Happy Holidays!

I have been in love with all things Christmas for as long as I can remember. When I moved to Chicago a few years ago I felt the holiday spark in me even more so than in previous years. I love seeing the holiday decorations. And I especially love having the possibility to take part in so many new holiday activities!

My absolute favorite holiday activities from the past few years are outlined below. Plus a few new traditions I am excited to try out this year!

HOLIDAY ACTIVITES IN CHICAGO

Indoor Activities:

Watch the Classics at the Music Box Holiday Double Feature: The Music Box Holiday Double Feature is something new I am trying this year! The double feature consists of back to back showings of White Christmas and It’s a Wonderful Life. This special double feature runs December 12th- December 24th. UPDATE: This was SO fun! If the classics aren’t your thing, check out one of the alternative Christmas double features. Which includes Elf this year!

If you are interested definitely buy tickets sooner rather than later as they are known to sell out!

Attending the Joffrey’s Slightly Modern Version of The Nutcracker: I danced growing up and have always felt a sense of magic when watching ballet. I cannot wait to see the version of The NutCracker the Joffrey has put together. They have made a few adjustments, and the reviews are spectacular. UPDATE: I saw this last year with my Mom and it was magical! I will definitely be going back!

Have a Beer at a Cozy Bar/Restaurant with a Fireplace Two places that immediatly come to mind when I think of cozy in the city are: Hopleaf and Moody Tounge Brewery. What could be better then having a tasty beer while cozied up by the fireplace with your friends.

Check out Butch McGuire’s I might be biased since I live just around the corner from this place. When I say they go all out with the holiday decor I mean it!

Outdoor Activities:

Ice Skating at the Maggie Daley Ribbon: Last year was the first time I had been on skates in many years.The rink is shaped like a giant ribbon, and even goes slightly uphill and downhill. BONUS you can take in some truly beautiful views of the city while skating!

The best part about the Ribbon is it is FREE(if you bring your own skates)! There is typically a very long line to rent skates, BUT if you bring your own you get to skip the line!

Drinking Mulled Wine and Browsing Ornaments at the Christkindl Market: If you are visit the city for a day the Christkindl Market is a must visit. The market can get crowded so be prepared for that going in. While there you have to have the hot mulled wine in the little mug(the true definition of a cup of cheer). The mug changes each year, making it a little keepsake to take home(I added a hook to mine and use it is a tree ornament)!

Frolic Around Zoo Lights at the Lincoln Park Zoo: If you have never attended Zoo Lights put it on the must do list this year! Zoo lights also happens to be FREE!

Here’s to doing holiday activities with your favorite people!

p.s. If you enjoyed this post, check out more holiday posts here!