December 11th - 14th

Regardless of what we want to believe, Winter has arrived. Freezing rain turning to ice and then being covered with snow is what winter is all about in Chicago. It's been a topsy-turvy week with our Governor being indicted, but that's no reason to stay at home this weekend, bundle up, get out there and enjoy winter!

Thursday, December 11th

Anuna , the Celtic vocal assemblage releases their Christmas album - Christmas Memories and will perform tracks and sign albums at Borders - 140 N State at 1PM

Authors Jennifer Baumgardner and Amy Richards will be celebrating the release of their new book - Abortion & Life at Women and Children First Books - 5233 N Clark at 7:30PM

Friday, December 12th

Only two chances left to experience Caroling at Cloudgate at Millennium Park, 6PM

Do you have stars in your eyes or do you just enjoy sparkly things? The International Gem & Jewelry Show takes over the Donald E Stephens Convention Center this weekend in Rosemont. F: 12-6PM, S: 10AM-6PM, S: 11AM-5PM

It's the Revolt of the Elves - the Chicago Gay Men's Chorus presents their annual Holiday Concert tonight at 8PM at the Anthaneaum Theater - 2936 N Southport

Saturday, December 13

Wow, those elves have really got a bone to pick with Santa. Two more chances today to see ' Revolt of the Elves ' at the Anthaneaum at 3PM and 8PM. The Chicago Gay Men's Chorus is over the top!

You don't need to be home alone today! Head on over to the Chicago History Museum - 1601 N Clark St to take in their current exhibit and a free showing of the classic "Home Alone" at 1PM

Over the Rainbow Association 19th Anniversary Celebration Concert, featuring opera star Denyce Graves. Will take place at the Pick-Staiger Concert Hall - 1977 Sheridan Rd, Evanston at 7:30PM Tickets can be purchased online or via phone 847-328-1607

Tickets for Nickelback go on sale today at 10AM for their concert at Allstate Arena on March 12th.

Planning on shopping The Magnificent Mile today? Why not take a break from the madness that is holiday shopping and get and take in a free Wine Tasting at Drinks Over Dearborn - 650 N Dearborn at 3PM.

Grab a candle and head over to The St. Lucia Festival of Lights in Andersonville today at 4:45PM.

The beautiful and talented Linda Eder is performing at the Auditorium Theater at 8PM. I can't think of a more beautiful space to host such a beautiful voice. I've had the chance to see her live several times, including her pre-broadway debut in Jekyl & Hyde. Tickets are still available.

Sunday, December 14

Not all of the action goes on in Boystown. Rogers Park is the new and coming scene, join the LGBT Social Group in Rogers Park at the Glenwood at 2PM for a "meet-and-greet". Meet a neighbor, make a friend! Check out the Facebook page for more details.

Center on Halsted OutFront and Center: Lakeside Pride Ensemble plays Holiday Classics. 7 p.m., $10 ($5 students/seniors), 3656 N. Halsted St.

If you're just getting your holiday shopping started, head on down to Daly Plaza - Washington & Dearborn - for the city's 13th Annual Christkindlemarket. Experience a traditional German christmas shopping experience in the heart of downtown. The market is open until Christmas Eve, Sun-Thurs: 11AM-8PM, Fri & Sat: 11AM-9PM