With 2015 quickly nearing a close, the Heron Agency team wants to help relish the last couple months of the year and all of the festivities and deals it brings. From beautiful French-inspired pies only available once a year to New Year’s Eve performances of audience favorites, the end of 2015 is sure to be a memorable one!
Holiday Shows/Events:
Enjoy a true Midwestern holiday show with A Christmas Story
- The beloved holiday tale the broke Theatre at the Center box office records when previously produced in 2002 and 2006, A CHRISTMAS STORY once again takes the stage during the holiday season November 19 through December 27, opening November 22 at 1040 Ridge Road in Munster. Based on the award-winning film, the play by Phil Grecian tells the story of Ralphie Parker, who longs for a genuine Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. The source material for the film was the warm and hilarious story collection In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash by local Hammond, Indiana native Jean Shepherd. The holiday classic will be directed by Jeff Award-winner Linda Fortunato (Monty Python’s Spamalot, A Christmas Carol, 42nd Street at Theatre at the Center). For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit TheatreAtTheCenter.com or call 219.836.3255.
It’s a Wonderful Santaland Miracle, Nut Cracking Christmas Story… Jews Welcome!
- Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, presents THE holiday show of the season; It’s a Wonderful Santaland Miracle, Nut Cracking Christmas Story… Jews Welcome! The hilarious holiday cavalcade runs November 19 through December 27, with direction by Stage 773 Creative Director Brian Posen and choreography by Matter Dance. This family-friendly, interactive show features familiar Christmas carols, original musical numbers, dance, sketch comedy, puppets and everything in between. Stage 773 puts their twist on the traditional holiday show, packing the world’s most beloved stories and traditions into one extravagant event. To heighten the holiday spirit, both cookies and non-holiday-specific eggnog will be served. All tickets may be purchased at the Stage773 box office, by phone at 773.327.5252 or online at Stage773.com.
Celebrate the Holiday with Hershey Felder as the man who wrote “White Christmas”
- Celebrate the man that composed some of the most iconic American songs in the Midwest Premiere of Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin, playing now through December 6 at the Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted Street. Known as “America’s composer,” Irving Berlin brought us songs that have stood the test of time with pieces like “White Christmas,” “God Bless America,” “Blue Skies” and more. Written and performed by Hershey Felder, Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin is
The Blockbuster hit, ELF, comes alive on stage at The Marriott Theatre!
- Join Buddy the Elf in his larger than life quest from the North Pole to NYC to find his true identity with The Marriott Theatre’s holiday production of ELF, now running through December 31. After opening to rave reviews, ELF is based on the hit 2003 film starring Will Ferrell, with a spectacular score by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin, and a book by Tony Award-winners Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin. 15-time Jeff Award-winner Marc Robin will bring his joyful energy to the stage to direct and choreograph the heartwarming production, with musical direction by Ryan T. Nelson. The perfect holiday show for the entire family, ELF will also have two performance on New Year’s Eve at 1:00 and 8:00 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit marriotttheatre.com or call 847.634.0200.
Oh, the Thinks you can think…when you think about Seuss!
- The exuberant imagination of Dr. Seuss comes alive on stage this holiday season with The Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences’ magical musical Seussical, running November 11 through December 30, 2015 at 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, IL. Created by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (the Tony Award-winning team behind the acclaimed musical Ragtime) the whimsical production is based on more than 14 beloved stories by children’s author Dr. Seuss, brought together by Jojo, a young “thinker of strange and wonderful thinks.” For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit marriotttheatre.com or call 847.634.0200.
Celebrate the classics with Chicago’s oldest music organization, The Apollo Chorus of Chicago
- The iconic Apollo Chorus is back for their 2015-2016 season with masterworks in legendary Chicago settings for the holiday season. Hailed as a “venerable holiday tradition” by The Chicago Tribune and a holiday tradition for many Chicago families, Apollo Chorus continues their annual famous rendition of Handel’s Messiah on Saturday, December 19 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 20 at 2 p.m. at Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph Drive, Chicago.
Laugh your way through 300 years of music with The Baritones!
- Conceived by tree-time Tony Award nominee Marc Kudisch, and written by Kidisch along with Broadway veteran Merwin Foard, Metropolitan Opera star Jeff Mattsey, and Musical Director Timothy Splain, Chicago favorite Hershey Felder Presents Baritones Unbound. Continuing the Hershey Felder Presents season at The Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted Street, Baritones Unbound begins in 1791 with the first major baritone role and guides our eyes and ears through each baritone role making him hero, anti-hero, and ultimately the romantic voice of the common man with theatrical, musical and comedic mechanisms. Playing a special holiday engagement from December 11, 2015 through January 3, 2016.
Spice up the holiday shopping experience at Le Méridien Chicago – Oakbrook Center
- Le Méridien Chicago – Oakbrook Center, 2100 Spring Road, Oak Brook, is offering the ultimate happy hour this Fall and Winter with the creation of their special “Holiday Happy Hour” package. As the only hotel located on Oakbrook Center’s property, Le Méridien Chicago – Oakbrook Center provides shoppers taking on the hustle and bustle of the popular destination (and those dragged along for the ride) a new way to enjoy the experience. Priced at just $65 per person (plus tax and gratuity), the package includes all the elements to reach the ultimate in enjoyment- massage, cocktails, delicious dining as well as valet parking to avoid the crowds. This package is available Tuesday through Saturdays through December 23. To book, contact Victoria Yurachek, Victoria.yurachek@lemeridienoakbrook.com.
Put a luxurious spin on the holidays at Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph
- Located in America’s heartland, Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph, 620 North High Street, will offer a special Holiday Staycation in the Short North package this season for holiday travelers. The experience begins upon arrival, with complimentary valet parking and a complimentary holiday-themed welcome amenity. Guests will be able to unwind after a long day of shopping in the city’s Short North district with 20% off spa services in the hotel’s lavish Spa Suites, as well as enjoy complimentary standard Wi-Fi in all guestrooms. The Holiday Staycation in the Short North package begins $224. The Holiday Staycation in the Short North package is available December 10-12, and December 17-19, 2015. Guests must be 21 years of age to reserve and package must be booked 72 hours prior to date of stay. To book, please call 877.782.0116 and mention promo code LOP.
The Pie That Comes Once A Year from Vanille
- Celebrate Thanksgiving with a once-a-year treat from French-inspired patisserie Vanille. Known and loved for their French macaroons, cakes and artisanal pastries and desserts, Vanille brings back their annual Thanksgiving pies- Pumpkin with cinnamon whipped cream, Traditional Pecan and Apple Streusel. Any two pies for $49.95 or $27.95 for one. To ensure Thanksgiving delivery, place all orders by Sunday, November 22nd.Thanksgiving hours for Clark Street location will be 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Locations in Lincoln Park (2108 N. Clark Street, Chicago), the Chicago French Market (131 N. Clinton Street, Chicago) and coming soon in Lakeview (3243 N. Broadway, Chicago).
Kick off The Holidays with Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park’s Luxury Cookie Exchange
- Fairmont Chicago, Millennium starts the December holiday fever with their second annual Cookies & Cheer, A Luxury Cookie Exchange, Thursday December 3, 2015. Guests enjoy an array of gourmet cookies while sipping wine and mingling with Fairmont Chicago’s culinary staff. Before departing, they’ll choose three dozen to take with them, wrapped and ready to share! Tickets are $50 per person, reservations are required.
Add Some Sparkle this Holiday Season with Geja’s Café’s 36th Annual Champagne Dinner
- Recently voted as the nation’s Most Romantic Restaurant by USA TODAY, legendary Chicago destination Geja’s Café presents the 36th Annual Champagne Festival, December 1 through February 29, 2016, featuring champagnes and sparkling wines from Roederer Estates. To kick off the three-month-long festival, Geja’s invites guests to a special tasting on Sunday, December 6th at 1 pm with the Louis Roederer Champagne Tasting (cost is $30 per person). In addition the tasting, Geja’s will host the Louis Roederer Champagne Winemaker Dinner the following day on Monday, December 7th, featuring a four-course dinner with each course paired appropriately with a Louis Roederer wine (cost is $55 per person, which includes the wines, dinner, tax, and gratuity).
Skip the Kitchen this Thanksgiving with Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park
- Spend more time at the dinner table and out of the kitchen this holiday season with Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park with their Thanksgiving at Home Dinner. A world-class holiday meal prepared by Fairmont Chicago’s culinary team indlucing everything from a full roasted turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes and choice of dessert gives you more time to spend with your loved ones. Thanksgiving at Home Dinner serves 8-10 guests at $260. Additional items are available for purchase.
Get more out of Black Friday with Massage Envy Chicagoland
- One night is never enough- get more this year with Massage Envy Chicagoland and their Black Friday Event from November 16 to November 27. Save an average of 38% on Massage Envy exclusive favorites like the Spongelle Vanilla Bourbon Body Wash Buffers, Whish Body Wash Trio in pomegranate, blueberry and lavender, Performance Health Therapearl Eye Mask and more! More information or to find your local Massage Envy at com.
New Year’s Events:
Ring in the New Year right and catch A Jersey Voice at Theatre at the Center
- From John Michael Coppola of Chicago’s long running hit, Jersey Boys, comes A Jersey Voice: Sinatra to Springsteen and Everyone In Between. Coppola takes the audience through some of America’s most beloved sounds starting in the 1940s and featuring the music of icons like Dean Martin, Billy Joel and, of course, a healthy dose of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Performances take place Thursday, December 31, 2015 at 6:00 and 10:00 p.m. Tickets are for adults are $40, students are $20 (6pm show only). Dinner and show tickets are $68 (plus tax). For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit TheatreAtTheCenter.com or call 219.836.3255.
Put a Latin spin on New Year’s Eve at El Tapeo
- After the success and popularity of its first NYE event in 2014, modern Spanish restaurant El Tapeo invites guests to ring in 2016 with the 2nd Annual New Year’s Eve party on Thursday, December 31. Located on the 9th floor of Le Méridien Chicago – Oakbrook Center, 2100 Spring Road, El Tapeo will offer two dinner seatings, each featuring a complimentary glass of sangria or sparkling champagne. Guests who book the second dinner seating will be granted complimentary access to a festive party from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m., featuring live entertainment, party favors, and a midnight toast. Make a night of it with Le Mérdien’s Overnight Package for $149 plus tax. In order to receive this discount, guests must have a confirmed El Tapeo reservation for one of the options below.
- The first seating, offered between 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., until 8:30 p.m., will feature El Tapeo’s signature à la carte menu. Highlights include traditional Spanish tapas, such as Albondigas, lamb and bacon meatballs, romesco, toasted almonds & parsley; Tortilla Española made of confit artichoke, spinach, goat cheese omelet, romesco & crème fraiche.
- The second seating, offered from 9 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. will feature a prix-fixe, three course meal for $85 per person. The menu spotlights a number of El Tapeo’s most popular tapas, artfully constructed main dishes, and rich desserts. The prix-fixe option also includes complimentary access to the party.
- Reservations are required. Guests of the first dinner seating who would like to enjoy the party, or those who would like to only attend the party, can do so for an entrance fee of $35.
Ring in the News Year at Chicago’s Most Romantic
- Geja’s Café will ring in the new year with three special reserved seatings on Thursday, December 31, 2015. Reservations are available for 5:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Guests will enjoy a four-course fondue dinner complete with cheese fondue appetizer, salad, lobster, shrimp and beef entrée, and Geja’s famous flaming chocolate dessert fondue. The evening’s packages also include sparkling wine. For more information or to make a reservation, visit gejascafe.com or call (773) 281-9101.
Heron Agency’s Gift Guide:
For the family member that never treats themselves
- The nation’s pioneer and largest massage therapy provider, Massage Envy Spa Chicagoland’s 43 locations become the one-stop shop for holiday gift giving needs this season with gift sets and gift-card deals that will solve all of your holiday needs.
- Massage Envy Spa Gift Card + Free 1 hr. Service– Ideal for anyone who could use some relaxation in their life- buy $150 in Massage Envy Spa gift cards and receive a free 1 hour massage or facial service valid through 9/15/2016.
- Vanilla Bourbon Duet Kit– Spongelle’s Duet body wash buffers infused with vanilla and bourbon scrubs, hydrates and leaves a clean relaxing aura.
- Aqua De Soi Lavender Provence Candle – Gift Soi Co’s 100% soy, Lavender Provence-soothing French Lavender candle brings scents of lavender jam and zesty spearmint to the family member who could use some well-earned aromatherapy.
- Pedi Scrub– Spongeables’s Pedi Scrubs offers the gift of a salon-grade pedicure scrub to the friend always on the move. With their patent-pending technology foam-release system with aromatherapy, Pedi Scrub exfoliates massages and moisturizes all in the comfort of home.
- Coconut Body Butter and Bath Gel Duo– Wish’s bath gel due includes Body Butter that moisturizes, firms and purifies while working in tandem with the Bath and Body gel that moisturizes, cleanses and soothes with all natural, organic ingredients.
- Mini Spa Treatment– Perfect for the friend that prefers at-home pampering. Do Not Disturb’s Mini Spa Treatment includes everything needed to relax without braving the winter weather: soothing lavender sleep mask, Healing Lavender Soy Candle, Lavender Spa Cream and Lavender Bubble Bath.
- Muscle Relief Set– For the avid athlete, Massage Envy’s exclusive Muscle Relief set from Performance Health includes a Biofreeze roll on, Therapearl sports pack and Therapearl resistance band all at a size portable by gym bag.
- Salt Shaker Trio– Another Massage Envy exclusive, SF Salt Company’s Salt Shaker Trio includes Muscle Soak, Sleep Lavender and California Breeze, offering yet another reason to soak in the bath for a winter evening to relax.
The perfect holiday gift for your sketchy friends
- Grab tickets for the largest sketch comedy festival in the nation, the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival, returning for its 15th consecutive year at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, January 7 through 17, 2016. Since its debut in 2002, the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival has grown from 35 local Chicago Sketch Comedy groups gathering together to perform their craft to becoming the largest festival of its kind in the world, attracting over 1,000 artists and 10,000 patrons annually. As part of this hallmark 15th anniversary year, Stage 773 Creative Director and Founder of the festival Brian Posen and the Sketchfest Artistic Team have cultivated an exclusive line-up of headliners to represent Stage 773’s history of excellence in festival programming. The entire schedule for the 15th Annual Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival may be viewed at www.ChicagoSketchfest.com. Tickets for the 15th Annual Chicago Sketch Festival will be $15 each and will go on sale December 1, 2015 at 12 p.m. Festival passes, regularly priced at $150, will be available for only $100 if purchased before December 31 at www.Stage773.com, by phone at 773.327.5252, and in person at the Stage 773 box office.
The ultimate stocking stuffers from the All Chocolate Kitchen
- As the world’s real life Willy Wonka, Chef Alain Roby of the All Chocolate Kitchen has done it all – from making longtime friend Jenny McCarthy’s 6-tier wedding cake to winning three Guinness World Records, Chef Roby has now launched his Eros Chocolate Aroma Line. Based off the popularity from Chef’s 948-pound, all white chocolate sculpture of the God of Love “Eros”, Chef’s EROS Chocolate Aroma Line features unique flavors inspired by the God of Love, such as Milk Chocolate Ganache and Milk Caramel Sea Salt. Cost for each truffle $2, or $9 for a gift-wrapped box of 4.
- Go Big or Go Home: Known for breaking world records, Chef Roby has created the ultimate chocolate creation, the Big Bar, made entirely of Grand Cru Milk Chocolate. The Big Bar is available in both dark and milk chocolate and is 9 inches of the world’s finest chocolate, making it the perfect stocking stuffer. ($15)
- For the pastry chef in your life: After the major success of his first book, “Alain Roby’s American Classics, Casual and Elegant Desserts”, Roby has released a second edition featuring some of the most popular recipes from the original and unveiling new ones. The perfect holiday gift, this mouth-watering book is sure to please even amateur chefs with its simple yet unique recipes. Chef’s first edition was hailed as elevating “even a simple dessert into a work of art” and was chosen as an editor’s top ten pick on The Food Channel. ($39.95)
- For the collector: Full-blown Sugar Art – Another one of Chef Roby’s famous creations is his full-blown sugar art. Known for being able to make practically anything out of sugar, Chef Roby has previously made a huge blown sugar pumpkin, blown sugar snowman, little robins and nests, poinsettias, candy canes, penguins – you name it, Chef Roby can make it. (creations starting at $39.50).
