Christmastime in the City

I’ve lived in Chicago for nearly eight years yet have never spent a Christmas here. Between traveling to my or Steve’s family for the holiday, it’s just never worked out to stay in the city even though I wanted to. Things in Chicago neighborhoods get really quiet and cozy around Christmas, while downtown is bustling with excitement. It’s a wonderful feeling that I experienced before heading out of town, and one I always wanted to be apart of. This year I was really excited that Steve went for my idea of staying home on the actual holiday so we could enjoy the things to do in Chicago! We started a list of things we want to do during our days off at home, and I thought I’d share it here. Whether you’re a local or tourist, celebrating Christmas or looking for other things to do during your time off, there’s something for everyone.

Chicago Holiday Events

Let’s start with the Christmas-specific sites and events. They include: 

• Go to Christkindl Market Chicago
• Drink at the Wrigleyville Winter Wonderland
• Join in the Music Box Christmas Double Feature & Sing-a-long
• Brunch at the Peninsula hotel among beautiful holiday decorations, and keep the day going by bar hopping other festive hotels. (Steve and I did this for his birthday one year and it was so much fun!)
• Stay in cuddled on the couch with Hallmark’s Countdown to Christmas playing. (Guilty! I can’t get enough.)

Looking for something else to do, but doesn’t have to be holiday focused? Try these options:

• Blast off with MSI’s “Moon and Back Again” series celebrating the 
  Apollo 8 mission.
• Rent “A Simple Favor.” It comes out on Dec. 18 and I can’t wait to finally watch since I missed it in theaters!
• Take a trip to New Glarus, Wisc., which is only 2.5 hours from Chicago and is home to the New Glarus Brewing Company and other charming Swiss sites.

Will we get through our list of things to do in Chicago? Who knows! I’m definitely allowing myself one or more days vegging out on the couch on my days off. Hope you can do the same.