Chicago over Xmas what to do ?
 

Hey All,

Im going to be in Chicago on the 24-25 and fly out on the 26th Dec,

Im just open for any idea to make the most of Xmas Eve and Xmas Day in
Chicago.

This will be our first Xmas outside Australia,, Any ideas tips would be great.

I plan on having a car so can travel anywhere

If the weather is not too cold/nasty, walk up and down Michigan Ave.
Museums are world-class. Pick your favorite topic. Not sure the schedules on Xmas.
Theater.
Dining. Some of the best in the US.

The annual Christkindlemarket will be in Daley Plaza: www.christkindlmarket.com/en

The Macy's on State Street (used to be the flagship store of Marshall Fields department stores http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marshall_Field%27s ) It is tradition for the store to create themed displays in the windows and for those visiting to view the various windows, a Chicago tradition for sure.

Are you traveling w/family, sig other or alone?

Posting other interests would help the board give you further ideas.

The Joffrey Ballet's production of The Nutcracker has a 2 pm show on Dec. 24.

Are you religious (and does your religion celebrate Christmas)? Many churches have both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services, and visitors (of all faiths) are welcome. If you're not religious, you could consider the old Jewish standby on Christmas Day: A movie and dinner at a Chinese restaurant.

Many places will be closed on Christmas Day, so I'd focus on sights that can be seen while walking around or driving around. For example, it's an ideal day to explore Millennium Park, walk through the Loop looking at our notable architecture and public sculptures or take a drive up the lakefront.

Chicago has many ice skating rinks that may also be open on Christmas Day.

If you could provide more details about age(s), interests, etc., we could offer many more suggestions.

The Goodman has a Christmas Carol performance at 2pm on the 24th, but is dark on the 25th. Frankly, Chicago pretty much shuts down on the 25th. You will find great buffet meals in the big hotels, and movie theaters will be open in the evening. I doubt any museum will be open that day.

The Christkindlmarket ends at 4pm on the 24th. And, if you've even been to a real one you'll be sorely disappointed.

Agree with the option of Midnight Mass on the 24th if you're at all religious (and even if you aren't) The Roman and Episcopal Cathedrals both have great services as does 4th Presbyterian (to name a few). All are easy walking from the Mag Mile area. Christmas Day services tend to be more low key.

Great ideas. I was also going to mention 4th Presbyterian on Michigan Ave. for Christmas Eve Services at 8:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. The poster might enjoy it even if (s)he is not religious. Especially, if it's snowing (less likely in recent years), a walk on Michigan Avenue is beautiful at Christmastime before and/or after the services. I'm not a member there, but have a friend who works there and I've been invited several times. It's a great thing to do. But, GO EARLY.

Chinese restaurants will be open Christmas Day. ;) And, as suggested above, it's the biggest movie day of the year.

Another fun thing is the Lincoln Park Zoo if you're willing to be outside. They decorate for the animals! :)

+1 to this idea. Can easily spend a couple hours window shopping, drinking gluhwein, and listening to the band (if they're playing). One of the more underrated Christmas attractions in the city.

A steaming thueringer on a bun with mustard on a cold day is the best part!

Art Institute is amazing and might be less crowded around the holiday. If it's your first time outside of Australia for xmas, bring a jacket and walk out to the end of Navy Pier. See what us Northern Hemi folks have to deal with!

Enjoy!

I don't even like doing this in the summer, too far of a walk!

Try one of the churchs for mass, like St. Patrick. Chicago can be very exciting, in the ethnic neighborhoods. Buy a copy of December issue of "Chicago Magizine" or "Time Out Chicago"

FYI, Time Out Chicago no longer exists in print form.

Except the OP is arriving on the 24th, and the market ends at 4:00 that day, so time will be short.

Hi All,

Thanks for all the tips..

No we are not really religious, but we certainly can check out some churches. If its not
too cold we might go for a stroll down N Michigan Ave, I think i read some other forums
that said there are horse and carriage rides available, Does anyone know if they run
on Xmas day..

We might try and find a nice restaurant for lunch and then check out some movies late
afternoon..

We do have a car.. Would anyone suggest a day trip ? say a 2 hour drive to a small town
e.g. Lake Geneva ?..

no, not at all with your timeframe, especially if I'm assuming correctly you & family haven't been to Chicago.