‘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. 

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. 

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.  

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 the naughty list this year. 

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 mean fewer tourists (the Grinch would approve). Tickets and departure times range, learn more here.

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.

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. 

Featured Image Credit: Jack Frost Winter Village on Facebook

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An $8,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrests of would-be carjackers who fatally shot a retired CFD firefighter Friday.

The reward in the murder of 65-year-old Dwain Williams was organized by Rev. Michael Pfleger, community activist Andrew Holmes and Lets Get Poppin’, the popcorn shop Williams left moments before he was killed.

Williams, 65, was confronted by four carjackers about 2:10 p.m. after he left the popcorn shop, 11758 S. Western Ave., in the Morgan Park neighborhood, authorities said.

Williams exchanged gunfire with the carjackers and was shot in his abdomen. He died later at Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.

Tyler LaRiviere/Sun-Times

Pfleger said the murder was “another absolutely senseless killing” and was evidence of how violence in the city “is really out of control.”

“This reminds me that we’re not safe anywhere,” Pfleger said in an interview. “You can’t get popcorn without being at risk.”

Pfleger said he knew Williams’ wife from his church, and had only heard great things about him.

“Everything I’ve heard about him is what an amazing guy he is,” he said.

Williams was a Chicago Fire Department lieutenant who retired about two years ago after joining in 1992, officials said. His final assignment was with the Office of Emergency Management and Communications, where he was about to return to work as a civilian employee as soon as next week.

Pfleger said he doesn’t want to see Chicago’s rising violence swept aside as attention turns to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year has already seen more than 3,800 people shot in Chicago, with shootings and murders more than 50% higher than they were during the same period in 2019.

“We’re seeing many innocent people killed because of a climate of violence that’s becoming more of a norm. As citizens, when do we get tired of it? We’ve lost mothers, fathers, a retiree who was about to go to work. It’s just so painful.”

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A new community photo project highlights the beauty of Logan Square as seen through new and old locals and will be on display at the centerfold of the neighborhood.

Growing up in Logan Square, 24-year-old photographer Deanna J. Smith has seen all the changes swirling around the neighborhood. But for her recent photo class at Columbia College that focuses on photography as a social practice, she wanted to see what the neighborhood looked like from other people’s eyes, like newer residents, older folks, and diverse creatives.…Read More

The 99% Invisible City takes a second look at familiar cities.

At a moment when some city dwellers are moving to less populated areas, The 99% Invisible City: A Field Guide to the Hidden World of Everyday Design (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt) reads like a love letter to all things urban, an invitation to look a little longer at the design stories that have changed how cities work. The illustrated guide is the first book by co-authors Roman Mars and Kurt Kohlstedt, creator and producer of popular design podcast 99% Invisible.…Read More

A departure at PrideArts, an arrival at Second City, and the closing of the Frontier and Understudy; Kristiana Rae Colón wins a new prize.

In late June, Pride Films and Plays faced a wave of allegations on social media about the behavior of founder and executive director David Zak, leading to Zak’s resignation and the appointment of Donterrio Johnson as artistic director. In early November, Johnson resigned, charging that Zak was still in a hands-on role with the company (which, under Johnson, did rebrand itself as PrideArts). …Read More

Losing Len Kasper speaks volumes about the Chicago Cubs. When Chicago Cubs fans woke up on Friday morning they learned some news that likely came as a pretty big surprise. No, they did not trade away Kris Bryant, and they did not negotiate a deal for Kyle Schwarber to return. Heck, the news didn’t even […]

Chicago Cubs: Len Kasper move speaks volumes – Da Windy City – Da Windy City – A Chicago Sports Site – Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, Fighting Illini & More

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The Chicago Bears are quickly turning into a three-ring circus. The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus disbanded back in 2017, but the current iteration of the Chicago Bears are doing everything they can to give you the experience of being under the big top. As if it wasn’t enough that this team has […]

Chicago Bears: Anthony Miller’s comments leave us scratching our heads – Da Windy City – Da Windy City – A Chicago Sports Site – Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, Fighting Illini & More

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Most don’t want to admit it, however, the Chicago Bears are approaching a full rebuild that could begin as soon as the 2021 offseason begins. It’s been another year of disappointment for the Chicago Bears franchise. After starting the 2020 regular season by winning five of their first six games, many assumed that the Bears […]

Chicago Bears: Team is approaching a full rebuild very soon – Da Windy City – Da Windy City – A Chicago Sports Site – Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, Fighting Illini & More

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Saying radio is “embedded in his soul,” Kasper explained his decision to leave the Cubs’ TV booth for the White Sox’ radio booth Friday on his new home, ESPN 1000.

Saying radio is “embedded in his soul,” Len Kasper explained why he’s leaving the Cubs’ TV booth for the White Sox’ radio booth in an interview Friday on his new home, ESPN 1000.

Kasper appeared on the “Kap & J.Hood” morning show said that he wanted to be Ernie Harwell, the Tigers’ Hall of Fame broadcaster, growing up and that he had been thinking about moving to radio for a long time.

The Sox’ job initially opened after longtime voice Ed Farmer died April 1. Andy Masur called the action this past season with analyst Darrin Jackson on a one-year agreement.

“The timing of this was simply there was an opportunity available that I had long thought about,” Kasper said. “And if you had followed my career at all, there were hints along the way.”

Kasper referenced his daily pregame interviews on Cubs radio broadcasts on The Score, calling the fifth inning during postseason games and reporting from the field after the team won the 2016 World Series.

Though Kasper said he was the one spearheading the move, he said his relationship with Cubs business president Crane Kenney and Marquee Sports Network general manager Mike McCarthy made departing difficult. Still, he called it a “friction-less” week regarding the cooperation among all parties, including Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts and Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf.

Kasper also join the Sox’ TV booth for 20-25 games on NBC Sports Chicago

In addition to his radio duties, Kasper will serve as a member of the television announcing team for approximately 20-25 games on NBC Sports Chicago depending on scheduling. Kasper and Sox TV voice Jason Benetti also plan to collaborate on multimedia projects.

More to come …

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