Chicago Traditions: The Holiday Season

With steamy hot chocolate with marshmallows in one hand, a gift list for all your friends and family in the other, all the while looking like a snowman topped with a fuzzy overcoat and scarf to cover your face. The holiday season has arrived again in downtown Chicago. Every year, the days after Thanksgiving, downtown Chicago undergoes a transformation, and becomes a winter wonderland, seemingly overnight. For many of those from Chicago, there are set of holiday traditions that run through their families. Whether it be singing carols at Cloud Gate in Millennium Park or eating a family meal in the Walnut Room of Macy’s (formerly Marshall Fields) on State Street. Here are some attractions and fun things to do in Chicago during the happiest time of the year!

1. Macy’s Walnut Room: As part of many Chicago natives traditions, having a family meal at the Walnut Room at Macy’s on State Street, is a classic affair. As the name suggests, the room is known for its signature wood paneling, made of, you guessed it, walnut. With renowned chefs from around the world who help design the menu, depending on when you go, you can try the cooking of chefs like: Rick Bayless, Cat Cora, and Wolfgang Puck among many others. Besides the food, people come here to get a chance to see the famous Christmas tree at the center of the dining room. Every year, Macy’s puts a theme on the tree. One year it was Swarovski crystal, musical instruments, and so much more! But make sure you check the outside of the store before you leave as well. Every year, the store windows all tell a story. A typical story is the one of “Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus” and the “12 Days of Christmas”. This is a hit Chicago attraction, so be sure to check this out before you leave back home for the holiday season.
2. Dickens’s A Christmas Carol: In Chicago’s Goodman Theatre, during the holiday season, there is the classical retelling of Scrooge in Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. Fun for the whole family, the show has both comedy and exciting musical numbers, that makes this for all ages. Running from November 9-December 31st, be sure to check this out!
3. Christmas Around the World: In Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry, the main hall of the museum is adorned with various Christmas trees from around the world, with the United States of America tree at the center. All of the trees are unique and feature ornate ornaments that are unique to the country that they are from. For example, on the tree from the Philippines, shell ornaments (capiz) are common while for Russia, wooden babushka dolls are popular. This trip reflects the importance of how American culture is truly a melting pot of all cultures, unique in their own respect.
4. Navy Pier’s Winter Wonderland: Located close off the Grand and State stop on the CTA Red Line, this attraction for both young kids and teenagers alike. Upon entering the site, the atmosphere is reminiscent of an indoor Six Flags that has a holiday theme. It has the typical fair food, winter feel, and endless holiday tunes that play on the speakers. Navy Pier also has a Children’s Museum, numerous restaurants, and a beautiful crystal garden. Regardless of your age, there is something for everyone to do here at Navy Pier!