Chicago weekend guide: Austin tree lighting and parade, Andrew Bird and "Drunk Shakespeare"
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Allstate CTA Holiday Train. Photo: Courtesy of Nexstar - WGN, Chicago
This weekend, ride on the CTA Holiday Train, attend an indie or Latin concert and walk through Uptown neighborhood for its Winter Walk on Wilson.
CTA commuters may complain about service, but everyone enjoys the city's holiday train.
What to expect: This temporarily festive train features lights, decorations and plenty of photo ops. Plus, you can meet Santa as you ride around the city.
If you go: Hop aboard a car 11:30am-12:30pm Saturday on the Kimball Brown or 2:30-3:45pm on the Midway Orange line.
- The train runs on various lines and times until Dec. 23. Full schedule here.
Price: $2.25 for a one-way ticket
More things to do this weekend in Chicago
👨🍳 Family Table: Hearth
- Sample a specialty soup created by local chefs as you explore art and culture surrounding social justice and the consumption of food.
- 6-8pm Friday at SkyArt South on the city's South Side.
Price: Free
🎄 Christmas Trees from Around the World
- Walk through this exhibit of cultural Christmas trees, handcrafted ornaments and decorations. Read about Monica's experience here.
- 5-6:30pm Friday at the Treasurer's Office.
Price: Free. RSVP: 312-603-6931 or [email protected]
Austin 20th Annual Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade
- Stop by this West Side neighborhood for its annual holiday celebration and enjoy live music, hot cocoa and photo ops.
- The parade begins at 5pm Friday followed by a festival on Madison and Laramie.
Price: Free
- Watch this indie rock multi-instrumentalist perform during his "Sunday Morning Put-On" tour.
- 7:30pm Saturday at Highland Park's Martin Theatre at Ravinia (doors open at 4) and Dec. 9-13 at Chicago's Fourth Presbyterian Church.
Price: Tickets start at $65
Walk through the Uptown neighborhood as you sample treats from local businesses and enjoy live music.
- 5-8:30pm Friday.
If you go: To celebrate the event's 10-year anniversary, those who register will be in the drawing to win a prize.
Price: Free. Register.
🎶 Concierto Jíbaro Navideño 2024
- Learn about Latin culture as you listen to live music by the Chicago Cuatro Orchestra.
- Doors open 5pm Friday and the show starts at 6pm at Northside College Prep.
Price: Tickets start at $30
- Sip on drinks as you watch this 90-minute performance or pay extra to play the role of king or queen.
- Showtimes begin at 5, 7 and 9pm daily.
Price: Tickets start at $27
Here are a few concerts we're keeping an eye on next year:
- AC/DC is performing on May 24 at Soldier Field.
- Kendrick Lamar and SZA will perform June 6 at Soldier Field
- Alison Krauss & Union Station will perform June 7 at the Chicago Theatre.
Price: Varying
🎅 Moyo's Move: Holiday Themed Pop-up Bars
With the holidays back in full swing, I'm eager to explore more festive pop-ups while they last.
This weekend, my friends and I plan to bar-hop around these temporary themed bars and restaurants.
The intrigue: These venues are great opportunities for photo ops with friends and family, and many are kid-friendly during the day.
A few notable places worth mentioning:
- Santa Baby at Bamboo Bar
- 8 Crazy Nights, a Hanukkah-themed bar
- The Christmas Inn at Hubbard Inn
- Jack Frost Christmas Pop-up in Fulton Market
Go deeper: We've got a full guide if you're looking for more things to do this season.
Price: Varying