The holiday season in Chicago is unique in that it provides a broad range of events in a concentrated area of downtown. The city always finds a way to appeal to everyone. Below is a sampling of some city favorites. Christkindlmarket: November 17-December 24 The Christkindlmarket is a German-style holiday market that opens on November 17th and continues through December 24th in the Loop's Daley Plaza. The market's location is about a 15-minute walk south of Best Western along LaSalle Street, located at 50 West Washington. The Christkindlmarket is inspired by 16th-century holiday markets that originated in Nuremberg, Germany, and the annual recreation holds a distinctly old world flair. The shops sell high-quality Christmas-related items and locals will always ask if you've received your Christkindl annual souvenir mug – it's typical Chicago small talk. Vendors and items typically found at the market include nutcrackers, wood-carvers, beer steins, cuckoo clocks, toys for all ages, jewelry, clothes, hand-blown glass ornaments, and crafts of all kinds. This event is truly one of the city's crown jewels. http://www.christkindlmarket.com/ Navy Pier Winter Wonderfest: December 1-January 7 Winter Wonderfest is like the combination of Christmas and a carnival. Navy Pier's Festival Hall plays host to the 18th consecutive year of this popular event, which includes a skating rink, bounce houses, tunnels, mini golf, snow-covered hills, an indoor Ferris wheel, and a variety of carnival rides. With Santa and Mrs. Claus in attendance, Navy Pier's Winter Wonderfest is a definite hit with kids. https://navypier.com/winter-wonderfest/ Christmas Lights at Lincoln Park Zoo: November 24-January 7 Lincoln Park Zoo also has an impressive tradition of entertaining those in need of holiday cheer. A Candy Cane Lane exhibit, featuring lighted holiday-themed depictions is a big draw for this event, along with other 3-D light displays. Santa will also find time to drop by this popular event through December 23rd for photo opportunities. Live ice sculptures and cold lagers are draws for adults, while a carousel, train, Ferris wheel, and Light Maze will keep children occupied. Christmas Lights is free to attend, but there will be special paid events on several occasions throughout the holiday season, so please check their calendar before making plans. A few paid events include their Holiday Market, a Jazz Tribute to “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” and New Year's Eve. http://www.lpzoo.org/zoolights-presented-comed-and-powershares-qqq-invesco Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink will open in Millennium Park on November 17 (weather permitting) and stay open through March 4th, 2018. The rink is located directly next to the Cloud Gate, also known as “The Bean.” Skating will be available each day of the week but do check their website for available times. https://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park10.html Maggie Daley Park features an impressive ice ribbon wrapping around the circumference of the grounds, which opens on November 17th (weather permitting) and lasts through February 9th. Adding to the unique experience are places to stop and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and take in views of the skyline. http://maggiedaleypark.com/things-to-do-see/skating-ribbon/ Christmas Around the World at Museum of Science and Industry Chicago's holiday season is not complete without mentioning the fantastic Christmas Around the World and Holiday of Light exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry. Since 1942, the museum has featured a tree decorated by one of the city's many ethnic groups. Starting with this tradition 74 years ago, it has now blossomed to an incredible spectacle featuring one Grand Tree in the Rotunda -- shrouded in active snowfall -- spanning the length of four floors, accompanied by nearly 50 others with decorations from countries around the globe. On select days, there will be opportunities to build ornaments, take pictures with Santa, and watch holiday cultural performances from groups from around the world. It is a truly unique event, so find a date that works for you and take part in one of the city's oldest holiday traditions. http://www.msichicago.org/explore/whats-here/exhibits/christmas-around-the-world/ Christmas Theatre Holiday theater performances abound in Chicago, and we would be remiss if we didn't include some traditional favorites. Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol is an all-time classic that many have seen on the silver screen, but have not had the opportunity to see live. The Goodman is a beautiful theatre located downtown and will feature the holiday classic starting on November 18th, lasting till December 31st. https://www.goodmantheatre.org/season/1718-Season/A-Christmas-Carol-2017/ The Nutcracker is another holiday classic that draws big audiences every year. Chicago's Auditorium Theatre will play host to the winter ballet, giving it the dramatic setting it deserves. Located near Millennium Park, Auditorium Theater is a draw all on its own. http://www.joffrey.org/nutcracker White Christmas rounds out a list of holiday favorites that will appear at the Cadillac Theatre, around ten blocks south of Best Western River North. The former Tony Award-nominated show features songs originally performed by Bing Crosby that has been enjoyed by families for generations. https://www.chicago-theater.com/theaters/cadillac-palace-theater/irving-berlins-white-christmas.php Recorded here is a small sampling of the events happening during the holidays in Chicago. With a city as diverse as Chicago, you can be sure that there is always something for everyone.
