The Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce invites the community to kick-off the holiday season with a Winter Wonderland event – a full day of free festive activities across the neighborhoods, taking place on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Neighbors and families can enjoy photos with beloved holiday characters, decorating and crafts, hot cocoa and DIY s’mores-making, a scavenger hunt, carolers and more. The day will conclude with a grand tree lighting ceremony at the Wicker Park Field House.
Holiday revelers can hop on a free holiday rickshaw or decked-out shuttle ride to get around the neighborhoods and make stops at the different activation areas. There will also be stops at the small business shopping corridor to discover a variety of small local businesses offering holiday deals and one-of-a-kind gifts for loved ones.
The holiday festivities will take place at the following locations and times:
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Activities in the park (1425 N. Damen Ave.)
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10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- 10 a.m. Wicker Park fountain decorating
- 1p.m. Kids programming and a toy drive led by compassionate-focused children’s programming organization Cruelty Free You + Me
- 4:30 p.m. free hot cocoa and roasted nuts available
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10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
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“The North Pole” (Mautene Court Plaza - 1260 N. Milwaukee Ave.)
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1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Photos with Santa
- Outdoor s’mores-making over a firepit
- Write and mail letters to Santa
- Elf greeters
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1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
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“Holiday Cottage” (Intersection of Milwaukee Ave. and Wood St.)
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1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Photos with the mischievous green grouch that stole Christmas and more of Dr. Suess’ classic holiday characters
- A Jingle bell ornament giveaway
- Live music
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1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- The third annual Wicker Park tree lighting ceremony will take place at the Wicker Park Field House (1425 N. Damen Ave.) at 5:15 p.m.
More activations will take place across the Wicker Park and Bucktown neighborhoods, including the Holiday Gnome Scavenger Hunt where holiday gnomes will be hidden in participating stores. Finding all of the gnomes earns an entry to win a Wicker Park/Bucktown Shopping Spree. The event’s Wonderland Map, listing all participating businesses, can be found at WickerParkBucktown.com.
Winter Wonderland is free to attend and open to the public. For more information about this event and more upcoming community events hosted by the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce, please visit WickerParkBucktown.com and follow on Instagram at @wickerpark_bucktown.
About the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce
The Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce serves as a cornerstone of the Wicker Park and Bucktown commercial districts, advancing the financial goals of neighborhood businesses through the creation of a dynamic economic climate, increasing the neighborhood’s visibility and viability and encouraging profitable relationships within the community. The Chamber administers Special Service Area (SSA) #33, guided by a volunteer Commission of SSA taxpayers who serve on active committees. For more information, please visit WickerParkBucktown.com.