Chicago

Dec-2023

Christmas in Chicago

Winter in the Midwest mean shorter days and chilly nights, ​which may sound intimidating, but it also provides an ​opportunity to walk in the late afternoon to see festive ​Christmas lights, and Chicago is especially magical during this ​time!

What to do in Chicago ​In Winter?

Here are some of the best places to visit in Chicago during the ​Christmas season:

1. Navy Pier - Festive lights
   
2. Millennium Park Christmas Tree
   
3. Ice skating at Maggie Daley Ribbon
   
4. Walking among the lights in the loop
   
5. Stay at an iconic hotel
6. Insta worthy Spots
   

Chicago, IL

Navy Pier

As an iconic Chicago landmark, the Naby Pier dosnt ​disappoint in the holiday season. With light displays, an ​array of restaurants to chose from, and the iconic Ferris ​wheel, this iconic spot shouldn’t be missed

tips on visiting Navy Pier with a family:

• Strollers are easy to navigate, there are a few stairs, but an ​elevator nearby
  
• Although buying tickets to the Ferris wheel in advance on ​the website is convenient, keep in mind there are no ​refunds if you decide not to go. Unfortunatly, it was foggy ​when we went, if I hadn’t pre-purchased the tickets we ​would have skipped it
  

Navy Pier, Chocago

Maggie Daley Ice Skating, Chocago

Maggie Daley ice skating

Another favorite not just for tourists, but locals as well is ​skating at Maggie Delay

tips on Ice Skating at Maggie Delay with the ​family:

• Pre-booking your tickets is the best way to ensure you ​have a spot, even when it’s busy
  
• There are designated areas to put your shoes and you ​can leave a stroller in the same area, but you won’t see ​them while skating, so it’s a good idea to bring a small ​purse or bag to wear while skating
• They only have some of the larger size toddler skates ​to rent, we were able to get a size 10, but they didn’t ​have size 6 toddler skate
• There are handy penguins (and polar bears for adults) ​to hold onto if you’d like help while skating
• You can save quite a bit if you bring your own skates, ​but renting was easy and worth it!
  

Chicago lights

Chicago is a magical place in the winter, with lots of lights ​and decorations. During the Christmas season, there’s a large ​tree in millennium park, and may buildings are lit up in red ​and green.

tips on seeing the lights in Chicago as a family:

• The main tourist area in Chicago is known as “the loop” ​and well lit even after dark. Thanks to a close attention to ​security, the area is safe to walk at night
  
• The main places to walk in Chicago for lights include:
• Millenium park Christmas Tree
  
• Maggie Daley Park
• Lakeshore Park
• Navy Peir
• Along Michigan Avenue
  

The Blackstone Hotel, Chicago

hotel downtown

One way to enhance your Chicago experience is to stay ​in the downtown area. The South Loop is a great choice ​due to its close proximity to the lake and Museum ​Campus, which includes the Shedd Aquarium, Field ​Museum, and Planetarium. During my recent trip, I ​opted to stay in this neighborhood and found it to be ​both fun and iconic.

The Blackstone Hotel, located near Grant Park, is a ​historic gem and icon of Chicago since 1910. Its signature ​red brick and mansard roof make it stand out from other ​buildings in the area. The hotel's blend of history and ​elegance is truly unique and made our stay all the more ​enjoyable. Even if you don't plan on staying there, I ​highly recommend checking out this beautiful building ​and learning about its fascinating history (read about it ​here)

The Blackstone Hotel, Chicago

tips on Staying at Blackstone with the Family:

• Read all about the history of this amazing place on ​their website to fully appreciate it.
  
• Check out the Art Gallery in the hotel! It’s a small ​gallery, but a fun little place to look at fun art
• You can get breakfast at the restaurant in the hotel, or ​upgrade to a room with lounge access. The lounge is ​only open on week days, but they will give you a ​voucher for the restaurant if you stay over the ​weekend.
• There are plenty of restaurants and coffee shops ​around the hotel, so if you go out for meals you’ll have ​no shortage of options
  

Chicago Skyline from Maggie Daley Park

Chicago Skyline from North Predident’s Court

The Lions at The Art Institute, Chicago