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HYDE PARK — Holiday cheer will be on full display throughout Hyde Park this weekend, during the fourth annual Hyde Park Holly-Day.
The free, family-friendly event takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday throughout the neighborhood.
Children and anyone else will enjoy meeting Spider-Man, Batman and Anna and Elsa from “Frozen” at businesses along the 53rd Street corridor from noon to 2 p.m.
“They’ll do little autograph cards, so kids can go visit each character to get their card signed,” University of Chicago spokesperson Amy Srodon said. “It’s really cute to see them wanting to collect all the signatures.”
Before the real-life Anna and Elsa make their appearances, there might be a chance to catch a free showing of “Frozen 2.”
The screenings at The Harper Theater are at capacity, but organizers suggest showing up before they start at 10 a.m. and noon in case some ticket holders don’t show up.
Throughout the day, The Promontory will host everything from crafts to pictures with Soul Santa to dance performances from local troupes.
Buddy the Elf will also be stationed at the Promontory from 10 a.m. to noon, before heading over to the Hyde Park Shopping Center courtyard with two live reindeer at 2 p.m.
Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Christmas will all be represented in the day’s events, as “we want everyone to feel included,” Srodon said.
The event is organized by the university and the neighborhood’s business network, including Downtown Hyde Park, the Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce and the South East Chicago Commission.
“It’s just been really wonderful how different businesses in the community have stepped up,” Srodon said. “It’s going to be a really fun day in Hyde Park — and the weather even looks like it’s going to be good.”
A full schedule of activities and host locations is available here.
