Making s’mores in a heated igloo, gazing at holiday lights displays across the city, spreading cheer at 30 bars in Wrigleyville, and camping out in style — here is our list of the best things to eat, drink and do in Chicago this holiday season.
Christmas around the world
Stand in awe of more than 50 trees decorated to represent cultural traditions from around the world — from the all-white tree for Lebanon to the Poland tree filled with homemade-looking ornaments. The Museum of Science and Industry exhibit in Hyde Park is open through Jan. 6 and is included in the entrance fee.
Be charitable
During the time of year when giving is top of mind, take your family shopping to fulfill a needy family’s wish list, for instance, through Connections for Abused Women and Their Children’s Adopt-a-Family program (visit CAWC.org). Or pack food together with Feed My Starving Children, an organization that sends packages of food to countries in need. To find an event or host one, visit fmsc.org.
The original Santa Claus
Get an early start on Christmas by discovering St. Nicholas, the original Santa Claus. He was a 4th century Greek bishop who was said to have used his entire inheritance to help those in need. And local churches, schools and organizations often host visits from him around his feast day, Dec. 6. Or you and the kids could await his visit in your own home by leaving your shoes out when you go to bed the night of Dec. 5. If you’ve been good this year, you might find a treat inside the next morning.
French sweets
Celebrate the holidays the French way by picking up a buche de Noel at one of the area’s many French bakeries for your holiday party or dinner. These yule logs are made with a yellow or chocolate cake that is topped with ganache or another filling, rolled up to form a log shape and decorated with pastry branches, leaves or mushrooms. Last year we tried the buche de Noel at Bittersweet Pastry Shop, 1114 W. Belmont Ave., 773-929-1100, but your favorite French patisserie is likely to have its own version.
Follow your inner demon
If the popular European anti-Santa is more your scene, follow your inner demon to a multitude of Krampus events this holiday season. Starting Dec. 5, St. Nick’s demonic counterpart is taking over DMen Tap with a Krampus Pop-Up Dec. 5-23; let Krampus scare the sweets out of you at “Krampus, A Haunted Christmas” Dec. 7, 13 and 14; or head to Martyrs’ Krampus Fest on Dec. 7 for a holiday artisan market. Don’t forget to wear your best Krampus costume.
One of a Kind on your mind
Doesn’t matter if you’re a foodie, a minimalist, a health nut or a collector of unique jewelry — all can be found at Merchandise Mart’s annual One of a Kind Holiday Show. Nineteen years and counting, the show brings 650 artisans from around the world to sell their unique/handmade wares to Chicagoland shoppers. And when you’re not being a productive consumer or gift buyer, take in a fashion show or listen to live music while indulging in some great foodstuffs.
Get ready for Kwanzaa
Beginning the day after Christmas (and lasting for seven days), Kwanzaa is a celebration when African Americans reconnect with their heritage. In preparation, the Greater Chatham Initiative will hold a free event 2-5 p.m. Dec. 7 to learn more about the celebration’s traditions and history with the panel discussion “Black Arts, Black Power & the Birth of Kwanzaa: Greater Chatham and the 1960-70s Chicago Black Arts Movement.” The event will take place at the DuSable Museum of African American History with music, refreshments and a guided tour.
Go glamping
Hotel Zachary in Wrigleyville has turned its outdoor terrace into a mini camp site — make that glamp site — featuring a trio of tricked out canvas tents decorated for the holidays. Groups of up to 10 people can book a tent for a couple of hours and sip cocktails by the potbelly stove, munch on country toast topped with smoked salmon and soak up the views of The Friendly Confines. Reservations start at $150 for a two-hour stay and can be made online at Resy.
Lightscape
New this year at the Chicago Botanic Garden is Lightscape, a mile-long path of lights, colors and sounds. This is the project’s U.S. debut; previously it was in London. It runs from Nov. 22 through Jan. 5. Tickets at chicagobotanic.org.
Shop with a side of culture
Make a holiday shopping trip to the Loop, and mix in some culture on the side: The jewel-like beauty of Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Chicago works make for a great holiday glow on the Chicago Architecture Center’s Tiffany Treasures tour, which includes a stop at Macy’s on State Street to see the store’s Tiffany mosaic dome.
Pick your holiday movie fix
Go for the romantic (“Love, Actually”) or the straight-up silly (“Elf”) film, and see it on the big screen at Chicago’s classic movie house the Music Box Theater. 7 p.m. (“Love, Actually”) and 4:45 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. (“Elf”), 3733 N. Southport.
Warm up with a cold one
What better way to get warm than with a cold one at Brewlights at Lincoln Park Zoo, where you can sip craft and seasonal beers under the lights. Be sure to snag a pic with Santa and ride the carousel.
Live the suite life with Santa
When Santa isn’t at the North Pole, he needs a place to stay. Drop by his lofty digs on the 41st floor of the Swissotel, where the massive Presidential Suite turns into the Santa Suite for most of December. This year’s installment has an apres-ski Swiss chalet theme. Kids can get a photo with Old St. Nick on a ski lift chair, make crafts and have hot cocoa during Santa Days on Saturdays and Sundays (tickets are $15 a person at Eventbrite). From 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday nights, it’s the adults’ turn to have fun with shot skis and DJ sets ($30 at Eventbrite).
Bar crawl
Nothing says holiday cheer like Chicagoans decked out in red and green making their way through nearly 30 Wrigleyville bars. There is candy, music, costumes, decor and, of course, booze. The bar crawl starts at 9 a.m. on Dec. 14. Buy your tickets online at tbox.org.
Holiday trivia … and bingo
A fixture in Chicago since 2012, “Christmas Bingo: It’s a Ho-Ho-Holy Night” at the Royal George Theatre allows the audience to play bingo while also answering questions about Christmas traditions for real prizes. The bingo caller is character Mrs. Mary Margaret O’Brien, a former nun. Through Dec. 29.
Sing along with thousands
Join the chorus at the International Music Foundation’s 44th annual Do-It-Yourself “Messiah” singalong at Millennium Park’s Harris Theater, and belt out Handel classics such as “O Come, All Ye Faithful.” The event, at 7 p.m. Dec. 16 and 17, includes conductor Stanley Sperber, professional soloists and an all-volunteer orchestra.
Ready, set, fry!
Prepare for the first night of Hanukkah on Dec. 22 by making delicious potato latkes with the family. Here is a great recipe for some inspiration. Remember to make more than you think because they will go fast!
Gingerbread fun
It’s officially a week from Christmas, and the kiddos are likely getting restless. Grab a few packs of those pre-sliced Pillsbury sugar cookies with the reindeer or Santa or snowman image on your way home from work. Pop them in the oven when you get home and veg out on those bad boys with your littles while watching one of those cheesy-but-charming Lifetime or Hallmark holiday movies. Dinner not required. Or, if you have the energy, get a carton of milk at the store instead, along with graham crackers, icing, chocolate chips, peppermints and gumdrops, and all the other fixings to make a homemade milk-carton “gingerbread” house. Let the kids build, and snack, while a movie plays in the background. Maybe you can even get some online gift shopping done.
Urban igloo
The Godfrey Hotel’s rooftop bar and lounge offers a Winter Wonderland experience with fire pits, outdoor heaters, a snow machine and five clear, plastic igloos. “They’re a lot of fun,” host Shana Boyle said of the igloos, which are heated and start at $325. “(There are) s’mores kits, and it’s nice to be able to sit out on the patio and still see the city view.”
Polar Express ride
Nothing says Christmas-is-almost-here like “The Polar Express” children’s book-turned-movie. If you and your family love this classic tale about a young boy’s enchanting train ride to the North Pole, then book tickets for The Polar Express ride at Chicago’s Union Station. You’ll board an Amtrak train where a re-creation of the story takes place. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served, Santa and his elves will make an appearance, the book will be read, and caroling and other entertaining holiday activities will abound. You’ll even get two special souvenirs (a silver sleigh bell and golden ticket) to take home. Standard tickets cost $60 for adults, and $50 for kids ages 2-11. For more information, go to www.chicagothepolarexpressride.com.
Tuba Christmas
At the Palmer House’s annual Tuba Christmas, tubists from around the world play classic holiday songs inside the Grand and State Ball Rooms. Stop by Dec. 21 at 12:30 p.m. to see performances. More information at palmerhousehiltonhotel.com.
A winter wonderland
Head out to Navy Pier to experience a winter wonderland that includes carnival rides, ice skating and gobs of holiday spirit — all indoors! The family-friendly attractions at Winter Wonderfest span 170,000 square feet in Festival Hall and feature inflatables, a carousel, cookie decorating and even performances by aerialists.
Do you believe in magic?
Escape the holiday rush with the family at “Champions of Magic,” running Dec. 23-29 at Harris Theater. The show will feature illusions and original magic, including an escape from Houdini’s water torture cell, predictions and a grand finale.
Last-minute shopping
Still need a last-minute Christmas gift? Stop by the last day of the 24th annual Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza to pick up an ornament, beer stein or wooden handicraft. The market is open until 4 p.m. and admission is free.
Let it snow
Take advantage of a classic and free winter activity by building a creature of snow in your yard or a public park. For a more active, winter pastime, hit up a local sled hill. If the snow melts, try the Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park (maggiedaleypark.com).
Editor’s note: This story was updated to replace an item with the Polar Express information.
