We’ve hit the winter months here in Chicago, which means big midwest snowstorms, the sun setting before 5 o’clock, and first semester finals week at Jones. Looking to spruce up the snow season with a little more fun and festivity? Consider visiting some of Chicago’s best holiday attractions.
As a pillar of Chicago tourism, the city’s museums and zoos offer some classic holiday displays. The first recommendation is the Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry in Hyde Park. Set up on the museum’s Main Floor, fifty evergreen trees are carefully decorated to represent varying holiday traditions across the world. They honor the Chinese New Year, Diwali, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, Hanukkah, and more.
The Lincoln Park Zoo Lights is another popular attraction, where animals retire into their enclosures for the cold winter nights and string-a-long lights come out to illuminate the entire park. More than three million lights are used to make large, themed displays, and some of the installations even have music. With free admission and food and drink vendors as well, the zoo lights are a must see at night.
Does the food and drink in Lincoln Park sound good? Think about stopping by the Christkindlmarket at the Daley Plaza, a German style Christmas bazaar with Instagram worthy brats and chocolate filled pastries alike. The market is open November 22nd through December 24th, which makes it a great place to do Christmas shopping and grab a bite to eat at the same time.
Hoping to do some more holiday shopping? State Street is a great place to walk down and window shop, with huge establishments like Macy’s, Block 37, and “the goth” Target. Head up to Navy Pier afterwards for more, and don’t forget to return for their New Years Eve fireworks.
Looking for more of a Hallmark excursion? Take your skates to the Millenium Park Ice Rink or the Skating Ribbon in Maggie Daley Park for a scenic night out on the town. Ice skating is a fun and timeless winter sport, but what makes these ice rinks special is their central location. They offer a great view of The Bean, Chicago’s towering skyscrapers, and a side of family fun.
The family fun does not have to end there, how about going to see a play? Chicago is known for its historic theaters, and going to see a classic holiday performance can really elevate the mood. The Nutcracker with the Joffrey Ballet is performing December 6th through the 28th at the Lyric Opera House. It’s a wintry tale told with impressive choreography, what’s there to not love?
Out on the town, exhausted after a long day of doing our suggested holiday activities? Consider going home on the CTA holiday train or bus. Taking public transportation in the dead of the Chicago winter can be perilous, but somehow seeing a train car encased in wrapping paper and strung with Christmas lights, Santa impersonator hanging off the back and waving to the people on the platform… makes the holidays in Chicago worth it.
