holidays Archives - Chicago Reader

A Black woman in a red winter parka looks over her right shoulder and past the camera while standing in front of sculptures at Chicago's Millennium Park

Tree lighting, seasonal shopping, no coast hip-hop, and more

by Micco Caporale and Salem Collo-Julin December 15, 2022December 15, 2022

’Tis the season for unbridled consumerism masking as some of us insisting that “gift giving is my love language!” While we can’t stop the avalanche of gifting that is already in motion (although Reverend Billy would disagree), we can encourage you to check out some local pop-up holiday markets and consider purchasing directly from Chicago […]

Agenda

I Didn’t See You There, Priestess of Twerk, and more

by Kerry Reid, Micco Caporale and Taryn Allen December 9, 2022December 9, 2022

For one night only, catch a special screening of the I Didn’t See You There (2022) in the presence of director Reid Davenport. The award-winning disabled documentarian will attend the 6 PM screening of his film tonight at the Gene Siskel Film Center (164 N. State) and participate in a discussion moderated by disabled artist […]

a woman opens a small ring box in suprise, sitting on the couch with an eager-looking man. there's a table of wrapped gifts and a young girl looking happy in the chair nearby.

Film

Something From Tiffany’s

by Alani Vargas December 9, 2022December 9, 2022

It is pretty predictable, even if guessing what comes next in a movie isn’t your strong suit, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that Something From Tiffany’s is a cozy, comforting holiday watch.

a person with a boom mic stands over two actors sitting at a small cafe table

Film

A Chicagoland Christmas

by Marah Eakin December 7, 2022November 14, 2023

It’s anyone’s guess as to why so many movies think “Chicago” in the same breath as “Santa,” but it’s a trend that shows no sign of slowing down, particularly as streamers, niche cable networks, and (shudder) Candace Cameron Bure have doubled down on making Christmas content.

drawing of Megan Kirby with glasses sitting with Santa Claus

City Life

Waving at Santa from a rat-infested train tunnel

by Megan Kirby December 30, 2021December 30, 2021

My secret Chicago talent is that I always catch the Chicago Transit Authority’s Holiday Train. All over the city, the train finds me. Commuting home from work. Meeting my friends at a dive bar. On my way to a show. If the ride occurs between Thanksgiving and Christmas, chances are I’m going to pull up […]

Discover the magic of Spain at Christmas

Whether you’re daydreaming about next year’s destination holiday, looking to drop everything and take a vacation, or just hoping to bring a bit of culture to your at-home festivities: consider Spain.