Hyde Park Holly-Day Celebration 2024

Sponsored by the University of Chicago, is back for 2024 and better than ever with FREE holiday family activities throughout Hyde Park on Saturday, December 7 at select times between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Don’t miss the ice carving demo & self-guided sculpture stroll, pictures with your favorite Santas, live reindeer & sleigh, ice skating, free screening of “Moana 2", Buddy the Elf, costumed characters, dance performances, and holiday crafts. See you in Hyde Park!

See full schedule/locations below:

53rd STREET ACTIVITIES
Self-Guided Ice Sculpture Stroll – 53rd Street
All Day
Be on the lookout for 12 ice sculptures on both sides of 53rd St. between S. Lake Park Ave. and Woodlawn Ave. Take pix and tag us at @53rdst_hp and #hphollyday to share in the fun!

HARPER COURT ACTIVITIES – 5235 S. Harper Court
Ice Carving Demo
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Watch two ice artists from Nadeau Ice carve holiday-themed sculptures from blocks of ice using chainsaws! Be sure to dress warmly.

Ice Skating
1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Try out your ice skating skills on our outdoor synthetic ice rink! in Harper Court. Free skate rentals available. Be sure to dress warmly.

SKATE AT YOUR OWN RISK
Skaters and parents/guardians of skaters using the ice rink, acknowledge that there is a risk of injury in ice skating, and by entering you freely accept the risk. The use of protective equipment is recommended. This rink is used by both experienced and inexperienced skaters. Injury could result from falling or colliding with others.

HYDE PARK ACTIVITIES – VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Free Movie Screening of “Moana 2” at the Harper Theater – 5238 S. Harper Avenue
10 a.m. – 11:40 a.m.
Free admission to “Moana 2” at the Harper Theater! Total theater capacity is 222 people – first come/first served. No tickets necessary. Running time one hour and 40 minutes. Doors open at 9:15 a.m.

Buddy The Elf
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Look for Buddy in Hyde Park (locations TBD).

Costumed Characters – Around Hyde Park
12-2 p.m.
Meet costumed characters at local businesses.

Character 1 – Ariel
12-12:45 p.m. – Stan’s Donuts – 5225 S. Harper Court
1-2 p.m. – Kilwins – 5226 S. Harper Avenue

Character 2 – Spiderman
12-12:45 p.m. – Bob’s Pizza – 1518 E. Harper Court
1-2 p.m. – Deep Purpl - 5229 S. Harper Court

Character 3 – Olaf
12-12:45 p.m. – Strugglebeard Bakery – 5221 S. Harper Court
1-2 p.m. – Harper Theater - 5238 S. Harper Avenue

Character 4 – Bluey
12-12:45 p.m. – Hyatt Place Hotel – 5225 S. Harper Avenue
1-2 p.m. – Address TBD

THE PROMONTORY ACTIVITIES - 5311 S. Lake Park Ave. W.
Mama Fresh – The Promontory
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
We’re so excited to have Mama Fresh (Jenny LeFlore), Chicago’s coolest mama/community builder/influencer as our fabulous event emcee!

Soul Santa & Mrs. Claus – The Promontory
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Free family photos with Soul Santa and Mrs. Claus at The Promontory. Note: This is a very popular event. We will do our best to accommodate as many people as possible, but we may have to stop the line prior to 1 p.m. to ensure that we finish on time. Thanks for your understanding.

Holiday Crafts – The Promontory
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Kids can create several holiday crafts with Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and winter themes. Note: Some of the crafts have small pieces which could be a choking hazard for young children. Adults must stay with their children while they are making crafts.

Brown Books & Paintbrushes – The Promontory
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Hyde Park nonprofit Brown Books & Paintbrushes will be giving away 300 quality, holiday books for ages 0-teen while supplies last. One book per family while supplies last.

Dance Performances – The Promontory
1:30 p.m. – Hyde Park School of Dance
1:45 p.m. – Kenwood School of Ballet

HYDE PARK SHOPPING CENTER ACTIVITIES
Santa Maui, Live Reindeer & Sleigh – Hyde Park Shopping Center Courtyard
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Free family photos with Santa Maui, two live reindeer, and a sleigh in the Courtyard at Hyde Park Shopping Center! Be sure to dress warmly. Note: This is a very popular event. We will do our best to accommodate as many people as possible, but we may have to stop the line prior to 1 p.m. to ensure that we finish on time. Thanks for your understanding.

Host or Publisher University of Chicago