Public Input Wanted for Lincoln Ave. Beautification Project

Visit Santa at the Wheel House: Come have your picture taken with Santa at the Wheelhouse this year. Bring your own camera and stay for lunch. He'll also be passing out presents to good boys and girls — and grown-ups! Wheel House, 3553 N. Southport Ave., Thurs. Dec. 12, 3 - 5 p.m. FREE. 

Advance Screening of American Hustle: Just can't wait to see American Hustle? Then head to the Music Box Theatre. Our local theatre is joining up with the New York Film CriticSeries to present an advance screening of the film, as well as a pre-taped Q&A with director David O. Russell. Music Box Theatre, Tues. Dec. 10, 7 p.m. $14 tickets in advance, $18 at the door. 

Public Input Open House for Lincoln Ave. Beautification Project: Do you have ideas for how to beautify Lincoln Ave.? The Lakeview Chamber of Commerce and SSA 27 want to hear them. Your input will inform improvement projects and initiatives in 2014 and beyond. Can't make the event? Take the web survey online here. JP Burke's Pation and Tap, 2913 N. Lincoln Ave. Tues. Dec. 10, 6:30 p.m. FREE. 7th Annual One Acre Fund Chicago Gala: This very worthwhile organization — the nonprofit raises money for smallholder farmers in East Africa — is raising funds this week. The gala will honor Harry Kraemer, and will feature a cocktail hour and dinner. Chicago Cultural Center, Wed. Dec. 11, 6 p.m. $150 per ticket. 
ShopColumbia Holiday Market: Get all of your holiday shopping done in one place this year — stop by Columbia College's annual art boutique, where fashion, art and more will be available for purchase. Stage Two Lobby, 618 S. Wabash Ave., 2nd floor. Dec. 9 until Dec. 11. Times vary. FREE.