LAKEVIEW — Businesses in Lakeview are offering holiday-themed take-home crafts, scavenger hunts and other socially distant activities to celebrate winter.
The Lakeview Chamber of Commerce and the Special Service Area 227 tax district announced its winter programming on Wednesday, which includes holiday-themed activities and deals through the end of the year.
“As many look forward to celebrating the holidays, remaining safe during the pandemic is still a concern,” said Carisa Marconet, events and marketing director of the Lakeview Chamber. “We wanted to bring a holiday season to our neighbors that is still fun for the whole family and keeping magical traditions alive.”
The take-home kids activity kits will be given out Thursday through Dec. 6, according to the chamber. They include treats from local store Candyality, virtual classes with the Music Playhouse of Chicago and Kids Table and crafts from KidCreate Art Studio and Mothership Launchpad.
From Dec. 3–13, Santa will visit families’ porches and front yards for five-minute photo sessions with a professional photographer. Tickets for the porch photos with Santa cost $55, or just $35 if you meet him outside Tuco and Blondie, 3358 N. Southport Ave., for a photo in front of the restaurant’s mural.
Businesses throughout West Lakeview will have snowmen hidden in their storefront windows Dec. 1–20 for a scavenger hunt, according to the chamber. Children who find five snowmen throughout the neighborhood will receive a stuffed toy from participating stores.
The neighborhood is also hosting a Lakeview HolidayStroll Dec. 4–6 along the Southport Corridor that will feature special deals, carolers and other holiday characters between Belmont Avenue and Irving Park Road, according to the chamber.
Families can support local businesses by buying gift cards online at ShopDineLakeview.com. People will receive a $20 bonus card for every $100 spent, according to the chamber.
“The chamber is excited to be bringing new events and promotions to our neighborhood that focuses on supporting our local businesses and highlighting what makes our town unique and special to residents,” Marconet said.
More information and tickets for the various activities can be found on the Lakeview Chamber’s website.
Jake Wittich is a Report for America corps member covering Lakeview, Lincoln Park and LGBTQ communities across the city for Block Club Chicago.
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