By Laurie Borman
Chicago Street Smart

Chicago’s Magnificent Mile® and State Street are must-dos for any holiday strolling, of course. The store windows in Macy’s, the lights up and down Michigan Ave. But there are lots more places …

Finish your holiday shopping in the Oak Park Arts District this weekend. We’re open late this Friday (6-9 PM, with some restaurants open later!), and will light the street in your honor. Don’t forget to support Oak Park schools with your purchase of Origami Gratitude Cranes!

“Shop the Village” is back in Oak Park!  This year, organizers outfitted a character “Super Shopper Spotter,” in a customized super-hero costume, complete with bright red cape, mask and boots. With the letter “S” in …

For the holiday ritual that drove people out of town, Longfellow moms and a whole bunch of helper elves put together a neighborhood fundraiser. See more of the article in the Wednesday Journal by Matthew Wilson.

The new addition to Dancing Krow Studio, the Third Friday Gallery (43 Harrison), looking for new artists to join us in showing their work during the January and all future Third Fridays.  If you are interested in being seen, …

Check out how busy the Buzz is in December - from Bible study to Mind Tango, Farmer’s Market Band to Ella Gill acoustic guitar.

Get your photo taken with Santa. All proceeds will benefit Longfellow PTO, Sarah’s Inn and the Food Pantry. The children also receive a goody bag from Santa, while parents get a list of street coupons — and then wander the street to fill the goody bag and take advantage of the coupons! Look for hands-on creative activities at Calypso Moon, Creative Changes, Prodigy Glassworks, and Pamela Penney Textile Arts.

Enroll your children in the Oak Park Arts District’s Summer Art Camp and give them the opportunity to expand their art skills with professional artists through dance and movement, mixed-media, glasswork, beading, painting, culinary arts, fiber arts, print-making, yoga and more.