The holidays are here, and we’re sending you warm greetings from our little slice of Chicago. Sneak in one last Xmas gift with today’s giveaway:

End 2025 inside HiJinx. Enter for a chance to win a Flyaway for two with weekend passes to HiJinx Festival, a Philadelphia hotel stay during the event, and $600 toward travel. GRiZ, ILLENIUM, SLANDER, Gryffin, Knock2, Seven Lions, and more - all in one weekend. Enter to win.

JUST ANNOUNCED

• Kasablanca is locking down New Years Eve with cinematic house, and zero interest in subtlety. Start the year sweaty, euphoric, and fully convinced this was the correct choice. Win last-minute tix.*

• Jam lords Umphrey’s McGee are kicking off 2026 at the Shed with two nights of improv-heavy madness, laser precision, and whatever genre they feel like. Andy Frasco & The U.N. bring the party-starting groove. Enter to win a pair of tickets!*

• Ring in the new year at Thalia Hall on Tuesday, December 30th and Wednesday December 31st with DEHD’S BYE BYE ‘25 NYE RUN with Wombo (Tuesday) and Sharp Pins (Wednesday). Tickets are going fast!*

• Dim Sum & Drag but make it Pokémon. Your favorite drag show is back with a new show on January 10th. Enter to win tickets!

• Plus other just announced shows from Yen Lucci, Kashmir, Amanda Miguel, Pandora y Flans, Russell Peters, Clairice, Ruthie Foster, Daniel Jenkins, Aesthetic Perfection, and more!

BEST HOLIDAY LIGHTS

Chicago goes feral for holiday lights and honestly we respect it. This guide rounds up the brightest blocks, wildest displays, and worth the drive spectacles so you can maximize sparkle with minimal effort. Includes neighborhood classics, big ticket shows, free options, date friendly strolls, and full send glow up situations.

COMING UP

LOCALS ONLY

• Chicago holiday pop-ups are back and they are aggressively festive. Think themed bars, limited time menus, photo ops, and just enough peppermint to justify another round. Hit them up this week.

• The Harlem Globetrotters are back in Chicago doing physics defying tricks, and reminding everyone that sports can actually be fun. Get tix for Sunday.

• Looking for options on Christmas? Not everyone celebrates the same way and Chicago restaurants understand that deeply. Here’s where to go out on Christmas Day.

• Do312 is hiring content & social media interns for spring. If you’ve got a sharp voice, solid editing skills, and a healthy addiction to Chicago’s event scene, apply now. Bonus points if you already post like it’s your job.

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