Family. Friends. Shopping. Eating. Drinking. Merriment.
No, this isn't a greatest-hits list of what life has to offer - it's a description of the HOLIDAY SEASON! A time of year that encompasses pretty much everything we love and throws a tidy little bow on it. Chicago's no slouch when it comes to can't-miss December activities, so we got to work on compiling the best of the best of 'em on this page.
Additionally (and in the interest of general merriment), we've teamed up with Sunnyside* Cannabis Dispensary to give you a chance to win our Chill & Cheer Holiday Bundle! It's got everything you could need to have a chill and cheerful holiday season, including:
- A pair of tickets to a performance of The Nutcracker or A Christmas Carol.
- Shopping money to spread the love at places like Christkindlmarket or the Magnificent Mile.
- A cozy home bundle complete with a fleece throw, deluxe cocoa kit, and more to ensure maximum comfiness.
And on top of ALL OF THAT, you can use promo code: HIDO312HOLIDAY for 50% off your first three online purchases at Sunnyside* Cannabis Dispensary. Exclusions apply. Appropriately enough, you can get extra merry or gift a friend with their Holiday Collection, an offering of the finest cannabis flower, vapes, accessories, and more, inspired by the holiday season. More on that later. Now, let's get to the business of getting holly jolly in Chicago!
Ho, ho, WHOA! Deck your halls (but like, in a really chill way) with Cresco Holiday LLR carts available at Sunnyside* Cannabis Dispensary. They come in a joyously large variety of flavors that are both seasonally appropriate and delicious. Get ready to unwrap these goodies - they’ll have you floating like Santa's sleigh:
Photo via Facebook.com/Christkindlmarket
Sipping hot mulled wine out of a boot-shaped mug is a Chicago tradition if there ever was one. This German-inspired open-air market has been bringing holiday joy to locals since 1996. Its flagship location sets up shop in Daley Plaza every winter and runs through December 24th.
Even if you've already wrapped up your holiday shopping for the season, Christkindlmarket's food and drink options still make it a fun place to wander with someone you're sweet on.
If you don't have everyone on your shopping list checked off, consider Chicago's local vendors and markets as your best options for finding a meaningful gift. There are dozens of indie holiday markets happening throughout town showcasing local handmade artisans with clothing, jewelry, baking accessories, wall art, toys, whozits, whatzits and more on sale.
Chicago's Magnificent Mile—the stretch of Michigan Avenue between Oak Street and the Chicago River—always looks especially stunning during the holidays, with tons of lights, store window displays and carriages lining the streets. It makes for a beautiful nighttime stroll. Don't forget to make a stop at Millennium Park to visit the city of Chicago's official tree—a 55-foot blue spruce decorated and on display until January 8th.
Keep heading south past the river and pop over to State Street for more of the city's longest-running holiday traditions. The Macy's window displays are always extravagant and always dazzling. Once you're done posting to Instagram, you can snag more double-tap-worthy pics inside the department store's restaurant. The Great Tree—a 100+ year tradition—towers 45 feet above the dining room and is on display through early January.
Photo via Facebook.com/Goodmantheatre
The story of A Christmas Carol is a classic in any city, but the Goodman's production is a longstanding favorite and 40+ years into its annual run.
Image via Facebook.com/Lincolnparkzoo
We're always down to hit up Lincoln Park Zoo and hang with snow monkeys and sloths and penguins, but what about when they're illuminated by 2.5 million holiday lights?! It's even better. Plus, there are family-friendly activities scheduled throughout the month (and adult beverages for sale, too).
Image via Facebook.com/Mortonarboretum
The Morton Arboretum's annual tree lighting display, "Illumination," projects beautiful hues onto the mile-long walking stretch through January 4th. Wintry activities like marshmallow roasting also abound here.
Image via Facebook.com/Chicagotrolley
Take A Trolley Tour
Walking is great and all, but let's not forget that December is kind of cold. Stay warm(er) with the Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Co.'s holiday lights tours—bussing you to all of the best displays. Or see Chicago's holiday lights like never before with a nighttime helicopter ride around the city courtesy of Chicago Helicopter Experience!
Dreaming of a Lit Christmas? Good News has a foolproof plan to get you nice and toasty for the holiday season with their Island Vibes collection. You may be asking yourself, "What exactly makes these vibes islandy?" Two words: Piña Colada. Yessir, that's correct. They've gone and made their Vape Pens and Cartridges Piña Colada-flavored. Why didn't YOU think of that? Why didn’t WE think of that? It doesn't matter, we're just glad someone did. It doesn’t get much more tropical than this without a nasty case of jet lag.
Image via Facebook.com/Maggiedaleypark
The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink is one of the most picturesque rinks in the city, surrounded by twinkling skyscrapers and nestled under The Bean. Let's not forget that admission is also free! (However, skate rentals do cost between $12 and $14.) Thanks to the Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon, you now have another ice skating option nearby if your tradition needs a slight changeup.
Image via Facebook.com/Thejoffreyballet
We've come to expect a fresh take on old classics from The Joffrey Ballet and they continue to prove us right with the company's production of The Nutcracker, retold with a Chicago twist.
Celebrate The Spirit Of Kwanzaa
Prepare for your Kwanzaa celebration at the Africa International House's Pre-Kwanzaa Marketplace happening December 13th and 14th. You might also visit some of Chicago's cultural institutions such as the DuSable Museum of African American History or the Bronzeville Children's Museum to further learn about the holiday's traditions and history.
Photo via Cityofchicago.org
Does anything scream "so Chicago" as much as bundling up in the middle of December and singing holiday songs in front of The Bean? I mean, come on! It's so cute it's almost annoying.
It's exactly what you think it is. The Music Box's annual holiday extravaganza features White Christmas and It's A Wonderful Life. Each screening starts with Santa Claus himself, along with the theater's organist, leading the audience in renditions of beloved carols before the film begins.
Image via Transitchicago.com
Catch The Holiday CTA Train & Bus
It's the only time of year you'll race to catch a certain train for reasons other than running late to work. The Chicago Transit Authority's holiday train and bus are back and more decked out than ever. Follow along with the schedule (aka Santa tracker) here.
Celebrate Hanukkah On The North Side
For the area's best Hanukkah celebrations, you'll need to head just outside of the city proper. For the kids, check out Hanukkah Candle Lighting & Drag Queen Storytime in Rogers Park. Find some laughs at iO Theater for A Chanukah Carol. For a lighter take on the holiday, check out Graystone Tavern's "8 Crazy Nights" pop-up open through January!
As we mentioned up top, Sunnyside* Cannabis Dispensary’s Holiday Collection is a winter wonderland of cannabis-based possibilities. It contains a multitude of flower, vapes, accessories, and more - including the aforementioned Cresco Holiday LLR carts. Beyond that, they have a selection of what we like to call, The North Pole’s Finest:
Don’t forget! You can use promo code: HIDO312HOLIDAY for 50% off your first three online purchases at Sunnyside* Cannabis Dispensary. Exclusions apply.
Photo via NavyPier.org
Navy Pier's Festival Hall gets decked out in holiday spirit again this year. Hundreds of trees, thousands of ornaments, giant nutcrackers, and plenty more wintery whimsy. Complete the day with hot cocoa and hot apple cider. Who knows? You might even spot Santa!
The Museum Of Science and Industry's yearly holiday celebrations "Christmas Around The World" and "Holiday Of Lights" are back through January 6th. More than 50 holiday displays representing cultures and traditions from around the globe are on display now with special performances happening every weekend!
Photo via Facebook/Gallagher Way
When the Cubs aren't in season, Santa comes out to play. Gallagher Way at Wrigley Field has transformed into a winter playground complete with an ice skating rink, curling classes, free holiday movies screenings and more!
Photo via Elf'd Up Holiday Pop-Up Bar/Papergirl PR
It's all the rage! Temporary bars themed around your favorite holiday movies, stories and traditions are sprouting up all over town. Step in for spirited food, drinks and an Instagram-worthy experience.
Happy holidays, Chicago! Make this season count.
