City Cast Chicago
🛍️ Where to holiday shop on 26th Street
December 11, 2024 · —Sidney Madden
Morning! It’s our end-of-year membership campaign this week, and we’re thinking about something we strive to do every day: connecting you to new places, people, and ideas that expand our understanding of the city.
From untold stories about Chicago’s gun violence to fresh takes on familiar topics like deep-dish pizza, we want you to see Chicago from every angle.
If we’ve ever introduced you to a new idea or issue in this newsletter, will you support us by becoming a member? For as little as $8 a month or $80 a year, you can help us keep connecting Chicagoans to new ideas and perspectives.
Bonus: Anyone who joins this week gets an exclusive City Cast Chicago tote đź’…
What's CITY Talking About?
Is City Budget Showdown Coming to an End?
Two key City Council committees passed Mayor Brandon Johnson’s revised budget Tuesday, making way for a full council vote Friday. [WGN]
Michelin Stars Are Out
A year after opening, Uptown restaurant Cariño got its first Michelin star. Four spots also lost stars. [TimeOut]
Chicago Exotic Animals Need Your Help
A North Side exotic animal rescue group needs Chicagoans to volunteer and foster pets after taking in a record number of birds, reptiles, and fish this year. [Block Club]
- We visited the rescue group and fell in love with a gecko. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
I feel like restaurants are taking swings this year. They aren't playing it quite as safe.
How We Ate Our Way Through 2024
The Infatuation Chicago’s Adrian Kane and John Ringor are back to talk about 2024’s best new restaurants, favorite dishes, and what to look forward to next year. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
What To Do
Wednesday, Dec. 11
- Sashiko Japanese Embroidery Workshop 🪡 Lakeview | 3–5 p.m. | $50
- Cirques Experience Holiday Spectacular ❄️ Brighton Park | 5–6 p.m. | Free
- Get Lit: Haunted Holidays (21+) 🕷️ The Loop | 5:30–7:30 p.m. | $21+
- Culinary Expressions 🍽️ Magnificent Mile | 6–9 p.m. | $90
- Tony P's Ugly Sweater Holiday Party 🎅Fulton Market | 6–9 p.m. | $24+
- Puzzled Pints 🧩 McKinley Park | 6:30–10:30 p.m. | Free
Thursday, Dec. 12
- Holiday Evening Market 🛍️ Near West Side | 4–8 p.m. | Free
- Sip, Shop, & Trolley Hop 🚎 Albany Park | 4–9 p.m. | Free
- Terroir and Territory 🍷 River North | 6–9 p.m. | $25+
- “That’s Weird, Grandma: A Holiday Spectacular” opens 🎄 Andersonville | 7 p.m. | $25
- “The Message” Book Club 📖 Hyde Park | 7 p.m. | Free
- Vinyl Set: Jamie Hayes 💿 Pilsen | 7–10 p.m. | Varies
For those of you who’d like to explore Chicago’s holiday cheer from the warmth of your home this month, tour guide Mike McMains’ 12 Virtual Tours of Christmas is underway. Plus, they’re free!
Free · Daily