10 Things To Do This Weekend: Dec. 23-25 | Chicago News

The annual Christmas Around the World exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry. (Source: Heidi Peters / Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago)

1. Sparkle

Santa circumnavigates the world in one day, and so can you – well, sort of. Discover holiday traditions from more than 50 countries at “Christmas around the world.” For the 80th anniversary of this event, there are dozens of decorated trees, including a four-story “big tree”. Snap a photo with Santa and check out the festive features of the world’s largest LEGO display at The Art of the Brick (not included in regular admission price).

Details: 9:30am-5:30pm Friday; 9:30-16:00 Saturday; Christmas Day closed; Hours vary through January 8 at the Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive. $21.95; $12.95 for children ages 3-11 / CARD

Find more holiday events: Chicago 2022 Holiday Events Guide

2. Enjoy

The classic 1983 film about Ralphie Parker’s search for his dream Christmas present – a Red Ryder BB Gun – comes to life with a soundtrack in “A Christmas Carol, the musical.”

Details: Fridays at 1pm and 8pm with additional performances through January 1st at The Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. $59-$64/CARD

3. Indulge

Straight No Chaser put a cappella on the map decades ago, and now the all-male group is bringing their “25th anniversary celebration” into town. Expect holiday hits, smooth R&B jams and more.

Details: 8 p.m. Friday at the Chicago Theater, 175 N. State St. $25 and up / TICKET

4. Frolic

Move over Santa Claus, this party is for the holiday icon created by Dr. Seuss became famous. The family friendly Grinchmas 2022 includes games, photo stops and a visit from a special guest – you can probably guess who.

Details: 6-8 p.m. Saturday at 1010 W. 35th St., 6th floor. $10 / CARD

5. Be cheeky

“The Buttcracker: A nutcracker burlesque‘ gives the holiday classic a grown-up twist with burlesque performances, belly dancing and sword swallowing. The show is 18+ and IDs are checked at the door.

Details: 8:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday, with additional performances 8:00 p.m. 29.-31. December at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. $36-$156 / MAP

Members of The Buttcracker Burlesque company, including Hannah Silverman (left to right), Mandyn Mueller and Eilish Morse-O’Rourke in The Buttcracker: A Nutcracker Burlesque, are playing at the Greenhouse Theater Center now through December 31. (Photo by Matthew Gregory Hollis)

6. Gliding

Lace up your skates (or rent a pair) and hit the ice with Jolly Old St. Nicholas Ice skating with Santa Claus.

Details: Saturday from 11:00am to 12:30pm at Centennial Ice Rinks, 2300 Old Glenview Road, Wilmette. $4-8 for kids; $9 for adults; $5 with non-perishable food donation / MAP

7. Come together

The Puerto Rican cultural center gets into the spirit of the season with its first-ever Puerto Rican Christmas Market, with handmade goods, artisan items and specialty products from the island. Family photo ops of the Magi and festive activities are also on the agenda.

Details: 11am-6.30pm Saturday to January 6th at ¡WEPA! Mercado del Pueblo, 2559 W. Department. St. Free / MAP

8. Look

The weather outside is supposed to be terrible this bank holiday weekend. Enjoy light shows in the comfort and warmth of your own car Let It Shine light show with more than a million lights synchronized with Christmas classics.

details for Northbrook location: 6pm-10pm daily until January 1st at Northbrook Court, 1515 Lake Cook Road, Northbrook. $32.99-$42.99 / MAP

details for the Schaumburg location: 6-10 p.m. daily through January 1 at Wintrust Field, 1999 S. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. $32.99-$42.99 / MAP

9. Trimming

Leave room on your Christmas tree for a special bauble for your fur baby. at DIY Howliday dog ornaments You’ll create a one-of-a-kind piece while raising funds for One Tail at a Time.

Details: 2-5 p.m. Sunday at Indigo & Violet Studio, 1411 W. Irving Park Road. $22-$62/CARD

10. Worship

Watch the story of Hans Christian Andersen”The Steadfast Tin Soldier‘ comes to life. Describing the endurance of a tin soldier, the Christmas classic includes a “sensory-friendly/relaxed” show (January 5), mask-mandatory shows (December 27), and an audio-described show (January 6).

Details: Show times vary through January 8th at the Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. $65-$90 / MAP

Cast of The Steadfast Tin Soldier. (Photo by Liz Lauren)

Events listed are subject to change. We recommend double-checking times and locations before heading out the door. Would you like to share your upcoming events with us for consideration in a future round-up? Send us an E-mail.