The Hyde Park Vitality Committee, comprised of the University of Chicago Commercial Real Estate Operations, Downtown Hyde Park, the South East Chicago Commission, the Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce, the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference, and the Nichols Park Advisory Council have collaborated to create a full day of holiday programming for families.
Start the day with “Breakfast with Santa” at Einstein Bros. Bagels at 5225 S. Harper Court, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. It’s a free meet and greet opportunity to take photos, with food available for purchase.
From then enjoy the free ice sculpture carving demonstration by Nadeau Ice Sculptures in Harper Court from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Nadeau is known for their work for the Chicago Bears and Blackhawks, Lincoln Park “Zoolights,” and more.
Soon-to-open Vanille Patisserie will be hosting a cookie decorating station from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at their new store location at 5229 S. Harper Court. The activity is free, and no reservations are required.
“Lunch with Santa” is being held at Potbelly Sandwich Shop from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 5428 S. Lake Park Avenue. It’s a free meet and greet opportunity to take photos, with food available for purchase.
Costumed characters including Elsa, Anna, Belle, and a Jedi will be greeting kids and signing autographs at local stores from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit Elsa at NoteworthyNotesat 5231 S. Harper Court from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and at Kilwins at 5226 S. Harper Avenue from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Meet Anna at Freehling Pot and Pan Co. at 1365 E. 53rd Street from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and at Pockets at 1307 E. 53rd Street from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Belle will be at Office Depot at 5420 S. Lake Park Avenue from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and at Treasure Island at 1526 E. 55th Street from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Meet a Jedi at Dearborn Denim & Apparel at 1504 E. 53rd Street from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and at Jojayden at 1457 E. 53rd Street from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Fourth Ward Alderman Sophia King with the Kenwood Academy High School Singers will be leading caroling starting from Harper Court at 12 p.m. until 1 p.m.
The Hyde Park School of Dance is presenting a free dance preview performance of “The Nutcracker” at the Connect Gallery from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at 1520 E. Harper Court.
Meet and take photos with two live reindeer and Buddy the Elf at the Courtyard Shops at Hyde Park Shopping Center from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 55th Street and S. Lake Park Avenue – the event is free.
Invite your friends and family, plan to bundle up, and get ready for a fun Saturday in Hyde Park! For more event information go to hphollyday.com. For information on all Hyde Park events go to downtownhydeparkchicago.com.