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City Cast Chicago

If you haven’t finished your holiday shopping, take comfort in the fact that I haven’t even started. Here are 

You can get posters, umbrellas, and even shower curtains with the L map. Kids can also play with toy trains while dressed as CTA workers 🥺

Tomato season isn’t until the spring, but you can still gift tomato lovers merch like caps, mugs, and aprons from Bob Zeni, 

. Or get a gift card for when plants go on sale in the spring.

Brighten up your loved one’s space with locally grown flowers delivered on a weekly, monthly, or bi-monthly basis. Plus, you’ll be supporting a business committed to employing young people.

Chicago sports teams have seen better days between the 

. That’s why sports fans might prefer vintage apparel from when teams were winning. Stop by this McKinley Park store for T-shirts, bomber jackets, and more.

Not only does the Chicago Show Calendar share a comprehensive weekly list of concerts at indie venues, but the membership also connects concert-goers and offers the occasional free ticket. Bonus: City Cast marketing director Caroline Patton runs the site 🤓

Buy romance book lovers boxes curated by the staff at the Roscoe Village bookstore. You can also add apparel and accessories.

As members, Chicago cinephiles can enjoy discounted tickets to classic, international, and independent cinema at the movie theater in the Loop.

Your foodie will eat up this box full of yummy treats from local award-winning chefs. Items include All Together Now’s honey and Monteverde’s garlic salt and lemon pepper 🤤

Do you have a co-worker whose caffeine obsession rivals Lorelai Gilmore? Get them whole beans from Mexico and Colombia or a gift card for the 

new brick-and-mortar coffee shop in North Lawndale

, so why not give something different this year? Gift a subscription of mead, or “honey wine,” from this Beverly spot.

Before the South Loop boutique closes Dec. 23, you can pick up gifts for kids big and small. That includes everything from an orange scooter to a mini guitar to magic markers.

Forget Bath & Body Works! Gift a candle-making experience in Lakeview 🕯️ Recipients can create a custom scent in a unique vessel.

Save up to 40% on admission at the southwest suburban adventure park that has activities ranging from ziplining to climbing to laser tag.

🛍️ Plus, stores to check out

Never fear, last-minute gift ideas are here for all the Chicagoans on your list. 

Where to Find Last-Minute Gifts in Chicago

Find the best of everything that Chicago has to offer.

Chicago’s Best

Chicago's Best

Growing up, we went to 26th Street in Little Village for everything — eating out with family, shopping, doctor appointments, and much more. Dubbed the “

,” the street has historically been a high-grossing commercial hub in the city. It’s also the heart of a close-knit community that has always provided for the Mexican community.

We pick a mile to walk (on 26th Street between Albany and Ridgeway avenues).

We recommend ~10 things to do in that mile.

Divvy station at 26th and Whipple streets

 is the perfect place for Christmas shopping for multiple people because it has it all — a vibrant mix of vendors sells clothing, shoes, formal wear, home goods, electronics, artisanal Mexican art, and toys.

, the gateway to the “Mexican capital of the Midwest,” became an official landmark in 2019. There is also a beautiful mural outside of 

, a popular establishment that’s been in the community since 1977. 

Are you looking for a street treat that conveniently comes in a cup? Go to 

for aguas frescas, fresh juices, elotes, and ice cream.

 has a large selection for all your music needs: guitars, keyboards, drums, accordions, trumpets, saxophones, sound systems, and DJ equipment. They offer financing to make walking out with your new instrument or sound system much easier.

 for delicious craft cocktails and food! The speakeasy-inspired bar is celebrating five years in the neighborhood. It's conveniently next to parent company and longtime family-owned liquor store 

, which has all wine and champagne 10% off all winter.

 for your grocery needs. Walk to the back for their restaurant which offers enchiladas, gorditas, pozole, and all kinds of Mexican cuisine.

Check out our other guides!

Holiday shopping? Head to Chicago's "second Magnificent Mile."

Walking Guide to Little Village's 26th Street in Chicago

Walk a Mile on 26th Street

Everything to know about Chicago neighborhoods: Where to go, eat, shop, drink, and more.

Chicago Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

Holidays in Chicago are almost as busy as summer, which is why we made this bucket list. Plus, if your fall gloom is turning into the winter blues, we think this bucket list will help.

. And if you’re not smooth on the ice, take a free lesson downtown on Saturdays to 

Is there any better feeling than when the CTA holiday train unexpectedly pulls up? 

The city’s transit agency hasn’t yet released the schedule

, but we’ll keep you posted when it does. Your last chance to book a Metra holiday train is today at noon for a 

Hey Chicago readers know their hot chocolate: You all shared your 

 to get the warm drink last year. I’m partial to Christkindlmarket, where you can take home a 

 comes from a Logan Square family. If you want to see lots of trees, head to the Museum of Science and Industry’s 

Want to give back? Help My Block My Hood My City 

 at the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Donate 

Make your own holiday bar crawl and visit 

Why do your holiday shopping at big box stores when Chicago’s local businesses have unique gifts your friends and family will love? 

Block Club’s local gift guide just dropped

, and we’re obsessed with everything from the plush plant toys to neighborhood baseball jerseys 😍

It’s been a warm fall, but snow is in the forecast this week. Once it sticks, be sure to 

. Plus, guess who just learned you can ski and snowboard in nearby states like 

We’ll keep you updated on our progress in the coming weeks as we check things off — and we hope you’ll keep us updated on yours, too!

Holidays in Chicago are almost as busy as the summer.

Chicago's Best Holiday Festivities

Your Chicago Holiday Bucket List

I’ve spent half of my adult years living in Hyde Park. Whether performing, shopping, or hanging with friends, I have made lifelong memories exploring the neighborhood. Here's where I'd walk a mile.

We pick a mile to walk (along 53rd Street between Hyde Park Boulevard and Woodlawn Avenue).

, tucked between DuSable Lake Shore Drive and Hyde Park Boulevard, is nice for a walk or watching the fellas play chess in the park.

. As a non-coffee drinker, I recommend the smoothies and refreshers! While I finish my strawberry dragon fruit refresher, I browse the racks at 

Heading west on 53rd Street, you can meet friends for short ribs and rum punch at 

 across the street. Fun fact: You can order a slice from 

 always has great concerts and shows. I've hosted 

Miss me on stage? You can definitely find me spending bread on books, candles, paintings, Kangols, and more at 

At this point, the options for food are all around you. More than 50 restaurants are located within five blocks, and famed Chef Erick Williams will soon be responsible for three of them. I like to grab a berry smoothie from 

Harper Court is home to great concerts during the spring and summer, but the shops are buzzing all year long. I love checking out the great art at 

 was recently renovated and plays blockbusters and hosts film festivals throughout the year.

. I left with two Teddy Pendergrass albums during this visit!

 to grab a taffy apple for the Metra ride home!

We're heading to Hyde Park for our next walking guide.

Walking Guide to 53rd Street in Chicago

Walk a Mile on 53rd Street

Going to the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Parade Saturday? Here’s what else to check out along North Michigan Avenue.

Architect Daniel Burnham first dreamt up the Mag Mile in his 1909 Plan for Chicago. Built in the ‘20s and named in the ‘40s, the prestigious commercial strip is home to architecture like the Wrigley Building, the Tribune Tower, Water Tower, and the John Hancock building.

Grace Rappe is helping plan the parade and shares what else to check out on and near the Mag Mile.

🍽️ There’s lots of variety for lunch and dinner: 

🎨 Step down to Lower Michigan Avenue, and discover murals created by three emerging Chicago artists in 

, including being part of an effort to set the world record for most holiday sweaters at a parade.

What to do Along Chicago's Magnificent Mile (Besides Shopping)

What to Do Along Chicago's Magnificent Mile

Still looking for gifts for the kids in your life? We have some last-minute ideas from a few local businesses.


. Pursue the Hyde Park toy shop’s holiday catalog, and you’ll see gifts for every type of kid: We’re talking rockets, crystal kits, darts, board games, and more. [Varies]



. Shop by age or department at the Lincoln Square store — or add a little ~spice~ to the gift exchange with a 

. Pick up all types of comics at the Andersonville shop — from DC to Marvel, indie to manga. [Varies]


. Sign your bookworm up to get books with characters of color every month. For kids up to 12, the Chicago company curates the box for your child’s level. Plus, it includes book swag! [$35.99/month]


. Take your budding wizard to the immersive experience at Water Tower to play Quidditch, try on the Sorting Hat, and more 🪄 [$37.50/adult, $29.50/kid]


. Deck out your kid in all things Chi from this Humboldt Park store: onesies, beanies, and more. [Varies]


. Shop for kids up to 8 and maternity clothes at this sustainable resale shop in Lincoln Park. Baby moncler jacket anyone? [Varies]


. Grab new and used records from the Black and AAPI–owned shop. Not sure what your young music lover wants? Can’t go wrong with a 

. More than 100 shows will play across the city Feb. 16–23. Take it from a former theater kid — it’s worth the wait. [$15+]


. Does your kid want to run, jump, and swing through obstacles like on “American Ninja Warrior?” 

Nine-time competitor Mike “The Stallion” Silenzi

 told the City Cast Chicago podcast why kids love the Chicagoland gyms. [$25/class]


. Book a private lesson at this Jefferson Park indoor skate park. [$50+]


. Has your kid been begging for a pet? Rescue a dog or cat! Walk-in adoptions happen every day, except Christmas Day, at the Lower West Side center from noon to 7 p.m. [Varies]


. Get fresh and saltwater exotic fish from this longtime family business in Gresham. [Varies]


Shopping for other people on your list? Check out our 

The Best Gifts for Kids

At Hey Chicago, we recognize no two food lovers are the same. That’s why we’ve created a gift guide for all the different foodies in your life.


. Enjoy the tangy blend on chicken, fish, salads, or plain bread — trust us, it always hits! Sold by the bottle ($12) and gallon ($25).


. Gift monthly boxes of pizza, dessert, and other Windy City favs. ($60.58+)


. Gift blends, seasonings, and rubs inspired by Greektown, Argyle Street, and more ($8.99+). You can also get Lake Shore Drive or Back of the Yards spice collections ($40+).


. Food blogger Heifa Odeh’s debut cookbook is a collection of her family’s recipes — from stuffed peppers with bulgur and herb yogurt to hummus topped with steak. ($23.99+)


. Give corn muffin mix with the Avondale restaurant’s signature bee pan. ($45)


. Pastry chef Maya-Camille Broussard’s cookbook features pie recipes inspired by changemakers. ($30+)


. Explore the history of the city’s bakeries — and the many delicious delicacies created. ($13.19)


. Buy the Beverly coffee shop’s DuSable blend. ($12)

. Give Mexican, medium, or dark hot chocolate blends from the Wicker Park bakery. ($25)


. Gift a natural wine subscription to the Pilsen club. ($68/month)


. Sample experimental drinks and house favorites as part of the Logan Square brewery’s beer of the month club. ($50/month)

If all else fails, you can’t go wrong with a gift card to 

shopping

Where to Find Last-Minute Gifts in Chicago

Walk a Mile on 26th Street

Your Chicago Holiday Bucket List

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Walk a Mile on 53rd Street

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