It’s December, Chicago.
Some snow has fallen, twinkly lights are appearing on homes, and holiday events have begun around Chicagoland. Luckily, Tribune writers have got you covered for how to celebrate the holidays, Chicago style.
Holiday concerts and theater are aplenty, from the traditional “Nutcracker” to a Christmas extravaganza from drag superstar Alaska. Light shows are on offer, with both indoor and outdoor options, and Christkindlmarket is open, if you need to complete your mug collection. We also have recommendations for where to get that challah you’ve been dreaming of. And for those who just aren’t over the Halloween season yet, these Christmas-themed haunted houses in the suburbs have you covered.
Or, if you just want to avoid the crowds and stay home, try your hand at recipes from the 2023 Tribune Holiday Cookie Contest while putting on a holiday movie or TV show.
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What to do for the holidays in Chicago: Tree lighting, Christkindlmarket and ice skating
Hear that? No, not your neighbor’s leaf blower, it’s the holiday season on its way. We’re at that time of year when pumpkin spice transitions to peppermint mocha and everyone looks forward to checking out the Chicago Christmas tree and related Yuletide events.
Check out these holiday events in the Chicago suburbs, northwest Indiana
Our holiday theater list: Top 10 shows to make your season bright, from Cirque to ‘Carols’
There’s no better time to get out and support Chicago theater than the festive season, when warm holiday performances abound. Here are 10 suggestions, all with seasonal themes. Some are new this year but many are seasonal favorites that our critic can heartily recommend. And if none of these float your holiday boat, there also are lots of non-holiday shows on offer, from “Hamilton” in the Loop to “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” in Lincolnshire.
Experience ‘Christmas Carol,’ ‘Nutcracker’ on suburban Chicago, northwest Indiana stages
Holiday shows for 2023: Our 35 concerts, ‘Nutcrackers’ and theater around Chicago this season
Whether you’re a staunch “Christmas Carol” traditionalist or looking for off-color holiday humor, our guide has concerts and shows that’ll appeal to all stripes.
Top 5 holiday concerts, from Kenny Lattimore to Delmark All-Stars
Find the perfect Christmas tree at these Chicagoland farms
The Christmas season is upon us and it’s time to pick out that iconic symbol of the season — the tree. Here are some area tree farms in Illinois and northwest Indiana.
19 Hanukkah specials in Chicago with braised brisket and heaps of challah
Instead of covering your kitchen with oil, you can leave the cooking to the pros and pick up latkes, sufganiyot and other traditional fare including brisket and kugel from restaurants and delis throughout the Chicago area.
Holiday books 2023: 50 books that make great gifts from hip-hop histories to Christmas ghost stories
Christopher Borrelli recommends the best new books for giving this holiday, organized by the type of people you have on your list. Just remember: Think cleverly designed books. Think keepsakes. Or just think personal.
Holiday lights around Chicago: Top 10 displays for 2023, from Navy Pier to Morton Arboretum
It’s that time of the year again to bundle up, grab a cup of hot cocoa and take a stroll after dark to see some sparkling holiday light displays. Here is our list of light shows in and around Chicago and beyond, with some indoor displays if you want to avoid the cold.
Suburban haunted houses offer their version of Christmas spirit
Halloween is never really over for haunted houses; they just get makeovers for other holidays. A few area haunted houses are throwing open their doors for a winter or Christmas-themed limited run in December, allowing guests to keep the scares of October going a little longer.
