his own personal story. Memoir was created as both a call to action and a reminder that there is a story in everyone that is waiting to be told. Each scent is named after a lived cultural experience and asks you to live fearlessly and share your stories with the world. Whether it is “Time Travelin” or “A Street in Bronzeville, “or “Gypsy Eyes,” each scent takes you deeper into your own story. StreetWise's Creative Director Dave wears "Bespoke." Order from memoirfragrances.com and find them on Instagram. November 22-23
$10 and Under Market
Revolution Brewing, 3340 N. Kedzie Ave. Handmade market hosted twice a month at rotating venues. www.vintagehousechicago.com November 22
Mercadito Craft Fair
Grow/Progresando, 7056 N. Clark St. 10 am-3 pm Rogers Park Business Alliance celebrates the creativity, culture, and entrepreneurial spirit of Camino Clark. Local artists and small business owners showcase handcrafted goods: aromatherapy, original cards, silver and sparkle jewelry, 3D maps of Chicago and soy wax candles with a hint of agave in reusable clay bases, stained glass and more. Free Gift Wrapping from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.,
Small Business Saturday Lincoln Square/Ravenswood
November 23
Handmade Holiday Market
Lincolnshire Marriott Resort, 10 Marriott Drive Sunday, 11 am-6 pm 80 curated independent artists and artisans, cocktail bar, paint ’n sip and wreath-making classes. $10 admission includes $2 donation to WINGS. amdurproductions.com/handmadeholiday-market November 23
Hyde Park Handmade
Promontory Lounge 2nd floor, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. 11 am-3 pm Monthly showcase of juried South Side craft, fashion and food in lush atmosphere, with soulful tunes by Sean Alvarez; elevator access. FREE admission. Repeated December 21. November 29
Small Business Saturday Love Rogers Park
Welcome Station at Alexander’s Restaurant, 6764 N. Sheridan Road 10 am-1 pm Free coffee, hot chocolate, and pastries; free tote bags filled with local goodies and business specials; live music by Becca Jaffe; photos inside a 3-D snow globe; spin-the-wheel prizes valued up to $100.
Jewelry by Locked and Layered
Locked and Layered is a Chicagobased unisex jewelry brand that highlights architectural, industrial and minimal design. Emily Shinnick, owner and designer, started her business in June 2015. She says that growing up in Chicago and having one of the most breathtaking skylines in the world, she found herself looking up, fascinated by the intricacies of all the buildings. The pieces that are designed for every day, versatile wear include rings, necklaces, lariats, bracelets and ear cuffs, among other items. Find her on Facebook and Instagram and the Catalog Marketplace December 9-11 at Willis Tower. www.lockedandlayered.com
November 29
Small Business Saturday at Six Corners
Milwaukee/Irving/Cicero Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Eggsperience, 4925 W. Irving Park Road, at 9 or 10 a.m. (by reservation, regular menu) or meet them Noon-2 p.m. at Winter Wonderland, City News Café, 4018 N. Cicero Ave. Holly Jolly Trolley will make 75-minute roundtrips from Eggsperience at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to select small shops. . Anna from “Frozen” will lead the later tour, as she searches for Elsa. $3 each at sixcornerschamberofcommerce.wildapricot. org/event-6421079 November 29-30
Chicago Artisan Market
4325 N. Ravenswood Sat-Sun 11 am-5 pm Curated market celebrates the ingenuity of independent, small businesses who channel their passions into creating oneof-a-kind products -- including Giveashi*t to benefit StreetWise! Meet them and learn how they make the Midwest's best in food, fashion, home goods and art. Well-behaved, leashed dogs welcome. Tickets $8 in advance/$10 at the door. Kids under 12 FREE. chicagoartisanmarket.com/
Thoughtful Tees by Giveashi*t
An absolute necessity for every one of us – men, women and children - is a new T-shirt. To wear around the house, for working out, or to express your creative self, T-shirts are a perfect stocking stuffer for everyone in your family - and for your friends too. Giveashi*t (www.giveashirt.net) is a Chicago-based charity that sells limited edition T-shirts designed by local artists – where 100% of the profits go to StreetWise and StreetWise vendors. In the last 8 years, this charity has raised over $700,000 for StreetWise. WE love the creative designs – from Batcat! To World Peas to No Kings and Resist (by Amanda Jones) to Sing a Song With Me and Tamale Guy by Dave Fortney to Good Day Chicago by Natalie Bomke (who coanchors Good Day Chicago), and For Now by Shawn Smith, the artist and designer behind Shawnimals and Ninjatown. You can check sizes and buy them, gift wrap them and ship them online. One for you and perhaps some for lots of people you know too!! Find them at the Chicago Artisans Market November 29-30 in Ravenswood and December 14 in Fulton Market and at the Renegade Craft Fair, December 19-21 in Fulton Market.
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November 29-30
Merry Makers Christmas Market
Aponte Art Gallery, 5504 W. Lawrence Ave. Sat-Sun, Noon-6 pm Cozy holiday event channels creativity and community with handmade goods, artisan crafts and tasty treats—all created locally. FREE admission. aponteart.com November 30
Salt Shed Market
The Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston Ave. Sun 11 am-5 pm One-stop shop for all things vintage, home, vinyl, and hidden gems from local vendors and artisans. FREE, but RSVP at www.saltshedchicago.com/ November 30
Andersonville Tree Lighting 5344 N. Clark St., 5 pm andersonville.org/holidays/
December 2
GET LIT: Santa’s Book Fair
American Writers Museum, 180 N. Michigan Ave. 5:30 - 7:30 pm Join the American Writers Museum and local, independent Chicago book stores for this special holiday event. Enjoy beer, wine, and the night’s specialty cocktail. $21+ at americanwritersmuseum.org. Age 21+ with ID. December 4
Women’s Club of Wilmette Market
930 Greenleaf Ave., Wilmette Thursday, 4-8 pm Family-friendly activities ’til 5 p.m.; sip ’n shop 25 vendors from around Chicagoland. $10 suggested entry benefits club’s charitable organizations. womansclubofwilmette.org December 4-7
One of a Kind Holiday Show + Sale
The MART, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, 7th floor Thurs-Sat 10 am-7 pm, Sun 10 am-5 pm 600+ artists, designers, and makers of handmade gifts in 20 categories from across the U.S.: accessories, kids, leather, fashion, pets, jewelry, fiber art, furniture and more; hands-on demos, live entertainment. $15 at oneofakindshowchicago.com/holiday/ December 4-21
Evanston Made Market
1710 Maple Ave. Th-Sun evanstonmade.org December 5
Lill Street Studio's 50th Anniversary Holiday Party
4401 N. Ravenswood Ave. Fri 5-8 pm Festive, family-friendly event open to the public offers complimentary food and drinks, live music, open studio, workshops and a gallery show of functional ceramics for the dining table. Screening of the new documentary, “Dream a Lill: 50 Years of Molding Makers” by Chicago filmmaker Gabriel Cuillier of MXXD Media. No reservations necessary. lillstreet.com. Jewelry Trunk Shows Saturdays in December from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. include Lisa Slodki (December 6), Stephanie Brohman (December 13), and December 20 artist TBA. Workshops include mini Hanukkah
menorah-making for kids, 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, November 22 and Date Night Throwdown for adults, Friday, December 12. December 5
Winter Walk on Wilson
Wilson & Broadway area Fri 5-8:30 pm Uptown Chamber of Commerce’s 11th annual event features sweet treats, warm drinks, and menu samples by local Uptown businesses and organizations, live holiday music along the Wilson and Broadway commercial corridors, pop-up holiday market, photo ops with Uptown’s own Panda Claus! FREE, but RSVP to win prizes uptownchamber. chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/6110 December 5-6
Oak Park River Forest Holiday House Walk & Market
House Walk: Fri 5-9 pm, Sat 1-5 pm, Market: Fri 3-7 pm, Sat 10 am-4 pm Get ideas for your own décor from four amazing homes in Oak Park and River Forest, each festively decorated. Tickets $70 in advance, $75 at the door, $250 Fast Pass skip-the-line entry. Jumpstart your gift shopping with 22 vendors at this year’s Holiday Market, upstairs at the IWS Children’s Clinic, 28 Madison St., Oak Park. FREE admission oprfiws.org/holiday-housewalk.
We all need at least one hat. Pamela of City Girl Hats (http://citygirlhats.etsy. com/) is a London-trained milliner in Chicago and avid collector of vintage and decorative hats. For a special treat at the Drie-cember Holiday Market December 6 at the Driehaus Museum, check out her fascinators, cocktail hats, headbands, sun hats with straw, ribbon, feathers, felt and flowers. City Girl has been featured in Victoria Magazine, WWD and Today’s Woman.
December 5-7
Julmarknad
Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark St. Fri 4-7 pm, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 10 am-4 pm Annual market offers traditional performances, activities for children and café. swedishamericanmuseum.org December 6
Holiday Road
fashion statements by City Girl Hats
Western Avenue, 99th-115th; Church 103 in Beverly/Morgan Park Shop, stroll and sip your way all day and evening amid trolley rides 10 am-5 pm, holiday activities, specially priced merchandise, food and drink. www.mpbhba. org/holiday-road/
December 6
Hyde Park Holly-Day
The University of Chicago, in partnership with the South East Chicago Commission, Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce and Special Service Area 61, presents FREE holiday activities for the whole family. RSVP at hphollyday.com December 6
Shop Jarvis Square Holiday Market
Jarvis & Greenview @ CTA Red Line Jarvis stop 11 am-5 pm 17th annual event features 40 local artisans and vendors with handmade gifts, including jewelry, fine art, textiles, crafts, and vintage goods. Live, Love and Shop Local with carolers throughout the day, photo ops with Santa, engaging storytelling, sweet donuts, mulled wine and hot cider, and savory raclette (fresh melted cheese from the wheel). www. rpublichouse.com/shop-jarvis-square
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December 6
Underground Art Market
Revolution Brewing Taproom, 3340 N. Kedzie Ave. Noon-5 pm Works of recycled art, wellness, and functional art, and for charitable causes and social initiatives. www.undergroundartmarket.com/ December 6
Youth Art Market
Hot Sauces by Wheatley's artisan hot sauces
Finally, during the holidays and after too, we all need more than a drink – we really need an artisan hot sauce from Wheatley’s Artisan Hot Sauces (www.chefwheatleys.com). Chef David Wheatley has been in the food service industry since he was a 13 and had a summer job as a line cook at Applebee's; he has worked for small local pubs and some of the most upscale hotels and country clubs – from Chicago to Phoenix to St. Louis to Tampa and back. He started this new hobby/ business at his home in Sandwich during COVID in 2020 with his wife Lindsay and his two daughters and it has now become a full-fledged business. From his sampler pack of mango, lime, bourbon steak, bacon chipotle, pizza splash, classic, big sun and roasted reaper, to his three-pack gift box (hot) of the award-winning bacon chipotle, jalapeno and habanero, to his SuperHot 3 Pack Gift Box of Roasted Reaper, Big Sun, and habanero, the sauces are not only delicious but also made with the freshest, high-quality ingredients available. He entices us: “Whatever your preferred level of heat, we have a sauce that’s sure to hit the spot.” Shop at the website and at the One-ofa-Kind Holiday Show in Chicago December 4-7 at The Merchandise Mart in Chicago.
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National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St. Saturday, 11 am-4 pm Yollocalli Youth Arts Outreach hosts 35 artists under 25 for stickers, buttons, zines, clothes, jewelry, candles, snacks and more! Cash is KING! FREE admission. Info on Eventbrite. December 6
Old Town School Folk Craft Bazaar
4545 N. Lincoln Ave. 10 am-3 pm Handmade creations by local artists – cozy winter accessories, candles, jewelry, musicthemed gifts and more. www. oldtownschool.org/community/craftbazaar/ December 6
Drie-cember Holiday Market
Driehaus Museum, 50 E. Erie St. Sat 11am-5 pm Dozens of vendors of vintage jewelry, handmade crafts, and local art for everyone on your list, amid Gilded Age atmosphere. FREE admission. December 6
Ravenswood Light Up Nights Festival / Market
Wilson Avenue, Ravenswood-Hermitage 3-7 pm 6th annual event includes live music, indoor holiday market, food and drink vendors, restaurant specials, kids’ scavenger hunt, photo stations, tree lighting ceremony, multimedia window
Sweet Treats by toffee Traditions
Toffee Traditions uses the recipe passed down by Kristen Weisberg’s grandfather in the 1940s for toffee crafted in small batches to ensure a perfect buttery texture. Starting with white chocolate or dark chocolate, she uses only premium fresh almonds and pecans to make a toffee that is rich in taste. She customizes flavors to the season, from Springtime Lemon Poppy Seed Macadamia to Summertime Rosemary Sea Salt, Autumn Spice and Fresh Peppermint; for individual sale or corporate gifts. Find them at the Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Holiday Boutique November 21-22 and www.toffeetraditions.com/about-us displays, hot cocoa, caroling, and more. myravenswoodneighbors.org/events/ ravenswood-light-up-nights/ December 6 & 7, 13 & 14
Navi Arts En El Barrio
Puerto Rican Museum, 3015 W. Division St. Sat 11 am-5 pm, Sun 11 am-4 pm Boricua artisans and vendors offer oneof-a-kind handmade gifts, hands-on workshops, delicious comida, festive photo booth and prizes for the first 50 people each day. nmprac.org December 7
Clark Street Cookie Crawl
Clark, Fullerton-Diversey 1-3:30 pm; check-in starts 12:45 Collect a variety of holiday cookies and
December 9-11
Catalog Marketplace
Willis Tower, 233 S. Wacker Drive Tues-Thurs: 11 am-2 pm Lunch hour shopping with local vendors and artisans, music performances by Tunes at Noon and festive offerings by Willis Tower restaurants and experience venues, with holiday hijinks at select times by the Grinch. FREE, loopchicago.com December 11 & 18
Shop Late Lincoln Square/ Ravenswood
pet pampering by ava's pet palace
Another way to pamper your pet is Ava’s Pet Palace. It was started by Ava (now the CEO or Chief Elevation Officer) when she was only 8 years old with one simple idea: pets deserve better treats. Today, with the support of her family, that idea has grown into a fastgrowing, minority-owned, family-run brand trusted by pet parents nationwide. Treats have seven ingredients or fewer, organic and natural options whenever possible. Ava has come a long way: from her first television interview on Windy City Live in 2018 to winning Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2020. Order online at avaspetpalace. com, follow them on Facebook and Instagram or find their treats on shelves at Erewhon Market, Meijer, and independent pet stores. enjoy carolers, hot chocolate, and the chance to snap photos with Santa. Boozy Admission for 21+. Ticket sales end December 3; tickets will NOT be available at the door. www.lincolnparkchamber.com/ event/clark-street-cookie-crawl-2025/ December 7
Ravenswood Elementary Makers’ Market
4332 N. Paulina St. Noon-3 pm Annual event features 35 artists, bakers, and crafters, a hot chocolate bar and free kids' crafts. $2 admission www.friendsofravenswoodschool.org/makers-market
5-8 pm https://www.lincolnsquare.org/ holidays December 12-13
Sauced Night Market
Chicago Athletic Association, 12 S. Michigan Ave. Fri-Sat 5-10 pm Cocktail in one hand and onigiri in the other, shop sexy vendors for books, pets, candles, conversation cards, and enjoy the sounds of DJ Johnny Walker. Free, but RSVP at www. saucedmarket.com/chicago December 12-14
Andersonville Holiday
Foster & Clark Streets Friday til roughly 9 pm, Late Night Andersonville gives you time to catch up on your shopping. Saturday at 4 p.m., Andersonville honors its origins as a Swedish farming community with its Lucia procession down Clark Street, led by a girl with a wreath of candles in her hair and Star Boys, all singing carols. Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m., the Holiday Trolley picks up at most intersections (ride with Santa 12:30-3). Sunday brings cookie decorating with Santa, (9:30-2:30 at Guesthouse Hotel, 4872 N. Clark St.) and lighting of the Hanukkah Menorah (4 p.m. at Clark & Farragut). andersonville.org/holidays/ December 13
Chicago Waldorf Market
5200 N. Ashland Ave. Sat 10 am-3 pm Begun in the early 1970s to raise money for the first Waldorf school in Chicago, bustling winter market offers artisan ven-
dors, local food, activities and crafts for the whole family. FREE admission. www. chicagowaldorf.org/holidayfair December 13
Holiday Hurrah
99th Street/Walden/Wood & 103rd Streets 10 am-3 pm Festive day of holiday shopping in Morgan Park/Beverly, with family-friendly crafts, a visit from Santa, live music, a caricature artist and face painter, tasty beverages and snacks, and more! www.mpbhba. org/holiday-hurrah December 13
Handmade Market
Empty Bottle, 1035 N. Western Ave. Noon-4 pm Money spent at this affordable market for up-and-coming craftspeople goes directly to these makers of beautiful things -- funky jewelry, glass pendants, knitted items, handbags, clothing, paper crafts and more. Shop with a mimosa in hand. FREE admission. handmadechicago.com December 13
Krampus Fest
Martyr’s, 3855 N. Lincoln Ave. Noon-close An homage to St. Nick's partner, Krampus, the Holiday Artisan Market from noon to 6 offers local artists, makers, bakers and purveyors of handcrafted gifts. Krampus Café serves German-style street food (sausages, potato pancakes and Martyr’s own Gluhwein). At 6:30 p.m., stomp with the Krampuses along Lincoln Avenue from Martyrs' to Irving Park Road. Krampus Pageant and Costume Contest at 7 p.m. martyrslive.com/13th-annualkrampus-fest December 13
Weihnachtsmarkt
DANK Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave. 11 am-5 pm German-inspired Christmas shopping indoors amid festive decorations; Glühwein, Belgian hot chocolate, ice cold German beer and food, music and more! $5 suggested donation; proceeds benefit cultural and educational programming at the German American Cultural Center – DANK Haus. dankhaus.com/Weihnachtsmarkt
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December 13-14
Holly Jolly Holiday Market
North Center Town Square, 4100 N. Damen Ave. Sat 11 am-6 pm, Sun 11 am-5 pm North Center Neighbors Association brings 20 unique vendors. Savor hot cocoa, coffee and seasonal adult beverages while enjoying live entertainment. $5 donation requested to support volunteer-run organization. ncnaneighbors.org/HJHM
Jewelry by Lin Bader Design
December 13-14
Randolph Street Market
Lin Bader Design is a woman-owned and AAPI-owned fine jewelry studio based in Chicago. Each piece is unique, with whimsical forms and rich textures, a sculpture and a creature that dances with your movement. Feel the life within the form as well as the energy bursting out. The jewelry is handmade from solid 22k, 18k, 14k gold, fine silver and .935 silver. Her specialty is ancient jewelrymaking techniques including 22k gold and silver granulation, filigree, chasing & repoussé, Celtic torc and hammering & forging. Lin was selected as a 2024 Makers United Chicago Ambassador, a 2025 Makers Future Fund grant recipient and a grand prize winner in 2022 for a piece in the Art of Handmade Tahitian Pearls Design contest. Find her work also on Facebook and Instagram, the Salt Shed Holiday Market November 30 and Drie-cember Market at the Driehaus Museum December 6. www.linderdesign.com December 13-14
Chicago Art Girls Holiday Pop-up
Bell Elementary School, 3730 N. Oakley Sat-Sun 11 am-5 pm 45 women artists in leather, jewelry, pottery, stained glass, fashions, recycled materials, paper, food and more, plus artisn food for sale. Donate non-perishable food and personal care items at the door to Common Pantry. FREE parking and admission. \www.chicagoartgirls.com/2025-holidaypopup
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1340 W. Randolph St. Sat-Sun 10 am-5 pm Stylishly crafted mix of vintage and modern decorative objects, housewares, fashion for men/women/children, and art, from 125 vendors. Admission $12/$5 age 65+. randolphstreetmarket.com/ December 14
Chicago Artisan Holiday Market
Morgan Manufacturing, 401 N. Morgan St. Sun 11 am-5 pm Curated market celebrates independent, small businesses who channel their passions into creating Midwest’s best in food, fashion, home goods and art -- including Giveashi*t to benefit StreetWise! Tickets $8 in advance/$10 at the door. Kids under 12 FREE. chicagoartisanmarket.com/ December 20
Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration & Marketplace
Washington Park Refectory, 5531 S. Russell Drive 11 am-8 pm In the spirit of Umoja – unity within the family and community -- Africa International House showcases handcrafts for sale, food, music, conversation and storytelling. FREE admission and parking. aihusa.org
parfum by saor perfume
A new fragrance is in order for the holidays, so start with Saor Perfume and the Catalog Marketplace, December 9-11 at Willis Tower. The owner, Chicago-based Patricia Talbot, sought a fragrance that defined her across duty-free shops, department stores and boutiques on three continents and decided to create her own (SAOR means be free in Gaelic!). Her first perfume oil (hAon) infuses fragrant bergamot, fresh white tea and airy musk to calm and captivate. The second oil (A DO) is a warm sensuous scent infusing spicy neroli blossoms, canaga and the warmth of cedar and sandalwood. In 2021 SAOR created A TRI for Lululemon, featuring grapefruit, ginger and warm cedar. Most are 90% water and alcohol, infused into the highest-grade jojoba oil. A light application of SAOR in the morning transports you from dawn to dusk. www.soarperfume.com December 20-21
Renegade Market
Morgan Manufacturing, 401 N. Morgan St. Sat-Sun 11 am-5 pm Shop 170+ curated artists in the West Loop -- including Giveashi*t to benefit StreetWise! www.renegadecraft.com/ event/chicago-winter/
December 20-21
Artifact Events Christmas Market
4325 N. Ravenswood Ave. Vintage House offers handmade market twice monthly at rotating venues. www.vintagehousechicago.com Ongoing
Preserving Chicago’s Heritage,
Buddy Store
Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. Mon-Sun 11 am-5 pm 300+ artists at any moment in media including prints, photos, art objects, functional art, textile, publications, music, jewelry, care products, toys and much more -- a collaboration between Bridgeport-based Public Media Institute and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE). hi-buddy.org/pages/about
one building at a time.
Ongoing
Chicago Fair Trade Museum
Next, find a hat for Chicago winter weather at Brim and Dash Millinery and “elevate the everyday!” Kathleen has had a passion for hats as long as she can remember and became a hatmaker after years of couture sewing for women’s evening wear. Each hat is made with natural fibers, colors and textures serving as her inspiration and designed to both transform your confidence and elicit a smile from you and the people who see you in it. Find her online and at the One-of-a-Kind Holiday Show at the Merchandise Mart, December 4-7. www.brimanddash.com
PreservationChicago.org
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hats by brim and dash millinery
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Eric Allix Rogers
4704 N. Broadway Wed-Sat Noon-5 pm Learn how fair trade provides a people- and planet-friendly alternative to exploitative global labor and practices that harm the environment. Shop for beautiful, one-of-a-kind items! Volunteers welcome. chicagofairtrade.org/museum/
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Love Your City Fiercely!®
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Tiffany Mosaic Ceiling (1907) At Marshall Field’s / Macy’s on State Street Over 1.6 million pieces of iridescent favrile glass comprise the 6,000-square-foot barrel-vaulted mosaic ceiling designed by Tiffany Studios. Designated a Chicago Landmark on November 1, 2005 Ward Miller Richard H. Driehaus Executive Director of Preservation Chicago
(312) 443-1000
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WMiller@PreservationChicago.org
www.streetwise.org
e Sudoku the10/19/20 Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the 1 to 9.
PuzzleJunction.com
Streetwise 10/19/20 Crossword
Sudoku
To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.
68 Meddle
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12 Flower 38 Opened wide feature 41 Sprinted 13 Observed Down 44 Acquire 1 Pal for 19 Dagoba, e.g. 46 Least wild Pierre 21 “You’ve got 47 Dover’s state mail” co. 2 Kind of nut (Abbr.) 3 In poor 23 Liquid 48 Fun loving health accident water 4 Web journal 24 Lecterns mammals 25 Make better 5 Tristan’s 49 Assassinated love 27 Hospital 50 Welsh dog 6 Diacritical figure 51 River valleys 28 Bonanza find 53 Tacks on mark 30 Spy vs. Spy 7 Sheltered, 54 Dry off nautically magazine 55 Utah national 8 18-wheeler 31 Rome’s river park 33 Waterfall 9 ___ chi 57 Dutch city effect ch’uan 58 Solemn 10 Newspaper 34 Rice dish promise 35 Sharp as a article 60 Twosome tack 11 Old World 61 WW II zone lizard Copyright 36 Broken 62 Gym unit ©2020 PuzzleJunction.com
Copyright ©2020 PuzzleJunction.com ©PuzzleJunction.com
Last week's answers Sudoku Solution
Solution
Sudoku Solution
Find your nearest StreetWise
PuzzleJu
Crossword Across 1 Therefore 6 Fuel system part 10 Cookbook abbr. 14 Merger 15 Domain 16 Duffer’s target 17 Twofold 18 At hand 19 Surf’s sound 20 Sandwich shop 21 One of the 12 tribes of Israel 22 Unfeeling 23 Mermaid’s home 25 Stocking stuffers 27 Seizes 31 Stick on 35 Tortoise racer 36 Leotards 40 Good buddy 41 Computer symbol 42 Hula hoop? 43 By and by 44 Nourished 45 Shoelace tips 48 The “B” of N.B. 49 Wall painting 51 Beloved 53 Pitching stats 55 Chapel vow 56 Wind instrument 58 Preceded 60 Veg out 64 Broadcasts 65 Ranch newborn 66 Flock
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68 Captivated by 69 Score before 15 70 Lock horns 71 Sugar substitute? 72 Impressionist 73 Varnish ingredient Down 1 Center of activity 2 Children’s author Blyton 3 Diamond complement 4 Black shade 5 Register 6 It eats shoots and leaves 7 Organic compound
8 9 10 11 12 13 22 24 26 27 28 29 30 32 33 34 37 38 39
Intended Average Rocket power Exploding sound Thick piece ___ annum Fishing aids N.Y. minutes? Food grain Smell Speed demon Eat away Cambodian coin Baseball’s Doubleday Witch Sharpened “___ say!” “I’m impressed!” Chart topper
43 Blood-typing system 45 Field measure 46 India’s smallest state 47 Dejected 50 Electric eye, e.g. 52 Bank note 54 Fore-and-aftrigged vessel 55 Lazybones 56 Kudzu, for one 57 Ionian gulf 59 Roof overhang 61 Sight from Bern 62 Turns sharply 63 Pocketbook 64 Lend a hand 65 Neighbor of Ala. 67 Strong desire
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All vendors go through an orientation focusing on their rights and responsibilities as a StreetWise Magazine Vendor. Authorized vendors have badges with their name, picture and current year.
New vendor orientation is every Tuesday and Thursday at 10 a.m. at 2009 S. State St. Find your nearest vendor at www.streetwise.org
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StreetWise exists to elevate marginalized voices and provide opportunities for individuals to earn an income and gain employment. Anyone who wants to work has the opportunity to move themselves out of crisis. StreetWise provides “a hand up, not a handout.”
Solution
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