Holiday Shopping in Chicago
Photo provided by Macy’s
The holiday season is fast approaching and there is no place like Chicago to take care of everyone on your gift list. Here are some world famous shopping hot-spots to help you get a jump on your holiday shopping.
Known as the “Magnificent Mile,” Michigan Avenue is a shopper’s paradise. The mile-long stretch offers four different malls and 500 shops. Browse the height of luxury at Tiffany’s or Chanel and enjoy big name brands from Addidas to Bloomingdales to American Girl Place.
Like almost every girl, I love to shop–especially to the sounds of Christmas music. But, I am by no means a marathon shopper. Just the thought of mile long stretch of stores both excites me and has my feet aching and stomach growling. Fortunately, the area is speckled with fine dining where you can recharge after working up an appetite swiping that credit card. Try the House of Blues Chicago Back Porch Restaurant for some Southern comfort food, such as jambalaya and gumbo.
To experience holiday spirit at its height and get some serious shopping done, head to the former Marshall Field’s Department store. Macy’s now owns the store, and it retains the old-fashioned charm and holiday cheer of years past. Macy’s offers an unforgettable glimpse at the ghosts of shopping’s past. This season, the store celebrates the centennial of famed icons, including the picturesque Tiffany Ceiling and Walnut Room. Refuel your shopping energy with delicious food or tea in the Walnut Room.
Also on State Street, is Old Navy, Urban Outfitters, and Aldo–the perfect destinations for the kids or teens on your list. Affordable and trendy, these stores will make you a hit with all the fashionistas on your list. Urban Outfitters offers great stocking stuffers that definitely beat the toothpaste and floss that make their way into my stocking year after year.
For passionate bargain shoppers, the Chicago Premium outlets will not only take care of all of your holiday shopping in one swoop, but the 25%-65% savings will give you bragging rights to last until next year. Check out the store listings here.
When the frenzied holiday crowds prove too much for me, I crave a a quiet–albeit less efficient–stroll where I can calmly browse for that perfect gift. For a more leisurely shopping experience, stroll along this tree-lined street–home to locals’ favorite one-of-a-kind boutiques, such as Lori’s Shoes. Chic and trendy apparel for men and women and all the shoes you could ask for may come at a high cost, but the unique fashionable flair and quaint neighborhood is well worth it. If you feel the need to ease the pain you may have just done to your wallet, stop by Goose Island Brew Pub for a specialty beer or two.
Leave a comment and let us know what your favorite shopping destination is. Happy Shopping!
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[…] outstanding exhibits. Magnificent Mile What Christmas trip would be complete without a visit to Chicago’s best mile of shopping? Spend an afternoon at Chicago’s iconic department store Marshall Fields or swing by Burberry […]