Some of the Best Christmas Concerts Are Free in the Chicago, IL, Area

Most Cook County residents have done their best to be good but ended up with a lump of coal before stockings had even been hung by the fire - the second instalment Property Tax bills due December 1st. It came as no surprise that we got these just before Christmas (due to an unexplained clerical delay) but some people were hit with unexpected increases in what they owe. This, combined with other economic woes, means that the holidays may have a lean and hungry look about them this year. The good news is that Chicago area people are survivors and besides, the best Christmas things like lights, music and decorations can be had for almost nothing at all if you look carefully.

Free Concerts

December 1st through December 18th, 12 Noon to 1:00 p.m.

Each weekday, a concert of Christmas classics will be performed by children's choirs hailing from Chicago schools. (For schedule of school choirs and when they will perform, see www.Chicagotraveler.com). The event takes place in the Loop, in the west end of City Hall lobby (121 N. LaSalle) near the LaSalle Street entrance. This event has been thrilling Chicagoans for years and admission is free.

November 27th through December 18th (Fridays only - no performance time is provided)

Caroling at Cloud Gate features a variety of choral groups and a chance to join in a holiday sing-along. (AT&T Plaza - Millennium Park Cloud Gate.) Admission is free.

Sunday, December 6th , 2009, 3:30 p.m.

The Chicago Chamber Orchestra directed by Dieter Kober will perform a sing-along Messiah at Second Presbyterian Church, 1936 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL. Admission is free.

Sunday, December 13th, 2009, 3:30 p.m.

Admission is also free for this encore Messiah performance by the same group at First United Methodist Church, 324 North Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, IL.

For more information about either event, phone 312-357-1551, e-mail Koberdieter@aol.com or visit www.chicagochamberorchestra.org.

December 26th through January 1st, 10:00 p.m.

Malcolm X College and the Bolozi Wazee (Council of Elders) - Shule Ya Watoto (School for Children) will present its 14th Annual Kwanzaa Observance Program at the College. For more information, contact Jessica Holloway, Kwanzaa Chairperson at 312-850-7472 or e-mail: Arhoden@ccc.edu. Admission is free (first come, first served).

Sources:

Websites mentioned in article above.

Personal experience.