Our picks for events in and around Chicago this weekend.
CTA Holiday Train and Bus
Look up! You just might see Santa Claus speeding by on the “L” tracks, on trains decked out for the season. The Chicago Transit Authority Holiday Train and Bus lines are now running, with several opportunities for photos with Santa himself. The tradition, now more than 30 years old, brings cheer to the city as well as more than 400 food baskets for community organizations.
Through Dec. 22 on various routes throughout the city; view fares (normal rates apply) and the full schedule at transitchicago.com
“The Sound of Music” Sing-a-Long
Sing along with the von Trapp family in this Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, featuring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. But don’t wait too long. This annual holiday tradition at the Music Box Theatre sells out faster than you can sing “Do-Re-Mi.”
Through Dec. 4 at the Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave.; tickets from $12 at musicboxtheatre.com
Pentatonix
The a cappella singing group now as synonymous with Christmas as Bing Crosby plays Allstate Arena this weekend. Watch them perform their versions of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “12 Days of Christmas,” “Hallelujah” and more during the Chicago-area stop on their “Christmas in the City” tour.
7:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont; tickets from $52.50 at rosemont.com
Santa Claus waves as the CTA Holiday Train departs from the Kedzie Avenue stop on the Pink Line on Dec. 10, 2024. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Straight No Chaser
Need an a cappella matinee? Consider Straight No Chaser, formed at Indiana University and now celebrating more than 25 years together. The nine members will perform Christmas classics during their “Holiday Road” tour.
3 p.m. Nov. 29 at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; tickets from $57.60 at msg.com
Sleeping at Last
The Chicago Philharmonic joins Sleeping At Last, aka Ryan O’Neal, for a special “Home for the Holidays” concert. Promising a “moving and nostalgic evening,” the show will feature selections from the indie rock project’s Christmas songs and more.
7:30 p.m. Nov. 29 at Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive; tickets from $53 at auditoriumtheatre.org
Erykah Badu
Marking the 25th anniversary of her acclaimed album, “Mama’s Gun,” Erykah Badu plays two dates at the Chicago Theatre. The London Evening Standard, reviewing an appearance at Royal Albert Hall, said Badu presented “an Afrofuturistic universe of sci-fi graphics, computerised light shows and Badu-to-earth cosmic wisdom while rolling out tracks from her 2000 neo-soul classic.”
8 p.m. Dec. 2-3 at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; tickets from $105.15 at msg.com
Erykah Badu performs at the Taste of Chicago on July 9, 2015. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
“Viva El Palenque”
Two classic Sinaloan bands, Banda El Recodo and La Arrolladora Banda El Limón, will perform in a joint appearance at Allstate Arena this weekend. The bands have both been entertaining crowds for decades with their blend of traditional Mexican music.
8 p.m. Nov. 29 at Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont; tickets from $82.70 at rosemont.com
Small Business Saturday
From Bronzeville to Rogers Park and beyond, neighborhood chambers of commerce have organized to offer special perks to holiday shoppers for Small Business Saturday. Search for opportunities near you. Or, if you’d like more of a market feel, consider heading to the Salt Shed for its Holiday Gift Market featuring artisans and vintage vendors.
Holiday Gift Mart is 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 30 at the Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston Ave.; RSVP for the free event at ticketweb.com
City of Chicago Ice Rinks open
The Maggie Daley Skating Ribbon gets a lot of attention, but it’s only one of nine Chicago Park District ice rinks. Check them all out this winter, starting this weekend — weather permitting. And if weather doesn’t permit, consider the indoor rink at Morgan Park Sports Center, with four open skate times available on Saturdays and Sundays, from $3.
Various locations throughout the city of Chicago; details at chicagoparkdistrict.com
People skate at the Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon in Chicago on Jan. 24, 2021. (Youngrae Kim / Chicago Tribune)
Community Bonfire at Maggie Daley Park
Warm up by the fire as you learn about local wildlife and meet neighbors. The event is BYOM — bring your own marshmallows — but the roasting sticks will be provided. Get there at 5 p.m. for a brief lesson in building a campfire.
5-7 p.m. Dec. 2 in Maggie Daley Park, 337 E. Randolph St.; details on the free event at chicagoparkdistrict.com
Have something to do around Chicago? Email events to day.chitribevents@gmail.com
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/27/what-to-do-chicago-nov-29/
