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A Running List of Food Events in Chicago this Winter

Meredith Francis
Two mugs of mulled wine.

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Though the warm, sunny days of Chicago’s festival season are behind us, there is still foodie fun to be had as the temperatures drop this winter. We’ve compiled a list of food events that we’ll update as winter goes on. Don’t forget to check the event websites for information on tickets, pricing, and more. Know of a food-related festival or event in Chicago or the suburbs? Let us know at [email protected].

Breakfast, Lunch, and Tea with Santa

Saturday, December 3, 2022 | 220 N. Euclid Ave., Oak Park
Combine a food event with Santa and you’ve got yourself a party. This Oak Park event has separate seatings for breakfast, lunch, or afternoon tea with Santa. The event also doubles as a toy drive for Sarah’s Inn.

Chicago Wine Fest: Winter Edition

Saturday, December 10, 2022 | Artifact Events, 4325 N. Ravenswood Ave.
Sip on more wines at this winter tasting event at Artifact Events in Ravenswood. Enjoy food and wines from around the world.

Holiday Cocktail Festival

Saturday, December 10, 2022 | 149 W. Kinzie St.
If you like to unwind from holiday stress or a long day of Christmas shopping with a cocktail, this may be your event. Holiday drinks like eggnog, mulled wine, spiked hot chocolate, and more will likely bring you a little cheer at this River North event.

Demo Cooking: Indian Street Food

Saturday, December 10, 2022 | Chicago Botanic Garden
Learn how to cook easy and tasty Indian Street Food in this demonstration cooking class at the Chicago Botanic Garden. You’ll learn how to make tikki and pakoras while sipping on hot chai tea.

Chicago Martini Festival

Saturday, December 17, 2022 |  110 W. Hubbard St.
Awaken your inner James Bond for this martini-tasting festival at the Hubbard Inn in River North. More than a dozen martini varieties will be served shaken, stirred, dirty, or dry.

Dinner with Santa

Saturday, December 17, and Sunday, December 18, 2022 | Brookfield Zoo
The Brookfield Zoo is hosting this Dinner with Santa at its Discovery Center. This family-friendly event will also give kiddos the chance to tell Santa what's on their wish list and snap a picture with him.

KOVAL Hanukkah Party 

Thursday, December 22, 2022 | KOVAL Tasting Room, 4241 N. Ravenswood Ave.
KOVAL's tasting room is hosting this Hanukkah party with live music from Alex Koffman of the Maxwell Street Klezmer Band, Mexican-Jewish treats from Masa Madre, and games of dreidel. Specialty cocktails will be served up, too.

Begyle's Irish New Year

Saturday, December 31, 2022 | Begyle Brewing, 1800 W. Cuyler Ave. 
If you're not up for staying up late, Begyle Brewing is hosting a New Year's Eve party on Irish time! There will be plenty of pints and board games, along with food from Papas' Empanadas. You'll get to ring in the new year at 6 p.m., which is midnight in Ireland. 

Chicago Restaurant Week

Friday, January 20 to Sunday, February 5, 2023 | Various Locations
Chicago Restaurant Week returns for 17 days in January and February. Now in its 16th year, the city-wide event has over 300 participating restaurants representing a wide selection of cuisines. Some restaurants will have special menus, too.

Chicago Winter Whiskey Tasting Festival

Saturday, January 28, 2023 | Station Restaurant and Bar, 120 N. Canal St. 
Whiskey fans: this three-plus hour tasting event will surely keep you warm this January. Check back for more details as the event gets closer.

Mac & Cheese Crawl

Saturday, January 28, 2023 | Various Locations in Wrigleyville
Get a taste of the ultimate comfort food with the Mac & Cheese Crawl through Wrigleyville. Drinks specials will also be provided at the bars along the crawl.

Cider Summit Chicago

Saturday, February 4, 2023 | Navy Pier
Sip on cider, mead, cider cocktails, and other apple-themed spirits at this adults-only event on Navy Pier. Over 150 beverages from 50-plus producers will be available to try. Food trucks will also be on-hand to absorb some of that cider.

Sips & Sweets

Wednesday, February 15, 2023 | Begyle Brewing
This beer and chocolate tasting event will feature sweet treats from Katherine Anne Confections. Read more about Katherine's chocolate, particularly her hot chocolate, in our profile of her