Hyde Park Holly-Day is back and better than ever with lots of free, fun, family activities to kick off the holiday season. The event is presented by the University of Chicago in partnership with Downtown Hyde Park, the Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce, and the Southeast Chicago Commission.
Hyde Park Holly-Day scheduled activities run at various times between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., including:
Ice Carving Demonstration
Harper Court – 5235 S. Harper Court, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
An ice artist from Nadeau Ice Sculptures will create two ice sculptures using a chainsaw.
53rd Street Sculpture Stroll
N/S sides of 53rd Street from S. Lake Park Avenue to S. Woodlawn Avenue, all day
Be on the lookout for 8 holiday ice sculptures on both sides of 53rd Street.
Free Holiday Movies
Harper Theatre – 5238 S. Harper Avenue
“Frozen” – 10 a.m., 2 p.m.
“The Grinch” – 12 p.m., 4 p.m.
Seats are limited; please reserve a ticket here. (Unfortunately all screenings are now sold out)
Cookie Decorating
Vanille Patisserie – 5229 S. Harper Court, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Free Holiday Picture*
5231 S. Harper Court, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Choose a Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa frame printed on your free holiday photo.
*One per family while supplies last, first come/first served
Mama Fresh Chicago presents Soul Santa & Mrs. Claus for Free Holiday Picture*
5231 S. Harper Court – 12-2 p.m.
*One per family while supplies last, first come/first served
Holiday Face-Painting
5231 S. Harper Court, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Christmas, Hanukkah, & Kwanzaa Crafts & Activities
5231 S. Harper Court, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Led by staff from Hyde Park’s Brown Books & Paintbrushes, KAM Isaiah Israel and Real Men Charities, Inc.
Caroling with Alderman Sophia King & Kenwood Singers
Meet at 5235 S. Harper Court, 12 p.m.
Costumed Characters (Moana, Spiderman, Darth Vader, Ariel)
Select Hyde Park locations, 12-2 p.m.
Meet all four for photos and autographs!
Moana – Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria & Brewery, 12-12:45 p.m. / Kilwins, 1-2 p.m.
Spiderman – Dearborn Denim & Apparel, 12-12:45 p.m. / Jojayden, 1-2 p.m.
Darth Vader – Connect Gallery, 12-12:45 p.m. / Hyatt Place, 1-2 p.m.
Ariel – Einstein Bros. Bagels, 12-12:45 p.m. /Native Foods, 1-2 p.m.
Dance Performances at Connect Gallery – 1520 E. Harper Court
Hyde Park School of Dance Nutcracker Preview Performance, 1-1:30 p.m.
Betty Shabazz Academy, 1:30-2 p.m.
Live Reindeer & Buddy the Elf
Hyde Park Shopping Center Courtyard, 2-4 p.m.
Visit www.hphollyday.com for the full event schedule and to RSVP.