ARTS & (HOME) ENTERTAINMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Bingo!

‘Christmas Bingo: It’s a Ho-Ho-Holy Night’

"Christmas Bingo" is an interactive show from November 28-January 2 at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. Written by Vicki Quade, one of the creators of "Late Nite Catechism," the show features Mrs. Mary Margaret O’Brien, a former nun who is the bingo caller for each show. This show tests your Christmas trivia knowledge, with topics like the origin of St. Nick, candy canes, and more. Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $35 and can be purchased at greenhousetheater.org.

Back to Live Music!

‘Music Of The Baroque – A Thanksgiving Messiah’

The North Shore Center for Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, presents “Music of the Baroque: A Thanksgiving Messiah” on November 28 at 7:30 p.m. This is the first time since December 2019 that the Music of the Baroque is playing live! Baroque music usually features long flowing lines that start soft and grow loud. Two or more blended melodies follow. Conductor Nicholas Kraemer (pictured) will lead the Baroque orchestra, chorus and soloists. The chorus will feature sopranos Sherezade Panthaki and Allyson McHardy. Tickets start at $48 at northshorecenter.org.

Thanksgiving Fun!

Turkey Trot Chicago

The 43rd annual 5K and 8K Turkey Trot will be 7 a.m. to noon November 25 at Cannon Drive and Fullerton Parkway. After the races, a Thanksgiving tailgate will feature corn hole, turkey bowling, football and warm apple cider. This family tradition will help you get an early start on Thanksgiving festitvities. Proceeds benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository, which provides pantry items, ready-to-go meals and which helps stock soup kitchens, shelters and food pantries. Registration is $55 at turkeytrotchicago.com.

Laugh Your Cares Away!

‘Turbo Town’

The Lincoln Lodge, 2040 N. Milwaukee Ave., presents “Turbo Town,” a comedy show, on November 26 from 7:30-9 p.m. The show is a variety of comedy sketches by local artists, full of absurdity and randomness to reflect the past year. Hosting the event is the sketch group OtherDoor, which features comedians Joe Harrington, Chris Larson and Blake Nall. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased at thelincolnlodge.com.

A Winter Classic!

The Christkindlmarket

The Christkindlmarket is back for the holidays, open daily through December 24 at Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St. Hours are 11 a.m.-8 p.m., except for Fridays and Saturdays, when it closes at 10 pm. Check off your gift list while enjoying authentic German food. Over 50 vendors offer candles, ornaments, clothing, pastries, food and more. The Christkindlmarket is inspired by the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, which dates to the mid- 16th century, one of the first markets of its kind. FREE admission.

Take a Break from Your Screen!

Retro Tabletop Game Night

Do you enjoy board games? The Legler Regional Library, 115 S. Pulaski Road, is throwing a Retro Tabletop Game Night from 6-7:30 p.m. November 23 in the 1st floor Adult Reading Room. This family-friendly game night will feature classics such as Monopoly and cards. It is a great way to squeeze in some fun activities with family and friends during the holiday season. No registration is necessary, but masks are required, regardless of vaccination status.

Sparkling Tradition!

ZooLights

ZooLights is back, 4-10 p.m. nightly through January 2 at the Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St. Over a hundred LED displays feature thousands of lights -- some in animal designs -- often set to music. For the first time this year, there will be a light show on the zoo's South Lawn. Warm drinks and snacks will be available for purchase. Mondays and Tuesdays, except for December 13, are free nights; admission is $5 on all other nights. Sensory-friendly nights are 4-6 p.m. November 30 and December 15, when blinking and moving lights will be static and music will be off. Capacity on all evenings is limited. Tickets are required for everyone and they can be obtained at lpzoo.org

Fa-La-La-La-La!

Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along

Get ready to warm up those windpipes, because the Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along (formerly known as Caroling at Cloud Gate) runs November 26-December 7 in Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St. A variety of cultures and traditions will be featured throughout the holiday season. On November 26, the Chicago Latino Theater Alliance will present "Destinos al Aire" at 6 p.m. Performers will include Posadas y Parranda, Cuerdas Clasicas and the Frankie Diaz Trio featuring Milly Santiago. Other themed sing-alongs will include: Dexter Walker & Zion Movement, 6 p.m. December 3; The Chicago High School for the Arts Chorale Ensemble, 6 p.m. December 10; Kol Zimrah Jewish Community Singers, 4 p.m. December 12 and the Chicago Community Chorus, 6 p.m. December 17. The sing-alongs are free to the public, but face masks are required, regardless of vaccination status.

Holiday Shopping!

Holiday Expo and Toy Drive

The 3rd annual Holiday Expo and Toy Drive will be 12-8 p.m. November 27 and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. November 28 at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. Local vendors will offer jewelry, clothing, fitness equipment, and more. A kid's corner will feature games and activities for children and Santa will make a guest appearance for photo ops. A donation is suggested; proceeds will go toward a Chicago coat and toy drive.

-Compiled by Paige Bialik & Suzanne Hanney