Sponsored by the University of Chicago in partnership with Downtown Hyde Park, the Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce, and the South East Chicago Commission, the Hyde Park Holly-Day celebration is back for its 4th year, with lots of free holiday-themed activities for families at multiple locations in the neighborhood.
Holiday Movie – the Harper Theater is sponsoring two free screenings of “Frozen 2” – with one showtime at 10 a.m. and a second at 12 p.m. Information on reserving tickets will be released shortly.
Ice Sculpture Stroll/Ice Carving Demo – explore the north and south sides of 53rd Street between S. Lake Park Avenue to S. Woodlawn Avenue to find eight different ice sculptures. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Harper Court, watch as an artist from Nadeau Ice Sculptures sculpts blocks of ice with a chain saw.
Soul Santa & Mrs. Claus – presented by Mama Fresh Chicago at The Promontory, families can take a free holiday photo from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Once your photo is taken, it can be texted or emailed to you, or shared on social media. With the email link, you can even order a free print to be sent to your home.
Buddy the Elf – Buddy will be spreading holiday cheer at The Promontory from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and returning to the Hyde Park Shopping Center Courtyard from 2-4 p.m.
Holiday Crafts & Activities – staff from Brown Books & Paintbrushes, KAM Isaiah Israel, the Museum of Science and Industry, Real Men Charities, the Shedd Aquarium, and others will be leading holiday crafts and activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Promontory.
Costumed Characters – Anna, Elsa, Spiderman, and Batman will be greeting kids and signing autographs from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Hyatt Place, Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria & Brewery, Native Foods, Vanille Patisserie, Nando’s, Capital One Café, Kilwins, and Dearborn Denim & Apparel. Check the activities schedule for addresses and exact times.
Caroling with 4th Ward Alderman Sophia King – meet Alderman King at Harper Court at 12 p.m. to go caroling on 53rd Street.
Dance Performances – enjoy holiday-themed dance performances at The Promontory, starting at 1:30 p.m. with the Hyde Park School of Dance, Ayodele Dance & Drum Youth Company, and the Kenwood School of Ballet.
Live Reindeer – see two live reindeer at the Hyde Park Shopping Center Courtyard from 2-4 p.m., along with Buddy the Elf.
For more information, visit the event website and Facebook event page.
