Rogers Park's 'Polar Palooza' Returns with Expanded Activities for 2025 Holiday Season

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Rogers Park · December 7, 2025

Rogers Park residents are gearing up for the return of the popular 'Polar Palooza,' the annual two-day outdoor winter festival organized through a collaboration between Loyola University Chicago, Rogers Park Business Alliance, and the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce. This year's celebration promises to be larger than previous iterations with expanded activities throughout the North Sheridan Road corridor.

The family-friendly event will feature an impressive array of seasonal offerings including food from neighborhood restaurants, live music performances by local artists, face painting stations, holiday cookie decorating workshops, a specialty cocoa bar, character meet-and-greets, and a marketplace showcasing Rogers Park artisans and vendors. New for the 2025 edition is a synthetic ice skating rink where attendees can experience winter fun regardless of weather conditions, plus extended evening hours for the North Sheridan Road holiday illumination celebration that transforms the area into a festive winter wonderland.

Community members interested in participating as vendors or volunteers are encouraged to contact the Rogers Park Business Alliance. In lieu of admission fees, attendees are invited to bring canned food donations to benefit local food pantries, emphasizing the event's focus on community support during the holiday season. Mark your calendars for this beloved neighborhood tradition that continues to bring Rogers Park residents together for seasonal celebration.

Sources:
1. https://www.luc.edu/communityrelations/communityevents/
2. https://www.luc.edu/communityrelations/stories/archive/communityrelationspresentspolarpalooza.shtml