CHANUKAH PARTY: The Jewish Council on Urban Affair presents this annual party featuring a cash bar and board games. 7 p.m. Dec. 5; $7. Nick’s, 4015 N. Sheridan.312-663-0960.
CHRISTKINDLMARKET CHICAGO 2002: This German-style open-air market showcases an array of handmade glass ornaments, accessories and gifts, as well as food and entertainment. 11 a.m. Nov. 29-Dec. 23; Free. Daley Plaza, 55 W. Randolph St. 312-644-2662.
CHRISTKINDLMARKT 2002: The two-day market features German food, holiday music, arts and crafts. noon Nov. 30-Dec. 1; Free. Chicago Athenaeum at Schaumburg, 190 S. Roselle Rd., Schaumburg. 847-895-3950.
CITY OF CHICAGO ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY: Mayor Daley flips the switch illuminating the city’s official holiday tree (at dusk). Nov. 29; Daley Plaza, 55 W. Randolph St. 312-744-3370.
HANUKKAH FESTIVAL: Celebrate the first day of Hanukkah with the Maxwell Street Klezmer Band, Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins and Rabbi Joe Black. Presented by the Yiddish Arts Ensemble. 2 p.m. Dec. 1; $13-$15. North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. 847-673-6300.
HOLIDAY MAGIC AT THE ZOO: Features ice sculptures, light displays, choral performances and more. 4 p.m. Nov. 29-Nov. 30, Dec. 6-Dec. 7, Dec. 13-Dec. 14, Dec. 20-Dec. 21; $2-$7. Brookfield Zoo, 1st Avenue and 31st Street, Brookfield. 708-485-0263.
HOLIDAY SPORTS FESTIVAL: Activities include basketball, floor hockey, volleyball, soccer, golf, a climbing wall, football obstacle course, fishing, bowling, table tennis, inflatable tennis, badminton and skateboarding. Advance registration required for tournaments. 9 a.m. Dec. 27-Dec. 29; A fee is required for soccer, volleyball, basketball and table tennis. Admissionand interactive zones are free. McCormick Place, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive.312-744-3315.
LASALLE BANK WINTER WONDERFEST: Indoor ice skating and inline skating rinks, model train display, live entertainment, crafts and Santa Claus. 10 a.m. Dec. 13-Jan. 5; Closed Dec. 25. Open until 11:45 p.m. on Dec. 31. Navy Pier Festival Hall, 600 E. Grand Ave. 312-595-5225.
ZOOLIGHTS FESTIVAL: Annual festival of holiday lights features a laser-light show, light “animals,” a farm-in-the-zoo and more. 5:30 p.m. Nov. 29-Dec. 1, Dec. 5-Dec. 8, Dec. 12-Dec. 15, Dec. 19-Dec. 22, Dec. 26-Dec. 29, Dec. 31, Jan. 2-Jan. 5; $4-$8. Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Drive. 312-742-2000.
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THE 7TH ANNUAL SOUTHPORT HOLIDAY STROLL: Features carolers, free trolley rides, entertainment and shopping discounts. 5 p.m. Dec. 6; Free. Southport Avenue, between Belmont Avenue and Irving Park Road.773-472-7171.
7TH ANNUAL THANKSGIVING WEEKEND EXTRAVAGANZA: THE WORD IS LOVE: Featuring Boolumaster, Delirious Danny, CZR, DJ Mode, Lee Farmer, NVS-1, Tik-Tak, Maddhousemiguel and more. 10 p.m. Nov. 30; Free. Glow, 1615 N. Clybourn Ave. 312-587-8469.
25TH ANNUAL TOYS FOR TOTS MOTORCYCLE PARADE: Thousands of volunteer riders deliver toys for the Chicagoland Toys for Tots program. Parade route begins at 83rd Street and Western Avenue (in the Dan Ryan Woods) and continues to the Marine Corps Center at Foster Avenue and Troy Street. 9:30 a.m. Dec. 1; Riders must bring a toy and deliver it on a motorcycle. Dan Ryan Woods, 83rd Street and Western Avenue. 773-866-8697.
ALORS! FRENCH CHRISTMAS CAROLERS: Chicago schoolchildren serenade diners with traditional French Christmas carols. Performers include students from the Latin School, Francis Parker School, LaSalle Academy and the Chicago Children’s Choir. 7 p.m. Dec. 9-Dec. 12; 8 p.m. Dec. 13-Dec. 14; 7 p.m. Dec. 15-Dec. 19; 8 p.m. Dec. 20-Dec. 21; 7 p.m. Dec. 22-Dec. 23; Brasserie Jo, 59 W. Hubbard St. 312-595-0800.
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS WALK: This holiday stroll along Madison Street includes refreshments, reindeer, an ice sculpture demonstration, a marshmallow roast and more. 6 p.m. Dec. 6; Free. Downtown Forest Park, 7400 Madison Street, Forest Park. 708-366-2543.
ANNUAL HOLIDAY CANDLELIGHT TOURS: Tour this historical site, decorated in 19th Century finery. Refreshments served. 6 p.m. Dec. 7-Dec. 8, Dec. 14-Dec. 15; $15. Reservations required. Clarke House Museum, 1827 S. Indiana Ave. 312-326-1480.
BLUE TUESDAY AFTER WORK TOY DRIVE: A benefit for children who are victims of domestic violence hosted by Zeta Phi Beta and Phi Beta Sigma. 6 p.m. Dec. 10; Cash donation or toy valued at $15 to benefit the Ridgeland Transitional House and Family Rescue Shelter. Epitome, 2347 S. Michigan Avenue. 312-409-5770.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA: Includes buffet, entertainment and a visit with Santa. 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. Dec. 7-Dec. 8, Dec. 14-Dec. 14; , 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. Dec. 15; 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. Dec. 21; 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. Dec. 22; $19-$36. Reservations required. Brookfield Zoo, 1st Avenue and 31st Street, Brookfield. 708-485-0263.
CHICAGO BULLS FOOD DRIVE: Donate during the annual food drive for non-perishable foods before the Bulls vs. Milwaukee Bucks. 6 p.m. Dec. 14; Proceeds benefit the Anti-Hunger Federation. United Center, 1901 W. Madison St. 312-455-4000.
CHRISTMAS SING-A-LONG AND MOVIE: Features “White Christmas” and “A Christmas Story.” 2 p.m. (“A Christmas Story”), 4 p.m. (“White Christmas”), 6 p.m. (“A Christmas Story”), 8 p.m. (“White Christmas”) Dec. 14-Dec. 15; $10-$15. Pickwick Theatre, 5 S. Prospect Ave., Park Ridge. 847-692-6590.
CHRISTMAS WITH FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS: A festive party features “Dr. Zhivago” inspired decorations, champagne and selections from the fall menu. 10 p.m. Dec. 9; Free. Domaine, 1045 N. Rush St. 312-397-1045.
DALEY BICENTENNIAL PLAZA ICE SKATING: Outdoor ice rink. 8 a.m., 6 p.m. Fri.; 8:30 a.m. Sat.-Sun.; 8 a.m., 6 p.m. Mon.-Thu.; $4-$5, skate rental available. Daley Bicentennial Plaza, 337 E. Randolph St. Open end. 312-742-7650.
THE DANCE ALONG NUTCRACKER: The audience participates in the performance of sections from the classic Tchaikovsky ballet. 3 p.m. Dec. 15; Free. Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph St. 312-744-6630.
EDISON PARK TURKEY TROT: A 5K walk/run and a post-race party at Emerald Isle. 8 a.m. (registration), 9:30 a.m. (event) Nov. 28; Edison Park Fieldhouse, 6755 N. Northwest Hwy., Edison Park. 773-792-9005.
ELI’S GINGERBREAD JAM: Includes live music, cooking and baking classes, holiday treats and more. 11 a.m. Nov. 30, Dec. 7; 1 p.m. Dec. 1, Dec. 8; 11 a.m. Dec. 14, Dec. 21; 1 p.m. Dec. 15, Dec. 22; $15 cooking classes. Reservations required. Eli’s Cheesecake World, 6701 W. Forest Preserve Drive. 773-205-3800.
FENG SHUI FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Lecture by the Feng Shui Design Institute about creating healthy environments. 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12; $35. Bacino’s, 118 S. Clinton St. 312-527-9919.
GHOST BEFORE CHRISTMAS: Features lunch, a lecture and walking tour through Chinatown with Chicago’s ghost hunter Richard Crowe. 11:30 a.m. Dec. 8; $30. Triple Crown Restaurant, 211 W. 22nd Pl. 630-351-0678.
A GREAT VIEW AND SANTA TOO: Annual display of the Mountain Railroad, a 1,375-square-foot model train. Visit Santa and get complimentary photos with him. 11 a.m. Nov. 29-Dec. 1, Dec. 7-Dec. 8, Dec. 14-Dec. 15, Dec. 21-Dec. 22; $6-$9.50. Hancock Observatory, 875 N. Michigan Ave. 888-875-8439.
GROUP HOLIDAY DINNER CRUISE : This three-hour cruise includes a dinner buffet, festive holiday decorations and a deejay and dance floor for groups of 15 and more. 8 p.m. Dec. 20; 7 p.m. Dec. 21; $35-$65. Spirit of Chicago, 600 E. Grand Ave. 312-464-7610.
HOLIDAY APPRECIATION CRUISE: A two-hour cruise on the Spirit of Chicago with deejays and dancing, holiday decor and an appetizer buffet. 4:30 p.m. Dec. 3-Dec. 4, Dec. 10-Dec. 11, Dec. 17-Dec. 18; $25. Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. 312-464-7627.
HOLIDAY FLOWER SHOW: Seasonal flower displays. 9 a.m. Nov. 29-Jan. 4; Free. Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave. 312-746-5100.
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE: Santa Claus, Christmas carols, holiday crafts, tree decorating, a menorah lighting and more. Hot chocolate and treats served. 2 p.m. Nov. 30; Free. Beverly Arts Center of Chicago, 2407 W. 111th St. 773-445-3838.
HOLIDAY SHOPALOOZA: A three-day flea market features jewlery, vintage items, clothing and more. 2 p.m. Dec. 16-Dec. 18; Free. Domaine, 1045 N. Rush St. 312-397-1045.
HOLIDAY TREASURE HUNT AND TEA PARTY: A treasure trail leads to works of art, a hands-on art activity and a tea party with entertainment (designed for ages 4-10). 11 a.m., 2 p.m. Dec. 8; $10-$20. Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave. 312-443-9093.
HOMES FOR THE HOLIDAYS TOUR: Includes an old-fashioned trolley ride and guided tours through six homes in Elgin’s Gold Coast neighborhood. 2 p.m. Dec. 7; $8-$10. Kresmery Building, 1 Douglas Avenue, Elgin. 847-931-0239.
MAGNIFICENT MILE LIGHTS FESTIVAL BENEFIT: Includes a seat by the window for a bird’s-eye view of the parade and a choice of dessert and beverage from the cafe. 5 p.m. Nov. 23; Borders, 830 N. Michigan Ave.773-935-6790.
MIDWAY PLAISANCE PARK ICE SKATING: Outdoor ice rink. 12:30 p.m. Mon.-Tue., Thu.; $4-$5, skate rental available. Midway Plaisance Park, East 59th Street to East 60th Street and South Stony Island Avenu to South Cottage Grove Avenue. Through March 20. 312-747-2001.
MILLENNIUM PARK ICE SKATING: Outdoor ice rink. 10 a.m. Nov. 29-Jan. 31; Skate rental available. McCormick-Tribune Ice Rink at Millennium Park, 55 N. Michigan Ave. 312-742-5222.
MOVIE NIGHT AT BONE DADDY: Free movie screenings. 10 p.m. (“Home for the Holidays”) Fri.; 10 p.m. (“Fargo”) Sat.; 9 p.m. (“Meet John Doe”) Sun.; 9 p.m. (“Jack Frost”) Mon.; 9 p.m. (“South Park: Christmas in South Park”) Tue.; 9 p.m. (“A Charlie Brown Christmas”) Wed.; 9 p.m. (“White Christmas”) Thu.; Free; Bone Daddy, 551 N. Ogden Ave. 312-226-6666.
NORTHALSTED HOLIDAY WALK : Features carolers, giveaways and raffle drawings, plus a Santa workshop at the intersection of Roscoe and Halsted Streets.. 1 p.m. Dec. 7-Dec. 8; Halsted St. between Belmont Ave. and Addison St., 3500 N. Halsted St. 773-883-0500.
PRE-CHRISTMAS PARTY: Free food includes a dish of Polish sausage and sauerkraut, Santa and dancing. Live polka music by Eddie Krosa and The Boys from Illinois. 6 p.m. Dec. 15; Free. Baby Doll Polka Club, 6102 S. Central Ave. 773-582-9706.
PRE-NEW YEAR’S PARTY: Free food, hats and noise-makers. Live polka music by Eddie Krosa and The Boys from Illinois. 6 p.m. Dec. 29; Free. Baby Doll Polka Club, 6102 S. Central Ave. 773-582-9706.
SKATE WITH SANTA ON ICE: Includes complimentary photos with Santa and refreshments. 4 p.m. Dec. 15; $2.50-$3.25; $2.50 skate rental. McFetridge Sports Center, 3843 N. California Ave. 312-742-7585.
SNOWBALL HOLIDAY AUCTION AND GALA: This 15th annual fundraiser includes cocktails, hors d’oeurves, open bar, raffle, silent auction and music by Maryann and the Professors. 8:30 p.m. Dec. 7; $100-$180. Proceeds benefit Children’s Memorial Hospital. Mid-Day Club, One First National Plaza. 312-787-4601.
TEDDY BEAR ROADSHOW: Linda Mullins, teddy bear expert, collector and author, appraises bears and signs copies of her book as part of the centennial celebration of the teddy bear. 11 p.m. Dec. 7; Free. Marshall Field’s, 111 N. State St. 312-781-1000.
THE TOYS FOR TOTS CHRISTMAS LIGHT TOUR: Features a tour of neighborhood light displays, Santa’s sleigh rides, a Christmas trivia quiz and more. 7 p.m. Dec. 7; $5 with toy donation to benefit the U.S. Marine’s Toys For Tots Program. $25 without toy donation. Woodfield Mall, Golf Rd./Middle Dr., Schaumburg. 847-784-8122.
TOYS FOR TOTS PARTY: U.S. Marines greet guests for this benefit party that includes an open bar, buffet, deejays and give-aways. 7 p.m. Dec. 16; $25 plus one new toy. . Bar Louie, 47 W. Polk St. 312-347-0000.
TRANCEGIVING: Deejays Markski, AdamK, M.Project and Virgil Robert spin, plus a live performance by KB Elements. 9 p.m. Nov. 29; $10. Sean Kaley’s, 10900 S. Route 83, Lemont. 708-692-7646.
A VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS YULETIDE CELEBRATION: Includes fireside storytelling, music, period decorations and demonstrations and a ride on the holiday light train. 5 p.m. Dec. 14-Dec. 15; $3. Blackberry Farm’s Pioneer Village, 100 S. Barnes Rd., Aurora. 630-892-1550.
WALTER AND CONNIE PAYTON FOUNDATION HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR: Lincoln Park Young Professionals present this annual holiday benefit featuring an open bar, appetizers, music, auctions and emcee John Jurkovic. 6 p.m. Nov. 30; $75. Proceeds benefit the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. Bob Chinn’s Crab House Chicago, 315 N. LaSalle St. 847-605-0034.
