Christmas in Chicago? What to Do?

One thing I always take my daughters to and is good for all ages is the White Christmas at Navy Pier. It's a blast with rides and ice skating and other stuff. You can find information about it here

http://www.navypier.com/home.html

It usually starts in the beginning of Xmas.

Cheers,
Johnny

Both Zoo's (Lincoln and Brookfield) do a wonderful job at decorating at Christmas time. The City offers all kinds of activities, ice skating, caroling, shows...

You might also try the Musuem, they used to do an exibit "Christmas around the world", they would have trees decorated in each countires Traditonal style and singers there performing the various Christmas songs.

Also even tho is is cold, you could go for a walk along the shore. The lake looks much different in winter and the snow lined beach is impressive.

Lincoln Park Zoo is supposed to be nice. Having lunch at the walnut room at Macys, seeing the windows, the Christmas Tree at Daley Plaza.

just going downtown at christmas itself is magic. seeing the huge decorated tree. taking a carriage ride while there are carolers at the various street corners. Having dinner as a family. Seeing the windows decorated. Seeing santa etc.. We went last year and stayed overnight at a hotel down there and made a long weekend out of it. Fun fun

In Nov. they have that Disney Magical parade that is always fun. See if any rooms are available and make a weekend out of it. We do it every year and my kids love it.

Everyone else had all of the classic suggestions but I didn't see the christkindlmarkt (I'm sure I've butchered that spelling) at Daley Plaza. Pick a really cold day and start there with mulled cider, buy a glass ornament or handmade scarf, then walk over to Macys to see Santa and have lunch in the Walnut Room, or just enjoy the window displays and decorations.

Also, the lighting of the trees along Michigan Avenue after the parade really is magical (although I personally don't care for the parade now that Disney is involved - too loud! But the lights are magic - no way for Disney to ruin that.)

I agree with what someone else said.....just being downtown around Christmastime is magical. My parents used to take us downtown every yr. to walk along Michigan Ave. and see all the window displays (and it's the best thing to do because it's FREE!) Of course now that Sears is no longer Sears, it just won't ever be the same :(

There is lots to do. Christkindmarkt is awesome, skating at Millenium Park, Navy Pier has a winter festival. Museum of Science and Industry used to do a trees from around the world display, I don't know if they still do.

Check out Navy Pier Winter Wonderland. Make sure you take your camera, we try to make it an annual event. I hear it is pretty crowded on the weekends. We usually take a day off during the week and go early in the season.

There is also ice skating at Millennium park (Michigan Ave).

Have fun.

G.