It's (almost) the holiday season, and you can get your spirits at the lighting ceremony of the Chicago Christmas tree starring 51-foot blue spruce donated by the Benavides family. Brian McKnight's fireworks show and concert are part of the celebration.
Details: Friday at 6pm in Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St. Free/Map
Find more festivals: 2021 festival guide
The intricate artwork is the star of the Mosaic Fest, where you can learn more about the festival's art of the same name and the Chicago Mosaic School and create your own mosaic.
Details: Saturday 9 am to 5 pm at Chicago Mosaic School, 1127 W. Granville Ave. Adults 35 US dollars; 12-18 years old children 15 US dollars; children under 12 years old free / MAP
Residents of the city shared how water affects their lives in The Lake and River from the perspective of the community. The event is produced by Wayfinding and is part of the 2021 Chicago Architecture Biennale, which aims to engage participants in dialogue and activities.
Details: Free/map at Garfield Park Golden Dome at 100 Central Park Avenue North from 1-3 pm on Saturday
At the Mystery and Magic Mall Tarot, tea and lottery readers gather to commemorate the full moon.
Details: Friday night 6-10 at Pilsen Art House, 1756 W. 19th St. Free/Map
Celebrate this season at the BMO Harris Bank Magnificent Mile Lights Festival as Mag Mile is lit by a million lights. Watch decorated floats, marching bands, musical performances, giant helium balloons, and of course Santa Claus. The firework show brought an end to the event.
Parade: Saturday afternoon 5:30-7 along Michigan Avenue from Oak Street to Wacker Avenue. Free/Map
Holidays: Friday 4-8pm; Saturday 11am-4pm, at Festival Lane, Pioneer Court, 401 North Michigan Avenue. Free/Map
Lake View Citizens Council volunteers will conduct a one-day habitat restoration activity at Where the Wild Things Grow. Participants will gather at the Mag Mile Store (48 E. Walton St.) in Patagonia, and then ride a bicycle for approximately 4.5 miles to the Bill Jarvis Migratory Bird Sanctuary. BYO bicycle and bicycle locks, thermos/camping cups, water and snacks, and gardening gloves. Be sure to dress according to the weather-the activity is rain or shine.
Details: Bill Jarvis Migratory Bird Sanctuary, 2 W. Belmont Harbour Drive, Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm. Free, RSVP / MAP required
In the Christmas Straw Decoration Workshop, you will use the flat straw applique technique to make your own Lithuanian decoration.
Details: Saturday afternoon 2-3:30, Balzekas Lithuanian Cultural Museum at 6500 S. Pulaski Road. 25 USD/map
Comedian and actress Janeane Garofalo is an alumnus of Saturday Night Live. She is well-known for her roles in "Reality Bites", "Ben Stiller Show" and "The Larry Sanders Show". She appeared on stage for quartet performances. Note: A vaccination certificate and masks against COVID-19 are required.
Details: Friday and Saturday nights at 7pm and 9.30pm at The Den Theatre at 1331 Milwaukee Avenue. $25-$48 / MAP
Relax at Butterfly Haven Yoga and take an energetic class surrounded by more than 40 kinds of butterflies. A negative COVID-19 test or vaccination certificate is required. BYO mask, water and yoga mat.
Details: Saturday to December 18th, 8:30-9:45 am at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (2430 N. Cannon Drive). $20 including museum entrance/map
"Simply Serenades" focuses on the work of Johannes Brahms and Antonin Dvořák, and is premiered by Jonathan Bingham. Requires proof of negative COVID-19 test or vaccination and face mask.
Details: Sunday at 3pm at North Shore Performing Arts Center, 9501 Skokie Blvd. Skokie. $10-$75 / map
The events listed may change. We recommend that you check the time and place carefully before going out. Want to share your upcoming events with us for consideration in future roundups? Email us.
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