All of the shopping madness along the Magnificent Mile is enough to drive a person to drink. (Not that that's necessarily a bad thing, but you've got a lot to do, and there's very little time, here, people.) Take a break with the whole family at the John Hancock Building, possibly the merriest building in town. The Hancock Holiday Mountain Railroad is set up on the concourse level for the 15th year in a row. Every weekend through Dec. 21, Santa and the Missus will be available for photos at the Observatory between 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. This weekend, decorate your own cookies from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 22-23.
Events to come at the Observatory:
- Nov. 29 and 30 at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.; “America's Next Top Elf” competition
- Dec. 6-7 Christmas Food Drive ; get $1 off the price of adult admission for every non-perishable item brought to the food bin (maximum $5 off)
- Dec. 13-14 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Meet Rudolph and other various reindeer
- Dec. 20-21 between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Breakfast with Santa at the new Café Expression. Space is limited, so book early. $25; children (4-11) $15. Call Nicole Roberto at 312-654-5019.