It’s officially that weird December stretch where time is fake. You only have 16 days left to make the most of this year. Keep reading for how:

Go full Chicago this season. Enter to win a Choose Chicago tee, sweatshirt, and hat (over $150!) repping the city’s Never Done. Never Outdone. and All for the Love of Chicago designs. Big holiday energy, bigger hometown pride. Get in while you can.*

JUST ANNOUNCED

• Dispensary 33 is turning 10, and celebrating all December long. They’re handing out free Lil’ Spark joints with any purchase (just flash this and mention Do312). That’s how you do a b-day. Enter to win a $100 gift card plus a custom swag bundle!*

• Local rock legend Lemoyne Alexander is throwing a full-blown NYE bash at Reggie's with live jams, a midnight celebration, and no shortage of Chicago soul. Win tickets now.*

• Gardenista’s premium cocktails are now on GoPuff. Low sugar, natural ingredients, bold flavor, delivered in minutes. A clean pour for hosting or staying in. Order now.*

• Chicago’s sparkliest tradition is back, and we’re giving away free tickets to all the holiday magic. Win your way into ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo, where 3 million lights meet mulled wine, s’mores, and skyline views. Enter to win now.*

• Plus other just announced shows from FISHER, Iron & Wine, Martin Garrix, SIDEPIECE, Manic Focus, Jonny Fritz, RuPaul, Devotchka, and more!

CHICAGO HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

You’re out of ideas and dangerously close to gifting socks again. Our Chicago Holiday Gift Guide is stacked with last-minute lifesavers from local shops, artists, and pop-ups that don’t suck. Think candles, prints, records, weird vintage, maybe even a lil’ something for yourself. Skip the mall. Shop Chicago.

THIS WEEK

News Without the BS (Bot Stuff)

Every day, the 1440 team hand-selects and summarizes the most important stories from 100+ trusted sources. The result? A fast, factual 5-minute newsletter that’s refreshingly human. No bots. No bias. Just clear news on politics, business, and culture—trusted by 4.4M+ readers and always free.*

LOCALS ONLY

• We mapped out Chicago’s most blindingly joyful displays: ZooLights, Illumination, Lightscape, and more. See the full list.

• An F1 Arcade is opening early next year, and it looks insane. Live out your fantasies without getting a speeding ticket. Check out the rendering.

• You are formally invited to horny Forks, Washington. Due to popular demand, Twilight: After Dark, the Twilight-themed burlesque show is back next month at Theatre Wit. Get your tix before it sells out (again).

• Ina Mae’s Christmas pop-up is giving Marigny meets Miracle on 34th. Think New Orleans cocktails, Cajun bites, and holiday decor that looks like it fell off the back of a sleigh. Stop by before it’s over.

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