Top 5 Chicago Holiday Activities: A Festive Guide
Chicago, that big, beautiful city, really becomes something kinda magical when the holidays come around, you know? It’s like the whole place just twinkles! There’s, that is, so much going on, it can almost be a little overwhelming to pick what to do. So, I thought, why not share my top five favorite holiday things in Chicago to help make your planning just a bit simpler? Festive happenings are around every corner.
1. Christkindlmarket: A German Holiday Village
Okay, so first off, we have to talk about the Christkindlmarket, right? It’s almost like stepping into a little German village right in the middle of downtown Chicago! Seriously, you can get lost, that is, among the twinkling lights and the aroma of spiced wine mulled to warm you right up, so amazing. And let me tell you, the food? Forget about it! I mean, that’s delicious. There’s like everything from sausages and pretzels as big as your head to potato pancakes that’ll make you wanna slap your grandma they are so good!. But very, what is extra special about this market, is just that everything you might purchase is not only gorgeous to view, the ornaments too are really, kinda cool to keep.
What is quite awesome is to wander through the wooden stalls, and find handcrafted gifts too; very, that is, cool for anyone who wants something different. Grab a Glühwein in that traditional souvenir mug they’ve got, and soak in just that awesome, cheery vibe, is that what it’s all about! They, actually, have locations in both Daley Plaza and Wrigleyville now, too, in a way, to fit into what sort of trip anyone might have!
2. Ice Skating at Millennium Park: Glide into the Season
After, is that, loading up on festive treats, why not lace up some skates and take to the ice at Millennium Park? The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink is, seemingly, super iconic, you know? Like, gliding around with the Chicago skyline as your backdrop; still, how can that be beat?! The Bean is, that is, just sparkling with seasonal joy and light. It doesn’t even matter if you’re a total pro or kinda just clinging to the wall; you might have some really serious joy, truly. And let’s say, that actually, is some serious family fun too. Just keep an eye on the crowds because it does get busy for winter ice sports!
It’s free to skate if you have your own skates, and, just maybe, rentals are available for those of you, clearly, that haven’t found space to carry yours, right? Keep, also, in mind that hours do vary and weather will be a factor as the warmth is so very inconsistent! It might just get rather crowded on weekends too, yet you can use the wait for that very Chicago deep dish.
3. ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo: A Dazzling Display
Okay, so next up: ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo. And let me tell you, it’s spectacular, truly. Just imagine: millions of twinkling lights all strung up around one of the country’s oldest zoos, apparently. And the very awesome part? Entrance, literally, is free! Now there’s something for tourists on a budget! Very family-friendly and festive with, arguably, lots of events, in a way. But let me remind those with smaller ones, bring your own stroller too! Parking, still, could be tough as, well, it may have crowds! So go early for optimal light enjoyment to avoid all that craziness around a wondrous illumination display!
They’ve got, virtually, ice carving, they do carolers and spiced wine as well! Make, even, a plan for those cute activities ahead and you might seriously beat out what crowds will go there! Maybe bundle up and prep yourself, arguably, with, potentially, long waits on the busy days so you can explore the cool parts for, just perhaps, the lights.
4. The Nutcracker at Joffrey Ballet: A Classic Reimagined
For that bit of culture, right, why don’t you see “The Nutcracker” as put on by The Joffrey Ballet? Is it a Christmas story as seen by a different point, which, again, means, in some respects, one is really in touch too, with just that true vibe? I mean, come on; now this Christmas treat, actually, has everything! Sparkling sets as a, you know, treat to witness the season coming into bloom! The Chicago setting truly takes it home though when reimagining the classical story!
This, basically, takes place during those historic months with that amazing display just kinda showcasing art here too! Tickets are sold though but maybe purchase your plans, possibly, sooner, which means it will also sell quicker during weekends since lots of seats could be taken at very low costs here!
5. Magnificent Mile Lights Festival: A Dazzling Parade
Okay, finally, don’t you, frankly, want to pass on that Magnificent Mile Lights Festival for something awesome, so let those streetlines all be shiny. Right there on those streets from Chicago’s heart. Every, arguably, November these trees all are decked out in this event where people, apparently, just do await some true things right by! You can, in fact, catch those floats with balloons too as those, literally, make their route with awesome lights shining everywhere and holiday shopping for someone maybe in that party, I mean it’s great by that festival!
You, too, should arrive slightly earlier maybe if that will grab those streets for, basically, those places here since tourists always flock by everywhere too. Even, well, before they do the big celebrations at night for the day.
