I am bringing my 2 sons(pre-teen, still into Santa) up to Chicago next weekend just to sightsee for the Holidays and dont want to miss anything Christmassy. We will be there Thurs - Sun and staying just off Mag. Mile near the river.
So far we plan on shopping the Mag mile, visiting Water Tower Place, Navy Pier, Daley Plaza and checking out Macy’s. Looking mainly at places we can walk to from the hotel or a short cab ride.
Anything else to check out? Museums are out due to little time and the fact that we went to a lot of them this summer
Well, it’s not really Christmassy, but don’t miss the bean sculpture at Millenium Park. Cloud Gate is its real name. (It’s kind of silvery, so there’s that.) It’s more impressive than you’d expect from photos.
A Chicago classic is “Christmas Around the World” – annual exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry:
I know you said no museums, but I’m suspecting that a couple of pre-teen boys might like that as a break from shopping, which is the main event for nearly everything else on your list.
Of course, if we get any more 70° weather – you could take them to Oak St. Beach!
Christkindlmarket! Loads of German tchotchkes under the Picasso! An ancient Chicago tradition for a good fifteen years!
Hey, the town ain’t that old and we have to take our traditions where we can [del]steal[/del] import 'em. We can’t ride Capone’s coattails forever. But it’s fun, tacky, and it has glühwein to keep you warm.
I’ll third the Christkindlmarket, also pointing out it’s a good spot to catch lunch. If you’re going to Millenium Park, there’s ice skating there, too. (If it’s not still so warm to make it a wading pool by the time you’re here). Does Macy’s keep up with the story windows like Marshall Field’s did? It’s also on the way from Michigan Ave to Daley Plaza. I love my city at Christmastime!
Yes, Macy’s still does the story windows. Although they tend to be more politically correct than in days of yore. I remember a recent theme, “Snow White and the Seven Little Men.” <Hurling Smiley>
If you go to the Lincoln Park ZooLights, you can also visit the Winter (formerly Christmas) Flower and Train Show at the Lincoln Park Conservatory – adjacent to the Zoo and free:
