Kennedy Express Lanes Still Not Open

With holiday travel fast approaching, the Illinois Department of Transportation has not shared a reopening date for the reversible express lanes on I-90/94 after closing them in the spring. The lanes were supposed to reopen in the fall. [Block Club]

Judge: The Onion Can’t Buy Infowars

A Texas judge rejected The Onion’s winning bid for Alex Jones’ Infowars this week, citing problems with the auction process and saying not enough money would go to families affected by the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. The Chicago-based satirical publication had bought the platform in a bankruptcy auction and planned to relaunch it as a parody. [AP]

Mayor’s 2023 Tax Returns

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s family brought in over $176,000 last year. The tax documents show Johnson earned no outside income and that he is less wealthy than past Chicago mayors. [Tribune 🔒]

Des Plaines Pilgrimage Begins

Hundreds of thousands of Catholics and other pilgrims walk to Des Plaines to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Dec. 12. The shrine is the only authorized replica from the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Food is one of the best parts of the holidays, which is why we’re sharing where to eat no matter what you celebrate.

Christmas, Dec. 24–25 

Heritage Restaurant & Caviar Bar in Humboldt Park

The restaurant has a Feast of the Seven Fishes special for $150 a person on Christmas Eve. And, yes, it will almost certainly be more peaceful than the multi-course meal depicted on “The Bear.” You can also pick up pre-made meals featuring prime rib and lobster claws.

DaeBak Korean BBQ in Chinatown and Wicker Park

Korean BBQ is the perfect holiday meal: It’s meant to be eaten family-style, you cook on your table, and the sides are to die for. My mom wants me to tell you to order kimchi pancakes and spicy seafood tofu soup, too. DaeBak Korean BBQ is open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Santa Masa Tamaleria in Dunning

Get your Christmas tamales on the Far Northwest Side. You can get savory ones smothered in poblano peppers and onions or sweet ones featuring strawberries (which one local food journalist said were among the best things he ate in 2024).

The Duck Inn in Bridgeport

Don’t want to make Christmas dinner or pick it up? Get the traditional feast delivered. Wear stretchy pants: The meal features Irish cheddar potato casserole and sticky toffee pudding 🤤

D’Masti To Go in Blue Island

Whether you’re hosting a large party or a small gathering, place your orders for turkey dinners, lasagnas, and more. Plus, there are individual holiday ham dinners available. Get your orders in by Saturday.

Hanukkah, Dec. 25–Jan. 2

Goddess & the Grocer in Bucktown, Fulton Market, River North, and Gold Coast

Find packages of potato latkes, braised short ribs, noodle kugel, and rugelach. The chain will stop taking orders when it reaches production capacity or by Tuesday at noon — whichever comes first!

Bennison’s Bakery in Evanston

Don’t forget about dessert! Pick up raspberry and apricot sufganiyot, which are pillowy jelly-filled doughnuts. Sugar cookies and macarons are also for sale.

Kwanzaa, Dec. 26–Jan. 1

Chicago baker Alicia Andry recommends bringing this treat to Karamu, the final feast of Kwanzaa.

Plus, eat with others at celebrations in Palos Park and Oak Park.

Become a member of City Cast Chicago this week and get the exclusive members-only tote bag!

And, membership has its benefits! For as little as $8 a month, members get:

❤️ The satisfaction of supporting local journalism in Chicago

🎧 Ad-free listening to the City Cast Chicago daily podcast

🎟 Weekly exclusive local events preview

Become a member today to unlock these benefits and get the City Cast Chicago tote bag.

Holiday Evening Market 🛍️ Near West Side | 4–8 p.m. | Free

Sip, Shop, & Trolley Hop 🚎 Albany Park | 4–9 p.m. | Free

Terroir and Territory 🍷 River North | 6–9 p.m. | $25+

“That’s Weird, Grandma: A Holiday Spectacular” opens 🎄 Andersonville | 7 p.m. | $25

“The Message” Book Club 📖 Hyde Park | 7 p.m. | Free

Vinyl Set: Jamie Hayes 💿 Pilsen | 7–10 p.m. | Varies

Nature Photography 📸 Dan Ryan Woods | 9 a.m. | Free

“A Celtic Christmas” 🎶 Irving Park | 7–10 p.m. | $35+

“The Nutcracker” opens 🩰 Hyde Park | 7 p.m. | $35+

“Elf in Concert” opens 🧝 The Loop | 7:30 p.m. | $79+

“Rudolph The Red-Hosed Reindeer: An Unauthorized Musical Parody” opens 🎭 Northalsted | 7:30–9:30 p.m. | $31+

Taylor Swift Dance Night (21+) 💃 Lincoln Park | 10 p.m. | $21+

Pre-Christmas Poetry & Comedy Show 🎤 Bronzeville | 10 p.m. | $12

Submit photos of your cat to be featured on the Field Museum’s social media as the museum debuts its new feline exhibit 🐾 This month, they’re looking for holiday cat photos ❣️