Hyde Park Holly-Day Celebration 2023

The Hyde Park Holly-Day Celebration is back for 2023! Presented by the University of Chicago in partnership with Downtown Hyde Park, the Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce, and the South East Chicago Commission.

We’ve planned some great (FREE!) activities for you to enjoy in Hyde Park, including the following:

 

 

ICE CARVING DEMONSTRATION

10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Harper Court

Watch an ice artist carve two sculptures with a chainsaw from blocks of ice.

 

Ice Carving by Nadeau Ice – Photo by Christopher Andrew at Stoptime Live Photography

 

FREE MOVIE SCREENING – “WISH” AT THE HARPER THEATER

10 a.m. – 11:35 a.m. | The Harper Theater, 5238 S. Harper Avenue
Free admission to “Wish” at the Harper Theater! Theater capacity is 77 people – first come/first served. No tickets necessary. Running time one hour 35 minutes. Doors open at 9:30 a.m.

 

The Harper Theater will offer a free screening of “Wish”

SELF-GUIDED ICE SCULPTURE STROLL

All Day | 53rd Street from S. Lake Park Avenue to S. Woodlawn Avenue. Find all 12 ice sculptures – take a photo/video and tag us at #hphollyday

 

There will be 12 ice sculptures on the north and south sides of 53rd Street – Photo by Christopher Andrew at Stoptime Live Photography

 

SOUL SANTA & MRS. CLAUS – FREE FAMILY PHOTO

10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Avenue West

NOTE: This is a very popular event. We cannot guarantee everyone will be able to take a picture with Santa. We’ll do our best to accommodate as many people as possible, but we may have to stop the line prior to 1 p.m. to ensure we finish on time. Thanks for your understanding.

 

Emcee Jenny LeFlore and family with Soul Santa – Photo by Christopher Andrew at Stoptime Live Photography

 

HOLIDAY CRAFTS (while supplies last)

10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Avenue West

 

Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and winter-themed crafts for kids – Photo by Christopher Andrew at Stoptime Live Photography

 

COSTUMED CHARACTERS

12-2 p.m. | Local Businesses Below

 

Character 1 – Anna

12-12:45 p.m. – Stan’s Donuts – 5225 S. Harper Court

Character 2 – Elsa

12-12:45 p.m. – Strugglebeard Bakery – 5221 S. Harper Court

Character 3 – Barbie

12-12:45 p.m. – Kilwins – 5226 S. Harper Ave.

Character 4 – Spiderman

12-12:45 p.m. – Bob’s Pizza – 1518 E. Harper Court

Character 1 – Anna

1-2 p.m. – Harper Theater – 5238 S. Harper Avenue

Character 2 – Elsa

1-2 p.m. – Dirty Laundry x Dinobi – 5230 S. Harper Avenue

Character 3 – Barbie

1-2 p.m. – Hyatt Place – 5225 S. Harper Ave.

Character 4 – Spiderman

1-2 p.m. – The Silver Room – 1506 E. 53rd St.

 

Costumed characters will meet and greet kids at local businesses – Photo by Christopher Andrew at Stoptime Live Photography

 

BUDDY THE ELF

12:30-3:30 p.m.

Be on the lookout for Buddy! He’ll be visiting 53rd Street, The Promontory, The Hyde Park Shopping Center, and local businesses.

 

Buddy the Elf will be on the go in Hyde Park – Photo by Christopher Andrew at Stoptime Live Photography

 

DANCE PERFORMANCES

Starting at 1:30 p.m. | The Promontory, 5311 S. Lake Park Avenue West

The Hyde Park School of Dance and the Kenwood School of Ballet will perform at The Promontory.

 

Hyde Park School of Dance – Photo by Christopher Andrew at Stoptime Live Photography

 

Kenwood School of Ballet – Photo by Christopher Andrew at Stoptime Live Photography

 

SANTA MAUI, LIVE REINDEER & SLEIGH

1-3 p.m. | Hyde Park Shopping Center Courtyard

Photos with Santa Maui – meet two live reindeer and sit in a sleigh!

 

Santa Maui
Don’t miss two live reindeer and a sleigh at the Hyde Park Shopping Center Courtyard – Photo by Christopher Andrew at Stoptime Live Photography

 

Hyde Park Holly-Day Event Map

For event details go to hphollyday.com

Interactive Hyde Park online map and app – welcometohydepark.com