5-Dec-21 – Ho! Ho! Ho! It’s time to plan your holiday entertainment, shopping experiences, and memorable moments.

Holiday a capella rings in the season Blending smooth voices with beautiful harmonies, Chicago a cappella offers a full schedule of holiday concerts throughout the city.

The season’s first concert features Holidays a cappella, a brand new collection of musical gifts and seasonal favorites that celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah.

The group’s first post-pandemic program includes live performances, a live virtual event, and their debut performance in Highland Park. This special program was created by Joe Labozetta with music direction by Paul Nicholson and Paul Langford.

Hear rare choral treasures from around the world, music for Hanukkah, the spiritual Sistah Mary, and captivating new takes on seasonal favorites like I’ll Be Home for Christmas. Labozetta has created a program rich with meaningful messages, holiday spirit, and energetic fun.

For the third time, Nicholson returns as guest music director for Holidays a cappella. Nicholson is among Chicago’s most respected choral musicians, as well as an accompanist, composer, and singer. Langford (right) makes his fifth appearance as guest music director. A widely acclaimed choral arranger, singer, and director, Langford created 19 virtual videos for Chicago a cappella in 2020-21.

• Friday, December 10 – 8:00 p.m.
Buchanan Chapel at Fourth Presbyterian Church, 115 East Delaware Place

• Saturday, December 11 – 8:00 p.m.
Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Avenue, Evanston

• Sunday, December 12 – 4:00 p.m.
Pilgrim Congregational Church, 460 Lake Street, Oak Park

In addition to the live concert performances, there will be a live virtual event on Monday, December 20, at 7:00 p.m., featuring four members of the ensemble. It will include video performances from the concert plus behind-the-scenes stories and live solo performances.

 More info: Chicago a capella

Christkindlmarket returns to Daley Plaza After going virtual in 2020, Christkindlmarket welcomes back visitors to its two locations this holiday season – Daley Plaza and Gallagher Way (next to Wrigley Field).

You’ll find various stalls and vendors offering hand-crafted gifts, gourmet foods, baked goods, mugs, wearables, plus family-friendly activities. Now through December 24.

• Sundays through Thursdays – 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

• Fridays through Saturdays – 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

 More info: Christkindlmarket

Davenport’s Piano Bar & Cabaret

Check out these holiday shows at Davenport’s Piano Bar & Cabaret, 1383 North Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago...

Michael Joseph Mitchell, Reclaiming the (Musical) High Ground

• Sunday, December 12 – 7:00 p.m.

• Sunday, December 19 – 7:00 p.m.

Sarah Christine with special guest Taylor Tuke, The Festive Vibes Tour Thursday, December 16 – 8:00 p.m. Jennifer Blades and John Bowen, Dear Santa, a Christmas Cabaret Saturday, December 18 – 8:00 p.m. New Year’s Eve Special Event: Nitz and Howe Experience Friday, December 31 – Doors open at 8:30 p.m., show from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. (Right) Daryl Nitz (left in photo), a man of many hats, and George Howe.

For entry, patrons must provide proof of vaccination (such as a Vaccination Card) and a valid photo ID. Masks required upon entry and when not seated. All performances in the cabaret are ticketed events with a two-drink minimum.

 More info: Davenport’s Piano Bar & Cabaret