Get festive with these Chicago holiday activities!
December brings holiday season, and Chicago is embracing the festivities with shopping, holiday activities and lots of lights! Head downtown for the infamous Christkindlmarket, or stop north of the city for light shows and winter walks. Enjoy these classic Chicago holiday activities!
Start your day with some exercise the fun way! Enjoy ice skating at the McCormick Tribune Rink in Millennium Park for free when you bring your skates! Now in its 17th year, the rink is also open for ice skating lessons on weekends. Only a 6 minute walk down Michigan Avenue from 73 East Lake or an 8 minute walk from Marquee at Block 37.
Do some window shopping at the Macy’s windows on State Street! The department store decorates its window displays for the holiday season, to which spectators can walk from window to window to enjoy a new Christmas story every year. After viewing the window displays stop inside for some Christmas shopping! Only a 5 minute walk from 73 East Lake or a 4 minute walk down Randolph Street from Marquee at Block 37!
After skating and viewing the festive Macy’s window displays, head over to the Christkindlmarket to find unique gifts and delicious, warm food! Based on German and European holiday traditions, the Christkindlmarket is perfect for artisan goods such as hand-knit hats, ornaments, ceramics and jewelry. Make sure to stop by food vendors for a taste of German and European cuisine, including warm eggnog, fresh schnitzel or gourmet pretzels. Only a 3 minute walk from 73 East Lake or located below Marquee at Block 37!
End the night with some holiday lights at Lincoln Park Zoo Lights! Once the sun goes down the zoo illuminates with a free light show set to holiday tunes, crafts, cocoa, and illuminated walkways. View their calendar for special light shows and free 3D glasses, only a 5 minute walk from The Belden Stratford or a 10 minute walk from Kent!