The Time Out Chicago blog team

If you rely on the State/Lake L stop, start planning for an alternative. The station, one of the Loop’s oldest and busiest elevated stations, is about to close for a full restoration that's expected to take three years to complete. According to a press release, the over-100-year-old stop will close on January 5, 2026, for a full teardown and rebuild that will run until 2029. The project will result in a modern, accessible hub with wider platforms, elevators, a glass canopy and new lighting. What riders can expect Once the station shuts down, Brown, Green, Orange, Pink and Purple Line trains will skip the stop. Riders will need to use nearby options like Washington/Wabash or Clark/Lake. The underground Lake Red Line stop will help fill the gap too. If you depend on buses along State Street, service will continue but some temporary reroutes are possible as crews begin the early demolition prep. Be prepared for surprise detours once the project begins. What drivers and pedestrians can expect The disruption will affect streets and sidewalks as well. Eastbound Lake Street between State and Wabash will see intermittent closures starting December 8. The closures will take place mostly during non-peak hours, but will likely have a ripple effect through adjacent streets. Construction staging, equipment and a steady flow of workers mean the area will be more crowded. Pedestrians should expect tighter walkways, temporary barriers and added construction noise. Nothing out of the...

The countdown to 2026 is on. As we approach one of the biggest party nights of the year, one year-end bash takes the crown for the most anticipated party of the night: Midnight Fever. The epic New Year’s Eve event is returning to the Fulton Market to take over all three floors—including the rooftop—at Time Out Market Chicago. House music icon DJ Derrick Carter is headlining the evening, with an exclusive disco set, in addition to performances by Pinto (NYC), Branzino Boys, Jess D and more. RECOMMENDED: Chicago’s newest Christmas bar is taking over this West Loop rooftop General admission tickets (from $50) are on offer, as well as a GA + Open Bar (from $118) ticket, which gets you access to mixed drinks, beer, seltzers, wine and Champagne until midnight.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by PHASE 3 (@phase3presents) Those looking to ball out this New Year’s might opt for the Premium VIP ticket (from $249), which includes express entry, open bar access, a private viewing area overlooking the stage, and complimentary small bites like oysters and caviar bumps from Michelin-recognized chef Christian Hunter’s new restaurant, Hooligan.  Whether 2025 was your year, or you’d rather move on and never look back, there’s no better way to send it off in style than at Midnight Fever. Tickets are selling out, and prices may increase, so be sure to grab yours via Posh.

If you’ve ever wished you could do something more meaningful at O’Hare than jog between Terminals 1 and 3 with a lukewarm latte, good news: Chicago’s airports have opened express service to the North Pole. The Chicago Department of Aviation has rolled out its annual Letters to Santa program at both O’Hare and Midway, inviting travelers to leave a postcard for the big guy through December 19. And yes, Santa actually writes back—provided you leave your contact info and not just a list of “vibes” and “surprises.” The setup is surprisingly charming for two of the country’s busiest transit hubs. At Midway, you’ll find the mailbox at the information desk near the Central Market. O’Hare, meanwhile, went all in with four drop points: Terminal 1 (post-security, next to that famous Brachiosaurus), Terminal 2 (near the Family Lounge), Terminal 3 (in the Rotunda) and Terminal 5 (near Gate M8). So whether you’re boarding a 6am flight to Phoenix or killing time before an international connection, a direct route to Santa HQ is never out of reach. Airport Ambassadors, who are cheerily suited up in CDA holiday gear, will sweep through twice a day to collect the letters and send them onward. Families can scribble down a wish, adults can channel their inner child and anyone stuck in a delay can take comfort in knowing at least someone hears their pleas. Chicago is deep in its busiest travel stretch of the year, with both airports bracing for another surge after Thanksgiving. Airlines...