Select holiday shopping events, organized chronologically
NOVEMBER
FRI/26-SUN/28, THANKSGIVING WEEKEND
8 Days of Sofia
Enjoy various discounts at Sofia Vintage, beginning Black Friday: , FRI/26, 15 percent off everything; , SAT/27, 15 percent off sweaters, coats, and sweats; SUN/28, 10 percent menswear; MON/29, buy one pair of jeans, get the second 20 percent off; TUE/30, 20 percent off select vintage apparel and accessories; WED/1, spend $300 to receive $75 off ($200 for $50 off, $100 for $25 off); THU/2, 15 percent off party dresses; FRI/3, 20 percent off all shoes. Sofia Vintage, 72 E. Oak, (312)640-0878. Mon-Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 12-5pm.
Vintage Bazaar Black Friday Market
The pop-up vintage storefront brings Manly Vintage, Blue Bell Bazaar, STUDY, Lisa’s Retro Style, and Cushion to Logan Square Thanksgiving weekend, with affordable second-hand decor, housewares, and gift items. Preview and opening reception Friday night, 5-9pm, with DJ Jim Tuerk and Joe Darnaby of Brighton, MA. Tickets available online at Vintagebazaarblackfriday.eventbrite.com. Logan Square, 2955 W. Lyndale. Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm.
TUE/30
Glitter: A Holiday Shopping Event
Presented by the Department of Cultural Affairs, Glitter brings more than 35 local designers and independent boutiques to the Cultural Center with original designs and specialty items. Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington, 2nd floor at the GAR Hall and Rotunda. 11am-8pm. Through WED/1.
DECEMBER
THU/2
Books and Beer at Sheffield’s
Chicago authors Marcus Sakey, Laura Caldwell, David Ellis, and Gillian Flynn will autograph purchases, while the bartenders showcase an array of seasonal and satiating brews. Receive 10 percent off everything and 20 percent off four or more books. Sheffield’s, 3258 N. Sheffield, (773)281-4989. 6-9pm.
All I Want for the Holidays at le Dress
Guests can write up a wish list that the store will send to a designated respondent. Pull a stub from the stocking to win up to 20 percent off anything purchased that night. le Dress, 1741 W. Division, (773)697-9855. 5-8pm. RSVP to rsvp@lizkorespr.com.
One of A Kind Show and Sale
Featuring a fashion runway show at 1pm to artist demonstrations throughout the day, the tenth annual holiday arts, crafts and gourmet show offers four days of custom shopping. All sales from opening day benefit Children’s Memorial Hospital. Merchandise Mart, 8th floor, (800)677-6278. THU/2, 12-9pm; FRI/3, 11am-9pm; SAT/4, 10am-7pm; SUN/5, 10am-5pm. $12 adult, $9 student and senior.
FRI/3
Andersonville Street Savings
The four-hour street spectacular features live entertainment, refreshments, and Santa himself. Andersonville’s forty-five stores and restaurants are open late and offer discounted goods. The neighborhood’s Chamber of Commerce will even reimburse parking and CTA expenses for customers who spend at least $20 (Your Ride’s on Us!) between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Foster and Clark, (773)728-2995. Also, FRI/17, 6-10pm.
12 Days of Shopping at Cerato
Join designer Kristin Hassan for the kick-off party on Friday from 6-8pm, with a DJ, cocktails, and holiday desserts. Plus, receive 15 percent off Hassan’s holiday collection. The next 11 days include appearances by Elise Bergman on SAT/4, Lara Miller on WED/8, and Christina Fan on SAT/11. Closing party on TUE/14 offers 20 percent off all merchandise from 5-8pm. Cerato Boutique, 3451 N. Southport, (773)248-8604. Through TUE/14.
SAT/4
Ayla’s Bead Bazaar Open House
Extra staffers available for personalized attention for customers seeking a finished piece or the necessary supplies to make their own. Enjoy live music from the Music Institute with some wine and cheese while picking those beads. Ayla’s Originals, 1511 Sherman, Evanston, (847)328-4040. 5-7pm.
Do-Division Fashion Festival
The shops, boutiques and restaurants on Division rock holiday cheer again for Do-Division Holiday. Enjoy complimentary wine from Lulu B and free trolley rides to and from the Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Sale at the Pulaski Park Field House. West Division between Milwaukee and Leavitt. Through SUN/6.
Do-Division Holiday After Party Fashion Show
The Evil Olive after party offers up-close and personal looks at the fashions from the Do-Division Holiday festival. Evil Olive, 1551 W. Division, (312)961-5583. 10:30pm (9pm doors). $15 ($10 with sales receipt from Do-Division).
Eskell Cocktail Party
Come in holiday cocktail attire to find some new holday cocktail attire. Window installation designed by Karin Haas, and drinks provided by Through the Liquor Glass. Join DJ Dave for hors d’oeuvres and deals on all merchandise. Eskell, 1509 N. Milwaukee, (773)486-0830. 6-11pm.
MON/6
Undivided Division Street
Wicker Park salons unite for a weeklong Toys for Tots drive. Customers who donate a new, unwrapped toy receive a $30 women’s/$20 men’s haircut, up to a 60 percent discount. Additional toys offer additional discounts on salon products. Verto Salon and Spa, M Go Fashion Salon, Circle Salon, K Chula Salon, Marquin Hair Salon, 1412-2157 W. Division, (773)715-1026. Through FRI/10.
THU/9
Ultra Diamonds Holiday Gala
Chicago-based fine jewelry company Ultra Diamonds hosts their annual holiday gala, featuring designer Peter Lam and a rare collection of investment-quality loose diamonds. Champagne and appetizers will be served. Proceeds benefit Starlight Children’s Foundation. Ultra Diamonds, 101 S. State, (877)858-7388. 4-8pm.
FRI/10
Pretty in Pilsen
Donate a gently worn sweater, donated to Bridge to Success, and receive 25 percent off one item from Anna Hovet, ColeHaddon Showroom, Kate Boggiano, La Fée Brune, or Objets d’Envy. For each additional sweater, receive $5 off a total purchase. The participating studios will provide wish lists, take photos, and email them to significant others. in Pilsen, 2150 S. Canalport, (773)474-7987. 5-9pm. RSVP to kate@kateboggiano.com.
SAT/11
Evanston’s Winter Wonderland
Main Street merchants in Evanston celebrate their fifth annual holiday shopping festival, featuring Piccolo Theatre mimes posing in the storefront windows. Additional merriment includes strolling carolers, free Mexican hot chocolate, storytelling, children’s projects, a raffle drawing, and Santa Claus. Main Street and Chicago, Evanston.
