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December 18th, 2026

6pm Reception | 7:30pm Show

Field Museum | Chicago

PRE-SALE TICKETS ON SALE SEPTEMBER 10
PUBLIC TICKETS ON SALE SEPTEMBER 15

Culinary delights generously provided by
Blue Plate Catering

A Legendary Night of Music, Comedy & Giving

For over two decades, Letters to Santa has stood as one of Chicago’s most beloved holiday traditions. What began as a legendary 24-hour music and comedy marathon has evolved into a spectacular, high-yield evening gala that preserves the exact same rebellious soul, live music, and spontaneous comedy of its roots.

Hosted this year inside the majestic Stanley Field Hall at the Field Museum, our 2026 gala is anchored and headlined by our long-time friends Jeff Tweedy and Fred Armisen. Backed by a brilliant lineup of acclaimed musicians and improvisers, it is a one-night-only celebration where we unite for our neighbors in need.

How Letters To Santa Works:
Letters To Santa is the primary program by Letters Charity, a Chicago-based 501(c)3 nonprofit. We partner with local Chicago nonprofits to identify economically disadvantaged families, inviting them to write a letter to share their stories, their needs, and their dreams.

We don't just read these letters—we answer them completely. On Christmas Day, our team surprises families on their doorsteps with armloads of requested necessities like beds and warm clothing, alongside toys, food, computers for every child, and a significant, unconditional, "no-strings-attached" cash grant to build long-term economic relief.

Our 100% Impact Guarantee

All event costs are 100% covered through generous donations from our host partner, in-kind sponsors,

benefactors and leadership partners.

Every single penny raised from ticket sales and donations goes completely and directly to families.
No strings attached.

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EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:

A special comedy performance by SNL alum Fred Armisen
Intimate acoustic performance by Wilco's Jeff Tweedy
Improvisation, Chicago style, by Shantira Jackson, Rebecca Sohn, Rich Sohn, Dana Quercioli, and Edgar Blackmon
House band featuring Andreas Wild (Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats)
Music Direction by composer and music producer Alexander Burke
Live and silent auctions of unique celebrity experiences and rare memorobilia
Reception with culinary delights generously donated by our exclusive catering sponsor Blue Plate Catering and open full bar generously donated by our host partner Field Museum and sponsor Beam Suntory.
Post-reception DJ set by recording engineer/owner of House Of The Golden Sun recording studio Stan Wood

Can't make it in person? The entire event will be livestreamed!

Registration for the livestream will open soon.

ABOUT OUR HOST

Field Museum inspires curiosity about life on Earth while exploring how the world came to be. Its breathtaking exhibits and iconic spaces make it a natural gathering place for Chicago’s most important cultural and community events.

2026 HOST PARTNER

2026 CATERING PARTNER

FOUNDING BENEFACTOR CIRCLE

We extend our profound gratitude to members of our Board of Directors and the core champion donors who form this circle. Their indefinite annual commitments completely insulate our organization's year-round administrative and event operational costs. This foundational generosity guarantees our 100% Impact model—ensuring every public dollar donated goes straight to the doorsteps of families experiencing poverty.

Drew & Amanda Hester

Fugazi

Kirk Crenshaw & Shawna Wolverton

Fred Armisen

The Hibel Family Foundation

Gina Albini

Acorn Investment Partners

2026 LEADERSHIP PARTNERS

Landmark Partner | $10,000

(1 available)

Expedition Partners | $5,000

(available)