Christmas in Chicago

To get in the holiday spirit this morning,  I turned on my Christmas spotify playlist, brewed Chocolate Glazed Donut coffee from the Dunkin Donuts® at Home Bakery Series Collection, and spent time putting together my entire bucket list for my first official Christmas living in the city. Twinkling lights, iconic window displays lining State Street, gift shopping on Michigan Avenue – Christmas really is the most magical time of year here in Chicago! With only one week left before the big day, I put together a list of holiday activities in the city you have to fit in before the 25th. To get the full holiday experience, here’s everything you can’t miss during a trip to Chicago this season:

1. Ice-Skating in Millennium Park (Now-March 5th)

This is a must – and such a cute idea for a date night or a night out with girlfriends. There is free ice skating daily at the McCormick Tribune Ice Skating Rink in Millennium Park – there’s no admission, so bring your own skates, or rent a pair for only $10!

2. Christkindlmarket (Now-Dec 24th)

This is by far one of my favorites! Chicago’s downtown square, Daley Plaza, turns into a bustling mini village filled with adorable red and white striped huts covered in lights. This German-inspired festival is meant to resemble the Nuremberg Christmas Market in Germany. It’s been a tradition here in the city for 21 years – shop handcrafted holiday gifts while drinking hot spiced wine, strudel, sausage, and potato pancakes! A very cute date idea 🙂

3. ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo (Now – January 1)

One of my favorite things! The Lincoln Park Zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland with more than two million lights. There’s also holiday crafts, ice-skating, sweet treats, and you can visit Santa.

4. Window Shop on State Street (Now – January)

Chicago’s “Great Street” is a must-see if you’re in town for the holidays. Macy’s on State is an iconic holiday shopping destination with nine floors to explore – but the window shopping from the outside is the best part. Bundle up and walk along the street to see Macy’s large windows elaborately decorated by painters, welders, costume-makers, engineers, visual artists and carpenters. 

5. Dinner at RL Restaurant on Michigan Avenue

This is a must – located adjacent to the world’s largest Polo store, the Chicago Flagship on Michigan Avenue, RL Restaurant represents Ralph Lauren’s debut into the restaurant industry. The restaurant features the vision and décor of Ralph Lauren and modern city-club cuisine and it is SO fancy. The food is inspired by American classics – seafood, steaks, chops, salads, sandwiches – a menu that stands apart from fashion and trends. This is a great experience year round, but especially during the holiday season when it’s dressed up in holiday decor!

6. Christmas Around the World and Holiday of Lights

You have to visit the Museum of Science and Industry for this holiday tradition. The 45-foot Grand Tree in center stage is covered in 30,000 lights takes on a different theme every year. It’s surrounded by more than 50 smaller trees decorated by volunteers from Chicago communities to represent their various cultures and holiday traditions. And you have to see the falling”snow”.

7. Christmas Horse Drawn Carriage Rides

I’ve always wanted to this! Take blankets and hot chocolate and enjoy the beauty of Michigan Avenue dressed up in lights up close and personal on a romantic carriage ride through the city. 

8. See my two favorites: The Nutcracker + It’s a Wonderful Life (Dec 10 -30)
Nutcracker tickets here. It’s America’s #1 Nutcracker and has been called “the perfect ballet” by The Washington Post. And you have to see the classic It’s a Wonderful Life, tickets here.

9.Shop Chicago’s best gift shops + boutiques

A few of my favorites: Jayson Home, Art Effect, Penelope’s, P.O.S.H., Paper Source.

All of my Chicago friends, what are your favorite things to do in the city this time of year? What did I miss?  xo

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Thank you to Dunkin Donuts at Home for sponsoring this post!