Best Local: Holiday Activities

Tis the Season! Keep up the holiday cheer all December long with these Chicago and suburb events.

The beginning of December marks the most wonderful time of the year! Get into the holiday spirit with these festive events around Chicago and surrounding suburbs.

Courtesy of chicagoraffaello.com

Courtesy of chicagoraffaello.com

It’s not Christmastime in Chicago without the beloved Christkindlmarket in the Daley Plaza! A Chicago tradition for 20 year, the market features German and European tradition, culture and goods as well as entertainment. Sample some fresh schnitzel, hot pretzels, or German spiced wine while shopping for unique gifts. Check the website for various events throughout the month of December, only a 4 minute walk from 215 West Apartments, or 9 minutes from 73 East Lake.

Courtesy of chicagonow.com

Courtesy of chicagonow.com

After visiting the market, walk over to Macy’s on State Street to view the Macy’s Holiday Window Exhibit. Each year the store puts on an interactive window display for the holidays with different scenes and stories. Afterwards, stop inside the 9-story department store, listed as a National Historic Landmark, to complete some holiday shopping. Only a minute walk from 73 East Lake, a 12 minute walk from Grand Plaza, or a 13 minute walk from 400 N. LaSalle.

Enjoy a beautiful Christmas light display with Zoolights from Lincoln Park Zoo. The event runs Friday through Sunday until December 13, when it runs nightly. The spectacular includes pictures with Santa, holiday crafts, ice carving and musical light shows! Pay $5 for ice skating, or enjoy Zoolights for free! Only a 3 minute walk from The Belden Stratford.

Courtesy of wgnradio.com

Courtesy of wgnradio.com

Stay out of the cold and enjoy the holidays indoors with the Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier. The indoor playground is decorated to fit the season with hanging snowflakes and icicles, over 400 evergreens and giant gingerbread houses. Activities include an ice skating rink, indoor Ferris wheel, inflatables and live entertainment. Only a 10 minute bus ride on the 29 line from Grand Plaza.

Courtesy of woodlandsonline.com

Courtesy of woodlandsonline.com

December holds more holidays than Christmas, with other cultural significances and traditions. Celebrate Hanukah with the Grand Chanukah Menorah Lighting in Evanston! On December 10th the Evanston community will light a 10 foot Menorah in Fountain Square to symbolize light over darkness, or good over evil. The ceremony will also include musical entertainment and refreshments, open to all! Only a 5 minute drive from AMLI Evanston.