🎄✨ Light Up Lakeview East: 30th Holiday Tree Lighting + Dinner Nearby! 🎅🍪

🎄✨ Light Up Lakeview East: 30th Holiday Tree Lighting + Dinner Nearby! 🎅🍪

Cocoa, Carolers, Santa & a Neighborhood Tradition! 🌟

📅 Wednesday, November 18, 2026
🕠 5:30–8:30 PM (meet at 5:30 PM)
📍 Clark Street Dog, 3040 N. Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657
💰 FREE, no tickets needed!
🎟️ Free Eventbrite registration (optional):
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/30th-annual-lakeview-east-holiday-tree-lighting-tickets-2003670033006

🌟 LET THE HOLIDAY MAGIC BEGIN!

Join me for the 30th Annual Lakeview East Holiday Tree Lighting, hosted by the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce! This cozy, low-key neighborhood tradition kicks off the holiday season with twinkling lights, hot cocoa, cookies, and plenty of cheer. ❤️

Santa will be there for photos, and he’s bringing some of his winter friends, who are excited to meet you! 🎅 There will also be carolers, holiday swag giveaways, and Clark Street Dog will be open, so you can grab a hot dog during the ceremony. 🌭

This is a great way to meet neighbors, get in the holiday spirit, and start the season right. Then we’ll head to dinner at one of the great spots nearby! 🍽️

🗓️ OUR EVENING PLAN
🕠 5:30 PM: Meet at Clark Street Dog and say hi to the group
🎄 6:00 PM: Tree lighting out front, with hot cocoa, cookies, Santa & carolers
🍽️ ~6:45 PM: Head to dinner at one of the nearby spots below
🕗 8:30 PM: Wrap up
🌐 OFFICIAL EVENT INFO
🎟️ Eventbrite (free, optional): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/30th-annual-lakeview-east-holiday-tree-lighting-tickets-2003670033006
🎄 Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce: https://lakevieweast.com/holiday-tree-lighting-2026/

🍽️ OPTIONAL DINNER OPTIONS
After the ceremony, we’ll grab a bite at one of these Lakeview East favorites. We’ll pick based on the group’s vibe and wait times:
🇮🇪 Wilde Bar & Restaurant, 3130 N Broadway
An upscale Irish bar with a literary vibe, fireplace, and comfort food. 🔥
🌐 wildechicago.com
🍺 George Street Pub, 2858 N Halsted
Italian beef, burgers, and wings in a casual sports-bar setting with a patio. About a 5-minute walk. Open until 11 PM.
🍔 Pulp & Patty, 2955 N Sheffield Ave
Smash burgers, gyros, smoothies, and bubble tea. Open until 11 PM, and a 4.8★ local favorite. 🥤
🍜 Tuk Tuk Thai Isan Street Food, 2852 N Clark St
Bold, authentic Isan-style Thai street food. 🌶️
🌐 tuktukthai-isan.com
🍕 Zazas Pizzeria, 3037 N Clark St
New York–style slices, right across the street. Open until 9 PM. Seating is limited, so it’s best for a quick bite.
🌮 Taqueria Tejupilco, 2933 N Broadway
Family-owned street tacos in a tiny space (about 3 tables), so it’s best for a quick bite or takeout.
💵 Bring cash! Some restaurants won’t split checks for groups, and cash keeps it simple.

🧥 HELPFUL TIPS

Dress warmly! We’ll be outside in mid-November. 🧣
Arrive a little early to get settled and enjoy the atmosphere
Dress festively if you like, because holiday sparkle is always welcome! ✨
Bring your camera or phone for tree and Santa photos 📸

🌐 OFFICIAL EVENT INFO
🎄 Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce:
https://lakevieweast.com/holiday-tree-lighting-2026/

🚆 GETTING THERE
🚇 CTA Brown/Purple Line, Wellington or Diversey stop, a short walk to Clark & Halsted
🚌 CTA 22 Clark bus runs along Clark Street
🌐 CTA Trip Planner: https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/
🚗 PARKING
Street parking is available around Lakeview East, but evenings can be busy. Watch carefully for posted restrictions and permit zones. 🅿️ SpotHero or ParkWhiz can help you find nearby garages.

📱 LOST OR RUNNING LATE?
Call or text 312-835-4259, and I’ll let you know where we are!
👋 Please check in with Giovina when you arrive!

📌 PLEASE UPDATE YOUR RSVP!
If your plans change, please update your RSVP by the event start time so someone else can take your spot.

⚠️ NO-SHOW POLICY
😬 3 no-shows without updating your RSVP = 3-month event restriction
⏰ RSVP changes must be made by the event start time. Running late? Message the host directly.
🚫 Continual no-shows may result in removal from the group.

🎄✨ Let’s kick off the holiday season with twinkling lights, hot cocoa, Santa, and a great dinner with neighbors and new friends. Hope you can join me! ❤️🎅🍪
— Giovina