WRIGLEYVILLE WONDERLAND Returns Through the End of February

LAKEVIEW EAST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESENTS CHICAGO’S LARGEST HOLIDAY POP-UP DISTRICT WITH THE RETURN OF WRIGLEYVILLE WONDERLAND

19 Wrigleyville Businesses Transform into Holiday Themed Spots for Everyone 

Offering Instagrammable Moments, Movies, Food and Drink Specials and More

The Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the return of one of Chicago’s favorite holiday celebrations, Wrigleyville Wonderland, running now at select venues through the end of February.

Wrigleyville Wonderland brings the Holiday spirit to Chicago with 19 Wrigleyville businesses transformed into individualized holiday-themed destinations offering map projections, Instagrammable moments and activations. From the locations’ décor to actors dressed in costumes to the holiday themed drinks, there is something for everyone at Wrigleyville’s Wonderland. More information can be found at WrigleyvilleChicago.org. 

“All of Chicagoland is invited to Wrigleyville for this holiday-inspired interactive and fun experience,” said Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Maureen Martino. “Wrigleyville Wonderland is Chicago’s largest holiday pop-up district that is sure to inspire and amaze all those experiencing it while sharing the holiday spirit.”

 

Highlights of Wrigleyville Wonderland include:

- Map projections showcasing movies and custom holiday content

- Holiday themed drinks 

- Instagrammable moments including holiday themed face cutouts where you get to be part of the films, landscapes and more

- Actors dressed up as Holiday-themed characters

- Bars and lounges going above and beyond with decorations, music and layouts.

- Hot Cocoa and Treat giveaways 

- Fun, SAFE environment.

 

The 2021 businesses*, in alphabetical order, making the season bright are:

The Country Club - Christmas Club

3462 N. Clark Street

ChristmasClubChicago.com

Through February 1, 2022

No Cover

Wrigleyville's original Christmas pop up bar is back.  Enjoy a classic Christmas party experience with themed food, drink, music and decor. 

 

Deuces - Santa Baby Christmas Bar

3505 N. Clark Street

SantaBabyBar.com

Through January, 2022

You better watch out! Santa Baby Christmas Bar is back offering a multi-room, multi-level, over the top Christmas experience with brunch available on Saturday and Sundays at 

10 a.m. and 12 p.m. 

 

Diver at the Park - Santa’s Beach House

3475 N. Clark Street

DiverAtThePark.com

Santa’s Beach House is here for its first Holiday season. Join Diver at the Park in their Tulum holiday inspired heated tent with their life sized palm trees decorated for a holiday on the beach. Get your Tulum holiday experience and cocktails in the heart of Wrigleyville.

 

Winter at Gallagher Way

3635 N. Clark Street

GallagherWay.com

Through February 20, 2022

Families, visitors and neighbors can celebrate the holidays by taking part in the many seasonal programs and activities at Gallagher’s Way Winterland return This year includes the return of the famous Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville, ice skating on an 8,000-square-foot ice rink, curling and skating lessons, Santa’s Workshop, wreath making classes, holiday movie screenings, special programming at Hotel Zachary and much more. New to this year’s transformation includes a special celebration of Hanukkah, ice bumper cars, plus even more festive décor around Gallagher Way. 

 

The Graystone Tavern - 8 Crazy Nights - A Hanukkah Bar

3441 N. Sheffield Ave. 

8CrazyNightsChicago.com

Through January 2, 2022

Back by popular demand for its third year, Chicago’s first and only Hanukkah-themed pop-up bar with decorations created for the Jewish holiday throughout the bar and weatherproofed beer garden, including over 14,000 blue and white lights and Hanukkah ball lanterns adorning the ceiling, Star of David and dreidel ornaments, lighted menorah decor, Mensch on a Bench, a Hanukkah sweater wall, an 8-foot inflatable dreidel and more.  Throughout the pop-up, a special food menu, ranging in price from $5 to $16, will feature traditional and spins on Jewish favorites like Matzo Ball Soup and three flavors of Latkes including classic with sour cream and applesauce, cilantro jalapeno with chipotle sour cream and herb cheddar with chive sour cream. Board and card games will be available to guests nightly including Connect 4 with Hanukkah gelt, Cards Against Humanity Jew expansion pack, Mitzvah Match, Jewish Guess Who, Dreidel, Apples to Apples Jewish edition and Schmear Build-A-Bagel card game.

Houndstooth Saloon - Griswolds

3369 N. Clark Street

HoundstoothChicago.com

Through January 10, 2022

Inspired by the famous family and the hilarious movies, Houndstooth Saloon has menu selections including  "Yakkin on a bone," a two-lb turkey leg, "Cousin Eddie’s" spiked eggnog and Clark's Cocoa.

 

HVAC Pub - The Christmas Pop UP

3530 N. Clark Street

HVACPubWrigley.com

Through January 15, 2022

HVAC will be transformed into a winter wonderland featuring Christmas drinks, food and music. 

 

The Irish Oak -  Leprechanunaka 

3511 N. Clark Street

IrishOak.com

Through January 31, 2022

Irish Oak's Leprechanuaka is a celebration of St Patty's day during Christmas, where everyday is St Patty's day at The Irish Oak. The bar is decorated from top to bottom in Irish and Christmas themes. So much green and Christmas cheer that you will never want to celebrate a different holiday again. 

 

Wrigleyville Kilwins - 25 days of Chocolate 

3519 N. Clark Street

Through December 31

Kilwins will offer caramel apples, hot chocolate and handmade chocolates perfect for gift giving for family, friends or yourself! 

 

Lucky Dorr - Lucky Lodge

1101 W. Waveland

LuckyDorr.com

Through December 31

Lucky Dorr, Chicago's favorite craft beer destination, will transform into Lucky Lodge. A festive Winterland destination with special décor, the aroma of hot apple cider and rustic comfort galore. 

 

Moe’s Cantina - Whooville

3518 N. Clark Street

MoesCantina.com

Moe’s becomes the celebrated holiday town of Whooville while offering a menu of shareable small plates, traditional full-size entrees, signature tacos and a cocktail list featuring house-made sangria, handmade margaritas, premium tequilas, and more. 

top sporting events!

Casey Moran’s - Rudolph’s Christmas Bar

3660 N. Clark Street

RudolphsBar.com

Through December 30

From the creators of Santa Baby Christmas Bar with all the Christmas spirits you know and love at Santa Baby with all new interactive social experiences and an incredible decor. Rudolph’s Christmas Bar will host a DIY Wreath Making Workshop November 30, December 7 and 14.

 

Mordecai - Mistletoe

3632 N. Clark Street

Through January 16, 2022

https://www.exploretock.com/hushmoneymordecai/

Thursdays - Saturdays, excluding Holidays through Dec. 30

Reservations are Free

Mistletoe, Mordecai's annual holiday pop-up bar, boasts naughty and nice decorations and an exclusive holiday-inspired drink menu, featuring both contemporary and vintage cocktails. Groups of 1-4 can reserve two hour blocks (4 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Tock, Thursday-Saturday. 

 

NOLA Bar & Kitchen - A Very Cajun Christmas

3481 N. Clark Street

NOLAChicago.com

Through January 20, 2022

Inspired by the legend of Papa Noel, it’s a Cajun Christmas Story. In a deep swampy bayou of Louisiana, Papa Noel rides the river in a boat that's pulled by alligators to send out presents. A very cajun Christmas offers unique New Orleans style Christmas decoration with classic cajun eats. It's a place to gather friends and families and let the good times roll. Laissez les bons temps rouler!

 

Old Crow Smokehouse - Santa’s Workshop

3506 N. Clark Street

OldCrowSmokeHouse.com

Wrigleyville’s award-winning barbecue from the kitchen of pitmaster and “MasterChef” Tony Scruggs is the home of Santa’s Workshop. 

Rizzo’s Bar and Inn - John Vincent’s Holiday Sing Along

3658 N. Clark Street

RizzosBarAndInn.com

Through December 30

Every Thursday at 7 p.m. and Every Sunday at 5 p.m through Dec. 30

Local singing legend, John Vincent, will be performing some of the holiday hits from all of your old time lounge singer favorites like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Louis Armstrong! 

 

Roadhouse 66 Gas N’ Grill - Jingle Junkie

3478 N. Clark Street

JingleJunkie.com

Through January 8, 2022

Serving up holiday inspired bites and sips in an explosion of cheer, Jingle Junkie and its heated, ski lodge inspired patio is the most festive spot to celebrate your upcoming holiday season. With an extensive seasonal cocktail /beer list and delicious festive bites that are sure to get even the grinchiest Grinch into the holiday spirit.

 

Stretch Bar & Grill - Elf’d Up

3845 N. Clark Street

ElfedUp.com

No Cover

Through January 8, 2022

Back by popular demand for a third year, it’s a full-blown tribute to the beloved Christmas movie "Elf,” Elf'd Up is a high-energy holiday pop-up bar, perfect for patrons who share Elf'd Up's affinity for elf culture. A casual neighborhood Christmas bar, Elf'd Up never charges a cover and treats patrons to complimentary fresh elf-shaped cookies nightly at 10 p.m.

 

Underground Lounge - Island of Misfits Toys

952 W. Newport Ave.

TheULChicago.com

Through January 31, 2022

Underground Lounge welcomes you to the “Pabst Island of Misfit Toys,“ to come hang out with Bumbles, Dolly, Hermey and others. 

 

*Individual operating hours for each location vary from location to location. Some details may change from release date. Please check with the outlet for most up to date information.

The Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce, SSA #17 and the Lakeview East Community Partnership sponsor Wrigleyville Wonderland.

THIS WEEKEND ONLY: Pop In at MCA's 1979 Pop Up in Wicker Park for FREE T's, Discounted Museum Admission and More...

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List: 

Pop Culture Pop Up

1979's Calling!

Whether you remember the late 70's (yes, I was 12 in 79), or just wish you did, come discover why the music, art, pop culture, protest politics and more, still resonate today. It was my great pleasure to pop in to 1330 N. Milwaukee Avenue during Friday's sneak peek for the press and I highly recommend a stop for some 70's style fun, a free t-shirt, and free buttons that will give you admission to the MCA at 1979 prices. Check it out! Then head downtown to the museum for an in depth look at our collective past. You don't need to track down Dr. Who and his time machine Tardis to visit 1979. Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art's got you covered through May 20th.

From XTC to Etch A Sketch... Sex Pistols to Star Wars, 1979 had it all. I was thrilled to see Joy Division and so many other favorites lining the walls. Check out my full set of Pop Up shots in the slideshow here and more favs embedded below:

MADE YOU LOOK

MCA Launches First Major Advertising Campaign 

in 20 Years with Ad Agency FCB

Featuring the MCA's First-Ever Pop-Up Experience 

Inspired By the Howardena Pindell Exhibition

This weekend, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago officially launches MADE YOU LOOK, the first major advertising campaign for the museum in 20 years. The launch is in conjunction with the MCA's first-ever pop-up experience dedicated to the work of groundbreaking artist Howardena Pindell, whose retrospective is currently on view at the museum. 



This free, two-day pop-up experience takes as its theme the year 1979, which was a pivotal time in Pindell's life and work. Attendees can interact with and experience the music, art and pop culture of 1979, created by advertising agency FCB Chicago. The pop-up event takes place on Saturday, April 7 (10 am to 5 pm), and Sunday, April 8 (noon to 5 pm), at 1330 N Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago.



The Made You Look campaign was created to re-introduce the museum after a highly regarded major redesign of the building by architects Johnston Marklee that blurs the boundaries between art, food, design, and learning. The redesign includes a new, world-class restaurant, Marisol, with an immersive art environment by Chris Ofili; and a new social engagement space, the Commons, with a design by Mexican design duo Pedro y Juana. The museum also added two enormous new "MCA" signs in soft yellow lights on the front of the building, signaling a renewed welcome to the city.

Yes, I grew up in a living room with a crushed velvet sofa the color of the rug below, gold wall to wall shag carpet, and a TV as wide as it was tall. Snap a selfie in a pre-Snapchat world.

Made You Look is a fully integrated campaign that leverages immersive storytelling across digital, social, and print to re-introduce the MCA to new and returning visitors. One of the highlights of this campaign is a series of six-second, high-energy, high-impact videos that make people stop and think about what they are seeing. These lively and engaging videos present a selection of powerful images and text with a playful spirit that reflect the creative and stimulating experience offered at the MCA. The museum partnered with the Chicago office of FCB, an Interpublic Group global creative ad agency, to help translate the museum's vision into this exciting new campaign and bring to life one of its current exhibitions with the 1979 pop-up.





About the Pindell Pop-Up Experience
The experiential nature of the Made You Look campaign kicks off with the Pindell Pop-Up Experience, located in a storefront at 1330 N Milwaukee which is open this weekend ONLY (Saturday, 10 am-5 pm and Sunday, noon-5 pm) and is free to all visitors. Based on the work and inspiration from the Howardena Pindell exhibition, this pop-up experience offers a blend of art, music, fashion and fun centered around the pivotal year 1979. Visitors can discover augmented reality viewfinders, throwback video games such as Space Invaders, a record vinyl wall, a Walkman listening station and a Pindell-inspired wall mural made for selfies. Visitors can also read through comics and magazines from the 1970s, and get a complimentary screen-printed T-shirt with legendary quotes from Howardena Pindell that are still relevant today.





About Howardena Pindell
The Howardena Pindell exhibition at the MCA runs until May 20, and spans the artist's acclaimed, five-decades-long career. Tracing the themes and visual experiments that run throughout Pindell's work, the exhibition shows how she challenged the traditional art world and asserted her place in its history as an African-American woman artist. Pindell revolutionized painting from her early, radical explorations of color and shape to her later work that expanded to address human rights injustices such as war, famine, homelessness, racism, and the AIDs crisis. Howardena Pindell: What Remains To Be Seen is co-curated by MCA Curator Naomi Beckwith and Valerie Cassel Oliver, Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.