On the road: Plan now for Chicago’s New Year’s 5K
Chicago
Pageantry and gadgetry
The Nutcracker? A Christmas Carol? For something completely different in winter theatrical offerings, consider Redmoon Theater’s 15th annual Winter Pageant that’s equal parts gadgetry, acrobatics, ephemera and spectacle. Large-scale sets, puppets, hip-hop dance, live music and machinery snag the attention of children and adults as the show evokes themes of community, bravery and hope. Collaborators include the hip-hop dancers of The Happiness Club of Chicago, Kalapriya Dance, Indonesian Dance of Illinois, Pineapple Dance Studio, Mexican clown artist Fernando Córdova Hernández, aerialist Helena Reynolds and surf-rock band The San Andreas Fault. Additionally, audiences at this year’s Winter Pageant get free treats by Eli’s Cheesecake.
7 p.m. Friday, 4 and 7 p.m. Saturday, and 1:30 and 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20-22, at Redmoon Theater, 2120 S. Jefferson St., Chicago. Single tickets cost $25 for adults, $15 for kids 3-18, $10 for college students with IDs, and free for kids younger than 3. (312) 850-8440, ext. 123, or redmoon.org.
Hotel for the holidays
Taking off for grandma’s? Or clueless about where to stash the extra relatives in the next weeks? Hyatt Regency O’Hare offers an exclusive holiday rate as part of its Park, Sleep and Fly Package. Guests get a one-night stay in a newly refurbished guest room featuring a Hyatt Grand Bed and complimentary self-parking for up to 14 days. The hotel’s free shuttle will whisk you or the relatives to O’Hare International Airport, just minutes from the hotel.
Now through Jan. 31 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare, 9300 Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago. The special Park, Sleep & Fly Package starts at $89. To redeem, visit ohare.hyatt.com and enter code: PARK1 in the “Special Offer Code” box. This rate is subject to availability and may change at any time. (847) 696-1234.
Feels like the first time
Start your resolution on New Year’s Day and greet 2014 without a headache when you join the city’s New Year’s Day 5K Run & Walk. The iconic event, now in its 29th year, is Chicagoland’s first official 5K of the year and the course route is inspiring — north along the lakefront bike path to Diversey Harbor before returning to North Avenue. A portion of run/walk proceeds benefit the Lake View Citizens’ Council, a nonprofit neighborhood organization. There’s also a post-run/walk party with winner trophies, raffle prizes and a complimentary drink to those 21 years of age and older with ID.
11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1, at 1600 Stockton Drive (at LaSalle Street, at the south end of Lincoln Park). Preregistration for the 5K competitive-timed run, 5K fun run and 5K walk is $30. On-site registration is $35 and $40 for the competitive-timed run. chicagoevents.com or (773) 868-3010.
Midwest
Let there be light
Garden volunteers and horticulture staff are hard at work transforming the 20-acre Rotary Botanical Gardens in Janesville, Wis., into a seasonal escape of twinkling lights and family-friendly fun. The Holiday Light Show boasts 330,000 lights (30,000 more than last year), 75 decorated trees, new animated displays, more than 2,000 luminaries and more. More than a botanical showcase, the event features hot chocolate, an impressive 200-foot electric model train display, hand-sewn quilts, photos with Santa, local musicians and holiday shopping in the Cottage Garden Gallery.
4:30 to 9 p.m. Dec. 19-23 and 26-29 at the Rotary Botanical Gardens, 1455 Palmer Drive, Janesville, Wis. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for kids ages 3-15. rotarybotanicalgardens.org or (608) 752-3885.
Leaving the past behind
On your way to the 41st Folkways of the Holidays in Shakopee, Minn., tell the kids their peers in the 19th century weren’t pleading with Santa to bring My Little Pony Princess Twilight Sparkle or Cuddles My Giggly Monkey. Then prove it at the 88-acre living history museum that depicts life in the area from the 1840s-1890s with authentic 19th-century buildings, demonstrations, and a scenic river trail and overlook. There will be horse-drawn trolley rides, tours of 19th-century homes given by costumed interpreters, and concerts by folk musicians and ethnic dancers. Get seats at the Village Christmas Pageant starring Santa Claus and live reindeer.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22, at The Landing at Minnesota River Heritage Park, 2187 Highway 101 East, Shakopee, Minn. Admission is $5 for adults; $3 for kids and seniors; and free for children younger than 2. (763) 694-7784 or threeriversparks.org.
Great expectations
See what beer built at the Captain Frederick Pabst Mansion’s nationally recognized Christmas display, A Grand Avenue Christmas, in Milwaukee. Each year brings new and festive decorations and a chance for you to enter a portal to the past. Tour the historic icon’s beautiful interiors and unique architectural style of the Gilded Age. Want more? The famous Dickens Dinners, traditional English feasts, return to the mansion in December.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, now through Jan. 5. Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Captain Frederick Pabst Mansion is at 2000 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, Wis. Tickets cost $10 for adults; $9 for seniors and students; and $6 for kids. (414) 931-0808 or pabstmansion.com. For Dickens Dinners dates, times and reservations, call Bartolotta’s at (414) 727-6980.