This week’s about gratitude. And stuffing. And claiming you like cranberry sauce when you absolutely do not. We’ve got more than a week full of Chicago happenings to be thankful for this holiday week.

The Phantom of the Opera haunts Cadillac Palace December 11th-February 1st. The production features gothic romance, huge vocals, and even falling chandelier energy. We’re giving away two tickets. Enter and let the drama consume you.*

JUST ANNOUNCED

• Upcycle your basic t-shirt into one-of-a-kind wearable art at ReMade in Chicago for the perfect holiday activity with your loved ones! Sign up for a workshop now!*

• December 6th at Old Crow Smokehouse turns daylight into celebration mode with three hours of bottomless mimosas, $5 themed shots, and holiday hits all afternoon. We’re giving away tickets, so grab your brunch crew, throw on a Santa hat, and enter or snag yours now.*

• STS9 brings The Human Dream Tour to Chicago for a 3-night NYE run at Ramova Theatre. One DoMORE member wins a pair of 3-Night Passes, a hotel stay at SpringHill Suites (December 29th–January 1st), and $600 travel credit. Sign up for DoMORE to enter.*

• Twenty years deep and still spitting fire, Slug and Ant are bringing the kind of set that makes you feel like you just survived something to The Salt Shed on January 31st. Get tickets to all the heat with Atmosphere today.*

• Plus other just announced shows from Barely Alive, Friendship, Natalie Jane Hill, Pachinko, Asleep At The Wheel, J Dilla, Sam Morril, and more!

BEST UPCOMING HOLIDAY MARKETS

Forget the malls and hit the streets! Chicago’s best indie holiday markets are packed with vintage gems, handmade gifts, and actual holiday spirit. We mapped ‘em all so you can shop local and weird this season.*

• CHRISTKINDLMARKET CHICAGO - Now through December 24th at Daley Plaza

• HOLIDAY MAKER’S MARKET - Friday-Sunday at Farm Bar Ravenswood

• HOLIDAY GIFT MARKET - Sunday at The Salt Shed

• IS/WAS HOLIDAY MARKET - December 6th at is/was brewing

• HOLIDAWGS - December 14th at GMan Tavern

WHENEVER

Level up your hangs. Invest in you. Crush small talk in any neighborhood (or the next country you jet off to). With bite-sized lessons, easy grammar, binge-able podcasts, and interactive speaking practice, you’ll be confidently chatting in just 3 weeks. And here’s the Black Friday kicker: Unlimited access to every language. Forever. One-time payment of $199. Go places. Say things. Do Stuff!*

LOCALS ONLY

• Holiday pop-ups are popping off—literally. We've got bars with fake snow, boozy cocoa, and more tinsel than your grandma’s tree. Here’s where to find Chicago’s wildest holiday takeovers.

• Gay Do312 is hiring! Join the crew behind Chicago’s go-to guide for queer nightlife, culture, and events. We’re looking for a Content Assistant who lives for local fun and knows how to write with authority. Learn more and apply now!

• Chance the Rapper is joining Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve as co-host of the first-ever Chicago broadcast! Ring in 2026 with DJs, live music, and a massive countdown party downtown.

• The Chicago Fire just dropped their 2025 schedule! From opening kick to final whistle, here’s every match you’ll wanna show up loud for. Check out the lineup and grab tickets today.

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