Every year, thousands of people flock to Wrigleyville in Chicago to participate in the TBOX (Twelve Bars of Xmas) Bar Crawl. This annual event is a beloved tradition in the Windy City, and it has been going strong for over 25 years. The TBOX Bar Crawl takes place on a Saturday in early December, and it is a day-long celebration of all things Christmas and bar-related.
Participants in the TBOX Bar Crawl are encouraged to dress up in festive costumes and make their way through a designated route of 12 bars in Wrigleyville. Each bar offers drink specials and holiday-themed activities, and there are also opportunities to win prizes throughout the day. The event is organized by Christopher Festa, a Chicago entrepreneur who started the TBOX Bar Crawl in 1996 as a way to bring people together and spread holiday cheer.
Planning Your TBOX Experience
Purchasing Tickets
To attend TBOX, you need to purchase tickets in advance. Tickets can be purchased online through the official TBOX website. Early bird tickets are usually available at a discounted price, so it’s recommended to purchase tickets as early as possible. It’s important to note that tickets are non-refundable, so make sure to double-check the date and time before purchasing.
Schedule and Map Overview
TBOX is a day-long event that takes place in Wrigleyville, Chicago. The event usually starts at 10 am and ends at 8 pm. The official TBOX website provides a schedule and map overview of the event, which includes the participating bars, their locations, and the time slots for each bar. It’s recommended to review the schedule and map beforehand to plan the day accordingly.
What to Wear
TBOX is a festive event, and dressing up is encouraged. Many participants wear holiday-themed outfits, such as Santa suits, elf costumes, or pajamas. It’s important to dress comfortably, as the event involves walking and standing for long periods. It’s also recommended to wear comfortable shoes, as some of the bars may have slippery floors.
Overall, planning ahead is key to having a great TBOX experience. Make sure to purchase tickets in advance, review the schedule and map, and dress comfortably. With these tips in mind, participants can enjoy the festive atmosphere and the variety of bars that TBOX has to offer.
The Day of the Crawl
Opening Ceremonies
The TBOX Chicago Bar Crawl is an annual event that takes place every year in Wrigleyville. The event starts early in the morning with the opening ceremonies at 10 am. The opening ceremonies are hosted by the organizers of the event and feature a short speech followed by a toast to kick off the festivities.
Cereal Shots and Drink Specials
After the opening ceremonies, participants are free to start crawling to the 12 bars of Xmas. Each bar offers its own unique drink specials, but the signature drink of the event is the cereal shot. These shots are made with a variety of breakfast cereals and are a fan favorite among participants.
Navigating the 12 Bars of Xmas
Navigating the 12 bars of Xmas can be a challenge, especially for first-time participants. To help guide crawlers, the organizers provide a map of all the bars and their locations. The bars are all within walking distance of each other, so participants can easily make their way from one bar to the next.
Closing Ceremonies
The event comes to a close with the closing ceremonies at 8 pm. The closing ceremonies are hosted by the organizers and feature a raffle drawing for prizes. Participants who visited all 12 bars are eligible for the raffle. The event officially ends at 8 pm, but many participants continue the festivities into the night at nearby bars and restaurants.
Overall, the TBOX Chicago Bar Crawl is a fun and festive event that brings together people from all over the city to celebrate the holiday season. With its unique drink specials, cereal shots, and 12 bars of Xmas, it’s no wonder why this event has become a Chicago tradition.
Beyond the Bars
While the TBOX Chicago Bar Crawl is undoubtedly one of the most popular events in the city, there is much more to do in the area than just drink. Here are some of the top things to do in the Lakeview East neighborhood beyond the bars.
Local Food and Restaurants
Lakeview East is home to a diverse array of restaurants and cuisines, making it a foodie’s paradise. From classic Chicago-style deep dish pizza to international cuisine, there is something for everyone. Some of the most popular restaurants in the area include:
- Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria: A Chicago institution, known for its deep dish pizza and signature butter crust.
- El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill: A vibrant Mexican restaurant, known for its margaritas and lively atmosphere.
- The Bagel: A classic Jewish deli, serving up some of the best bagels and lox in the city.
Entertainment and Sports
For those looking for something beyond the bar scene, Lakeview East has plenty of entertainment options. The neighborhood is home to several theaters and comedy clubs, including:
- The Vic Theatre: A historic concert venue that has hosted some of the biggest names in music.
- The Laugh Factory: A popular comedy club that features both local and national comedians.
Sports fans will also find plenty to do in the area, with Wrigley Field just a few blocks away. Catch a Chicago Cubs game or take a tour of the iconic stadium.
Supporting Local Charities
The TBOX Chicago Bar Crawl is not just a fun event, it also supports several local charities. The Lakeview East Community Partnership, a non-profit organization that works to promote and support local businesses, is one of the main beneficiaries of the event.
In addition, TBOX also supports the Chicago Dance Marathon, a 12-hour dance party that raises money for Lurie Children’s Hospital. Participants in the TBOX bar crawl can donate to these charities throughout the day, making it a great way to have fun while also giving back to the community.
Staying Connected
TBOX Chicago Bar Crawl is a popular annual event that brings together thousands of people for a day of festive fun. To stay connected with the TBOX community, there are a few ways to keep up with the latest news and updates.
Social Media and Sharing
TBOX has a strong presence on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. These channels are great for staying up-to-date with the latest news and announcements about the event. Fans can also share their own experiences and photos from the event using the hashtag #TBOX.
On Twitter, fans can follow TBOX at @TBOXBarCrawl to get the latest updates. The TBOX Facebook page is also a great resource for news and information. Fans can follow the page at facebook.com/TBOXBarCrawl.
TBOX Videos and Photos
TBOX is a highly visual event, and there are many videos and photos available online to give fans a taste of the experience. The TBOX website, tbox.org, has a gallery of photos from past events that fans can browse through.
Fans can also find videos from past TBOX events on sites like YouTube. The official TBOX YouTube channel, TBOX Bar Crawl, has a variety of videos from past events, including highlights and interviews with attendees.
Overall, staying connected with TBOX is a great way to stay in the loop and get the most out of this festive event. Whether through social media or videos and photos, there are many ways to keep up with the latest news and share your own experiences with the TBOX community.
