Andersonville Chamber Announces 2023 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 2023, ACC is excited to welcome back holiday traditions including the St. Lucia Festival of Lights, Julmarknad, Photos with Santa and the Holiday Trolley along with new events such as Shop & Dine Fridays and Hanukkah Candle Lighting & Drag Queen Storytime.

The new Andersonville Holiday Guide featuring local and independent neighborhood businesses is now available throughout the business district and will be available online via the Holidays in Andersonville page.

The full line-up of Andersonville 2023 Holiday Events includes:

Small Business Saturday & Shop Local Passport | Saturday, November 25, 2023

Andersonville celebrates the national Small Business Saturday movement on Saturday, November 25, 2023 with special offers from participating businesses all weekend long. For an updated list of deals and discounts, visit the Small Business Saturday page.

Small Business Saturday also marks the return of Andersonville’s Shop Local Passport. Visit dozens of passport locations throughout the holiday season for a chance to win gift certificates and other prizes. Pick up a passport at participating retailers or download on the Holidays in Andersonville page. The first 25 people to check-in and pick up a passport at The Understudy Coffee and Books (5531 N. Clark St.) on Small Business Saturday will receive a gift tote filled with goodies (check-in begins at 11 am).

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

Shop & Dine Fridays | Friday, December 1, 8, 15 & 22, 2023

Come out for Andersonville’s Holiday Shop & Dine on four Fridays throughout December. Purchase holiday gifts at over 30 participating locations during the shopping happy hour from 4-7 pm, enjoy weekly holiday carolers and then dine out with friends and family at one of Andersonville’s amazing eateries. For a list of participating businesses and promotions, visits the Holidays in Andersonville page.

Photos with Santa | Sunday, December 3 from 10 am – 2 pm

Visit Santa at The Guesthouse Hotel (4872 N. Clark St) for photos and fun! Cost $10 per family (including furry, four-legged friends). Sign-up for your slot here.

Cookie Decorating with Santa | December 10, 2023 at 10 am, 11:30 am or 1 pm

Register for a cookie decorating session at The Guesthouse Hotel (4872 N. Clark St). Photo with Santa included! Cost $15 per child. Sign-up for your slot at here.

St. Lucia Festival of Lights | Wednesday, December 13, 2023 (begins at 4:45 pm)

Celebrate St. Lucia Day! 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).

Julmarknad | Friday, December 1 – Sunday, December 3, 2023 (hours vary by day)

Julmarknad is the Swedish American Museum's ((5211 N. Clark St.) annual Christmas bazaar featuring traditional Scandinavian and modern handicrafts. Visit the Children’s Museum for crafts, games and a special visit from Santa.

Holiday Trolley | Friday, December 1 – Sunday, December 3 ,2023

It’s not the holidays without a ride on the annual Andersonville Holiday Trolley. The trolley returns to Andersonville all weekend long with Santa making an appearance on Saturday. Hours: December 1 from 5 – 8 pm; December 2 & 3 from 11 am – 4 pm.

Hanukkah Candle Lighting & Drag Queen Storytime | Sunday, December 10, 2023 at 4 pm

The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce is proud to launch its first annual Hanukkah candle lighting! Drag Bubbie Merriam Levkowitz will lead a special Hanukkah drag queen storytime and songs at The Understudy Coffee and Books (5531 N. Clark St.) Afterwards, gather outside to light the Andersonville menorah led by Cantor Kenneth Lyonswright at Clark St. & Catalpa Ave.

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.