The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce Announces 2024 Holiday Events

The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is pleased to announce a festive line-up of holiday events celebrating the community’s rich Swedish heritage and encouraging residents and visitors to “shop local” in support of the neighborhood’s 100+ retail and dining establishments.

For 2024, ACC is excited to welcome back holiday traditions including Late Night Andersonville, the Holiday Trolley, Photos and Cookies with Santa, St. Lucia Festival of Lights, Julmarknad and the annual Hanukkah Candle Lighting & Drag Queen Storytime. To view or download a digital brochure highlighting Andersonville’s holiday events and late night offerings, click here.

The full line-up of Andersonville 2024 Holiday Events includes:

Small Business Saturday & Shop Local Passport | Saturday, November 30, 2024

Andersonville celebrates the 15th annual Small Business Saturday movement on Saturday, November 30, 2024 with special offers from participating businesses all weekend long. For a current list of deals and discounts, visit the Small Business Saturday page.

Pick up your Shop Local Passport on Saturday, November 30 starting at 10 am at Swedish American Museum (5211 N Clark) and shop at least 10 businesses this holiday season for a chance to win up to $300 in Andersonville gift cards. The first 100 people to pick up their passport get a Shop Small Tote Bag and the first 25 receive a gift card to select businesses.

Did you know Andersonville was pivotal in the Small Business Saturday movement? For the full story, listen to the Always Andersonville Podcast.

Photos with Santa | Sunday, December 1, 2024 from 11 am – 4 pm

Visit Santa at The Guesthouse Hotel (4872 N. Clark St) on Sunday, December 1 from 11 am – 4 pm for professional photos and fun! Cost $25 per family (including furry, four-legged friends). Register in advance here. Photography by Juancho SC Photography. All proceeds benefit the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce.

Late Night Andersonville | Friday, December 6 & Friday, December 20, 2024

Late Night Andersonville returns for two nights during the holiday season on Friday, December 6 and Friday, December 20 with dozens of local businesses staying open until 8 pm* for after-hours holiday shopping. Shoppers can also enjoy entertainment throughout the district. For a list of participating businesses and promotions, visit the Late Night Andersonville page. *Hours may vary by business

Julmarknad | Friday, December 6 – Sunday, December 8, 2024

Julmarknad is the Swedish American Museum's (5211 N. Clark St.) annual Christmas bazaar featuring traditional Scandinavian and modern handicrafts. Also enjoy delicious Swedish treats, entertainment and visits from Tomten. Hours: Friday, December 6 from 4 – 8 pm (preview sale), Saturday December 7 from 10 am – 5 pm and Sunday, December 8 from 10 am – 4 pm.

Holiday Trolley | Saturday, December 7 & Sunday, December 8, 2024 from 11 am – 4 pm

It’s not the holidays without a ride on the annual Andersonville Holiday Trolley! Hop on and hop off at eight different stops as the trolley makes a festive 20-minute loop throughout the neighborhood. For a complete list of stops, visit the Holidays in Andersonville page. For extra holiday magic, join Santa on board Saturday, December 7 from 12:30 – 3:30 pm for holiday photos and wishes. Stewpendous Production hosts “Trolley Trivia” on Sunday, December 8 from 1 – 3 pm.

Holiday Cookie Decorating with Santa | Sunday, December 8, 2024 from 10 am – 2 pm

Bring the entire family for a holiday cookie decorating event with Santa on Sunday, December 8, 2024 from 10 am – 2 pm at The Guesthouse Hotel (4872 N. Clark St). The festive event includes a photo-op with Old St. Nick by a professional photographer. Tickets $30. Sign-up for a one-hour slot at 10 am, 11:30 am or 1 pm here. All proceeds benefit the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce.

St. Lucia Festival of Lights | Friday, December 13, 2024 (procession begins at 4:45 pm)

Celebrate St. Lucia Day on Friday, December 13! Andersonville’s St. Lucia celebrations include a procession starting at 4:45 pm from the Swedish American Museum (5211 N. Clark St.) north down the sidewalks of Clark Street, highlighted by children singing “The Lucia Song,” and donning long white robes. The choir will perform again at 5 pm under the Andersonville holiday tree (Clark St. & Catalpa Ave).

Hanukkah Candle Lighting & Drag Queen Storytime | Sunday, December 22, 2024 from 4 pm – 6 pm

Join the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce and Drag Bubbie Merriam Levkowitz for a festive eveing of drag queen storytime, musical performances and the annual lighting of the Hanukkah menorah on Sunday, December 22 from 4 – 6 pm at Rogers Park Montessori School (1800 W. Balmoral Ave.). ACC’s neighborhood menorah will also be on display at Clark St. & Catalpa for all to enjoy.

For holiday dining options, food and toy drives, the Santa Tracker and more, visit the Holidays in Andersonville page.

About the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce:

The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC) fosters a vibrant environment in which Andersonville businesses can thrive by attracting a diverse customer base; providing business support services and advocacy; and engaging in business attraction, long-range planning, and economic development.