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Eight Things To Do in the City and Western Suburbs: Dec. 12–14, 2025
Winter weather has arrived! Layer up, follow the holiday lights, and catch a few can't-miss events this weekend.
Get ready for the Kris Kringle Pub Crawl.
Westmont's holiday bar crawl returns with a five-stop route that moves from NEAT Kitchen + Bar to Uptown Tavern. Expect a mix of holiday drink specials, casual eats, raffles, and a costume contest that draws out everything from classic Santa suits to full-on themed ensembles.
Date: Dec. 13
Time: 2–6 p.m.
Cost: $20
Location: Various Locations, Westmont
More Info: westmontevents.com
Hop over to the Holiday Bazaar Pop-up Maker's Market.
OPAL (Oak Park Art League) transforms its gallery into a weekend-long makers market featuring work from local artists across multiple mediums, including ceramics, prints, home goods, and handmade accessories.
Date: Dec 13–14
Time: Sat 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sun 1–4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Oak Park Art League, 720 Chicago Ave., Oak Park
More Info: oakparkartleague.org
Bring the kids to Meet & Greet Santa & Mrs. Claus.
This family event brings Santa and Mrs. Claus to Darien for an afternoon of photos, cookies, and hot chocolate. Kids can write letters on-site and drop them into the North Pole mailbox before enjoying hot chocolate, cookies, and a station where they can mix their own reindeer food. Get your family photos taken, participate in a few hands-on activities, and spend time with the Clauses without the rush of larger holiday attractions.
Date: Dec. 13
Time: 1–3 p.m.
Cost: Free With Registration
Location: Kiddie Academy of Darien, 1502 75th St., Darien
More Info: calendarwiz.com
Spend the day at the Holiday Fair.
The Chicago Waldorf School's Holiday Fair returns with its sprawling mix of artisan vendors, family activities, and student performances filling nearly every corner of the campus. The longtime event functions as a full indoor market, with stalls ranging from ceramics and jewelry to textiles, thrift finds, and small-batch food goods. Families can rotate between craft stations — candle dipping, silk dyeing, gnome making — before stopping for soup, quiche, or fresh pastries at the food counters. Enjoy live music, a puppet play, and an Alumni Room for a bit of nostalgia.
Date: Dec. 13
Time: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Chicago Waldorf School, 5200 N. Ashland Ave.
More Info: chicagowaldorf.org
Celebrate Kwanzaa Our Way.
Africa International House hosts a day of performances, fashion, and community programming for Kwanzaa Our Way, part of its annual Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration and Marketplace. Programming runs wide with line dancing sessions, music sets, vendor displays, cultural demonstrations, and more. Browse the marketplace between performances or settle in for curated presentations highlighting creativity and heritage.
Date: Dec. 12
Time: 9 a.m.–11 p.m.
Cost: $10
Location: Grand Ballroom, 6351 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
More Info: aihusa.org
Make someone's day at The Market Shop Holiday Market.
This year's event blends a maker fair with a charitable focus in support of Chicago Children's Charities. More than 50 local vendors will fill the day with handmade goods, from food to ceramics, art, accessories, and other giftables. Rotate between live music, snack stops, and a card-making station stocked with supplies for handwritten notes destined for children spending the holidays in hospitals across the country.
Date: Dec. 13
Time: 10–4 p.m.
Cost: Donation Based
Location: Chez Venue, 247 E. Ontario St.
More Info: themarketshopevent.com
Have fun at #PictureMeInTaiwan.
Union Station's Great Hall is filled with themed booths, hands-on workshops, and travel-focused activities for a one-day showcase of Taiwanese culture. Visitors can cycle between presentations, performances, and quick-hit games, from DIY pin badges and paper hat making to Taiwanese pinball and balance challenges. Strike a pose at the photo stations, enjoy free snacks and giveaways, and participate in a raffle for two round-trip flights courtesy of EVA Air and China Airlines.
Date: Dec. 13
Time: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Chicago Union Station, 501-515 W. Jackson Blvd.
More Info: luma.com
Shop for gifts at the SAUCED Night Market.
SAUCED Night Market returns to the Chicago Athletic Association for a two-night run packed with vendors, cocktails, and a curated experience. More than 40 makers will set up shop selling ceramics, food, jewelry, vintage items, and more. Weave through the hotel's halls with a fun drink or snack in hand, and get all of your holiday shopping done under one roof.
Date: Dec. 12–13
Time: 5–10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Chicago Athletic Association, 12 S. Michigan Ave.
More Info: tixtree.com
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