Eat. Watch. Do. Thursday, December 4, 2025 | | |
| | | | | It’s Thursday, Chicago. Now that Thanksgiving is all said and done, we’re stuffed with December holidays and things to do to celebrate, such as seasonal light shows and, of course, baking cookies. For a dash of inspiration, check out this year’s winning Holiday Cookie Contest recipes, including a chocolate-orange mandelbread and a torched eggnog creme brulee cookie. Looking for the perfect gift for the baker in your life? Our cookbook with four decades of recipes from years past is on sale here. Enjoy the weekend, we’ll see you back here next week. — Lauryn Azu, deputy editor | | | | For the 39th annual Tribune Holiday Cookie Contest, 32 readers submitted recipes for sweet treats, including biscotti and shortbread, bars and balls, and classic chocolate chip and sugar cookies. | | | | | Robert Townsend is in Chicago this week to host a pop-up film festival Dec. 6-7 — one that will showcase films significant to him and raise funds for the Chicago Westside Branch NAACP and The Answer, Inc. | | | | | The three winning cookie recipes for the 39th annual Tribune Holiday Cookie Contest all pay tribute to bakers from years ago. | | | | | These museum shops are brimming with festive cards, clever stocking stuffers and unique items that carry real stories. | | | | | The free Wieners Circle hot dogs were courtesy of Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson, who rose to the hot dog stand’s challenge and took off his shirt after Friday’s win against the Philadelphia Eagles. | | | | | ’Tis the season when Chicago’s stages give way to Ebenezer Scrooges, George Baileys and Nutcracker princes — plus, the sounds of klezmer, flamenco, bluegrass and Motown. | | | | | Lifeline ensemble member Phil Timberlake takes on Tom Mula’s solo play, told from the point of view of Ebenezer Scrooge’s late business partner. | | | |
