NYC always gets all the Christmas love. With the massive tree and the Rockettes, it's easy to see why New York is known as THE CITY to visit during the holiday season. But, I have to say that Chicago definitely has it's own Christmas magic. Whether you're in town for a weekend, or live in the city all year long, here is a list of my favorite things to do in Chicago in December.
The Nutcracker by The Joffrey Ballet is one of my all-time favorites. The ballet is set in Chicago, during the time of the World's Fair. Instead of being a poor little rich girl, Clara is part of a working class family. The costumes and dancing are so incredible, it makes me weep with joy. The music is so familiar (basically the entire soundtrack for Home Alone!) it is the best activity to put me in the Christmas spirit.
This year, I finally saw A Christmas Carol. What a wonderful play to remind us to be thankful for all that we have, especially during the holiday season!
I live in the same neighborhood as The Lincoln Park Zoo and spend a lot of my time visiting the gardens in the summer. Obviously, I spend less time at the zoo in the winter, so always appreciate the opportunity to visit during December.
A great place for lunch during the week, and even for happy hour (hello Gluhwein!), The Chicago Christkindl Market is a classic Chicago Christmas tradition. I like to stock up on German candy and tree ornaments. The hot chocolate is perfect for those 15 degree lunch hours, but nothing beats that piping hot gluhwein in the evening or on a Saturday afternoon (before the crowds make it unbearable to walk around the market). There are two locations in the city, the main market at Daley Plaza and the secondary market at Wrigley Filed.
The best place to visit on a sunny winter day, is The Lincoln Park Conservatory. It's so bright and sunny and warm in the greenhouse, you ALMOST forget it's winter. While each show is gorgeous, 2018 had my favorite winter flower show. The greenhouse was filled to the brim with red poinsettias and it felt like the Santa's greenhouse.
Another favorite when visiting Chicago in the winter, is the Art Institute. The museum is packed with famous art from various periods (I love the Andy Warhol's and every single Impressionism painting) For the holidays, the rooms of The Miniatures Rooms are decorated for Christmas and an already favorite exhibit becomes even more magical. The lions outside the museum are iconic and during the holidays, they are decked out in Christmas wreaths.
Just walking the city can be a perfect activity for holiday cheer. Most skyscrapers are decked out with red and green and it makes a boring workday commute a little more merry. Step inside the buildings and you'll be rewarded with even more gorgeous decor. At night, the wreaths and garland aren't as visible, but instead you'll be compensated with vibrant red and green lights at the tops of all the recognizable buildings.
All the trees listed are my favorite in the city, but you can find pretty Christmas trees everywhere!
Water Tower Tree (across from the mall at 835 N. Michigan)
The Wrigley Building Tree (400 N. Michigan)
The Tree at Millennium Park (Michigan Ave and Randolph Street)
The Tree at the Shops at 900 North Michigan Ave
Happy Holidays Chicago!
To Do:
The Nutcracker by The Joffrey Ballet is one of my all-time favorites. The ballet is set in Chicago, during the time of the World's Fair. Instead of being a poor little rich girl, Clara is part of a working class family. The costumes and dancing are so incredible, it makes me weep with joy. The music is so familiar (basically the entire soundtrack for Home Alone!) it is the best activity to put me in the Christmas spirit.
Walking down State Street in the loop, will instantly put you in the holiday spirit. Macy's is all decked out in trumpets and garland and all the CTA stops are decorated with red & green.
A great place for lunch during the week, and even for happy hour (hello Gluhwein!), The Chicago Christkindl Market is a classic Chicago Christmas tradition. I like to stock up on German candy and tree ornaments. The hot chocolate is perfect for those 15 degree lunch hours, but nothing beats that piping hot gluhwein in the evening or on a Saturday afternoon (before the crowds make it unbearable to walk around the market). There are two locations in the city, the main market at Daley Plaza and the secondary market at Wrigley Filed.
The best place to visit on a sunny winter day, is The Lincoln Park Conservatory. It's so bright and sunny and warm in the greenhouse, you ALMOST forget it's winter. While each show is gorgeous, 2018 had my favorite winter flower show. The greenhouse was filled to the brim with red poinsettias and it felt like the Santa's greenhouse.
Another favorite when visiting Chicago in the winter, is the Art Institute. The museum is packed with famous art from various periods (I love the Andy Warhol's and every single Impressionism painting) For the holidays, the rooms of The Miniatures Rooms are decorated for Christmas and an already favorite exhibit becomes even more magical. The lions outside the museum are iconic and during the holidays, they are decked out in Christmas wreaths.
Just walking the city can be a perfect activity for holiday cheer. Most skyscrapers are decked out with red and green and it makes a boring workday commute a little more merry. Step inside the buildings and you'll be rewarded with even more gorgeous decor. At night, the wreaths and garland aren't as visible, but instead you'll be compensated with vibrant red and green lights at the tops of all the recognizable buildings.
Best Christmas Trees:
All the trees listed are my favorite in the city, but you can find pretty Christmas trees everywhere!
Water Tower Tree (across from the mall at 835 N. Michigan)
The Wrigley Building Tree (400 N. Michigan)
The Tree at the Shops at 900 North Michigan Ave
Hotel Bars for a themed drink:
Restaurants & Bars with a Holiday Theme:
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