Chicago Activities
December 5th, 2007 by jamie a
Wednesday, December 5 (6-9 pm)
Have caramel corn and peppermint truffles or some Ruth & Phil’s gourmet ice cream at . There will also be gingerbread houses, champagne, and award-winning coffee to taste whole you pick up gifts for family, friends, or co-workers!
Saturday, December 8 - Sunday, December 9 (12- 8 pm)
The is back in Chicago with over 100 craft vendors, food, and DJs to fulfill all your independent crafter shopping needs. Find all your special someones unique and wonderful gifts this holiday season with the help of the fair.
Sunday, December 9 (1 - 3:30 pm)
Bring your furry friend to the return of the at the Anti-Cruelty Society. See a special blessing for all of the animals in the shelter and have a great time at the holiday bazaar with your pet.
Sunday, December 9 (7 pm)
starts its opening night on Sunday with the film California Dreamin’ (Endless) by Cristian Mungiu, a Cannes Film Festival winner. The festival continues until December 12 with more feature films and short films by many acclaimed Romanian directors.
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
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Go Chicago Card.
December 4th, 2007 by shannon b
Q.) We are traveling to Chicago this Thanksgiving Weekend, what attractions do you recommend?
A.) Hi Pam! Unfortunately, you caught us here at at a time when we were all gearing up for the Thanksgiving holiday. I apologize that we were too late to answer you question about what attractions to see in Chicago on Thanksgiving weekend, but we thought it might be nice to write a response about what Go Chicago Card travelers should do if they’re in town for the Christmas holiday weekend.
Shedd Aquarium
If you’re in Chicago around Christmas, make sure you venture down to Lake Shore Drive to oggle the Shedd Aquarium’s newest holiday gift to marine biologists everywhere:
According to , “this marble octagon building is filled with thousands of denizens of river, lake, and sea. The only problem with the Shedd is its steep admission price.” Fortunately for you, the Shedd’s much-desired All Access Pass is included in the cost of your Go Chicago Card. For more details on making the most of your Chicago visit, check out ChicagoTraveler’s .
Sears Tower Skydeck
Many travelers making their first visit to Chicago want to know which attraction is better: John Hancock Building or Sears Tower. Well, if you could take off work and travel for weeks at a time, you’d probably be happy visiting both. Each attraction has its perks. For example, the John Hancock offers something that the Sears Tower can not… a view of the Sears Tower. But in the end, who can pass up looking out about one of the world’s most influential cities from in the world’s tallest building?
Take in Chicago’s awe-inspiring views with the SkyDeck’s high powered telescopes. On a clear day, not only can you see four states (Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan) but you’ll really understand what a powerful city Chicago really is as you gaze out upon 40 miles of Chicago streets, outstanding bodies of water, and the rolling beautiful of Chicago’s surrounding suburbs.
And unlike many other Chicago attractions which are closed Christmas day, the Skydeck is open 365 days a year which means all your relatives are free to spread their yuletide cheer from way up above!
Field Museum
Indiana Jones movies seem to come to life in this world-renowned museum featuring over 6 acres of exhibits including the Field’s famous Egyptian Mummies, “Sue” the Field’s in-house T-Rex and the latest exhibit, which takes a look at the past, present & future of life all the way from the single-celled organism to when dinosaurs walked the earth to the latest human evolutionary developments.
Museum of Science & Industry
The Chicago Museum of Science and Industry had a new temporary exhibit which should not only get you in the mood to continue your travels throughout the US and beyond but it should also strum up some holiday spirit as well! The exhibit features decorates trees from around the world in what the museum is calling a “dazzling forest of trees and displays lovingly created by the citizens of Chicago.”
The museum also presently houses the much beloved Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination exhibit (runs until January 2008) and the infamous U-505 Submarine, a real WWI & WWII German Submarine which significantly altered the outcome of WWII when special code breaking documents were discovered on board by Allied troops.
Whatever your pleasure, one can easily spend a whole day (warm & safe from Chicago’s frigid winter) while perusing these outstanding exhibits.
What Christmas trip would be complete without a visit to ? Spend an afternoon at Chicago’s iconic department store Marshall Fields or swing by Burberry (where you can buy a designer scarf to mask your neck from winter weather) or just pop for some holiday-decoration therapy at Crate and Barrel, home to hundreds of Christmas-themed home & cooking gifts. Your family will thank you for your generosity and perhaps you’ll find a little gift for yourself along the way?
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
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Go Chicago Card.
November 29th, 2007 by jamie a
November 22 - December 24
In its 12th year, the brings the traditional German Christmas market to families in Chicago. A favorite of locals, it’s become a Chicago institution to take part in the unique holiday shopping, German food and drinks, and all the holiday entertainment.
November 30 - December 24
Lend a hand to the this season by participating in their leading up to the holidays. The foundation raises awareness and grants wishes for terminally ill adults, much like the Make a Wish Foundation does for children.
Friday, November 30 (7 pm)
For one night only, join the Chicago Art Department for the first ever showing of featuring photography from the 1970s San Francisco Bay Area Scene by Larry Schorr.
Saturday, December 1 (7 pm)
Join the as they celebrate 50 years in Chi-town. At the historic Auditorium Theater, this event features acts like Jeff Tweedy and Bela Fleck and will benefit the school’s education, scholarship, performance, and outreach programs.
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
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Go Chicago Card.
November 15th, 2007 by jamie a
Saturday, November 17 (11 am -10 pm)
Sunday, November 18 (all day)
, a 40 year old Chicago tradition, will be illuminated this weekend to kick off the holiday season! There will be live music, an attempt to break the world’s record for largest holiday carol, mini cheesecake decorating, and a grand fireworks show emceed by Mickey Mouse at 6:55 pm. This event will also be broadcast live on ABC 7 Chicago.
Saturday, November 17 (10 am - 6 pm)
Show your support for independent crafters at the . Get your holiday shopping done by picking up unique gifts for all your friends and family with everything from jewelry to kitchen gadgets and zines.
Saturday, November 17 - Sunday, November 18 (10 am - 6 pm)
Bring out your inner child at the . Meet inventors, test out new and upcoming toys, and participate in game tournaments with some of the world’s best players!
Sunday, November 18 (11 am - 4 pm)
At the , you can enjoy some great shopping and delicious treats all while supporting the Red Door Animal Shelter. This no-kill facility provides cats, dogs, and rabbits a cage-less life, offering them the closest experience to living in a home as they can. With 10 artisans selling their creations, you’re sure to find something to take home and cherish.
Sunday, November 18 (3 pm)
Come and be amazed by , two of Chicago’s exceptionally talented young orchestras, at their Fall Showcase. Don’t miss this grand show of up-and-coming musical talent!
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
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Go Chicago Card.
November 13th, 2007 by susan j
Mickey Mouse lights more than one million lights along North Michigan Avenue from Oak Street to Wacker Drive, culminating in a magnificent fireworks show over the Chicago River for The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival presented by Harris. Photo by Stanley Wlodkowski.
This weekend marks the 16th annual . Extending from the Chicago River to Oak Street, the Magnificent Mile (aka North Michigan Avenue) is one of Chicago’s main thoroghfares between the Loop and the Gold Coast. In honor of the holiday season, the street will be illuminated with more than one million lights.
From the lighting procession led by Mickey Mouse to musical performances by KT Turnstall and Sister Hazel, this year’s festival promises plenty of family-friendly fun and entertainment. Here’s a glimpse at what to expect if you go (the lighting procession will also be broadcast nationally on ABC):
11 am - 7 pm Lights Festival Lane features booths including the Southwest Airlines Mitten Tree, “Christmas around the World” with The Museum of Science and Industry, and more.
5 pm Live holiday street entertainment along the Avenue
6 pm Lighting procession led by Mickey Mouse
6:55 pm Fireworks display over the Chicago River
.
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
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Go Chicago Card.
October 31st, 2007 by susan j
A few weeks ago, we blogged about Halloween happenings in the Chicago area (click here if you missed it), but today I’d like to share a few other Halloween-themed items from around the blogosphere:
In case you still need a costume, the shares some inexpensive (but highly original) costume ideas . Matt B. over at recommends , which he calls “an outlandish boutique in the heart of Boystown.”
The homegrown Chicago site offers more suggestions with its “” But if you’d prefer to have a quiet, low-key night (after all, it IS a Wednesday), then listen to Chicago Public Radio’s . Whatever you choose to do, I hope you have a safe and happy Halloween!
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Chicago Card.
October 25th, 2007 by jamie a
Friday, October 26 - Saturday, October 27 (7- 9 pm)
Get ready for some of the most talented storytellers in the country weaving tales of terror at . Held in Millenium Park in a large (heated!) Halloween tent, this event is free to all.
Saturday, October 27 (2:00 pm)
At the Headless Horseman Bicycle Scavenger Hunt, come on your bicycle in your costume (helmets encouraged!) and set off to discover the scariest sites in Chicago.
October 27th - November 11th
The 18th Annual Chicago Humanities Festival is ongoing this weekend with topics entitled “The Climate of Concern” for adults and “When I Grow Up” for children. You can also check out the Benefit Gala with performer Brian Stokes Mitchell.
Saturday, October 27th - Sunday, October 28th (11 am - 5 pm)
Enjoy one of Chicago’s best kept secrets with the last weekend of the . From unique jewelry and textiles to hot cider, spiced wine, and pumpkin pie, this is a perfect event to celebrate fall.
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Chicago Card.
October 18th, 2007 by jamie a
October 12- October 31
Halloween takes over Chicago this month with the 10th Annual Chicagoween 2007! Check out Daley Park, which is transformed into Pumpkin Plaza where you can get a tour of the Haunted Village. There’s pumpkin decorating and scary storytellers, as well as daily performances by the aerial entertainers Midnight Circus.
On October 20th, kids can march in the State Street Halloween Happening Parade complete with trick-or-treating and face painting for your little ghouls.
Thursday, October 18- November 10
Catch the world premiere of The Light of Love at City Lit Theater presented by the Promethean Theatre Ensemble. This is a comedic story of a bumbling servant on the search for a night-light for his lady-love (so she can read her guilty-pleasure books in bed). He must travel through his own town, Mount Olympus and even the Underworld to complete his quest. This is sure to have audiences laughing as well as tugging at their heart-strings.
Saturday, October 20 (10 am- 4 pm)
Discover everything from new memoir and sports writing to fiction and business strategies at the Illinois Woman’s Press Association Book Fair. Held at the Chicago Cultural Center, there’s over 25 authors scheduled to attend. Support the up-and-comers in the Illinois writing community by picking up some new reads and then have them autographed by the authors themselves!
Wednesday, October 17 - Sunday, October 21 (noon, 1, and 2 pm)
Explore Chicago’s oldest house with a tour of the Clarke House. The house, built in 1836, a survivor of two moves and fires, continues to give visitors a glimpse of Chicago before the Civil War in the heart of the Prairie Avenue Historical District.
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
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October 17th, 2007 by susan j
Photo uploaded by
Looking for things to do in Chicago this October? Look no further, because here’s a round-up of Halloween-themed activities in and around Chicago.
October 20-21 and 27-28
Brookfield Zoo presents Boo at the Zoo, featuring a costume parade, a haunted house, jack-o-lantern demonstrations, and more!
October 24-31
Navy Pier offers fireworks and other festivities as part of Navy Fear at Navy Pier. Ghostly Gardens features kid-friendly activities like inflatable rides, games, and more.
October 26-28
Millennium Park hosts a free family-friendly program called Spooky Stories Haunt the Park.
October 26-27
Shedd Aquarium hosts Spooky Seas, which includes costume contests, trick-or-treating, and a chance to sleep over at the aquarium!
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
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October 15th, 2007 by susan j
Photo uploaded by
Completed in 2004, Millennium Park is one of Chicago’s newest landmarks. This 24.5 acre stretch of land features an ice skating rink, contemporary sculptures and art, and a 4,000-seat bandstand designed by Frank Gehry. The park is a must-see for those visiting Chicago. If you’d like a low-cost way to see the sites, then you might like to take a free . Through the end of October, Millennium Park greeters offer tours daily at 10 am and 2 pm. Tours meet at the Welcome Center.
Millennium Park also offers free audio tours which you can download to your MP3 player if you prefer to explore at your own pace. While in the area, also check out the Art Institute of Chicago.
Planning a trip to
Chicago?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Chicago Card.
