chicago holiday guide 2014

I know, I know - it's not even Thanksgiving yet, but the city is fully decked out for the holidays and I can't say I'm mad.  While there are endless options of things to do in the city this time of year, below are the items at the top of my list to check out (or pursue for 20th time).

WINING & DINING

1. Macy's Walnut Room: tree lighting was on November 8 (I highly recommend making a reservation)
2. BrewLights at the Lincoln Park Zoo: December 3, tickets are $40-$50
3. TBOX (Twelve Bars of Christmas): December 13, tickets are $45
4. Holiday high tea at the Drake: November 15 - January 4
5. Lawry's carolers (in Dickens-style outfits!): November 29 - December 24

The Walnut Room

THEATER

1. Joffrey Ballet's The Nutcracker: December 5 - December 28 at the Auditorium Theater, ticket prices vary
2. A Christmas Carol: November 19 - December 28 at the Goodman Theater, ticket prices vary
3. Second City's Holidazed and Confused: November 27 - December 31, ticket prices vary
4. Other great shows recommended by Time Out

The Nutcracker

HEALTH

1. Ugly Sweater Run: November 29, registration is $35-$45
2. Grant Park Turkey Trot: November 29, registration is $35-$45
3. Santa Hustle: December 6, registration is $50

Ugly Sweater Run

MUSEUMS

1. The Art Institute's Thorne Miniature Rooms are decorated for holiday's: November 22 - January 6, admission is $19-25.50
2. Christmas Around the World and Holiday Lights at the Museum of Science and Industry: November 13 - January 4, admission is $11-$18

A Thorne room getting decorated for the holidays

TRAVEL

1. Holiday EL Train - I can't figure out when this will be happening?!
2. Chicago Trolley Holiday Lights Tour: November 28 - December 21 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and December 6 - January 4, every day, tickets are $19.00-$66.50

Holiday EL train

FREE

1. Skating in Millenium Park: November 14 - March 8 (skate rentals are $12)
2. Tree lighting in Daley Plaza: November 25th
3. Thanksgiving Day Parade: November 28, 8am - 11am.  On State Street from Congress to Randolph
4. Macy's (Marshall Fields in my heart) Holiday Windows: November 8 - January 11.  This year's theme is "A Journey of a Christmas Wish"  Here's also a list of past years - some of my favorites were The Grinch and Charlie & The Chocolate Factory
5. ZooLights at the Lincoln Park Zoo: November 28–November 30; December 4 (Zoo Members Only); December 5–7, 12–23; December 26–January 4
6. Christkindl Market in Daley Plaza: November 21 - December 24
7. Check out the Home Alone house in Winnetka (!!!)
8. Caroling at Could Gate (the Bean): November 28 - December 19 at 6 pm

Skating at Millenium Park

Photo credit: 1/2/3/4/5/6

Let me know if you check any of these out - I'd love to hear your experiences.

Have a fantastic weekend!  

xo, Annelise