Celebrate the Holidays in Lakeview East!
‘Tis the time to embrace local living (who wants to brave the cold commute?!) Many restaurants are open for the holidays, and some even offer catering! Scroll down to see Hanukkah and Christmas services as well!
Discover it all here, in Chicago’s most festive neighborhood.
Christmas Eve
Prix Fixe Menu at Le Petit Marcel
Celebrate Christmas Eve at the newest French restaurant in Chicago, Le Petit Marcel. This three-course menu features an appetizer, main course, and dessert for $120 per person! Enhance Your Experience: Add a $50 wine pairing, featuring a festive glass of champagne to enjoy with your dessert. Make reservations here
Drew’s on Halsted
Drew’s invites you and your loved ones to come spend Christmas Eve with them! They’ll be open from 11 am to 9 pm, so you have plenty of time to come grab a delicious meal or even a post-dinner cocktail. Make reservations here
Angelina Ristorante
Treat yourself to some traditional delicious Italian food! Angelia will be open their regular hours, which are 4 pm to 9 pm. Book a reservation to guarantee your table!
Santa Baby Bar
One of Chicago’s largest Christmas bars is open from noon to 8 pm on Christmas Eve! Santa Baby is four stories of Christmas décor, themed food and cocktails, and unlimited festive fun. Make reservations here!
Bites Asian Kitchen
Bites is open and excited to serve you on Christmas Eve! In celebration of the holidays, they are doing 12 Bites of Christmas, where tons of small bites and cocktails are marked down to only $12! Enjoy favorites like Softshell Crab Sliders and Blueberry Mojitos for this special price. Yum! Make reservations here
Little Wok
Little Wok, open from 11:30 am to 10 PM, offers a diverse range of Asian cuisine, featuring dishes from various Asian culinary traditions. This restaurant is known for its flavorful and authentic dishes, including stir-fries, noodle dishes, and unique Asian specialties. The warm and inviting atmosphere, combined with the delicious food, makes Little Wok an excellent choice for those seeking a unique dining experience on Christmas Eve.
Mia Francesca
Nothing is more warming than some hearty Italian food! Mia Francesca’s is open from 11:30 am to 9 pm on Christmas Eve. Come cozy up! Make your reservations, here.
Open on Christmas Day
Give yourself the day off from cooking! Mia Francesca is offering delicious dinner, with a special Christmas menu. They are open from 3 pm to 8 pm, book your table now to secure your spot! Book here.
Cinnamon rolls on Christmas! Ann Sather Restaurants are open from 7 am until 5 pm, with the last seating at 4:30 pm, like they are EVERY year for Christmas!
Barrel is open from 3 pm to 2 am on Christmas! Treat yourself or your loved ones to some gourmet charcuterie, fine wine, and craft cocktails.
The Bagel Restaurant and Deli is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Christmas Day! With some of the best bagels the city has to offer and dishes like hot matza ball soup and potato knish, there is something to enjoy any time of day!
Need a much needed drink or some delicious BBQ on Christmas Day? Sheffield’s will be open from 5 pm to midnight! You can even order food to go, and take a break from cooking. Don’t worry- we won’t tell your guests you ordered out.
Catered Desserts & Pastries
Bittersweet
Holiday orders are LIVE at Bittersweet! From decorative Christmas cakes, to homemade cinnamon rolls, Bittersweet is offering tons of goodies to make your holiday celebrations that much better. They also have fabulous Hanukkah offerings, like matzo ball soup and dreidel sugar cookies! Check out the holiday menu, and place your order, here!
Chicago Sugar Daddy
Make your Christmas table unforgettable with desserts as dazzling as the season! From croquembouche dreams to perfectly crafted cheesecakes, we’ve got the holiday magic you need. Don’t wait—place your orders now for the sweetest celebration yet. Order here
Jennivee’s Bakery & Café
Jennivee’s Holiday Party Platter is sure to impress everyone at the gathering! Available for Preorder until 3pm Dec 20th
Make this holiday season extra special with Jennivee’s Holiday Dessert Platter, filled with a delightful assortment of handcrafted treats perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or need a sweet gift for someone special, our platter has something for everyone to enjoy! What’s Included:
(6) Purple Velvet Ube
(6) Mango Cream
(6) Red Velvet w/ Mini Chocolate Candy Cane Garnish
(6) Gingerbread & Snowflake Cookies
(4) Chocolate Dipped Pecan Shortbread
(4) Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cookies
(6) Sansrival minis
(4) Ube Bar minis
(4) Fudge Brownie minis
Crave Cookies
Satisfy your cravings this holiday! On Christmas Eve, Crave Cookies is having a special deal: Buy 4 Cookies, Get 2 Free! Order in advance, or just stop into the store front on Broadway!
Oak and Honey
Preorder pastries, fresh baked bread, and whole pies from Oak and Honey! Orders will close on December 20th for pick-up on December 23rd between 9 am and 1 pm. Order here
Hanukkah
Temple Sholom Chicago, 3480 N Lake Shore Drive
Teen Chanukah Party
Wednesday, Dec 18th 6:30p to 8:00p:
Tot Chanukah Shabbat
Friday, Dec 20th 5:00p to 5:30p:
Chanukah Shabbat
Friday, Dec 20th 6:15p to 8:00p:
Chanukah Extravaganza with Makom, Mishkan & Trybal!
Motzei Shabbat, Dec 21st 8:00p to 11:00pm:
Chabad East Lakeview, 615 W Wellington Ave
Anshe Sholom B’nai Israel, 540 W Melrose
As a Modern Orthodox synagogue, Anshe Sholom B’nai Israel Congregation (ASBI) transforms traditional halachic observance into meaningful Judaism for today’s world. Located in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood within the boundaries of the Jack Strulowitz Memorial Lakefront Eruv, Anshe Sholom is a growing, vibrant congregation that emphasizes openness and community. We invite you to join us in a warm, progressive Orthodox environment that welcomes members of varied backgrounds and all levels of religious observance.
December 28th 5:10 pm to 6:10 pm: Chanukah Havdalah & Candle Lighting, Motzei Shabbat
8 Crazy Nights Celebration of Hanukkah Watch Party, Monday, December 23rd at 8 pm
Christmas Services
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Chicago, 617 West Belmont Avenue
Wednesdays, December 18, 6:30 PM: Evening Service in the Chapel, followed by shared soup, bread, and conversation
Sundays, December 22, 10:00 AM: Eucharist for Advent 1, 2, 3, and 4 in the Church with the Lighting of Advent Candles
Tuesday, December 24, 7:00 PM: Eucharist for Christmas Eve in the Church
Wednesday, December 25, at 10:00 AM: Eucharist for Christmas Day in the Church Please note: there will be no Wednesday 6:30 PM service.
Sunday, December 29, 10:00 AM: Eucharist for the First Sunday of Christmas in the Church
Broadway United Methodist Church, 3338 N Broadway
Sunday, December 22 at 7pm: BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE: To acknowledge that hope, peace, joy, and love can be distant feelings, especially when we encounter great loss. Please join us for this service either in person or viz this Blue Christmas Zoom link, and share the information with anyone you know who might be struggling in this season.
Tuesday, December 24th at 7 pm: Christmas Eve Service: Please join us in person or online via this Christmas Eve Zoom link.
2nd Unitarian Church of Chicago, 656 W Barry Ave
Blue Christmas Service: Wednesday, December 18th at 7pm
While many experience a sense of wonder and celebration during the winter holiday season, others struggle with grief, loneliness, and loss. On Wednesday, December 18th at 7:00pm we will host our annual Blue Christmas service. The winter holiday season can bring up challenging feelings, especially in a time of political turmoil and personal struggles. Many across the city are seeking community that nurtures the fullness of their experience. This service will provide an opportunity to engage with music, reflect together, light candles, and be gentle with one another’s spirits.
Christmas Pageant: Sunday, December 22nd at 10:30am
Join us Sunday, December 22nd at 10:30am for our cherished annual Intergenerational DIY Christmas Pageant—a heartwarming celebration where everyone has a role to play! Step into the magic of the season as we come together to create and perform this beloved storytelling tradition, celebrating community, creativity, and joy. Whether you’re a shepherd, an angel, or just along for the ride, there’s a place for you in this vibrant reimagining of the Christmas story.
COVES Yule/Winter Solstice Online Ritual: Sunday, December 22nd at 4pm
Covenant of Earth and Sky (CUUPS Chapter) invites all to join us for an online Yule/Winter Solstice Ritual on Sunday, December 22nd at 4:00pm. This is the time of year where the darkness prevails, but the light is set to return. We will tell the story of the Deer Mother, the Holly King, and have lots of music to celebrate the return of the sun. Please have a candle and libation with you for this ritual. Join the ritual via Zoom at bit.ly/COVES-Yule-2024 with meeting ID: 975 3125 6761 and passcode: 621162.
Christmas Eve Services: Tuesday, December 24th
Celebrate the spirit of the season with us at our Christmas Eve Services! All are welcome as we gather for these meaningful and joyful holiday traditions.
At 4:30 pm: Stories of the Season: Christmas in Pop Culture
At 7 pm: The Innkeepers’ Dilemma Candlelight Service
