City Cast Chicago
🛍️ Your hyperlocal Chicago gift guide
December 10, 2025 · — Emmi Mack
Hey Chicago! We’re declaring 2026 the year of local. If you read this newsletter, you already know we’re all about living local.
But this coming year, we want to help you level up your relationship with Chicago. When you become a City Cast Neighbor, you’re not just supporting this daily newsletter — you’re deepening your local connection.
One (extra fun) fun perk is members-only events where we all explore the city together and Neighbors mingle IRL. If you’re looking to meet like-minded folks in 2026, City Cast Chicago Neighbors is the perfect place to start.
And don’t forget! If you join this week, you get our limited-run City Cast beanie: the coziest way to show you care about this city.
What's CITY Talking About
Pritzker Signs Bill Restricting Immigration Arrests Near Courthouses
Gov. JB Pritzker has signed a bill into law banning certain immigration arrests by federal agents near Illinois courthouses. This, in turn, opens possibilities for those arrested to sue if they think their rights were violated. Arresting agents wearing a mask; using tear gas; failing to identify themselves; or failing to use a body camera could result in additional damages. [Tribune 🔒]
Feds Threaten CTA Funding, Demand Cop Presence
After a man set a woman on fire on the Blue Line, the Federal Transit Administration is demanding the CTA increase its law enforcement presence by Dec. 19 in order to keep federal funding. The Red Line extension project and the State and Lake station makeover are both federally funded. [Block Club]
Free Museum Days in December
On the bright side, this is perfect museum weather. The Chicago History Museum is free to Illinoisans today; the Shedd is free Dec. 16; and the Art Institute is free every weekday through Dec. 18. [Choose Chicago]
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.
What To Do
Wednesday, Dec. 10
- 🏳️🌈 Holiday Open House | Center on Halsted | Northalsted
- 🛍️ Winter Market | Ranalli’s | Lincoln Park
- 🎞️ “A Christmas Story” | Suburban Cinemark locations
- 👻 Ghost Hunt | Thalia Hall | Pilsen
- 🎄 Holiday Wreath & Flower Vase Making Workshop | South Chicago branch
- 🎅 Cocoa with Santa | Adams Park | Lincoln Park
- 🎶 Naomi 10 Million | Ramova Loft | Bridgeport
Thursday, Dec. 11
- 📺 "227" 40th Anniversary | DuSable Museum | Washington Park
- 🎭 “‘Twas the Night Before…” opening | Chicago Theatre | Loop
- 🎞️ “The Polar Express” | Gallagher’s Way | Wrigleyville
- 🎤 This Much Is True | Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro | North Center
- 🎷 Lakeside Pride’s Saxophone Ensemble Holiday Concert | Dorothy | Ukrainian Village
- 🎤 Poets for Chicago ICIRR benefit | Co-Prosperity | Bridgeport
- 🎶 Earl Sweatshirt | Ramova Theatre | Bridgeport
Sponsored Content
Chicago’s Must-See Gingerbread-Inspired Holiday Experience
Experience Sweet Home Chicago at The Shops at North Bridge – an all-new holiday experience, featuring a 2D comic-style immersive gingerbread house by 2d World, photo-worthy moments, a real gingerbread village, live DJ sets, seasonal treats and exclusive deals. Check out the full lineup of activity at TheShopsAtNorthBridge.com.
Kat R. told us why she became a City Cast Chicago Neighbor: “Y'all keep me engaged and aware and that strengthens my work. Thanks for all you do!”
We’re honored, Kat, and excited to welcome more Neighbors into the fold. Remember, we’re offering ad-free listening, member-only events, weekly events previews … and for a limited time only, the beanie.
Free · Daily