Holiday To-Dos! Sophisticated To-Dos for Sophisticated Appetites |
|
|
|
|
 The To-Dos don't stop just because it gets a little cold outside!! Soleil's To-Dos has a few ideas for New Year's Eve and to keep this holiday season merry! Sure - you can take the family out to a movie. But, why - when you can visit the Holiday Flower Show at Garfield Park, or Winter Wonderland at the Chicago Botanic Garden? How about ice skating? Millennium Park isn't your only option. Take advantage of one of are several local parks with ice skating rinks and enjoy a far less congested experience. Embrace the winter season with a ski trip! Whether a local overnight excursion or a cross-country trip to Utah or California, I've got some information on a great ski club to get you started!
What's on your wish list this season? Here are a few things on mine:
1. I wish that you'd reach out to someone in need this season. Whether through a formal organization, or giving love to someone who gets a little down this time of year - give of yourself to someone in need of the gift of you.
2. I wish you'd forward this e-mail on to the folks on your distribution list! Forget about spreading "urban legends" and share Soleil's To-Dos instead!
3. I wish you'd let me know if you see a website that has misappropriated (I'm being tactful) information contained on www.SoleilsToDos.com. Imagine my shock when I saw "dimisum" and "dimisummadat" on another event calendar website! (See the New Year's Day Pajama Brunch for Soleil's Take on it.)
4. I wish you'd try something new this season! There are plenty of suggestions in this e-mail!
5. I wish you a:
Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Feliz Navidad and/or Happy Hanukkah and a Happy New Year!
Stephanie! |
| Featured To-Do: "Let It Snow, Let It Grow" |
 This year's Annual Holiday Flower Show will immerse you in a snowy winter wonderland, while inside a warm tropical greenhouse! "Let It Snow, Let It Grow" will feature all white poinsettias, other white blooming plants and bulbs, and plants with silver foliage. Come experience this unique Holiday Flower Show to get in the spirit of the season, and perhaps take a family holiday photo in this amazing setting.
Soleil's Take:This To-Do would be a great holiday outing! It's a very family-friendly place, as children are encouraged to explore and even have their own play area. Okay - adults can play, too - which makes it a comfortable way to start a first date, or rejuvenate an old date! The Conservatory generally doesn't get too crowded, so young and old can amble on through at their own pace. The exhibit will entertain your whole crew, while the cost isn't prohibitive (donations suggested). The Conservatory is beautiful at night - take advantage of their late Thursday hours!
Price: Free! Donation Suggested
When To-Do It: Through January 13, 2008
|
|
| Get Away To-Do It! National Brotherhood of Skiers 35th Anniversary Trip |
If you've never been skiing, let me tell ya: you're in for a thrilling treat! Not only is it a beautiful, scenic experience, but the rush you get from hitting the slopes can't be beat! 
Coming up on January 12, 2008 is the National Brotherhood of Skiers 35th Anniversary Mini-Summit! At the scenic Breckenridge Summit you'll enjoy (with registration):
Entry into NBS activities, Happy Hours, Parties, Picnic on the Hill , a "Buy-Breck" coupon book which offers discounts on ski lessons, rental and demo equipment, discounts at restaurants, bars, pubs, retail and service establishments and The Breck35 Pass. The Breck35 Pass includes 5 days of Skiing at 5 Mountains: Up to 5 days at: Breckenridge, Keystone, Arapahoe Basin, Up to 2 days at: Vail and Beaver Creek.
Now, at this point, pre-registration is closed, but there are still a couple of ways To-Do it: connect with Chicago's Sno-Gophers and try to get in on one of their travel packages. Their website hasn't been updated with the 2007-08 schedule, but the meeting schedule appears to be correct. Or - make your own travel and lodging plans and register on arrival. Or - go as a "renegade;" which means planning your own travel details and possibly paying a la carte for lift tickets, rentals and party admission.
The Sno-Gophers are widely diverse ages and skill levels, so anyone ought to feel comfortable with this group. Trips may be local overnight or weekend trips or national trips. The Sno-Gophers meet on the second and fourth Tuesdays at 8pm at St Ailbe's Hall (lower level), 9015 S. Harper Ave.
Call to confirm meeting dates and make it a great trip! |
|
|
| Seasonal To-Dos! |
|
To-Dos are added frequently, so please visit www.SoleilsToDos.com for current information!
Holiday Flower Show - "Let It Snow, Let It Grow"
Through January 13, 2008
|
To-Do!:
This year's Annual Holiday Flower Show will immerse you in a snowy winter wonderland, while inside a warm tropical greenhouse! "Let It Snow, Let It Grow" will feature all white poinsettias, other white blooming plants and bulbs, and plants with silver foliage. Come experience this unique Holiday Flower Show to get in the spirit of the season, and perhaps take a family holiday photo in this amazing setting. |
|
Soleil's Take:
This To-Do would be a great holiday outing! It's a very family-friendly place, as children are encouraged to explore and even have their own play area. Okay - adults can play, too - which makes it a comfortable way to start a first date, or rejuvenate an old date! The Conservatory generally doesn't get too crowded, so young and old can amble on through at their own pace. The exhibit will entertain your whole crew, while the cost isn't prohibitive (donations suggested). The Conservatory is beautiful at night - take advantage of their late Thursday hours! |
Wonderland Express
Through January 6, 2008
|
To-Do!:
Take a magical trip to a winter wonderland of twinkling lights and holiday beauty at the Chicago Botanic Garden as we kick off the holiday season! Outside, 750,000 white lights sparkle and welcome you and your family to the Garden's wonderland. Inside the Regenstein Center, a 10,000-square-foot exhibition of miniature trains winds over bridges, under trestles, past waterfalls and through dozens of Chicago's favorite landmarks. Paul Busse, designer of the Model Railroad Garden, created this amazing exhibition exclusively for the Garden's holiday celebration.
Walk past an English country train platform, beautifully decorated for the season. Stunning horticultural displays feature hot pink amaryllis, Cymbidium orchids and snow-white Kalanchoe, among others, as well as festively decorated holiday trees. Come with friends and family to the special holiday events listed [on the website] and visit all season for lunches and dinners in the Garden Café.
Special events include "Winter Wonders" Family Drop-in Activities on weekends from November 23 through December 24, and daily from December 26 through January 6, from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Participants can create tree jewelry to feed the birds, explore different kinds of snowflakes and make their own snowflake, and touch and smell various examples of pinecones and conifers. |
The Joffrey Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Through December30, 2007
|
To-Do!:
A holiday tradition not to be missed!
Chicago's most popular family holiday entertainment: Robert Joffrey's glorious production, with enchanting Victorian scenery and costumes, Gerald Arpino's thrilling waltzes of the Snowflakes and Flowers, dozens of dancing and singing children, and the incomparable Joffrey dancers, creating a spectacle children of all ages will cherish forever. The Joffrey's Nutcracker is pure magic. |
Black Nativity
Through December 30, 2007
|
To-Do!:
by Langston Hughes
Directed and Co-Choreographed by Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj
Congo Square Theatre ushers in a hope-filled holiday season with Langston Hughes' gospel-song play Black Nativity. Amidst troubling headlines of war, starvation and genocide, prayers for 'peace on earth and good will toward men' echo across the globe now more than ever. Director and co-choreographer Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj breathes new life into this holiday classic and takes us on a journey across the African diaspora, as we celebrate the story of the birth of Christ. Let us honor the gift of life and celebrate the strength of spirit that connects us all. This production features Congo Square's newest ensemble member, Alexis J. Rogers. |
It's A Wonderful Life
Through December 30, 2007
|
To-Do!:
Adapted from the film by Frank Capra
Directed by ensemble member Marty Higginbotham
Starring ATC founder James Leaming, with ensemble members John Möhrlein and John Sterchi
The perfect choice for the family at holiday time, it's the classic story lovingly performed as a period radio play complete with commercial breaks and live Foley sound effects. ATC's celebrated Ensemble brings the town of Bedford Falls to life, with free milk and cookies after every performance! |
The Nutcracker
Through December 29, 2007
|
To-Do!:
When their son is killed in the war, David and Martha are unable to help their daughter Clara comprehend the loss. Instead she retreats into a nightmarish world in which evil rats are trying to destroy her. Just when all hope seems lost, Great Uncle Drosselmeyer arrives bearing a mysterious gift that may help Clara and her army of toys defeat the rats just in time for Christmas.
The House's completely re-imagined version of The Nutcracker isn't the dusty old ballet you remember. It weaves together riveting dialogue, astonishing puppetry, beautiful song, spellbinding spectacle, and a thrilling eight piece string orchestra to tell a darkly moving story of magic and mystery that you never knew existed. From the creative team behind the recent Chicago hits The Sparrow and The Great and Terrible Wizard of Oz, The Nutcracker is a fresh and startling take on a Christmas classic that's perfect for adults and kids to enjoy together. |
Caroling at Cloud Gate
December 21, 2007
|
To-Do!:
Chicagoans and visitors are invited to Cloud Gate, the city's newest icon, to hear the beautiful voices of a variety of choral groups and a sing-along to holiday favorites. Each evening, both the choristers and those singing along will be invited to hold holiday candles. The reflection of the candles will twinkle in the stainless steel of Cloud Gate, creating a magical holiday scene in the center of the city. |
A MANO Feast of the Seven Fishes
December 24, 2007
|
To-Do!:
A MANO and Executive Chef John Caputo is pleased to present Feast of the Seven Fishes: An Italian Christmas Eve. Be transported to Italia for an authentic evening that features a delicious, five-course menu offering il cenone, la vigilia, or Feast of the Seven Fishes, a traditional Italian meal that includes a minimum of seven varieties of seafood. |
|
Soleil's Take:
Don't feel like dealin' with Cousin Junebug's antics or Uncle Pete's philosophical fifth-of-vodka-induced mental meanderings? Wanna take a break from cooking or avoid the traditional half-cooked sweet potatoes with raw marshmallows? This might be just the break you need - enjoy an incredible, relaxing meal the night before! Reservations will fill quickly! |
The Epitome - New Year's Eve 2008
December 31, 2007
|
To-Do!:
Don't just go to a typical New Year's Eve party, a boring club or boxed in a hotel conference room. Treat yourself to "An Experience of a Lifetime" hosted in 2 of Chicago's most Beautiful Ballrooms (Old School & New School) on the historical Magnificent Mile. We've got over 15 confirmed celebrities in attendance, which include star players from the Chicago Bulls, Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs, Actors and Recording Artist. There is no place in the Midwest where you can get all of this fun, excitement and surprises under one roof!
Live comedy - featuring Lil' Rel. Live African Stilt Walkers. Visual Illusions by the Spellbinder. The Epitome Experience of a Lifetime Includes: Open Bar, Open Buffet, Two Beautiful Ballrooms, Old School Music, New School Music, Party Favors, Champagne Toast, Confetti Countdown, Live Entertainment and a Very Special Surprise! |
Harlem Renaissance New Years Eve with Terisa Griffin
December 31, 2007
|
To-Do!:
Join Terisa Griffin for a Fabulous Classic New Years Eve. This is a Grown and Sexy New Years Eve. This lavish event will cater to the old school vibe of class and elegance with entertainment and partying. Dress to Impress and dance and party without worry. A Free delicious Buffet will be available through the evening. Free Party Favors and a Free Champagne Toast to bring the New Year in Sponsored by Korbel Champgne. There is even free Sparkling Cider for those who do not drink Champagne for the New Years Eve Toast. Under the Roof of the Classic Rennaissance of Room 43, There is a Room for every Palet: A Room 43 for Steppers and A room 43 for the Harlem Renaissance of Classic Music Featuring Terisa Griffin and ending the evening with Original Style House Music. Come and Party with style and grace. (Cash Bar Available) Remy Martin and Imperial Vodka Sponsors as well. This is a My Naked Soul Productions and Grassroots Production. Valet Parking Available as well! Door Prizes Every Hour!!!!!!!!!! |
|
Soleil's Take:
If somehow you really don't know, Terisa Griffin is pure diva, baby! I think this one is sure to be a great NYE spot, particularly cool for south siders who won't have to drive too far to make it back home safely!
Purchase your general admission tickets by December 24th for only $40! |
New Year's Evolution
Monday, December 31, 8:00pm
|
Soleil's Take:
This one is bound to be packed! Sponsored by A2, Black Alumni, Brian Wallace & Stephen Mitchell, BYPOC, Collective Qwest, EnFullAffect Marketing, 432 Entertainment, Miracle Entertainment, Newbirth and Urban Upscale - each of whom draws a nice crowd individually, this mega-collaborative is sure to be throwin' it down on New Year's Eve!
Have a safe New Year's Eve and Happy New Year! |
A MANO Capo d'Anno
Monday, December 31, 8:30pm
|
To-Do!:
It's New Years Italian style! Music, Dancing, a Huge Feast, Lentils, Presecco & Red Underwear. Italians have a lot of traditions for NYE celebrations which are centered around a huge feast. Lentils symoblize money, pork for richness, and red underwear to bring good luck in the New Year! Come for: Food Staions, Midnight Champagne Toast, and a DJ from 9pm. |
|
Soleil's Take:
This one will get you just in time to hit up a downtown NYE party! |
"Bronzeville Swing" New Years Eve Gala
Monday, December 31, 9:00pm
|
To-Do!:
Walk the black carpet for a nostalgic evening of...
Live Entertainment
DJ Phokiss & DJ Brian Sayles
Open Bar
Complimentary Hors d'Oeuvres
Midnight Champagne Toast |
Close Up 2 New Year's Eve Celebration
Monday, December 31, 9:00pm
|
To-Do!:
* Wonderful Food
* Champagne Toast and Party Favors
* Limited Seating
Make your reservations before December 17th for VIP Room or Entertainment Room. |
|
$100, single; $150, couple |
New Year's Day Pajama Brunch!
Tuesday, January 1, 2008, 10:00am
|
To-Do!:
Come to Cafe Ba Ba Reeba! in your pajamas and receive a certificate for a future meal equal to the price of your meal excluding tax and gratuity!
Brunch includes complimentary churros con chocolate & fresh squeezed orange juice. |
|
Soleil's Take:
Now you know you can't beat that with a stick! Here's the real deal - however much you spend (on food, liquor or anything else on the menu), you receive gift cards equal to the pre-tax total of your bill. So, while you'll pay on the front end, you'll have a perfect excuse to visit Cafe Ba Ba Reeba within the next 11 months! The food is delicious, the sangrias - refreshing and the vibe is lively and the waitstaff - hilarious in their robes, slippers or footie pajamas. |
| |
|
|
| New To-Dos! |
Live music, theater, poetry and so much more coming up! Visit New To-Dos for the full run-down and great interactive options like: sort by category, choose calendar view, download event to your calendar, send text message and e-mail reminders, keyword search - and so much more!
| | |
| Soleil's Spotlight is on: The Natural Hair Culturist! |
|
NaTuRaL hAiR cUlTuRiSt DoT cOm
Hair brings one's self-image into focus; it is vanity's proving ground. Hair is terribly personal, a tangle of mysterious prejudices.
~Shana Alexander There's still time to tighten it up for the holidays, and Mandisa can help! Visit www.NaturalHairCulturist.com and schedule an appointment for that perfect holiday hairdo! | |
| Soleil's To-Dos!
|
 |
|
|
