From the blog

How to Celebrate Christmas in Chicago

Tis the season where colorful lights line the streets, hands are filled with shopping bags, and snow covers the city sidewalks, it’s time to celebrate the holidays in Chicago. As the city changes into a magical winter wonderland, it’s not hard to find things to do for Christmas in Chicago.

SHOPPING

Christkindlmarket
Start your Christmas shopping at Chicago’s giant open-air marketplace, Christkindlmarket. Inspired by a similar seasonal tradition in Nuremburg, Germany, visitors will find holiday treasures such as handcrafted German nutcrackers, cuckoo clocks, beer steins, and delicate glass ornaments. Located in Daley Plaza.

HOLIDAY LIGHTS

Zoolights

Every winter Lincoln Park Zoo transforms into a blanket of twinkling lights as Zoolights decorates Chicago’s beloved zoo. Throughout the festive season guests will see carolers, ice-sculptures, and well as seasonal hot beverages to keep you warm as you take in the views.

The Great Tree at Macy’s Walnut Room
Be sure to take a break from your holiday shopping and head to the Walnut Room restaurant on the seventh floor of Macy’s to see the Great Tree. This 45-foot-tall tree shines brightly with 3,000 ornaments and 6,000 lights! While you might have to wait a while for a table next to the tree, you can easily catch a glimpse from outside the restaurant.

Illumination: Tree Lights at Morton Arboretum
This time of year, the trees light up at the Morton Arboretum for a colorful holiday display. Guests are surround by color as they walk a one-mile path amongst interactive lighting effects highlighting the beauty of trees this time of year.

ACTIVITIES

Ice skating at Millennium Park

Zip up your coats and lace up your ice skates and head out to Millennium Park to skate amongst the Chicago skyline at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink. Entrance is free, but you will have to rent skates if you don’t own a pair. The rink is most popular in the evenings, so plan accordingly.

PERFORMANCES

Nutcracker
What holiday season would be complete without a performance of The Nutcracker? Enjoy this Christmas classic with the latest iteration from Christopher Wheeldon at the Joffrey Ballet. Spectators will take a journey to Chicago’s 1893 World’s Fair as the stunning backdrop to this holiday masterpiece.

Caroling at “The Bean”
Be a part of the performance by caroling at “The Bean” in Millennium Park. Belt out holiday classics with the series of winter concerts and sing-alongs.

A Christmas Carol
The Goodman Theatre performs the holiday classic, A Christmas Carol, every year. Keeping the seasonal tradition and charm alive in the latest production iteration, this performance will leave you mesmerized.

SOPHISTICATED DOWNTOWN CHICAGO LODGING


Live in luxury during your holiday vacation to Chicago by staying in one of our penthouses in downtown Chicago. With some of the best views in town, our penthouses offer both luxury, space, and comfort all under one roof. Each one of our nine penthouses are furnished with sophisticated style, ideal for your Chicago vacation!

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