A Hip(po) Chicago Weekend – Nov 19, 20, 21
Well, faithful Hippo fans, we have moved out of the blah zone and into the inevitable holiday countdown. I just can’t believe it’s already here. I still have my Halloween costume hanging on the back of my bathroom door and my 4th of July tablecloth out (you thought I was kidding about that?).
In the spirit of Christmas, this post is all about the holiday festivities that are commencing this very weekend. So grab your gloves, hat and flask of peppermint schnapps and hustle down to some of these fun activities. Burl Ives would want you to.
(1) Oops, I Christmassed Again
Starting this Friday, at 11:59pm, come watch a faux Britney Spears go through the pain and torture experienced by Ebenezer Scrooge many years ago. She is visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future – perhaps the Ghost of Christmas Past can explain away the head shaving incident?
Tickets are $10 and the show runs from November 19th – December 17th
ComedySportz Theater, 929 West Belmont, (773) 549-8080
(2) Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Parade
Who doesn’t love free activities? Bundle up and shove your way over to the Mag Mile on November 20th to see the annual tree lighting parade. Not only will you get to see Mickey Mouse, but an array of other talent as well. Perhaps even Santa will stop by? I think he still has to clear it with Mrs. Claus – she is a tad possessive.
The parade officially starts at 5:30p but you may want to head down sooner and claim your spot. Word of advice, too – don’t try shopping on Mag Mile on this day between 4:00p and 11:00p. I made that mistake last year and paid for it dearly.
Michigan Avenue, between Oak Street and the River
(3) Randolph Street Holiday Market
The winter holidays cannot exist without shopping for random items you and your loved ones probably don’t need. To keep up with the holiday spending spree, why not visit the Randolph Street Holiday Market? You will find a variety of fun items, like vintage clothing, retro Christmas ornaments and tons of other items.
You will most likely find me perusing the 1930s Christmas décor – reminds me of my former life when I was the wife of a billionaire named Mr. Potter. He kept complaining about some nuisance named George Bailey, something or other, but I wasn’t paying attention. I was too busy drinking my bourbon and trying not to be seen, obviously!
Visit the market on either Saturday or Sunday, 10:00a – 5:00p. Admission is $10, $5 for students. Purchase through PayPal for a $2 discount.
Beaux Arts Plumbers Hall, 1340 W. Washington Blvd.
(4) Christmas Around the World and Holiday of Lights
According to the museum website: “The Museum’s 45-foot Grand Tree takes center stage in the Rotunda with more than 30,000 lights and 1,000 ornaments, and it is surrounded by more than 50 smaller trees—beautifully decorated by volunteers from Chicago’s ethnic communities to represent their various cultures and holiday traditions. Stroll through the trees, enjoy intermittent falling “snow” and savor the performances of various dance and choral groups on the Holiday Stage.”
Sounds like a blast to me! After visiting this amazing exhibit, you can walk around the rest of the museum and feel good about yourself because you are attempting to learn something. Bonus points if you and your friends quiz each other on the airplane exhibit. General admission is $13 for adults.
Museum of Science and Industry, 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive
(5) It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play
Is anyone else experiencing déjà vu or is that just me?
Anyway, rub elbows with your favorite friends from the Great Depression and spread some holiday cheer. And don’t forget, every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings. I am still trying to figure out if that includes my cell phone ring tone…
Runs from November 5 – December 26, Wednesday to Sunday. Tickets range from $29.50 – $39.50 and can be found at their website. Oh, and it’s in St. Charles, IL. Just in case you weren’t paying attention!
Fox Valley Repertoire, 4051 E. Main Street, St. Charles, IL
Be hip(po)! Have fun! Celebrate that the season is upon us and make yourself some hot cocoa! But especially, have a safe weekend!
Now for my Holiday jingle!
(Our budget is low, so you’ll have to sing it):
Have a holly, jolly weekend
It’s the best weekend this year
I don’t care that it’s not even Thanksgiving yet
Just have a pint of beer
Have a holly, jolly weekend
And when you stumble down the street
Say hello to friends you know
And try not to puke on their feet
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Listen to Ashley Lobo on Chicago radio,
WBIG AM 1280, Thursday mornings between 9-10,
with JoAnn & Ryan!
