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During the winter of 2020, there are all sorts of activities we’re being told are off limits— holiday parties, Christkindlmarket, cuffing season— but what about all the things we can do? If you’re the type to break out the snow pants and don your trusty boots at the first sign of snow accumulation, you can still have a great time taking advantage of fresh layers of powder at our city’s many sledding spots. Put on your mask (why not be warm and safe?) and check out these 6 top-notch sledding hills around Chicago.

Dan Ryan Woods

S Western Ave & W 87th St, Chicago IL 60620

This large forest preserve on the south side is generally a great place to be in any season if you’re trying to spend some time outdoors; the sledding hill here is near the Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center.

Palmisano Park

2700 S Halsted St, Chicago IL 60608

After living past lives as a quarry and a landfill, Palmisano Park is now an urban oasis to the people of Bridgeport, and its gentle slope of a sledding hill is nicknamed “Mount Bridgeport” by locals.

Warren Park

6601 N Western Ave, Chicago IL 60645

Though usual features like a warming house aren’t an option right now, sledders in West Ridge can brave the cold and snow to check out the park’s hill— the perks of which include stairs on either side for greater ease getting back up the slope.

Caldwell Woods

W Devon Ave & N Nagle Ave, Chicago IL 60646

On the northwest side you’ll find Caldwell Woods, and shortly upon entering at Milwaukee and Devon, an excellent designated sledding hill awaits you!

Cricket Hill

4500 N Lakeshore Drive | W. Montrose, Chicago IL 60607

While it’s not beach season at the moment, you will want to head over to Lake Shore Drive and Montrose for some outdoor fun. Amid running tracks and football/soccer fields, Cricket Hill sits ready and available for sledding this winter.

James Park

Dodge Ave & Mulford St, Evanston IL 60202

While there is a sizable center hill here, it has more recently been off-limits to sledders for safety reasons; fortunately, there are smaller hills that still provide a safe (but fun!) opportunity for sledding.

Sledding Hills Chicago Featured Image Credit: Tommy Connover on Pixabay

The post 6 Best Sledding Hills Around Chicago appeared first on UrbanMatter.

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You might be accustomed to a wild night out on the town on New Year’s Eve in Chicago. We get it— dancing in a throng of people and toasting the new year with a group of friends can be pretty fun; but as any seasoned homebody will tell you, there’s more than one way to celebrate a special occasion. From food and beverages to entertainment and community, Chicago has the whole ringing-in-2021-in-a-pandemic situation covered.

Order dinner from Luella’s Southern Kitchen

Why cook for yourself on New Year’s Eve when you’ve probably been cooking (and washing dishes) all year? For a delicious night in, you can take advantage of Luella’s New Year’s Eve Special, which gets you braised short rib, king crab, grits, and bananas foster-style banana pudding for just $35.

Order cocktails to go from Lost Lake

Since shortly after the start of COVID restrictions, Logan Square’s tropical cocktail bar has been pouring its fruity concoctions into bottles for Chicagoans to enjoy in the safety of their own homes. If you visit Lost Lake’s Instagram, each week the menu and hours for pickup are posted on their story highlights—titled “Menu”—so that you can find the best time (and flavors) for stocking up on libations.

Run the New Year’s Eve 5K

Runners can’t gather in person to participate, but this virtual 5K allows registrants to run anytime between December 26 and January 3. A portion of the required $40 registration fee benefits Direct Relief, which has been working hard to support healthcare care workers during the pandemic.

Enjoy the New Philharmonic’s New Year’s Eve Concert

Featuring pieces ranging from waltzes to pop tunes to movie music, this New Year’s Eve concert, led by Maestro Kirk Muspratt, premieres 2 p.m. on December 31, and is available for streaming on demand through January 3.

New Year’s Eve Chicago Featured Image Credit: Philharmonic on Facebook

The post Safe Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Chicago appeared first on UrbanMatter.

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‘Tis the season to be jolly. Or…something like that? 2020 hasn’t exactly been merry and bright, but that doesn’t mean we should celebrate any less. So grab your ugly sweater and heavily spiked eggnog and let’s get this party started. Here are the best things to do in Chicago for next few weeks to have yourself a merry little December. 

Catch the dazzling lights at Lincoln Park Zoo

2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

Move over, Clark Griswold. The ZooLights boast 2.5 million bulbs of holiday razzle dazzle. Feel free to roam the park and take in all the sparkly lights but heads up, most animals will be indoors. Tickets are $5. Looking for something with less kids? Book tickets for an adult-only night out on December 10th (complete with hot chocolate and mulled wine) featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas tribute concert. 

Pop by the Jack Frost Winter Village pop-up

1467 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree. If you’re wishing for a heavenly-smelling real pine this year, check out this fun pop-up. Snap a selfie with your besties next to some twinkly lights or explore their full 2-acres in historic Goose Island. Tickets start at $21 per person and come with Jack’s Winter Walk and a delicious donut. Yum.  

Sip spirits with Kris Kringle at Santa Baby Bar

3505 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657

He sees you when you’re drinking! The iconic Santa Baby Christmas bar is back with all of the holiday cheer your inner elf desires. Ho-ho-ho your way through their multi-rooms, multi-levels, and the interactive Christmas experience. Just a heads up, after a few of their Instagram-worthy cocktails, you might make naughty list this year. 

Bundle up for an architecture tour

Various locations

Oh what fun it is to ride! Get to know your city during this 90-minute boat cruise. It’s a great excuse to snuggle up next to your sweetie and learn about the history of our beautiful downtown. The best part? Colder weather and a global pandemic means less tourists (the Grinch would approve). Tickets and departure times range, learn more here.

Have an Alice in Wonderland gin & tea party 

2239 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Join the Mad Hatter and his even madder guests for a 90-minute psychedelic cocktail menu created with Rabbit Hole Bespoke Gin. Three enticing cocktails await you, each carefully construed from curious ingredients that’ll befuddle your tastebuds. Don’t be late for this very important date, or it’ll be ‘off with your head’! Tickets start at $65.00.

Catch a Christmas movie at the Davis Theater

4614 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

Load up the kids in your sleigh (aka your car) and head to this drive-in movie theater for a festive night out. Watch classics like Home Alone on December 11th or A Christmas Story on December 19th. Don’t forget the popcorn, hot chocolate, and of course, candy canes. 

Things to Do Chicago Featured Image Credit: Jack Frost Pop Up on Facebook

The post Things to Do in Chicago This Month (December 2020) appeared first on UrbanMatter.

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The holiday season doesn’t feel quite complete without some warm drinks, sweet treats, and some decorative Christmas lights in Chicago. It’s difficult to gather— as we have in the past— for the kinds of festivities we’re used to, but fortunately one of the prettiest parts of the season can still be seen lining streets, hanging from eaves, and winding around railings. Check out these Christmas lights around Chicago area.

City of Chicago Christmas Lights Tree

Michigan Ave & Washington St, Chicago IL 60601

Though no formal lighting ceremony was possible this year, a 45-foot spruce stands in its usual spot in Millennium Park for all to see. Small groups can visit the illuminated tree near Michigan and Washington through January 7.

Illumination: Tree Lights at Morton Arboretum

4100 IL-53, Lisle IL 60532

Those looking for a festive twinkle or two can also venture to Morton Arboretum, where holiday lights can be experienced from the comfort of one’s own car. Several displays of lights are beautifully incorporated into the arboretum’s trees along a two-mile stretch of road now through January 3.

Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo

8400 W 31st St, Brookfield IL 60513

Impressive light displays at Brookfield include a “600-foot-long tunnel featuring thousands of colored lights all synchronized to music,” an illuminated tree, and LED sculptures depicting some of the animals who call the zoo home. Tickets to see all of these lights (as well as other forms of festive fun) are available through December 31.

Magnificent Mile

Michigan Ave (between Chicago River & Oak St)

The Lights Festival wasn’t quite the crowded event this year that is has been before, but luckily, taking a stroll down the Magnificent Mile and enjoying the illuminated trees along the street is free, safe, might help you get into a more festive mood.

Art on theMART

222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago IL 60606

As part of the Riverwalk art project’s fall programming, excerpts of the Joffrey’s Ballet’s performance of The Nutcracker are projected onto the façade of theMART (formerly known as The Merchandise Mart). The installation is free to view every night at 7 p.m.

Holidays in the Village

Roscoe Village

Since Roscoe Village holds its own holiday decorating contest each year, it’s a great place to go for a walking or driving tour if you’re on the hunt for festive light displays. On December 23, you can find a map of all homes entered in the contest at roscoevillage.org to guide your illuminated adventures.

Christmas Lights Chicago Featured Image Credit: Pixabay

The post Where to See Christmas Lights in Chicago (December 2020) appeared first on UrbanMatter.

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Chag urim sameach! (Translation: Happy festival of lights!) Between working from home, a tense presidential election, and on-going COVID anxiety, 2020 has been exhausting. So this holiday season, let someone else do the cooking. Check out these Chicago restaurants offering traditional Hanukkah eats for takeout and delivery. 

Bistronomic

840 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Spin your Dreidels while enjoying a sophisticated meal. This modern French restaurant offers artisanal smoked salmon salad, carrot veloute, braised short ribs, roasted Amish chicken, and pear financier. $45 per person. Order on Tock for pickup, now through December 18th.  

Prime & Provisions

222 N LaSalle St, Chicago, IL 60601

Looking for the classics? Prime & Provisions’ has your holiday covered. The downtown steakhouse created a exclusive menu that includes matzo ball soup, cucumber and dill salad, potato latkes, braised beef brisket, noodle kugel and strawberry sufganiyot. Order through Tock for $45 per person.

RPM Steak

66 W Kinzie St., Chicago, IL 60654

Feast your eyes on RPM Steak’s multi-course holiday offerings featuring slow-cooked beef brisket, challah, latkes, matzo ball soup, and vanilla sugar doughnuts stuffed with strawberry jam. Available for pickup on Thursday, December 10th-Sunday, December, 13th from 3:00pm to 8:30pm. Place your order on Tock.

Aba

302 N Green St 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60607

Available for all eight nights, Aba’s mouthwatering menu features a twist on traditional favorites like smoky garlic hummus, village salad, matzo ball soup, latkes, roasted brisket with pine nut gremolata, thyme roasted carrots and labneh and rugelach. Order take-out or delivery on Tock starting at $48.95 per person.

Beatrix

673 N St Clair St, Chicago, IL 60611

Celebrate the Festival of Lights with matzo ball soup, challah bread, potato pancakes, slow-braised short rib, raspberry macaroons and chocolate chip coffee cake, courtesy of Beatrix. The menu feeds two people for $79.95 via Tock. Order by 5PM the day prior for pick-up between 4-7:30pm now through December 18th. 

The Peninsula Chicago

108 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611

The Peninsula’s Executive Chef curated a special menu featuring: cheese blintzes, salmon and bagel plate, matzah ball soup, slow roasted Angus beef with pastrami rub, whole roasted organic chicken, traditional latkes or sweet potato latkes, and tzimmes. Sweet treats include sufganiyah and rugelach. $75 per person, order on Tock.

Goddess and Grocer

Various locations

Light the Menorah and dig into traditional items like chicken matzo ball soup, chopped chicken liver, braised brisket, classic noodle kugel, Sufganiyot and more. Tack on a fun cookie decorating kit filled with dreidels, menorahs, and a Star of David. Order directly on their website.

Publican Quality Meats

825 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607

Chef Paul Kahan wants to spoil you with his favorite recipes. Get your hands on his mentor Erwin Drecshler’s braised brisket and Grandma Minnie’s noodle kugel. Don’t forget the potato latkes, roasted honeynut squash, and a flourless chocolate torte. $45 to $75 per person, order via Tock.

Hanukkah Takeout Featured Image Credit: Pixabay

The post 8 Best Restaurants to Get Takeout During Hanukkah appeared first on UrbanMatter.

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Since Christmas this year promises to be different from any other, why not do something different when it comes to your Christmas toys shopping in Chicago? It’s easy enough to order fun games, plush toys, and more from Amazon, but more than ever, local businesses need our support; in the spirit of shopping local— and at establishments that specialize in fun and games— check out these toys to find the best Christmas toys in Chicago.

Timeless Toys

4749 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago IL 60625

Opened in Lincoln Square in 1993, Timeless Toys has changed hands along the way but continues to fulfill Harry and Martha Burrows’ vision of serving as “an urban oasis for children and their families.”

Toys et Cetera

1502 E 55th St, Chicago IL 60615

This Hyde Park toy store has been helping Chicago kids play, create, and learn since the ‘70s. They have over 10,000 toys in the store which cater to the imaginations of little scientists, musicians, story-tellers, and all other sorts of children.

Building Blocks Toy Store

2071 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago IL 60614

3306 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago IL 60657

2130 W Division St, Chicago IL 60622

Since 1996, the folks at Building Blocks (the self-described “champions of play”) have been carefully choosing a wide variety of toys that suit many budgets, many learning styles, and all kinds of fun.

Cat & Mouse Games

1112 W Madison St, Chicago IL 60607

Cat & Mouse opened in 2008, and continues to be family-run. Games and puzzles are at the heart of this store’s mission, but they also carry books, arts and crafts, science activities, and more.

*play

3109 W Logan Blvd, Chicago IL 60647

2462 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago IL 60614

5311 N Clark St, Chicago IL 60640

Chock-full of toys and books for kids of all ages, this store has three Chicago locations to cater to your playtime needs. With the help of *play, kids can build structures, solve puzzles, make music, and follow their imaginations wherever they may lead.

SMASH Toys and Collectibles

7222 W Touhy Ave, Chicago IL 60631

A toy store of a different vein, SMASH carries lots of new, used, and vintage toys and collectibles, including action figures, Lego sets, and plenty of decades-old toys and memorabilia.

Christmas Toys Chicago Featured Image Credit: *play Toys Chicago

The post Best Places to Find Christmas Toys in Chicago appeared first on UrbanMatter.

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It’s easy to get bummed out about all of the Christmas festivities that aren’t happening this year— many of us are separated from family and friends, and winters can start to feel pretty long in Chicago. Luckily, Chicagoans are tough, and can handle a little outdoor, well-ventilated merriment; even if it gets a little too frosty for you, there’s a wide variety of events and activities in which you can participate from the warmth and safety of your own home.

Christmas Market Pop Up at DMen Tap

Through December 24

2849 W Belmont Ave, Chicago IL 60618

Now through Christmas Eve, visit the Dönermen Food Truck just outside DMen Tap, where you’ll be able to purchase all sorts of hot foods and drinks ordinarily available during Chicago’s beloved Christkindlmarket. You can even buy a vintage Christkindlmarket mug!

Lookingglass Theatre’s The Steadfast Tin Soldier

Through December 27

Stream Lookingglass’s acclaimed 2019 production of the Hans Christian Andersen tale The Steadfast Tin Soldier. The online event even features a “virtual behind-the-scenes lobby experience” before showtime!

Goodman Theatre’s A Christmas Carol

Through December 31

This much-loved annual Goodman adaptation of Charles Dickens’ story has been reimagined and modified to stream as an audio play, which is available for free listening through the end of the year on the Goodman’s website.

Holly Jolly Drive-In

Through December 24

2833 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago IL 60657

Along with a Christmassy drive-in movie, attendees will see some North Pole VIPs— Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, elves, and a whole host of other characters will make appearances at the drive-in, located in the lot next to Replay Lincoln Park. Admission is charged per vehicle, so it’s up to you how many people can safely ride in your car.

Ballet Chicago’s The Nutcracker

Through December 30

The Nutcracker, another long-adored staple of the holiday season, can be streamed online this year. Over 100 Ballet Chicago dancers perform in the dance company’s archival presentations of the Christmas classic.

Christmas Chicago Featured Image: Replay Lincoln Park on Facebook

The post Safe Ways to Celebrate Christmas in Chicago in 2020 appeared first on UrbanMatter.

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Chicago Bears: 2021 NFL Draft prospects to watch in Rose Bowl by Usayd Koshul

The Chicago Cubs have traded Yu Darvish to the San Diego Padres in an awful deal for them.

The Chicago Cubs were rumored to trade Yu Darvish to the San Diego Padres all day long and we even came up with some trade packages that would make sense. However, the Cubs made such a bad trade that it made the trade packages we made not even close. They didn’t even land one of San Diego’s top five prospects in exchange for Darvish which is crazy. Darvish’s personal catcher, Victor Caratini, also is in the deal with San Diego.

It was a big day for the Padre because this came less than 24 hours after they acquired Blake Snell from the Tampa Bay Rays. This is clearly a team that is trying to win the whole thing in 2021 and even beyond that. With the depth that they are accumulating, they are becoming a problem for the National League.

Yu Darvish was magnificent in 2020. People went in with low expectations for him so he just went out there and played amazing. He was the runner-up for the National League Cy Young because he was so good. Without him, it is hard to see the Cubs winning the NL Central in 2020. He will be missed as their rotation took a big hit with him leaving.

For Darvish and Caratini, the Padres sent five players back to Chicago. As mentioned before, not a single top-five prospect is headed the Cubs way in exchange for the Cy Young runner up. It was nothing short of a salary dump for the Cubs. With all of the talent that they still have on the roster, it is hard to watch them start a rebuild but it appears that is what’s happening.

Zach Davies is the only MLB player that the Cubs are getting. The four prospects coming with Davies are Owen Caissie, Reggie Preciado, Ismael Mena, and Yeison Santana. Santana is the oldest prospect at 20 and the rest are all in their teens.

Related Story: Five best destinations for Kyle Schwarber

Even with Darvish’s salary, it is bad that they didn’t get a higher level of return. He was so good in 2020 and you had to think that his trade value would be as high as it has ever been. Now, Yu gets to go to warm San Diego and play for a good team while the Cubs look to be lost in the middle of nowhere.

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