“Deck the Halls with Doggo” this weekend! From a towering Christmas tree to open-air markets and meet-and-greets with the Grinch, there’s a host of festive, dog-friendly events across the city and suburbs this weekend.
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P.P.S. Keep doggo close with our exclusive Patio Leash™—it’s the pawfect length for when you’re out and about!
Millennium Park, Near Michigan Ave. & Washington St., Chicago
Daily through January 9
Towering 55 feet tall against the shops and restaurants of Michigan Avenue, the 109th City of Chicago Christmas Tree makes the pawfect holiday card backdrop with your best pal. This year’s tree is a Colorado Bruce Spruce and was donated by the Glisovic family of Morton Grove. Cap off the day with a seasonal drink from nearby Momentum Coffee and walk through the park.
Yorktown Center, Lombard
Thursday, December 15, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Suburban Lombard’s Yorktown Center is known for its collection of canine-friendly stores, spaces and events, including Yappy Hour at the Dog Lounge on the upper level in Center Court. Dress pup in her most festive outfit for the chance to win a holiday prize package from It’s So Fluffy Pet Bakery! The top five dogs will go on to the final voting round on the mall’s Instagram. The dog with the most votes in the comments at 4 p.m. on December 19 will win. Don’t miss the festive photo opps and T-R-E-A-T-S by It’s So Fluffy Pet Bakery.
Itasca Softball Complex, Itasca
Saturday, December 17, 8:30–10:30 a.m.
Your dog can channel their inner Max from “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at this free, early morning photo shoot with the grouchy green guy himself. Leave home with a camera in tow and head to the Itasca Softball Complex’s Barking Lot dog park. Then stick around the park to burn off some zoomies, which includes separate small dog and mixed sized dog areas with fun play pieces.
The Joinery, Chicago
Sunday, December 18, 12–4 p.m.; Tickets required
Skip the big box stores and W-A-L-K on over to this stunning Logan Square venue to shop 20 small business vendors. Pick up gifts for even the hardest to shop for hoomans, from jewelry and bags to candles. Well-behaved, leashed dogs will leave with a small bag of treatos and a photo with Santa. Round out the afternoon by picking up a pint at one of the neighborhood’s many dog-friendly breweries like Solemn Oath Brewery.
Gman Tavern, Chicago
Sunday, December 18, 1–4 p.m.; Tickets required (21+ only)
This Wrigleyville staple known for its low-key vibe, beer, pool and pinball is home base for MCP Chicago Rescue & Outreach’s annual all-you-can-drink Howlidawgs Party. Doors open at 1 p.m., but why not belly up with buddy at the bar beforehand. The $30 admission price lands you endless drinks, snackies, and plenty of raffle opportunities. If you’re feeling extra generous, snag a festive photo with your pup for $20. After all, it benefits animal rescue efforts!
Don’t have a dog already? Get a heckin’ dog!
New memories are made every holiday season. This year, bring home a lovable rescue dog from this upcoming local adoption event.
Chicago Wolves Adopt-A-Dog Program
- Each month of the 2022-23 season, the American Hockey League affiliate Chicago Wolves partners with the South Suburban Humane Society and PAWS Chicago for Adopt-A-Dog Night at Allstate Arena in Rosemont. This month’s event takes place on Saturday, December 17. To date, more than 1,500 dogs have found new families.
Reach Rescue, Inc.
- This Mundelein-based foster organization is fully volunteer-run. Visit their weekly adoption events year-round every Saturday from 12–4 p.m. You may just find your pawfect match.
Sniff out more events on our calendar and submit your own events here. And don’t furget to tag us @SidewalkDog in pics of your tail-waggin’ weekend!
Featured photo: Kostiantyn Li
Sidewalk Dog’s mission is to help dog parents spend more time with their puppers by discovering and sharing activities they can do and places they can go—together! Sniff out our award-winning newsletter and Instagram, and join our Dog-Friendly Chicago Facebook Group.
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