Ratboys at Thalia Hall (Friday)
Chicago’s very own Ratboys play a homecoming show on Friday night in celebration of their triumphant 2023. This year, the local alt-country stalwarts put out The Window, a stunning, heartfelt record that radiates Midwest Energy in the best way possible. This show is sold out.
John Mulaney at Rosemont Theater (Friday)
Funny-man John Mulaney plays his second of two shows at the Rosemont Theater on Friday night. A handful of tickets are still available.
Brookfield Zoo’s Holiday Magic (Friday-Sunday)
Light up the festive season with family and friends at Brookfield Zoo’s 42nd annual Holiday Magic®. Chicagoland’s longest-running lights festival returns from 3 to 9 p.m. More than two million LED lights transform the park into a winter wonderland. While strolling pathways, zoogoers can gaze up at a 41-foot-tall lit tree choreographed to seasonal tunes, stop at the 20-foot-tall orb and 3D gingerbread house to take memorable photos, walk through the 600-foot-long “Tunnel of Lights,” and more.
Winterland at Gallagher Way (Friday-Sunday)
Winterland at Gallagher Way is back and better than ever with family-friendly festivities both at Gallagher Way and inside historic Wrigley Field, including new experiences and returning favorites like the Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville and the Gallagher Ice Rink.
‘Twas the Night Before… by Cirque du Soleil (Friday)
A thrilling interpretation of the well-known Christmas classic, this joyful show about the virtues of generosity and friendship promises to leave a lasting impression on families this holiday season. ‘Twas the Night Before…, Cirque du Soleil’s first-ever holiday production, is a whirlwind of love, holiday cheer, riotous fun, and adorably endearing characters that will establish a new tradition for families to treasure.
Dog Christmas Party at Park & Field (Friday)
Bring the pups out to Park & Field for a doggy Christmas party! Santa will be around to take photos with all the good boys and girls, and there will also be drink specials and giveaways. Ticket sales benefit One Tail at a Time.
Blackhawks host the Canadiens (Friday)
The Blackhawks kick off a three-day home game holiday extravaganza between them, the Bulls, and the Bears. Nothing says Merry Christmas like a Connor Bedard goal!
Sincere Engineer at Metro (Saturday)
Our very own Sincere Engineer are back, playing another homecoming show only a few weeks removed from their epic performance at Twisted XMAS. You will not want to miss this show. Tickets are available here.
Festivus at DMen Tap (Saturday)
Seinfeld fans, make your way to DMen Tap to celebrate Festivus on December 23. The holiday event will include setting up the Festivus pole, the airing of grievances and feats of strength, plus trivia and other fun festivities.
Bulls host the Cavaliers (Saturday)
The Bulls are hot! The Cavs are good! Can the Bulls stay hot? Let’s hope so.
Bears host the Cardinals (Sunday)
The Bears ring in Christmas Eve with a game against the struggling Arizona Cardinals at home.