CHICAGO — The holiday festivities continue this weekend with Kwanzaa celebrations at Malcolm X College and in Bronzeville, a snow globe and candle workshop, a pre-New Year’s Eve party at The Promontory and more.
There are also performances of “It’s a Wonderful Life” at the American Blues Theater, the Historic Pullman Foundation’s Model Train Experience, an empanada pop-up at Begyle Brewing and winter activities at the Chicago Children’s Museum.
Here’s a roundup of 16 things to do in Chicago this weekend:
All Weekend
Mini Snow Globe & Candle Making Workshop
Various times Wednesday-Saturday
Above Average DIY/Candle Studio, 3414 W. Foster Ave.
Above Average Candle Studio is hosting a special three-day workshop — available on Christmas Eve and Day — with a candle and snow-globe making class complete with all the materials for a holiday creation. Take home a finished snow globe and candle with this all-ages workshop.
Learn more and buy tickets for $65 here.
The cast of “It’s a Wonderful Life LIVE in Chicago!” at the American Blues Theater. Credit: Michael Brosilow
‘It’s A Wonderful Life: Live In Chicago!’
Various times Friday-Sunday
American Blues Theater, 5627 N. Lincoln Ave.
The American Blues Theater is putting on a live retelling of the 1946 Christmas movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” complete with original music and classic holiday carols in the theater’s 25th year running the show — making it the second longest-running holiday play in Chicago. It closes Sunday.
Learn more and buy tickets for $34.50-$94.50 here.
Malcolm X College Kwanzaa Celebration
Noon-1 p.m. Friday-Thursday
Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd.
Join Malcolm X College as it celebrates the seven days of Kwanzaa with daily activities including reading circles, a drum call and live performances from Najwa Dance Corps, Chi-Village Day and others. The commemoration will also include a recounting of the history of Kwanzaa along with local vendors selling African-inspired art, drums, candles and more. The free, all-ages event will run for seven days on the first floor of Malcolm X College.
Learn more here.
The flyer for Winter Weeks of Play at the Chicago Children’s Museum. Credit: Provided
Winter Warm Up: Active Play With MSA & Circus Arts
11 a.m.-noon Saturday-Sunday
Chicago Children’s Musuem, 700 E. Grand Ave.
The Chicago Children’s Museum is extending its hours and programs during winter break as part of the museum’s Winter Weeks of Play. Programs includes an hour of active play with the performers from MSA & Circus Arts offering endless chances to tumble and leap.
Learn more and buy tickets for the week’s special activities and performances here.
KOVAL Distillery in Ravenswood. Credit: KOVAL Distillery
KOVAL Top Shelf Tour
4-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
KOVAL Distillery, 4241 N. Ravenswood Ave.
Whiskey lovers can get an exclusive tour of the KOVAL Distillery overlooking the distillery while learning about the whiskey making process, with a chance to taste three KOVAL spirits along with unreleased, experimental whiskeys.
Learn more and buy tickets for $12 here.
Historic Pullman Model Train Experience
10 a.m. Saturday-Monday
HPF Pullman Exhibit Hall, 11141 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
The Pullman National Historical Park is hosting a weekend for train lovers of all ages as they showcase their interactive model train layout with classic Pullman railcars and engines, complete with a LEGO building session and a giant paper snowflake arts and crafts time.
Learn more about the free event here.
Friday
The Chosen Few DJs Holiday Party
7 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday
Bourbon on Division, 2050 W. Division St.
Celebrate the holidays with house music at Bourbon on Division’s holiday party, offering two floors of house music featuring sounds from DJs Alan King, Dee Jay Alicia and more.
Learn more and buy tickets for $17.85 here.
An empanada pop-up is coming to Begyle Brewing this Friday. Credit: Provided
Empanada Mama Pop-Up
6-8 p.m. Friday
Begyle Brewing, 1800 W. Cuyler Ave.
Begyle Brewing is serving up empanadas by Empanada Mama for one night only. Stop by to experience Puerto Rican cuisine with hand-crafted empanadas and pair them with your favorite brew.
Learn more here.
Chicago Soul Jazz Collective with LaShera Ellis. Credit: Provided
Chicago Soul Jazz Collective
7:30 p.m. Friday
Winter’s Jazz Club, 465 N. McClurg Court
Winter’s Jazz Club is hosting an evening of Chicago soul and jazz featuring LaShera Ellis on vocals and John Fournier playing the tenor saxophone.
Learn more and buy tickets starting at $30 here.
Saturday
Bronzeville Kwanzaa Celebration & Vendor Fair
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday
Hatch 41, 4131 S. State St.
The Black Star Project is celebrating Kwanzaa in Bronzeville with a family-friendly event commemorating the seven principles of Kwanzaa complete with live performances, Black-owned vendors and giveaways.
This is a free event. Learn more here.
The MLK Family Entertainment Center, 1219 W. 76th St., hosts regular skate and bowl nights. Credit: Provided/Facebook
Sno-Cone Skate
Noon-3 p.m. Saturday
The MLK Skating and Bowling Center, 1219 W. 76th St.
Stop by the MLK Skating and Bowling Center during winter break for a day of winter fun with bowling, skating and a free snow cone with admission.
Learn more and buy tickets for bowling and skating can be purchased here.
Credit: Provided
Holiday Healing: Gong Wash Sound Healing Symphony
6-8 p.m. Saturday
Northshore Healing Centre, 6185 N. Canfield Ave.
The Northshore Healing Centre is celebrating the holidays and winter solstice with a healing symphony to restore balance to the body and mind while providing post-holidays stress relief. The evening will include a guided meditation and the healing sounds of gongs, bells and more.
Guests should bring a yoga mat. Learn more and buy tickets for $35 here.
The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. West. Credit: Provided
The Last Dance: The Promontory LGBTQ Pre-NYE Party
10 p.m. Saturday
The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. West
Get an early start to New Year’s celebrations with the Promontory’s LGBTQ Pre NYE party, featuring sounds from DJs 1st Lady and Darrly Garcon and hosted by Trina Tru Luv and Pooda Freesmoke. The venue will be closing permanently on New Year’s Eve, so don’t miss this chance to party at the popular Hyde Park spot.
Learn more and buy tickets for $13.95 here.
Sunday
Yoga & Books Sunday Flow
9 a.m. Sunday
Lilliput Books, 2150 N. Halsted St.
Prepare for 2026 with an hour-long yoga class and mini sound bath led by Meghan Rutledge of Second Spring. This slow and gentle flow is perfect for beginners, and yoga class members can enjoy 10 percent off their purchase at Lilliput Books after the class.
Guests should bring their your own yoga mat. Learn more and buy tickets for $28 here.
Intro To Aikido
11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday
1444 W. Chicago Ave.
Chicago Aikikai is hosting a chance for beginners to learn more about the Japanese martial art of aikido. Learn more about the practice’s origins and history among current students while participating in aikido led by Chief Instructor Marsha Turner.
This is a free event. Learn more here.
Build A Hat Workshop
Noon-4 p.m. Sunday
Artistry DC, 3700 S. Iron St.
Decorate your own trucker hat at Grandeur Galleries’ guided workshop with trucker hats and endless iron patches, rhinestones, pearls, chains and more. Decorate hats with music, beverages and snacks.
Learn more and buy tickets for $61.45 here.
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