Zoolights, tree-lighting, overeating, and holiday cheer kicks off in Lincoln Park. (Shhh, most of it is free!)

      photo by flickr user sanbeiji used with Creative Commons permission 

You missed the 2009 Magnificant Mile Festival of Lights, or you just can't get enough. 

The Clark Street SSA will present its annual holiday tree lighting and sing-a-long fest on December 3 at 6:00 p.m.

The celebration kicks off on the southest corner of Belden and Clark at the Mid-North Park.   Word has it that refreshments will be on the house, and free pics on Santa's lap (or Santa-adjacent) will be available after the tree is alit.  

The Clark Street Special Service Area is a subdivision of the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce, so plan for a promotions bonanza from Clark Street merchants and a chorale of neighborhood singers from Lincoln Park's schools and churches.

This will probably be a great opportunity for the political folks around town to say"Hi."  We will soon be posting a list of easy questions to remember when you meet your Lincoln Park representatives about issues that might be irking some of your neighbors.     

Black Friday Lincoln Park deals that provide the antidote to the frenzy:

Metromix recommended two indie shops in Lincoln Park to spoil yourself with deals in 60614 this post-Thanksgiving Black Friday.    Apparently wine and jewelry defeated all the other boutiques around the neighborhood. 

Cutting to the chase, here's the scoop:  15 percent off all stock:  wine, wine classes, wine club membership, and gift certificates at  The Poison Cup (5 Star Metromix rating) from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., 1128 W. Armitage. 

Erin Gallagher at 2043 N. Halsted is having a 40 percent off sale on all the store's jewelry between 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

And if you seriously need a 20 percent discount on some back rubs, the Lincoln Park Spa is filling Black Friday appointments. 

It's never too early to drag a 7 ft. tree into your place, before the good ones are gone!

Beginning today through December 20th, 9:00 am - 9:00 p.m. daily, Chicago Christmas Tree Lots has set up shop all scattered around Chicago.

Lincoln Park Christmas tree lots are located to the north and south sides at 401 W. North Avenue, and in the covered lot at St. George's, 2701 N. Sheffield. 

We also found this super specific shop on Clark selling "vintage heirloom treestands."  Vintage Holidays is on 2506 N. Clark.  

You've just moved in with your saucy significant other (or dodged that bullet), and you're bravely planning to decorate a tree together (or in your new singles pad), but you've overspent this year and need some sparkles on the cheap: 

This Craigslister wants to buy your old Christmas Tree.

Vintage decorations, including something from the late Marshall Field's store are on sale here.

And a bundle of inexpensive gift wrap is also on sale in Lincoln Park for like, 99 cents a roll.  

And what you've all been awaiting: Zoo lights start on Friday.  That's another free thing to do.   

Lincoln Park Zoo is famed for its zoolights.  Roger Ebert recently tweet-quoted his cabbie, a recent transplant from New York and a native of Ghana, as recommending the Lincoln Park Zoo and Navy Pier as the best stops in the city.    Enthused tweets are updated daily counting down to one of the city's winter staple.   The zoo has published this slideshow to entice you.   Don't know what else to tell you.  It will be illuminated gorgeousness around live animals and a diverse mix of people from all around the world.    Does this sound like a winner?  

Warning:  Lots of crying kids.

Bonus:   Lots of not crying kids! 

So, Lincoln Park.   Let us know what we've missed, especially if there's a better holiday agenda you have the what's-up on.