Known for its vibrant food and nightlife scene, the West Loop is a city hotspot popular to locals and tourists alike. Close to the Amtrak, Metra, and CTA, the neighborhood is easily accessible, so if you’re looking for some holiday festivities in the area, we’ve got you covered. Check out the best things to do this holiday in the West Loop — one of Chicago’s coolest neighborhoods!
Also, don’t forget to check out our Chicago-wide holiday happening guide if you’re looking to expand your footprints!
Winter WNDRland
1130 W Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60607
WHEN: Nov. 27-Jan. 2
If you didn’t think WNDR Museum could get any cooler, its transformation to a Winter WNDRland will prove otherwise. Known for its immersive and trippy exhibits and experiences, WNDR Museum is always evolving. When the museum first opened, your Instagram feed was probably flooded with photos of the popular Infinity Mirrored Room by Yayoi Kusama.
The photo ops didn’t stop there and Winter WNDRland brings a brand new installation, the world’s first LED interactive Saint Nick, and fun WNDR-ful holiday events.
Every Tuesday (4-8 p.m.) and Saturday (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) until Dec. 21, Santa will be visiting in his light-up sleigh with photo ops available for purchase. Pop by on Dec. 17 for WNDRland of the Sweets featuring Nutcracker-inspired sweets from Sugargoat and music from DJ SKOLi.
Tickets for Winter WNDRland start at $25 for children and $30 GA on off-hours and $30/$36 on peak hours like weekends.
The Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker
20 N. Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606
WHEN: Dec. 4-26
The Nutcracker is a holiday classic and The Joffrey Ballet is giving it a bold, new twist. Christopher Wheeldon, a Tony Award-winning international choreographer of contemporary ballet, reimagines the classic at the 1893 World’s Fair. The story follows young Marie and the Nutcracker Prince on Christmas Eve through a journey of magical sounds, sights, and wonders.
Treat your senses to the enchanting 2-hour performance and beautiful music of Peter Tchaikovsky at the stunning Art Deco-style Lyric Opera House. Tickets start at $35.
Chicago Children’s Choir’s Songs of the Season
201 S Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60607
WHEN: Dec. 18
Chicago Children’s Choir has inspired and changed the community for 65 years, bringing together youths of all backgrounds. With regular appearances at Lyric Opera House and Ravinia Festival to being featured in Chance the Rapper’s Coloring Book and The Big Day, the Choir is always working on creative endeavors.
The Songs of the Season is a decades-old tradition that brings Choir alumni with today’s singers. The reunion begins with an alumni singalong and luncheon and ends with the concert at 5:30 p.m., featuring the Hyde Park Neighborhood Choir and the world-renowned Voice of Chicago ensemble.
Tickets are $30, but patrons can also request pay-what-you-can tickets by contacting the Choir.
https://www.instagram.com/morgan.mfg/p/CIYnsBDFPbM/
Gatsby’s Roaring 20’s New Years Eve Party
401 N Morgan St, Chicago, IL 60642
WHEN: Dec. 31
The start of the Roaring 20’s wasn’t anything we expected for 2020, but a new year brings hope. Gatsby’s Roaring 20’s New Year’s Eve Gala is ringing in 2022 with an epic New Year’s celebration that spans three days. Hosted at Morgan MFG, the hotspot event venue in the West Loop, the vibe is a mix of luxury gala and nightclub in an industrial setting.
Dance away your worries with the latest and greatest hits from Chicago’s hottest DJs, enjoy a buffet of appetizers, have fun with party favors and noisemakers, and treat yourself to a 4.5-hour premium cocktail reception. VIP tickets and table service are available as well. Tickets start at $99 for GA and $129 for VIP.
If one night of partying isn’t enough, each NYE ticket includes admission to a pre- and post-NYE event. The pre-NYE party is at Sound Bar and includes drinks, giving you a peak of Chicago’s nightlife before the main event. The post-NYE party will include college football games, food, and arcade games with location TBD.
Featured Image Credit: The Joffrey Ballet