NORTH CENTER — The weather may feel more like April, but holiday festivities are in full swing around the neighborhood this weekend.
Markets
If you're looking for unique gifts for family and friends there are no fewer than four Christmas markets to choose from, all of them featuring handmade items.
North Center's Irish Christmas Market runs Friday through Sunday in Town Square, 4100 N. Damen Ave. The event features food (hello, KerryGold cheese sampling), entertainment and crafters. Highlights include a tree lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. Friday and photos with Santa, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday ($25 if booked in advance, $30 onsite.) Free admission.
Chicago Printmakers Collaborative 26th Annual International Small Print Show: Shop original prints by more than 60 artists. Notecards, jewelry, t-shirts and more also for sale. Noon to 5 p.m., Friday through Sunday, 4912 N. Western Ave. Free admission.
Chicago Art Girls Holiday Pop-Up Shop: More than 40 artists will be displaying their wares — jewelry, ceramics, soaps and more. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Bell Elementary, 3730 N. Oakley Ave. Free.
Artist Market at the Chicago Mosaic School: The school's first-ever holiday market features not only mosaics but ceramics, jewelry, clothing, textiles and cards. Free.
Holiday Cheer
Trek through the seven levels of the Candy Cane forest to Chase Park, where the whole family can enjoy a screening of "Elf." Doors open at 6 p.m., the movie starts at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $2 per person and includes popcorn. 4701 N. Ashland Ave.
"Happy Holly-Daze: A Drinking Game Performance" at the Cornservatory: A blend of sketch comedy and drinking games, 4210 N. Lincoln Ave. BYOB. 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, tickets are $15.
Winter Solstice Festival at North Park Village Nature Center: Chestnuts roasting on open fire, yuletide carols and luminary-lit trails, 6-9 p.m., Saturday, 5801 N. Pulaski Road. Free.
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