Flashing Lights at the Magnificent Mile

So I’ve learned to love the holidays as I’ve gotten older. Chicago is a great city to get you in the mood for the festive season. Because I grew up in New York, I expect tons of lights, ice skating, and bright storefront displays. Chicago never disappoints. You can never really call yourself a true Chicagoan if you’ve never seen the displays at Macy’s, or the lights down Michigan ave! So here are some festive events as well as other random events to get you in a merry mood.

Tonight

• The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) Campus Life and Student Association proudly hosts the annual Holiday Art Sale on Friday, Nov. 20 and Saturday, Nov. 21. The talent and creativity of SAIC students is on display at this unique sale, which offers exquisite one-of-a-kind gifts such as photographs, paintings, sculpture, ceramics, prints and drawings, jewelry, fashion accessories and handmade paper designs. SAIC MacLean Center Ballroom 112 S. Michigan Avenue, Free, 11am.
• The Galleries at the Center on Halsted will present artist Pate Conaway’s sculptural installation 2nd floor art gallery. The installation is also a part of World AIDS Day 2009. The show will run from Nov. 20 – Jan.13. Pate Conaway states, “My current work explores the idea of portrait. Instead of paint on canvas, I am using an inanimate object –a life vest – as a vehicle to express personality and character. This installation of sewn objects plays with the impersonal becoming personal.”   Center on Halsted, 3656 N Halsted, $5 suggested donation, 6:30 pm.

Saturday

• Center on Halsted presents The Fifth Annual Night of Fallen Stars, A Day of Remembrance. Transgender performers include poets, artists, musicians comedians, dancers and other theatrical performers of all ages. Special appearance by Jaila Simms, the first Transgendered artist to win a reality series MTV/P. Diddy’s “Making His Band” Official member of Bad Boy’s “Dirty Money Crew.” This evening will celebrate Chicago’s amazingly talented Transgender community and remember the many Transgendered people who lost their lives to gender hate crimes. Center on Halsted, 3656 N Halsted, $5 suggested donation, 5:30pm.
• Cake Chicago Presents Spoken Word by Jenn P. Live Music by Kathryn Tapper, Ripley Caine & The Locals. $5. Cake Chicago named “Best Gay Variety Show, 2009″ Readers Choice in The Chicago Reader. Red Line Tap, 7006 N. Glenwood, $5, 9pm.
• The third annual Modern Vintage Holiday Market returns Nov. 21 – 22, 2009. Shoppers can adorn, dazzle and kick their holiday shopping off to the right start with gifts in all price ranges, from pennies to thousands, available in a one-stop-shopping experience. In a fun and fanciful space, shoppers will discover fabulous keepsakes from embroidered hankies, sterling spoons and festive aprons, to estate jewelry, couture formal wear and crystal goblets. Independently designed handmade and beautifully preserved vintage ornaments round out the mix and are the perfect gift for anyone. This unique and beautifully-crafted mix of smartly priced vintage and modern goods makes for a simple and convenient one-stop shopping experience for seasonal shoppers looking for memorable and custom-made gifts. Free parking will be available in the Plumbers Hall parking lot and free gift wrapping and packaging will also be offered throughout the weekend. Beaux Arts Plumbers Hall,1340 W Washington St, $8 (half with Student ID), 10am.
• After a full day of live music (11 a.m.-5 p.m.) featuring “Hannah Montana” co-star Mitchel Musso (2 p.m.) and pop group Plain White T’s (3 p.m.), Mickey Mouse leads a street-lighting procession (5:30 p.m.) of more than one million bulbs along North Michigan Avenue called the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. Other celebrities appearing in the ceremony include “Twilight” actress Ashley Greene and Chicago Blackhawk Tony Esposito. Stick around for a fireworks display (6:55 p.m.) over the Chicago River at Michigan Avenue.   Magnificent Mile, 990 N. Michigan Ave., Free, 11am.