Gift Certificates

Give the gift that lasts a lifetime! Old Town School gift certificates make the perfect holiday gift for the musician, would-be musician, or new parent in your life! Purchase in any amount and redeem for any age group classes, Wiggleworms, private lessons, concert tickets, memberships and the Old Town School Music Store.

Available to send online via email or stop by in-person for a paper copy.

Make 2025 the Year You Learn To Play

New Classes January 6

Make 2025 The Year You Learn To Play. New session begins the week of January 6. Ring in the new year with a group class. Experience the joy of learning and connecting with music and dance in a comfortable group environment! Old Town School group classes are open for all ages and abilities!

Hire Our Artists

Playing Now: Our Artists at YOUR Holiday Party! Old Town School offers a wide array of entertainment for any occasion by talented, professional artists.

An Acoustic Christmas with

Over the Rhine

Thursday, December 5 · 8:00 PM CST
4544 N Lincoln Ave · Gary and Laura Maurer Concert Hall

Over the Rhine make a holiday stop to the Old Town School to deliver their gift of an acoustic Christmas. Join Karin and Linford for an evening of warmth, great songwriting, and community.

Festive Folk Craft Bazaar

Saturday, December 7 · 10:00 AM CST
East Lobby 4545 N. Lincoln Avenue

Celebrate the season at Old Town School’s Festive Folk Craft Bazaar! Shop an array of handmade creations by local artists and members of our community—think cozy winter accessories, candles, jewelry, music-themed gifts, and more. It’s the perfect chance to find heartfelt holiday gifts while supporting local makers.

Holidays a cappella - Family Edition

Saturday, December 7 · 3:00 PM CST
4545 N Lincoln Ave · The Myron R. Szold Music & Dance Hall

The nostalgic joys of friendship, family, and the magic of Christmas come to musical life in this retelling of Dylan Thomas' A Child's Christmas in Wales. Recommended for ages 4 and older, but all ages are welcome.

Irish Christmas in America

Saturday, December 7 · 5:00 PM CST & 8:00 PM CST
Gary and Laura Maurer Concert Hall

The hugely popular holiday show Irish Christmas in America brings a fascinating performance of music, song, dance, and stories of seasonal Irish traditions. A sparkling tradition among holiday events, now celebrating 19 years!

Nutcracker Dance Workshop for Kids

Saturday, December 7 · 12:00 PM CST
4545 N Lincoln

Have your little one experience the true magic of the holiday classic The Nutcracker Ballet. We will begin class by reading the story of The Nutcracker, and move into learning some choreography from the mice and soldier scene, travel to the Land of the Sweets to dance along to Spanish Hot Chocolate, Marzipan and Russian Candy Canes, ending with some festive games. Parents are welcome to observe the last 5 minutes of class to see what your dancer learned!

The Let It Snow Show!

Sunday, December 8 · 11:00 AM CST
4545 N Lincoln Ave · The Myron R. Szold Music & Dance Hall

Whatever the weather, join us for an inclusive sing-along perfect for kids of all ages. Old Town School teaching artists Anne-Marie Akin and Bill Brickey share songs of the season and warm our hearts with melodies familiar and new. This is a true holiday sing-along for the whole family!

Kids Holiday Karaoke Party

Sunday, December 8 · 2:30 PM CST
4545 N Lincoln Ave

This special Holiday Karaoke Party is hosted by Young Voices instructors Chloe Guerra and Nathan Kistler. Young singers are invited to perform their favorite songs in a supportive and inclusive environment. Perfect for kids who love to sing, this workshop offers a great opportunity to step up their karaoke game, enjoy festive fun, and make new friends. FREE!

Ukulele Workshop Holiday Songs Part 1 - Online

Sunday, December 8 · 7:00 PM CST Online

Join us online for a festive celebration of the holiday season with ukulele arrangements of a selection of favorite songs. The songs in parts 1 and 2 will be different. Come to one or both. All levels welcome.

Nutcracker Dance Workshop for Adults

Sunday, December 8 · 1:00 PM CST
4544 N Lincoln

Have you ever wanted to be The Sugar Plum Fairy, The Cavalier, or a Petal in Waltz of the Flowers? Travel to The Land of the Sweets and join us in an adult ballet workshop full of festive cheer for beginners and all dancers who love the holiday classic, The Nutcracker Ballet. Starting with a ballet warm-up to the music of Tchaikovsky, and followed by learning different variations from the beloved ballet. This will be a follow along workshop so it is accessible to all levels. Get your dancing shoes ready for a magical afternoon!

New Year's Resolutions and Songwriting Workshop with Kacie Swierk

Saturday, December 14 · 11:00 AM CST
4544 N Lincoln Ave

The holiday season can often race us to the end of the year. With calendars full of deadlines, commitments, and events, it can be hard to make time for our art in the bustle. This December workshop offers participants a dedicated space to explore how songwriting can be part of their lives in the new year. All levels of songwriting experience are welcome—even those who are simply curious!

Songs Of Good Cheer

26th Annual Holiday Caroling Party with Mary Schmich and Eric Zorn

Thursday, December 12 · 7:30 PM CST
Friday, December 13 · 7:30 PM CST
Saturday, December 14 · 3:00 PM CST
Saturday, December 14 · 7:30 PM CST
Sunday, December 15 · 4:00 PM CST
4544 N Lincoln Ave · Gary and Laura Maurer Concert Hall

Celebrating its 26th year, Old Town School's Songs of Good Cheer Holiday Caroling Party, hosted by Eric Zorn and Mary Schmich, has become a cherished and uniquely Chicago tradition. Bring your family and friends to sing along, laugh, and enjoy the holiday season together. A portion of ticket proceeds benefit Chicago charities.

Holiday Songs Ukulele Sing & Strum Workshop

Sunday, December 15 · 3:00 PM CST
4545 N Lincoln Ave

Join us in person for a festive celebration of the holiday season with ukulele arrangements of a selection of favorite songs. All levels welcome

Piano Sing and Play: Holiday Edition

Saturday, December 8 · 1:30 PM CST
4545 N Lincoln Ave

Sunday, December 15 · 1:30 PM CST
909 W Armitage Ave

Come join fellow musicians in the piano lab to sing and play, working on accompaniment and performance skills with some holiday favorites. Students will craft their own intros, modify the music to support singers, and explore variations.

Bookworms Music and Storytime: The Gingerbread Man with Carey Anne Farrell

Sunday, December 15 · 10:30 AM CST
4544 N Lincoln Ave

Gather in our Resource Center for a retelling of The Gingerbread Man, by Jim Aylesworth and illustrated by Barbara McClintock. The reading will be followed by seasonal songs and an art project inspired by the book.

Mariachi Christmas

with Mariachi Herencia de México

Friday, December 20 · 7:00 PM CST
Saturday, December 21 · 2:00 PM CST
Saturday, December 21 · 5:00 PM CST
Saturday, December 21 · 8:00 PM CST
4544 N Lincoln Ave · Gary and Laura Maurer Concert Hall

Celebrate the holidays with the heartwarming sounds of Latin GRAMMY-nominated Mariachi Herencia de México. Experience an unforgettable night as they honor both the magic of Christmas and the cultural vibrancy of Mexico by blending beloved holiday classics with mariachi traditions!

The Nut Tapper 25th Anniversary

Sunday, December 22 · 4:30 PM CST
4544 N Lincoln Ave · Gary and Laura Maurer Concert Hall

Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Reggio “The Hoofer” McLaughlin’s holiday classic, The Nut Tapper! This popular, annual Christmas production, featuring students and professional dancers, is an exhilarating take on Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite with swinging tap, Spanish flamenco, and Mexican zapateado! A special exhibit of items from Reggio's Tap History Archive will be on display in Old Town School’s Jim & Kay Mabie Gallery starting at 3:30 PM.

Holiday Songs For Kids · 3-week class

Sundays, December 8 - 22, 10:00 AM CST
4545 N Lincoln Ave

Join us for this special three-week class just for young voices. Singers will learn about their voice, play music games, and sing fun and inclusive songs to put everybody in the spirit of the season.

Ukulele Workshop Holiday Songs Part 2 - Online

Sunday, December 22 · 7:00 PM CST Online

Join us online for a festive celebration of the holiday season with ukulele arrangements of a selection of favorite songs. The songs in parts 1 and 2 will be different. Come to one or both. All levels welcome.

Holiday Singalong with Jackie Jasperson

Sunday, December 22 · 5:30 PM CST
4544 N Lincoln Ave

Join Old Town School voice teacher Jackie Jasperson for a joyful and fun winter holiday singalong. Get ready for the holidays and brush up on some of the winter-time classics! All voices and experience levels welcome. We will gather and celebrate the joy of singing together.

Holiday Wiggleworms

Starting the Week of December 2, 2024

Join us for a mini 3-week Wiggleworms class that gets you and your child singing and dancing to your favorite holiday classics. Get ready to sing, shake, and jingle your way through a musical winter wonderland. Holiday Wiggleworms is perfect for siblings, neighbors, cousins, and friends!

Holiday Bricks

For a limited time, you can purchase and engrave an Old Town School brick for your family, friends, co-workers, teachers, neighbor, or even your mailman. Commemorate your love for the School by customizing a permanent brick in the patio located at the west entrance of the original building in Lincoln Square! Each brick purchase comes with a printable certificate for you to personalize and mail, print or email to your loved one - making for an easy and thoughtful gift while also generously supporting Old Town School of Folk Music.

Donate Instruments and Gear

Old Town School Music Store
4544 N Lincoln Ave

Do you have a new or used functional instrument you would like to donate to the school? We would be happy to take your well loved instruments and turn them into assistance for the mission and programs of the Old Town School of Folk Music.

Learn to Play Winter Wonderland

Get a printable chord chart for this seasonal classic, gather some friends, and strum and sing along!

Winter Coloring Page

A festive winter scene for the kids to decorate!

Old Town School Music Store Gift Guide

Shop the season’s best gear, handpicked by the Old Town School Music Store! Every holiday purchase directly supports the missions, programs, and continued growth of the Old Town School of Folk Music. Shop online or stop by and meet the friendliest experts in Chicago!