It’s the most wonderful time of the year…
Here are some festive things to do in Chicago & the North Shore to celebrate the season! This time of year can be overwhelming with the amount of holiday activities and limited weekends to celebrate, wishing you merry merry fun!
Santa’s Reindeer at Chalet
Chalet is holiday headquarters with a packed calendar of ways to spread cheer! On my radar is visiting Santa’s Reindeer Happy Hour, Holiday Bow Making virtual workshop and the “Bring on the Joy” holiday market. While you are there for one of their fun events be sure to pop inside to shop all of their holiday goodies & gifts! View more information here
Music Box Theater
This is one of my favorite holiday traditions. The Music Box Theater has holiday sing-a-long movies featuring, It’s A Wonderful Life and White Christmas (my favorite). The theater serves alcohol and all of your classic favorite movie theater snacks. Audience members are warmed up for the movie with local chorus singing everyone’s favorite carols. You can have dinner at Tango Sur, Coda Di Volpe, Ella Elli – the perfect holiday date night. December 10th-23rd | view schedule here
Celebrate the Season at a Festive Restaurants
Dining at a festive restaurant is one of my favorite ways to celebrate the season! The whole city feels decked for the holidays, but I always love RL and Club Lucky for a cozy dinner spot. The Peninsula Hotel is one of my favorites at Christmastime. Butch McGuire’s is always a holiday institution and fun to bring the kids for brunch! In the suburbs visit Towne & Oak with their Home Alone theme. I always love a cozy dinner at EJ’s Place, Del Rio or in a cozy full heated greenhouse at Guildhall. The decor at Pit & Tap is so jolly and Green Bay Cafe is always a holiday breakfast favorite, especially the hot chocolate.
See the Lights
I always love going to the Lincoln Park ZooLights followed by dinner at R.J. Grunts. My favorite suburban combo is Lightscape at the Botanic Gardens and Barnaby’s pizza. I have yet to do a drive-through magic show but Willow Hills Winter Magic & Let it Shine are on my list!
Winnetka Winter Express
All aboard! The Winnetka Golf Club is hosting a viewing of the Polar Express from the comfort of your car. During the movie, each child will receive hot chocolate, a cookie, popcorn, and a letter they can write to Santa. Dec 10th from 5pm-7pm
Deer Path Inn Holiday Tea at Home
The traditional afternoon tea at Deer Path Inn is one of my favorite holiday traditions! While I love having the tea service at Deer Path Inn, it’s also a fun treat to have at home! Their tea sandwiches include yummy pimento cheese BLT and shrimp & lobster salad. They have a delicious selections of desserts and loose leaf tea of your choice. Their kid’s tea menu includes mini sandwiches like caramelized banana nutella and peanut butter along with an adorable array of petite desserts for your little one. For more information visit here or call 847-234-2280
Winterland at Gallagher Way
Gallagher Way is your one stop shop for a big dose of holiday fun! The Christkindlmarket, ice bumper cars, outdoor holiday movies and visits with Santa – among other things! You can also visit Mistletoe, Mordecai’s holiday pop-up bar with exceptional craft cocktails inspired by the season. Or you can dine in a globe or plan a holiday staycation at Hotel Zachary to ensure you are able to enjoy all of the merriment! See all of the events here
Holiday Happenings at Downtown Wilmette
On Saturday, December 4th downtown Wilmette will be in the full holiday swing! You can visit Santa, sing jolly songs with the New Trier Swing Choir Carolers and watch the movie “Elf” at the Wilmette theater. There will be free hot chocolate and candy canes and a to tree lighting ceremony to cap off the day! Participating stores and restaurants will be offering special promotions. View more info here
The Home Alone Experience at The Graduate Hotel
Spend the night just like Kevin McCallister at The Graduate Hotel’s Home Alone experience. The room is a replica with so many unique nods to everyone’s favorite movie. There is also a mini bar stocked with Kevin’s favorite snacks and a lovely cheese pizza from Little Nero’s. Complete with a in-room theater featuring Home Alone movies on demand. Ten percent of the proceeds from each booking will be donated to Lurie’s Children’s Hospital. Book your room here
