Craving cookies, carolers, and holiday cheer? The Clark Street Cookie Crawl is back on December 8. This festive holiday tradition invites sweet lovers to dress in their pajamas and indulge in a holiday decor-filled stroll to sample cookies and treats from local businesses. Taking place along Lincoln Park’s Clark Street from Fullerton to Diversey, the event is only minutes from Latin. With surprises like hot chocolate, pictures with Santa, and carolers, the Cookie Crawl promises fun for all ages.
The Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Cookie Crawl, and Robin Hammond, vice president, is an organizer.
“We were inspired to start it by our businesses, and it’s a really fun, festive day,” she said. “Latin students would be excited for the surprises along the way. You will get 14 individually wrapped cookies, opportunities for holiday crafts, and ornament-making.” Since businesses individually wrap the cookies, you can eat, trade, or gift them.
Participants can crawl right out of bed to attend. “Wear your pajamas,” Robin said. “Everyone has that cozy pair of winter pajamas. A lot of families come out in matching pajamas, which is super fun.”
The Latin Culinary Club heard the buzz about the event, and its head, senior Malia Chen, is excited by the opportunity.
“I’ve never been to a cookie crawl, but it sounds really fun,” Malia said. “A similar event I’ve been to is Taste of Chicago, a large food festival that happens every summer. My favorite part is trying delicious food all in one place. I get to try food I’ve never had before and discover new restaurants to go to in the future.”
Not only will there be sweets, but it’s a great opportunity to get to know the business in the neighborhood. The 14 businesses participating range from well-known bakeries like Firecakes to companies like Bank Financial, which is putting up lights and bringing out cookies to participate in the cheer.
In past years, the Cookie Crawl has attracted both families and friends. General admission tickets cost $30, and groups of four or more save $5 per ticket. For adults 21 and up, a boozy admission ticket is available for purchase. It is priced at $45 and includes three festive boozy drinks. Ticket sales for the Cookie Crawl end on December 6 at midnight.
Festively, Zoo Lights sponsors the Cookie Crawl. With the zoo nearby, organizers encourage cookie hunters to attend both for a jolly evening.
Latin students are thinking of hosting a cookie crawl party at school, where students and faculty make the cookies, similar to a bake sale.
“I think it would be cool if all the funds went to a charity organization or club/affinity funds,” Malia said. “Clubs and affinities could even split up to make different types of cookies.”
Senior Kaden Uddin loves to cook and immerse himself in the community.
“Molly Cupcakes sounds the best,” Kaden said.
Malia agreed. “Molly’s stop sounds the most fun because I like their cupcakes, so it would be cool to see their take on cookies instead,” she said.
The Cookie Crawl promises to bring the festivities, rain or shine. “I think the holiday ambiance with lights and Christmas music makes up for having to walk around outside in the cold,” Malia said.
The Cookie Crawl plans to celebrate community, Christmas, and sweet tooths. Latin’s beloved Kiosk employee Latianna Whitfield sells batches of cookies daily to the community. “What could be better?” she said. “Everybody loves cookies.”
Elana • Dec 6, 2024 at 1:57 pm
So fun!