The Ten Most Spectacular Holiday Events in Chicago 2012

There are plenty of glorious Holiday events in Chicago to keep you entertained this holiday season!

Add these Holiday Events to your 2012 Calendar:

1. Winter Wonderland from Nov. 1 – Dec. 31st, 2012 at the

WHERE: John Hancock Center, 875 N. Michigan Avenue in Chicago

I love the Winter Wonderland Holiday Train at the Hancock building! They are celebrating 40 years of festivities every weekend from 12-4pm.

2. Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier

The annual Winter WonderFest is presented by Bank of America. Enjoy 170,000 square feet of winter wonderland playground, with indoor ice skating, inflatable slides, rides and so much more!

Winter WonderFest is open Sunday through Thursday from 10am – 5pm and Friday and Saturday from 10am – 10pm! Special holiday hours include Christmas Eve from 10am – 5pm, New Years Eve and New Years Day from 10am – 8pm, and Winter WonderFest will be closed on Christmas Day!

WHEN: November 30, 2012 – January 6, 2013

3. Macy’s Christmas Displays at State Street, 111 N. State Street, Chicago

Macy’s kicks off the holiday season on the 7th floor in the Walnut Room with the annual Great Tree Lighting ceremony. Enjoy the spectacular Macy’s window displays.

Make a lunch reservation where you can have some pot pie and a “Poinsetta” cocktail with champagne and cranberry juice.

4. Millennium Park Ice Skating

Millennium Park McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, Chicago

Located on Michigan Avenue between Washington and Madison Streets, the Millennium Park Ice Rink draws more than 100,000 skater annually. The rink is open to the public every day of the week and skating is free. Skate rentals are available.

• WHEN: November 17 – January 8, 2013

5. Christmas Around the World

The Museum Rotunda has a 45-foot tree with 30,000 lights and 1000 ornaments. The glorious halls will be decked-out with holiday singers and dancers. Fifty trees are beautifully decorated by members of Chicago’s ethnic communities to represent global cultures. Enjoy intermittent falling snow and bask in the glow of sparkling ornamentation at this year’s Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light. Nov. 25 -Dec. 20th, 2012

6. Visit the Christkindlmarket at the Daley Plaza at 59 W. Washington with more than 50 food and craft vendors from November 30-December 24, 2012. Get a collector boot when you purchase some hot mulled tea or wine.

7. Don’t miss the Louis Vuitton Window Display across from the Drake Hotel on Michigan Avenue! Then hop on the Antique Coach and Carriage at 700 N. Michigan for a lovely tour of Chicago.

8. There are plenty of places for an afternoon Holiday Tea in Chicago. These are my favorites:

I love the Drake at Christmas time! Listen to the harp as you enjoy High Tea at the Drake Hotel at 140 East Walton every afternoon form 1-5 pm (312-787-2200). Sometimes you can catch a fashion show!

Head over to the Peninsula at 108 E. Superior and bask in the glow of the lavishly decorated Lobby Restaurant. The tree is magnificent! For reservations call 312-337-2888.

Here’s a video where you can see the holiday decor: http://digitalads.bostaging.com.s3.amazonaws.com/wf/chicagoFinal_1.mp4

Here’s the Traditional Afternoon Tea Menu:

If you’re not in the mood for High Tea, I suggest a Lobster Cobb Salad or a Burger smothered with mushrooms, grilled onions and bacon. You can wash it down with a Cadillac Margarita. That’s equally festive to me.

9. Get tickets for some Holiday Performances in Chicago:

See Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” Holiday Theater Production at the Goodman Theater at 170 N. Dearborn.

Get tickets for Dr. Suess’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” at the Cadillac Palace Theater at 151 W. Randolf through December 16, 2012.

See the Rocketts in Rosemont on Friday, December 14th at the Radio City Christmas Spectacular at 5400 N. River Road. 847-671-5100

The Auditorium Theater is transformed into a Winter Wonderland for the Joffrey Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” at 50 E. Congress. 800-982-2787

It’s time to think about New Year’s Eve. Try an evening dinner cruise on Lake Michigan.

10. New Year’s Eve Fireworks Champagne Dinner Cruise – Odyssey

Start 2013 on the water! Come experience the spectacular Chicago skyline while taking pleasure in the ultimate cruising indulgence, the Odyssey! Enjoy a plated dinner menu, live entertainment and private seating. On this special cruise complimentary Champagne will be served throughout the boarding hour.

Happy Holidays from www.vino-con-vista.com

Related articles

• Festive Chicago Cheat Sheet: 8 Must-Do Holiday Events
• Fun Things to Do During the Holidays in Portland