Hyde Park Holly-Day Celebration Returns This Weekend with Free Family Activities and Museum's Special 'Naughty or Nice' Night

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Hyde Park · December 2, 2025

Hyde Park residents looking for festive fun this December can mark their calendars for the beloved Hyde Park Holly-Day Celebration returning this Saturday, December 6. The free community event, sponsored by the University of Chicago in partnership with local organizations, will transform the neighborhood into a winter wonderland with activities spanning from 53rd Street to Harper Court.

Families can enjoy a variety of seasonal offerings including an ice carving demonstration, a self-guided ice sculpture stroll, photos with Santa, and free movie screenings at Harper Theater. Meanwhile, the neighborhood's Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is hosting its special 21+ 'Naughty or Nice' after-hours event on December 4, where adults can explore the museum's "Christmas Around the World" exhibition with seasonal cocktails, holiday trivia, and special activities. The museum event offers a unique opportunity to stroll through the wildly popular Spider-Man exhibition, experience the Coal Mine Tour, and enjoy festive face painting in an adults-only setting.

Community members interested in the Holly-Day Celebration can begin their adventure at any location along 53rd Street between Lake Park Avenue and Woodlawn Avenue, with no registration required for this free family-friendly event. Those looking to attend the museum's evening celebration should purchase tickets in advance through the Griffin MSI website.

Sources:
1. https://news.wttw.com/2025/11/04/2025-chicago-holiday-events-guide
2. https://www.timeout.com/chicago/things-to-do/naughty-or-nice