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Christmas dinner
Chop, 1017 S. Delano Ct.
Too tired to cook? Take a break and let Chop do the work for you. The South Loop restaurant offers a special three-course Christmas Day menu featuring garlic croutons and bacon lardons; roasted Cornish hens seasoned with herbs of Provence; wild rice and shaved truffles; and chocolate tart with crème anglaise. You can get half-price bottles of wine, to boot. 1-9 p.m. $41 per person.
Also on tap Friday:
Macy’s Holiday Windows and Great Tree (Through Jan. 10)
111 N. State St.
Holiday dining and shopping traditions culminate at the department store formerly known as Marshall Field’s. The 45-foot-tall great tree is on display in The Walnut Room restaurant on the store’s 7th floor, continuing the tradition to 108 years. Can’t get a reservation at the restaurant? The two-story tree, which is decorated with over 2,000 ornaments and 6,600 sparkling lights, is also visable from inside the store’s 8th floor. Perhaps no holiday season would be complete in Chicago without checking out Macy’s holiday window displays. This year’s display, titled "Santa’s journey to the stars,” tells the story of a boy’s Christmas adventures across the galaxy after he receives the gift of a magical telescope. Through Jan. 10. Walnut Room hours fluctuate. For complete information on hours, click here.
Rock 'n' Roll Christmas
Lottie's Pub, 1925 W. Cortland St.
The annual party features food specials and hot drinks like toddies and apple cider, plus a hefty dose of rock 'n' roll. 6 p.m.-midnight. No cover.
'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation' (Through Dec. 28)
Logan Theatre, 2646 N. Milwaukee Ave.
After you've finished opening presents, what better way to celebrate than with a little late night Chevy Chase? Treat your self. 11 p.m. Friday; screenings through Dec. 28. $8.50.
'A Q Brothers' Christmas Carol' (Through Jan. 3)
Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand Ave.
Tired of the same old Dickens version of the holiday classic? Pump up the funk, Q Brothers style, with a Scrooge story that features reggae, dancehall music and rock ballads with DJ Super Nova on deck. The performance is back by popular demand after runs in 2013 and 2014 which landed it Joseph Jefferson award nominations for Outstanding New Musical and Outstanding Ensemble. Good for older kids and adults who like to get down. 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Tickets start at $30.
Also on tap Saturday:
Joffrey Ballet's 'Nutcracker' (Through Jan. 10)
50 E. Congress Pkwy.
In addition to catching Tchaikovsky's classic score, this is also your last chance to see Robert Joffrey's original 1988 choreography: next's year's ballet will feature new choreography from Tony award-winner Christopher Wheeldon. Through Jan. 10. $32-$129.
Black Nativity Meets Kwanzaa
Lutheran School of Theology-Chicago Chapel, 1100 E. 55th St.
Reformation Church-Chicago presents this jazz and poetry candlelight celebration, an evening of works from poet-laureate Langston Hughes set to jazz. 5 p.m. $20.
'A Charlie Brown Christmas' (Through Dec. 31)
Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut St.
He's a good man and he's playing in this Emerald City Theatre and Broadway in Chicago production. 10 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 31. Tickets start at $16.
Anatole Kolomayets: A Celebration of Life Retrospective (Thursday-Sunday)
Ukrainian National Museum, 2249 W. Superior St.
Chicago artist Anatole Kolomayets passed away in 2014 but left behind a rich collection of paintings which blend his Ukrainian heritage and artistic training in Europe. More than 400 of the artist’s works are in numerous private collections and galleries in Argentina, Australia, Belgium, England, France, the United States, Canada and Ukraine. Sunday marks the last day of this exhibition of his work. See it. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. Free.
Also on tap Sunday:
Beatrix Potter (Through Feb. 7)
Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe
Take the tots on a little post-Christmas adventure at the garden's Beatrix Potter exhbition, which celebrates the life of the famed "Peter Rabbit" author. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday; noon-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Closed holidays. Free.
ChicaGlow
Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St.
Sunday marks the last day to enjoy the holiday festivities at the museum, with brightly colored exhibitions, festive activities and even a little visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Noon-5 p.m. Free with admission.
Chicago's Polar Express Train Ride (Through Jan. 3)
Union Station, 225 S. Canal St.
Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests can relive the story of "The Polar Express," a magical one-hour trip through downtown Chicago. Once on board, hot chocolate and a cookie are served as passengers read along with the classic children’s book. Departures at 12:10 p.m., 1:45 p.m., 3:20 p.m., 5 p.m., 7:05 p.m. Through Jan. 3. $55; $43 for kids.
Sean Keenehan contributed.
More fun holiday event roundups from 'Chicago Tonight'
Ice Skating in Chicago: Outdoor Rinks Serve Up Frozen Fun
Get the scoop on where to lace up your skates this season.
Holiday Events Guide from 'Chicago Tonight': 'Tis the Season!
A month of holiday favorites and winter delights.
Events listed are subject to change. We recommend double-checking times and locations before you head out the door. Want to share your upcoming events with us for consideration in a future roundup? Send us an email.
