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Favorite Chicago Christmas Attractions

The Windy City is the best place to celebrate the Christmas holiday. In fact, with chances for snow, cold breezes and a city full of lights and decorations, it’s hard not to get into the Christmas spirit. Find fun things to do in Chicago around the holidays with indoor and outdoor celebrations. Start with these Chicago holiday attractions to get into the Christmas spirit.

ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo

Put a smile on everyone’s face when stopping in at the ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo for some Chicago holiday cheer. This Chicago holiday attraction features vivid and colorful decorations, lights and a petting zoo for the little ones. For more than 25 years, this Chicago holiday tradition has featured more than 2.5 million lights, music, seasonal activities and family fun.

Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

Combine holiday shopping in Chicago with some Christmas cheer when making your way to the Magnificent Mile. This famous lights festival begins in mid November with fireworks and a tree-lighting parade, but you can continue to enjoy this Chicago Holiday Attraction well past the Christmas holiday. Stop in at the hundreds of shops along the Magnificent Mile and simply look up to see the lights strung along the Chicago city streets.

Family Christmas Cruise

While gearing up for the holidays, Anita Dee Yacht Charters offers a magical experience for all ages with holiday cruises on Lake Michigan. This Chicago holiday attraction includes a whirl on Lake Michigan in a luxury yacht. Santa will be on board to hand out candy canes and as if that is not enough of a fun thing to do in Chicago, you can also enjoy cocktails, fine dining and dancing on board.

Christmas Plays and Musicals

What better way to get into the Christmas spirit in Chicago then to see a musical or play with holiday tunes? Chicago holiday attractions include Christmas shows at the Goodman Theatre, the Cadillac Palace Theatre and the Music Box Theatre. See holiday classic plays in Chicago such as “A Christmas Carol” and “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” to rev up that Christmas cheer.

Chicago Botanic Garden’s Wonderland Express

As a fan favorite Christmas activity in Chicago, it’s no wonder that the Chicago Botanic Garden is a popular Chicago hotspot. Imagine the scene with approximately 700,000 lights strewn throughout the gardens. This Chicago Christmas attraction is for all ages and includes a model train exhibition, a gift shop, vendor fair and decorations. Get into the holiday spirit and enjoy a Chicago Christmas when making this Chicago holiday attraction part of your celebration.

There are plenty of fun things to do in Chicago when the holidays roll around. From Chicago Christmas plays and musicals to dance parties on luxury yachts that offer a breathtaking view of Lake Michigan, it’s no wonder so many residents and tourists make Chicago their home during the Christmas holiday. Are you read to add some Christmas cheer to your Chicago itinerary? Start with this list and check back often for even more Chicago holiday events and festivals.

The Best Chicago Holiday Attractions

Celebrating the holidays in Chicago surrounds you with snowflakes, a brisk breeze and winter wonderlands throughout the Windy City. If your plan is to spend the holidays with the family or with a loved one, Chicago holiday attractions will not disappoint. When planning your itinerary, consider these Chicago holiday events for fun, food and festive celebrations.

Christkindlmarket Chicago

Expand your holiday activities in Chicago with an outing to the Christkindlmarket, located in Daley Plaza. This Chicago attraction features German-inspired food, such as fresh pretzels and bratwurst, as well as beverages such as hot spiced wine. Surrounded by sparkling holiday ornaments and lights, this Chicago event is home to live music and authentic German-style shopping with vendors lining the market during the holidays.

Wonderland Express

Get in the holiday spirit when stopping in at one of the best Chicago holiday attractions. The Wonderland Express extravaganza at the Chicago Botanic Garden is not just a sacred holiday tradition in Chicago, it’s also quite a site for the entire family. More than 700,000 lights twinkle around the property and the kids can take part in crafts while viewing the model train exhibition. Shop for the perfect poinsettia, small fir tree or crafts from vendors after exploring the trellises and bridges decorated for the holiday at this Chicago attraction.

Museum of Science and Industry

If you want to see sparkling holiday light displays in Chicago and learn more about science and industry, take a day trip to the Museum of Science and Industry. During the holidays, this Chicago museum features hands-on exhibits and interactive activities for all ages, including the Holiday of Lights extravaganza and the annual Christmas Around the World celebration. Admire the decorated trees and even snowfall inside the museum while exploring outer space and robots.

Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

Holiday shopping in Chicago doesn’t disappoint when you can find just what you need on Magnificent Mile. But, did you know that you can also get in the holiday spirit and take part in one of Chicago’s best holiday attractions at the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival? Beginning in mid November, this Chicago event begins with a tree-lighting parade and concludes with a grand Chicago fireworks display over the Chicago River.

Macy’s Holiday Window Display

Nothing will get you in the holiday spirit more than to witness the Macy’s Holiday Window Display. For more than 50 years, this Chicago holiday event has dazzled tourists and residents alike with animated characters, holiday stories and displays that include extravagant decorations, ornaments and lights for all to see. You can also get in some holiday shopping in Chicago when making your way to this Windy City landmark.

The Windy City is home to a variety of holiday Chicago events and festivals, but the one thing that remains the same each year is the festive look and feel of the downtown area. Whether you want to shop while surrounded by Christmas light displays in Chicago or take part in German-themed festivals, Chicago holiday events deliver. Check back often for even more Chicago attractions.

The 411 on Chicago’s Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier

Navy Pier is one of the most popular Chicago attractions year-round, but in the winter, the pier is transformed into a winter wonderland that attracts tourists near and far. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Chicago during the winter, put Navy Pier’s Winter Wonderfest at the top of your list.

Here’s why:

The Holiday Décor

While you can easily look outside for a few snowflakes, you’ll find even more inside Navy Pier’s Winter Wonderfest. The holiday décor spans the 17,000 square feet of the facility to help you envision what it’s like to be smack dab inside the North Pole. This Chicago attraction features decorated trees, lights strewn from one end of the facility to the next and bright red and green decorations at every turn.

Indoor Ice Skating

It’s no secret that the ice skating rink at Millennium Park is a hotspot in Chicago during the winter, but if you want to escape the wind and cold, you can have just as much fun skating at Navy Pier’s Winter Wonderfest. Lace up your skates, take in the holiday décor and show off your skating skills indoors at this Chicago winter festival that is perfect for all ages.

Interactive Games and Rides

Year-round, you can experience the beauty of Chicago’s skyline when riding on Navy Pier’s Centennial Wheel. But, at the Winter Wonderfest in Chicago, you can bundle up together and see the holiday décor throughout the Windy City. See soaring views of Lake Michigan, Chicago skyscrapers and much more while on board this popular Chicago attraction. Navy Pier’s Winter Wonderfest also hosts games and craft activities that surround a holiday theme. Let the kids make snowflakes and snowmen, opt for an interactive ride on the Virtual Rush virtual reality amusement area or play some laser tag on the pier.

Holiday Cruises

A brisk walk along the pier allows you to see Lake Michigan up close and personal, but did you know you could get even closer when opting for a Chicago Boat Tour Cruise? Opt for a holiday-themed boat cruise that features dinner, dancing, drinks and more. Notice the holiday décor on the interior and exterior of each cruise boat and snuggle up to that special someone while looking at the Chicago skyline while on board. Perfect for adults and families, the specialty cruises are bound to put you in the holiday spirit.

There are plenty of Chicago winter events to choose from such as ice skating at Millennium Park, shopping along Michigan Avenue or even stopping in at the Art Institute of Chicago. However, if you want to really dive into the holiday spirit and treat the kids with a Chicago winter delight, give Navy Pier’s Winter Wonderfest a try. Check back often for even more winter Chicago activities.

Last Minute Shops to Get Holiday Gift Ideas for the Chicago Traveler

Whether you have a loved one who lives in Chicago but travels afar or a significant other who loves to travel to Chicago on a regular basis, finding just the right holiday gift in Chicago doesn’t have to be a challenge. From local, handmade Chicago gifts to new work attire for the avid traveler, Chicago small businesses have exactly what you need when holiday shopping in Chicago.

Amy’s Candy Bar

The Chicago Traveler needs to be stocked up on sweets and snacks, which is why you can find the best holiday gifts in Chicago for the avid traveler at Amy’s Candy Bar. Located at 4704 N Damen Avenue in the Ravenswood neighborhood, this Chicago small business offers treats, sweets and more. Find your favorite imported candy or indulge in the sweetest bite of your life when doing some holiday shopping in Chicago at Amy’s Candy Bar.

Local Goods Chicago

Located at 5354 W. Devon Ave. in the renowned Devon neighborhood, this Chicago small business is the place to shop when seeking out holiday gift ideas for the Chicago traveler. Local Goods Chicago embodies its name by only offering merchandise made by local artisans and holiday gift items that don and advertise Chicago. Find homemade scented soaps, Chicago T-shirts, crafts and more when getting in some holiday shopping in Chicago for your favorite traveler.

Penelope’s

The Chicago traveler needs to showcase style while on the road, which is why Penelope’s in Wicker Park should be at the top of your list of holiday shopping spots in Chicago. Located at 1913 W. Division Street, this quaint boutique in Chicago features fashionable lines and local, handmade outfits for every occasion for both men and women. Stop in to try on a few holiday gift items for the Chicago traveler or pick out new workday attire at this Chicago small business retail shop.

Open Books

What better way to entertain a Chicago traveler than with new, used or vintage books? When seeking out holiday gift ideas in Chicago for the reading enthusiast, head to Open Books, located 213 W Institute Place in Chicago between the Fulton River District and the West Loop. As a non-profit organization and small business in Chicago, Open Books operates as both a retail bookstore in Chicago and re-seller of donated books. You can find the perfect holiday gift in Chicago for the traveler in your life who loves to support literacy programs and find a good read.

While you can definitely stock up the Chicago traveler with airplane pillows and new luggage, sometimes finding unique holiday gifts in Chicago is much more appreciated. Enhance that special someone’s travel experience with novelty gifts in Chicago from small businesses that specialize in holiday gift giving in the Windy City. Check back often for even more Chicago shopping tips.

The Best Chicago Brunches with Bottomless Mimosas

There’s nothing more relaxing than starting your day with brunch and a mimosa. Whether you are a long-term resident of the Windy city or searching for the best brunches in Chicago for an informal get-together, start with this list of popular Chicago brunch restaurants that pride themselves on having the best bottomless mimosas in Chicago.

Bar Roma

Offering two locations at 2807 N. Clark Street and 5101 N. Clark Street in downtown, Bar Roma is a popular Chicago brunch restaurant featuring some of the best bottomless mimosas in Chicago. While you can definitely indulge in classic breakfast food at Bar Roma, you also have the options to devour breakfast pastas, such as Bucatini Carbonara while sipping on bottomless mimosas in Chicago.

LOKal

Experience the diversity of this Chicago restaurant, located at 2500 N. Ashland Avenue in the West DePaul neighborhood, that transforms from a popular brunch spot in Chicago by day and DJ lounge by night. LOKal serves up some of the best brunch food in Chicago that includes classic breakfast food, bottomless mimosas and even steak and eggs throughout the morning and late afternoon. As a popular breakfast eatery in Chicago, LOKal is the obvious choice for a Sunday Fun Day in Chicago or a brunch option to fill you up and prepare you for a day of adventures at Chicago attractions.

MAD Social

Whether you are seeking out the best bottomless mimosas in Chicago or a tangy Bloody Mary you’ll crave all day long, you can count on MAD Social to deliver both. Located at 1140 W. Madison Street in the West Loop neighborhood, this Chicago brunch restaurant specializes in amazing entrees such as Havarti Mac and Cheese, Short Rib Benedict and Chicken and Waffles. Did we mention the best bottomless mimosas in Chicago are available at MAD Social, too? Stop in for a Chicago happy hour or plan your next brunch date in Chicago at MAD Social.

25 Degrees

Imagine relaxing on a Sunday morning with a bottomless mimosa in Chicago and menu options that include sliders, beef jerky and chicken wings. If this sounds like the perfect brunch spot in Chicago, then head to 25 Degrees, located at 736 North Clark Street. Serving American cuisine and exceptional bottomless mimosas in Chicago, this Chicago restaurant is a great option for intimate dates or small groups celebrating before the game.

Walton Street Kitchen and Bar

As a popular Chicago brunch restaurant by day and a happening Chicago bar by night, the Walton Street Kitchen and Bar goes above and beyond just offering bottomless mimosas in Chicago. Featuring specialty drinks such as pineapple-studded sangria, house wines and Aperol Spritz, this Chicago brunch spot is also home to scrumptious dishes such as blueberry pancakes and sushi rice salmon bowls. Walton Street Kitchen and Bar is located on Rush and Division in downtown.

There’s always time for brunch in Chicago and when you couple that experience with some of the best bottomless mimosas in Chicago, you can have your cake and eat it, too. Start your brunch experience with one of these top Chicago restaurants and check back often for even more Chicago brunch restaurants offering bottomless mimosas in Chicago.