There’s a dynamic theatrical work lighting up the stage of The Goodman Theatre.
“Revolution(s),” the brand new musical by Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine/Audioslave and Zayd Ayers Dohm, is a world premiere production directed by Steve H. Broadnax III. The production continues to Nov. 22.
YouTube courtesy of The Goodman Theatre.
Fans of metal/hip-hop and punk will easily be engrossed in this show. “Revolution(s)”revolves around Hampton Falk-Weems, a soldier and musician, who returns to his South Side Chicago home from Afghanistan and finds a number of problems and strife in the neighborhood which he must navigate around. There’s also strained relationships he must deal with. There’s definitely a war of a different kind going on back home.
The energetic music by Morello and various other artists help move this powerful musical along. The talented cast stars Aaron James McKenzie, Billy Rude, Alysia Velez, Jackie Burns, Jakeim Hart, Michael Ervin Martin and Al’ Jaleel McGhee.
Highlighted musical numbers include “Fight! Smash! Win,” “Keep Going,” “Rise to Power,” “Whatever It Takes,” “The Oath” and “The War Inside.”
FYI: “Revolution(s) continues to Nov. 22 at The Goodman’s Owen Theatre in Chicago. Visit goodmantheatre.org.
About Eloise Marie Valadez
Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.
For more on what to do in Chicago, visit Choose Chicago.
Chicago, with its numerous holiday happenings and millions of holiday lights, is a magical destination. Wondering where to stay and what to do? Here are some ideas for you.
Gather at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago this Thanksgiving (Thursday, November 27, 12:00PM – 6:00PM) for Adorn Bar & Restaurant’s heartwarming Thanksgiving Grand Feast Experience. Celebrate the season in style with an abundant spread of gourmet stations, decadent dishes, and irresistible sweets. Whether you’re making new memories or honoring cherished traditions, Adorn invites you to savor every bite—and every moment—with warmth, joy, and festive flavor.
Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Chicago.
Savor the season with a playful twist on a timeless tradition. Delight in an elegant afternoon of festive indulgence at the Teddy Bear Tea, featuring artfully crafted tea sandwiches, exquisite desserts, and a thoughtfully curated selection of fine teas. Toast the occasion at our sparkling mimosa station, while little ones are enchanted by whimsical holiday entertainment and receive a charming teddy bear keepsake to treasure.
Saturdays and Sundays, November 29 & 30, December 7, 13*, 20, 27 & 28
1st Seating: 10:00 AM; 2nd Seating: 1:00 PM; *10 AM Seating Only
$185 per adult / $65 per child (6-12 years old)
Children 5 and under are complimentary
Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Chicago.
Treat your loved ones to an unforgettable Christmas Day Feast at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago (Thursday, December 25,12:00PM – 6:00PM) . Delight in festive fare from chef-attended action stations and an elaborate chocolate buffet, while little ones enjoy holiday-themed activities designed just for them. A live band sets the scene with cheerful sounds of the season, and our decadent hot chocolate station—complete with a “Spike Your Cocoa” option—adds a playful, grown-up twist. A memorable experience for guests of all ages, wrapped in the magic of the holidays.
$285 per adult / $95 per child (6-12 years old), Adult pricing includes one glass of champagne (Pricing is exclusive of Tax & Gratuity)
Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Chicago.
Ring in the New Year with an opulent New Year’s Eve Dinner at Adorn (Wednesday, December 31, seatings at 7:00PM and 9:00PM). Indulge in a luxurious five-course journey. Savor every moment with decadent canapés, artfully prepared appetizers, and a choice of exquisite entrée, culminating in a show-stopping dessert.
$225 Per Person exclusive of tax and gratuity
Photo courtesy of The Albert.
the Albert, the Italian-American restaurant located at the luxury boutique Hotel EMC2, Autograph Collection, welcomes the festive season with an exciting lineup of dining experiences. Under the direction of acclaimed Chef Steve Chiappetti, the Albert’s menus and events honor his Calabrian heritage while embracing Chicago’s culinary vibrancy. Guests can look forward to special offerings, holiday feasts, a charitable book drive, an early New Year’s Eve party, and interactive wine and cocktail classes — all designed to joyfully gather loved ones around the table.
Thanksgiving Chef Hotline – Wednesday, November 26, 2025 | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Turkey emergency? Stuffing disaster? Chef Chiappetti is back in 2025 and just a phone call away with The Albert’s Thanksgiving Chef Hotline. From troubleshooting to expert tips, Chicagoans can count on his culinary guidance to present their holiday meals without breaking a sweat! Call 1-833-THX-CHEF (1-833-849-2433).
Holiday Book Drive: Share a Story, Light the Season – November 19-December 31, 2025
Photo courtesy of The Albert.
Hotel EMC2 invites guests to celebrate the spirit of giving through Share a Story, Light the Season in partnership with Books4Cause, a Chicago-based social venture dedicated to expanding access to books and education worldwide. From November 18 through December 31, guests who bring a gently used book to donate at the Albert, will receive a complimentary glass of wine in return. Guests are invited to place their books beneath the hotel’s striking holiday tree while enjoying canapés, cocktails, and the warmth of the season. Each book donated supports Books4Cause’s mission to recirculate books into the hands of new readers, helping to build libraries and empower communities both locally and abroad. At Hotel EMC2, where art and science live in harmony, the initiative is a reflection of the property’s belief that curiosity, creativity, and compassion are all part of a story worth sharing. 21+. Limit one per guest, per visit. Available during service hours only.
Thanksgiving All-Day Buffet – Thursday, November 27, 2025 | 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. $65 per person (excludes beverages, tax, and gratuity) Give thanks with Chef Chiappetti’s festive buffet featuring roasted turkey with cranberry stuffing, honey glazed ham, cheese tortellini, Sicilian mushrooms, shaved salumi and Italian cheeses, roasted vegetables, Italian frittata, and tables laden with housemade pies and other sweet treats.
Christmas Eve Dinner
Photo courtesy of The Albert.
Wednesday, December 24, 2025 – 5 p.m. to close
$60 per person, including a glass of rosé prosecco (excludes additional beverages, tax, and gratuity)
Let the night before Christmas be a decadent culinary occasion with a pre-fix menu featuring:
Choice of Crostini: Prosciutto, ricotta, and honey, or Confit chicken, pesto, and ricotta, or Sicilian mushroom, ricotta, and chili
Main Course: Lobster ravioli, roasted red pepper sauce, or Beef Wellington, or Dover Sole, shrimp soufflé
Dessert: Nonna’s Tiramisu
Christmas Day Buffet
Thursday, December 25, 2025 – 11:30 a.m. $70 per person with a glass of Champagne (excludes other beverages, tax and gratuity)
Wake up and feast on a bountiful buffet and special menu selections featuring both Italian and classic American dishes. Guests can tour the antipasti buffet, choose their entree and then cap off the celebration with sweets upon sweets at the 20-foot dessert table.
Antipasti Buffet: Roasted mint carrots, Sicilian mushrooms, asparagus with aged balsamic, Italian olives, Shaved salumi, Italian cheeses, fig jam, crackers, nuts, Frittata, spiral ham, cheese tortellini with fresh basil tomato sauce and more.
The 20-Foot Dessert Buffet: Assorted Cakes, Pies, Cannoli, Dark Chocolate Brownies, Butter Cookies, and more
Photo courtesy of The Albert.
Rockin’ Italian Style New Year’s Celebration
Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 4 to 7 p.m. $55 per person (excludes tax and gratuity)
For those who wish to celebrate early and watch the ball drop at home, all are invited to enjoy live music as the clock strikes midnight in Italy. They will have the chance to honor the grape-eating tradition that accompanies the holiday in Italy, all while delighting in a beverage bar featuring rosé prosecco and espresso martinis and a Sicilian pizza bar including favorites like potato, rosemary, goat cheese, duck prosciutto, pinenuts, mushroom, provolone, soprasata, sweet peppers, pesto, four cheese, and white truffle cream. A homemade pasta bar will dole out the traditional Casarece pasta with shrimp, spinach and lobster cream sauce. Unlimited servings of Nonna’s Tiramisu will start the New Year on a high note!
New Year’s Eve Dinner
Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 5 p.m. to close $90 per person End the year with an extraordinary prix fixe tasting menu featuring:
1st Course: Smoked Duck Consommé and black truffle puff crust, or Hamachi crudo, black garlic, and tomato jus
2nd Course: Choice Of Risotto with shrimp, saffron broth and peas, or Garginelle with lamb sausage and fennel dust
3rd Course: Choice Of Roasted rack of lamb stuffed with pesto, or Snapper, fresh crab crust, and prosecco sauce
Holiday Tea at Atwood – Available November 1, 2025 through January 10, 2026, Atwood will offer a festive Holiday Tea menu with a selection of aromatic teas, savory sandwiches and decadent sweets, available daily from 11 AM-5 PM by reservation, $55 per person. (Menu and photos)
Photo courtesy of Staypineapple The Loop.
Atwood’s Theatre Prix Fixe – To celebrate the fall and winter theatre season, starting October 1, 2026, Atwood, located in the heart of the theatre district, is offering a prix fixe menu, perfect for pre- or post-show dining. The three courses feature seasonal flavors in main dishes such as Pumpkin Risotto, Pork Shoulder Ragout and Pan-Roasted Chicken. Available daily 11 AM-9 PM, no reservation required, $52 per person.(Menu and photos)
Holiday Lights & Festive Kick-Off: Festival of Lights Champagne & Hot Chocolate Toast (Nov. 22 | 4 – 5:30 pm | Lobby) – Celebration of Chicago’s official holiday season kick-off with champagne and hot chocolate before the lighting ceremony.
Letters to Santa (Nov. 22 – Dec. 25 | 10 am – 7 pm) in Lobby – Kids can visit the Concierge to write their letter to Santa and send it to the North Pole.
Myles Hayes Holiday Music (Nov. 22 – Dec. 31 | Saturdays, 4 – 6 pm) at Bar Pendry – Live holiday-inspired performances by Chicago Jazz artist Myles Hayes.
Photo courtesy of The Pendry Chicago.
Festive Boozy Tea (Dec. 7 – Dec. 28 | Sundays, 11 am – 3 pm) at Bar Pendry – Bar Pendry puts a festive spin on Sunday afternoon tea with Festive Boozy Tea, pairing tea-based cocktails with a three-tiered tower of sweet and savory bites accompanied by live music from Chicago musicians. Guests can enjoy holiday delicacies such as Lobster Quiche with Parmesan Royale and Black Truffle and Gingerbread Profiteroles with White Russian Crème. $100 per person inclusive of tax & gratuity. View menuhere.
For more information about where to stay and what to do in the city, visit Choose Chicago.
Designed as a seasonal companion to the year-round Official Fairbanks Visitors Guide, the Winter Guide highlights the unique winter experiences that make Fairbanks an outstanding destination. It showcases key attractions such as the awe-inspiring aurora borealis, thrilling dog mushing adventures, and intricate ice sculptures.
Ice Art Joust Sculpted by Craig Cheledinas, Kevin Roscoe and Steve Brice (Photo by Craig Cheledinas)
The guide offers expert tips for experiencing the northern lights and provides comprehensive information on a wide range of winter activities and events, including skiing, ice fishing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, fat tire biking, hiking, curling and ice hockey.
In addition to outdoor adventures, the guide addresses the diverse interests of visitors by featuring numerous indoor attractions including museums, art galleries, shops specializing in Alaskan-made products, and inviting cafes, breweries, and distilleries.
For a free copy of the Fairbanks Winter Guide, contact Explore Fairbanks at 1-800-327-5774 or (907) 456-5774. You can also order the guide or view it interactively online at www.explorefairbanks.com/guide.
Extended by popular demand, Louisville’s LouGrass Sessions will keep the music flowing through November, celebrating Kentucky’s rich Bluegrass roots tradition. What began as a seasonal series from April to October has struck a chord with fans, prompting additional shows Thursdays through Saturdays. LouGrass blends Bluegrass with Americana, blues, jazz, and more—carrying Kentucky’s legacy forward with a new generation of artists. Free live performances across Louisville’s venues give locals and visitors even more chances to experience authentic sounds in Bourbon City.
From cozy bars to lively hotel lounges, LouGrass brings Kentucky roots music to a variety of venues. Guests can explore the full lineup at lougrassmusic.com.
“The response has been phenomenal,” said Cleo Battle, Louisville Tourism President & CEO. “LouGrass proves just how much visitors and locals crave Kentucky’s roots music. It’s an authentic way to experience the spirit of Bourbon City, and we’re thrilled to keep the music going through November.”
The Last Refuge.
For a schedule of weekly performances, festivals and special events, visit lougrassmusic.com.
While planning a trip to Louisville, guests can book a LouGrass Hotel Packageat one of the six official LouGrass hotels. The hotel package includes:
Two complimentary tickets to Copper & Kings American Brandy Company visitor experience
$25 gift card to Bob Dylan’s The Last Refuge, A High Church of Bourbon in Downtown Louisville
Official LouGrass swag bag filled with LouGrass and Bourbon Country merchandise and keepsakes
Merchandise discount at the Louisville Visitor Center
Additionally, each hotel package booked receives one entry to win two weekend passes to the 2026 Bourbon & Beyond music festival.
Guests are encouraged to download a copy of Louisville Tourism’s annual Visitor Guide to see the city’s top attractions and bourbon distilleries. Visitors also can get additional city attraction, lodging and dining assistance at gotolouisville.com.
It’s not too soon to start making a list and checking it twice for what’s happening in Chicago this holiday season. Here are some suggestions from Choose Chicago.
HOLIDAY MARKETS
The Chicago Christkindlmarket is delighted to announce the return of its cherished holiday tradition for its 29th season at Daley Plaza in Chicago, its 4th year at RiverEdge Park in Aurora, and its return to Gallagher Way in Wrigleyville. The Chicago and Aurora locations will open on November 21, 2025, while Wrigleyville will welcome visitors starting November 23, 2025. All three markets are admission-free, featuring authentic vendors, live entertainment, and special events to create a festive holiday atmosphere.
Château Carbide Winter Garden at The Pendry Chicago (Launching Nov. 20 | 5 pm-12 am) – Château Carbide is launching their rooftop winter haven for another season with an all-new twist you won’t want to miss! Make a reservation for a private lodge and enjoy winter-inspired small bites and seasonal cocktails while taking in the stunning city-wide views of Chicago and all its snowy splendor.
A Christmas Carol returns to the Goodman Theatre from November 15 – December 31, 2025
Merry, Merry Chicago! – December 19-23, 2025, a series of concerts performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
TOURS & ACTIVITIES
Bobby’s Bike HikeHoliday Hike: Season Sampling Food & Walking Tours begin at the end of November and run through Christmas Eve. See the lights of the Magnificent Mile, the ice skating rink and Christmas tree in Millennium Park, enjoy a warm and filling deep dish pizza, experience the German-inspired festivities of Christkindlmarket, and toast to a joyful season over a seasonal beverage! This 3 hour Chicago holiday tour is perfect for families, friends, holiday parties, and anyone looking to celebrate the season in an exciting new way. All food & non-alcoholic beverage samples included in ticket price. (Pricing starts at $74.99.)
Chicago Boat Company’s Hot Tub Boats, returning this winter with their launch in November (exact timeline and hours to come). Departing from Marina City (300 N. State St.), guests can take out a Hot Tub Boat for up to 90 minutes with as many as six guests per boat. They’ll cruise along the Chicago River, taking in iconic skyscraper views and, in December, the city’s festive décor and holiday cheer from river level. Each boat comes equipped with a Bluetooth speaker and is BYOB, with plenty of cooler space and floating cup holders. Hot chocolate, hot apple cider, mulled wine, you name it!
The Christmas Tree Crawl: The Magic of Chicago at the Holidays – Let Inside Chicago Walking Tours take you on an enchanting stroll through the heart of the city at its prettiest time — during the winter holiday season. On this nostalgic and educational tour, we will lead you on a “Christmas treasure hunt” through downtown Chicago in search of the most stunning and impressive Christmas trees and other holiday decorations — and we know where they are! This tour includes not only visits to well-known stops like the Christkindlmarkt and the old Marshall Field’s, but also to little-known stops that contain some of the best holiday decorations downtown. You’ll learn about the origins of some world-famous Christmas characters — some of them from Chicago, some not — as well as the history behind Christmas traditions practiced by people around the world. [November 28 – December 20, 2025; available Thursdays-Saturdays]
We call this tour a “pop-up tour” because it’s offered for a limited time, because we want to show off the city’s beauty at this time of year. You won’t find a boat, a bus, or even a segway where we’re going.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Chicago’s most unique and beloved holiday tradition is here: The Allstate CTA Holiday Fleet. Now in its 33rd year of operation, we are excited to be delivering holiday cheer throughout Chicago’s neighborhoods and welcome you aboard our decked-out and dazzling Allstate CTA Holiday Train and the popular Allstate CTA Holiday Bus!
Christlkindlemarket. Photo courtesy of Choose Chicago.
About Choose Chicago
Choose Chicago is the official sales and marketing organization responsible for promoting Chicago as a global visitor and meetings destination, leveraging the city’s unmatched assets to ensure the economic vitality of the city and its member business community. Follow @choosechicago on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok. For more information, visit choosechicago.com.
Something spooky is definitely invading a prominent stage in Chicago.
It’s “Paranormal Activity” and it’s taking place at The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier through Nov. 2. The North American premiere production, which is an original story, is based on the popular film franchise.
The show, written by Levi Holloway, is directed by Felix Barrett. Spectacular illusions by Chris Fisher star in this production as well.
Audience members who want to be in suspense throughout a theatrical presentation will, no doubt, be at the edge of their seats here. “Paranormal Activity” tells the story of husband and wife James and Lou, who have moved to London from Chicago to pursue a new life and get away from “something” in their past.
There are many fascinating illusions, haunting sounds and other frightening scenes throughout “Paranormal Activity” to keep theatergoers’ attention. All eyes and ears will be focused on the mysterious happenings on stage.
A strong cast helps make this production a winner and one not to be missed. Starring in “Paraniormal Activity” are Cher Alvarez as Lou, Patrick Heusinger as James, Shannon Cochran as Carolanne, Kate Fry as Etheline Cotgrave and Sophie Kaegi in an ensemble role.
After its Chicago run, the play will be performed in Los Angeles, Washington D.C. and San Francisco.
FYI: “Paranormal Activity” runs to Nov. 2 at The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre at Navy Pier. Visit chicagoshakes.com for more information.
For more information about what to do in Chicago, visit Choose Chicago.
About Eloise Marie Valadez
Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.
The Rodgers and Hammerstein gem “The Sound of Music” continues through Nov. 2 at the James M. Nederlander Theatre in Chicago. This national North American tour is being presented by Concord Theatricals NETworks Presentations and Broadway in Chicago.
“The Sound of Music tells the story of the Von Tapp Family singers. It revolves around Maria, who is in “training” to become a nun, and also pursues a job as a governess for Captain Von Trapp’s children. It’s a tale of family togetherness, love and a fondness for music and what music can bring to a home.
The production, which is directed by Jack O’Brien, celebrates the 65th anniversary of the original stage debut of “The Sound of Music.”
Starring as Maria is Cayleigh Capaldi, who exhibits exceptional vocal talents. Also offering strong vocals are Christiane Noll as Mother Abbess, Kevin Earley as Captain Georg Von Trapp and the cast of young singers who star as the Von Trapp children.
When it comes to soundtracks, “The Sound of Music” is a winner. Almost every tune is a favorite of theatergoers. And it’s difficult to keep from singing along during this show.
Among outstanding numbers are “My Favorite Things,” “Maria,” “Climb Every Mountain,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Edelweiss” and the title tune “The Sound of Music.”
Theater fans will surely want to plan a visit to the theater to enjoy this production.
FYI: “The Sound of Music” continues to Nov. 2 at the James M. Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph, Chicago. Tickets are $40 to $140. Visit broadwayinchicago.com.
Cherubini’s “Medea” continues to heat up the stage through Oct. 26 at Lyric Opera House in Chicago.
“Medea” revolves around the story of Medea, a sorceress, and her husband Jason. The production is a tale of evil, murder and revenge. This compelling opera opens the Lyric’s 71st season and it’s the first time Chicago’s Lyric Opera has presented the work.
Starring as Medea is Sondra Radvanovsky, who is a powerhouse vocalist. Radvanovsky helps make this production soar with her stellar vocals and theatrical talents. Also giving excellent performances are Matthew Polenzani as Giasone, Zoie Reams as Neris, Elena Villalon as Glauce and Alfred Walker as King Creonte.
Sir David McVicar is the director of this fabulous production of “Medea.” The acclaimed music director Enrique Mazzola leads the Lyric Opera Orchestra as they present the soaring Cherubini score.
The sets, costumes and theatrics are definitely all something to marvel at in this show. “Medea” surely captures an audience’s attention and keeps it during the two-hour plus show.
“Medea” is co-produced by Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Metropolitan Opera, Greek National Opera and Canadian Opera Company.
FYI: Medea” continues to Oct. 26 at Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago. Visit lyricopera.org.
About Eloise Marie Valadez
Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.
A majestic production is gracing the stage in Chicago.
“The Lion King” is currently running through Oct. 19 at Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre. The show is a must-see production and shines on stage with a colorful set, fascinating costumes, creative puppetry elements and a strong cast.
In promotional materials for the show, it’s touted as “the world’s #1 musical” and that’s definitely not hype. “The Lion King” surely draws audience members in with its strong theatrical elements from powerful vocals, colorful sets, a standout soundtrack and more.
“The Lion King” tells the story of the young cub Simba, who after the death of his father Mufasa, must eventually take control of the throne. There are many adventures awaiting Simba as he grows and he must battle his evil uncle Scar on his way to the throne.
This hit production has been touring North America for nearly 25 years and has been capturing theatergoers’ hearts throughout its celebrated run. It originally opened on Broadway on Nov. 13, 1997.
Starring in the current touring production are Peter Hargrave as Scar, David D’Lancy Wilson as Mufasa,, Mukelisiwe Goba as Rafiki, Robert Creighton as Timon, Nick LaMedica as Zazu, Danny Grumich as Pumbaa, Gilbert Domally as Simba and Thembelihle Cele as Nala.
Standout out musical numbers include “Circle of Life,” “Hakuna Matata,” “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King” and “Can You Feel The Love Tonight.”
FYI: “The Lion King” continues to Oct. 19 at Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St., Chicago. Tickets are $45 to $180. Visit BroadwayInChicago.com.
About Eloise Marie Valadez
Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.
