1. Have a very classy holiday weekend
Take in the holiday hits—everything from The Nutcracker to Home Alone—as played by the world’s finest musicians at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Merry, Merry Chicago! (Symphony Center, 220 S Michigan Ave, Fri 7pm, Sat-Sun 3pm. $40-$110)
How are there still tickets available to see Aretha Franklin at the Chicago Theatre? Okay, they’re not cheap, but seeing the Queen of Soul in concert is totally worth it. (Chicago Theatre, 175 N State St, 8pm. Starting at $107)
3. Rock out with your hometown heroes
Twin Peaks have broken free from the “teenage garage band” label and now reign as one of the city’s most-loved acts. The local favorites are playing a string of Chicago shows this weekend, just in time for the holidays. (Thalia Hall, 1807 S Allport St, Fri 8:30pm, Sun 7pm; Metro Chicago, 3730 N Clark St, Sat 7:30pm. $25, advance $22)
What better way to warm up than with a beer and Chicago’s best stand-ups? The Lincoln Lodge delivers consistently strong comedy from a cast of exciting on-the-rise comics. (Subterranean, 2011 W North Ave, 8pm. $10)
5. Stay nice and warm with the whole family
Take the kids down to Navy Pier for a classic, indoor holiday favorite, Winter WonderFest. Did I mention it’s indoors? (Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Fri-Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 10am-8pm. General admission $10, activity tickets $25)
Want more? Sign up here to stay in the know.