City Cast Chicago
😬 Happy dibs season?
December 4, 2025 · 💌 Selena
Dibs! As snow sticks around in Chicago, it’s officially “dibs” season. Here’s our history of the divisive local tradition.
Also, this is City Cast Producer Selena Seay-Reynolds filling in for Emmi while she’s on vacation!
What's CITY Talking About
Which Holiday Attractions Got 1-Star Reviews?
We love a good scathing review, even (or perhaps especially) around the holiday season. There’s no better time of year to be a Grinch. Can you guess which quintessential holiday locales we’re talking about based on their disgruntled reviews? [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
No More Excessive Force Lawsuit Against Feds
Newsrooms that sued the federal government after their reporters were shot with pepper spray and tear gas during Operation Midway Blitz have withdrawn their suit now that border patrol agents have left the area. [Block Club]
The Winners of the 2025 Eater Awards
What do Trino’s, Pizz’amici, Gus’ Sip & Dip, Del Sur Bakery, and Cantina Rosa all have in common? You’re going to want to check them out — they all just won this year’s local Eater Awards! [Eater]
Finally, Medical District Gets A New Park
A state-funded $5.9 million one-acre public park is coming to the center of the Medical District, between Ogden Avenue, Polk Street and Damen Avenue. The new space will feature a four season garden, musical chimes, and a permanent COVID-19 memorial. Construction begins in March and is expected to take a year. The park will be the first of its kind in the area in 80 years. [Sun-Times]
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What To Do
Thursday, Dec. 4
- 📽️ Holiday Movie Night: "Elf" | Gallagher Way | Wrigleyville
- 🎵 Christmas with the Petersens | Athenaeum Center | Lakeview
- 🎭 "Charles Dickens Begrudgingly Performs A Christmas Carol Again" opens | Theater Wit | Lakeview
- 🎶 The Klezmatics: Happy Joyous Hanukkah | Ravinia | Highland Park
- 🎅 "Twas the Week Before Christmas in Chicago" | The Den | Wicker Park
- 🚶 Phil Kline's Unsilent Night Holiday Soundscape | Starts at Sulzer Regional Branch | Lincoln Square
- 🎵 Brett Eldredge | The Chicago Theatre | Loop
Friday, Dec. 5
- 🎻 Grossman Ensemble – Form & Figure | Logan Center for the Arts | Hyde Park
- 🎭 "Twas the Week Before Christmas in Chicago" | Irish American Heritage Center | Mayfair
- 🎅 "The Nutcracker" opens | Joffrey Ballet | Loop
- 💃 A Flamenco Christmas | Saint Mary of the Lake Catholic Church | Buena Park
- 🖼️ Art Gallery Opening | Center on Halsted | Northalsted
- 😆 Rob Anderson: Are You Afraid of the '90s? | Park West | Lincoln Park
- 🎺 Jazz City | Hamilton Park | Englewood
- 📽️ "70 Acres in Chicago" | Humboldt Park
- 🛍️ Holiday Party and Makers Market | Lillstreet Art Center | Ravenswood
- 🀄 Mahjong: Forward Chicago | Sulzer Regional Branch | Lincoln Square
Sponsored Content
Hands-On Cocktail Workshop
Shake things up with a hands-on cocktail-making experience.
PERFECT FOR AN END-OF-YEAR OUTING OR DATE NIGHT FUN!
Amie Ward and Gina Fossitt light up your cocktails with an interactive seminar where you learn how to take it down a notch.
Also, a hearty welcome to our new Neighbors: Hannah K.S., Omoleye R., Elizabeth F., and Kat R.! We’re happier than this bear that you’re here 🐻🥰
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