Chicago, one of my favorite American cities.
Even when winter is coming.
Nicknamed the windy city for a reason, Chicago can dish out some pretty frosty weather, making
even the local pigeons gather around fires just to keep warm.
The famous Chicago river turns to ice.
And the beloved Chicago bean gets completely snowcapped.
But despite its freezing temperatures, this already vibrant city comes to life even more
during the winter holidays, and this guide will help you keep your mind off the cold
and focused on enjoying the festivities.
First up, the Millennium Park Ice Skating Rink.
Attracting over 100,000 ice skaters each year, the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink at Millennium
Park is free to enter and open to the public.
Ice skates can be rented for a small fee.
But you don't even have to ice skate to enjoy this attraction.It's great for people watching
and incredibly scenic, which brings me to the next item on the list, the Chicago Bean.
Looming right over the skating rink is one of Chicago's most unique and interesting sculptures.
It reflects Chicago's magnificent skyline and when the snow is falling, the bean transforms
into a giant snowglobe.
Be sure to snap a few photos of yourself with the Bean before heading off to your next destination.
Now if you really want something festive to get into, make sure you come to the Christkindlmarket
at Dearborn and Washington Street.
It's not just a German tradition; it's become a Chicago tradition.
This open-air Christmas festival held every year in Chicago's Daley Plaza, was inspired
by the Christkindlmarket in Nuremberg, Germany.
It brings the local charm of a cherished German tradition right to Chicago's doorstep.
Christkindlmarket Chicago has grown to become the largest open-air Christmas festival and
one of the most popular winter attractions in the heart of the city.
Get in the spirit of the holidays as you walk around the market enjoying delicious traditional
German food and of course, drinks.
Speaking of food, Chicago is a city known for its good grub.
About a block away from the Christkindlmarket you can go warm up inside Magnolia Bakery,
a charming and cozy dessert shop filled with holidays delicacies.
Famous thanks to TV shows and movies like Sex and the City and Devil Wears Prada, this
bakery has turned into a pop culture icon.
Be sure to try out Magnolia Bakery's famous banana pudding, a customer favorite.
IF you're on the hunt for a good brunch spot, I recommend Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe.
Their holiday-themed menu options will make you melt.
Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe was a great place to duck into to get some exceptional breakfast.
The eggnog french toast was a nice holiday treat and the sprinkles that they added on
top was a nice festive addition.
The s'mores latte and the white hot chocolate were just what the doctor ordered to warm
us up after walking a few blocks in the Windy City.
Overall, I give it 5 travel stars.
Now no matter what time of year you're in Chicago, you can't leave without trying any
of the food the city is famous for.
Hot dogs, deep dish pizza, and Garrett Popcorn.
If you visit a Garrett Popcorn Shop, there will probably be a line out the door.
"Garrett Popcorn is the absolute best.
First of all, it's extremely addicting.
You cannot just have one piece of popcorn, you have the whole bag.
And literally you start wearing it on your face, you're clothes, your hands, everything.
I've been here when it was first a little shop 30 years ago easily and I've never stopped
coming here.
Garrett is the best and I will always love it."
Well there you go, Garrett Popcorn Shops.
It's a must for any tourist who wants some really good food.
And if you're feeling generous, you can purchase one of their tasty holiday bundles to giveaway
as a Christmas Gift.
If you need to do more holiday shopping in Chi-town, the Magnificent Mile is the place
to be.
The shops here are as diverse as the products they sell and cater to all kinds of budgets.
You'll find clothes, shoes, jewelry, cosmetics, art, electronics, home furnishings, and even
pet boutiques.
Venture over to Mag Mile to find a Christmas Gift for every person or pet in your life.
Last but not least, visit the John Hancock Center at nighttime and take the elevator
all the way up to the 96th floor, where you'll enter the Signature Lounge.
Here, you can enjoy a birds eye view of Chicago lit up for the holidays.
While you're up there, you can also dine on fine cuisine or just relax with one of their
signature cocktails.
Either way, you're guaranteed to enjoy an amazing view of this stunning city.
To see more ideas on how to enjoy a winter holiday escape to Chi-town, visit travellushes.com
to check out the blog.