{25 Days of Christmas} Chicago at Christmas: Zoo Lights

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What could be better than Christmas lights paired with baby gorillas?  NOTHING. I know that going to the zoo during the winter seems illogical, but both zoos in the Chicagoland area put on some pretty amazing Zoo Lights. So if you feel like braving the cold (or really not so cold weather...) head on over to a zoo or two.

Every year I try to get to Lincoln Park’s Zoo Lights.  It’s free.  Santa is there.  Not to mention, this year there are two new baby gorillas (and a baby zebra!).  Count me in.

Source: LP Zoo

 The lights are presented by ComEd and Charter One.  As mentioned previously it is FREE.

Dates: 21-23, 26-31, January 1-6

Hours:  5-9 pm

Address:2001 North Clark Street · Chicago, IL 60614

For more information visit the Lincoln ParkZoo Website, or call 312-742-20000

 While highlighting the zoos in the city, I can’t fail to mention the mothership, Brookfield Zoo. I would love to make it to Brookfield Zoo’s holiday magic this season, but alas I must only choose one. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the Great bear wilderness and nightly dolphin show!
Holiday magic runs the remaining weekends in December (12/22, 12/23) plus  12/26-12/31

Hours: 4:00pm-9:00pm

Regular Zoo Admission + Parking Fee apply (womp womp):Children (3-11) $10.50 Seniors (over 65) $10.50  Adult (12-65) $15.00

Address:
3300 Golf Rd, Brookfield, IL 60513

For more information visit the Brookfield Zoological Society’s Website

{25 Days of Christmas} Chicago at Christmas: High Tea

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As I sit here watching it rain and NOT snow outside, I’m going to once again suggest a fun thing to do at Christmas in Chicago.  Maybe it doesn't quite look or feel like Christmas in the city, but there are some things you can do to up your holiday cheer. 

Today I’m highlighting the Drake Hotel’s afternoon holiday tea.  I had the opportunity to go with my grandma a couple weeks ago, and very much enjoyed it.  While sipping on chocolate mint truffle tea, and nibbling an egg salad on brioche, I felt nothing short of English. All I needed was a proper English hat and the experience would have been complete (Kate Middleton, not Princess Beatrice style…)

So while the tea is not just a holiday event, it surely is something that is best experienced at Christmas time.

Source: emilia-jane.com

Source: emilia-jane.com

Source: emilia-jane.com

Source: Drake Hotel

The Deets:

Afternoon Tea takes place daily in the traditional Tea Lobby, featuring live harp music performed 365 days a year. Each seating lasts approximately an hour and a half and reservations are recommended.

Open Daily 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Address:

140 East Walton Place

Chicago, IL 60611

For more information call 312.787.2200 or visit The Drake Website

{25 Days of Christmas} Chicago at Christmas: CTA Holiday Train

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One of my all-time favorite holiday books growing up was The Polar Express, a story about a young boy who takes a magical train ride to see Santa and the gift he receives.  I loved it, and always wanted to take such a train.  Alas, I never took the Polar Express, but if you’re in Chicago and are gunning for such an opportunity, check out the CTA’s Holiday Train.

I was lucky enough to catch this guy unexpectedly one day.  It was awesome.  It was like I hit the blue line jackpot; it sure beat sitting in a dingy old CTA train playing the game “name that smell/stain”.

If you’re interested click here to check out the train’s schedule.  A ride on the train costs $2.25.  The train runs now through December 22, so get a move on!

All images courtesy of Wikipedia

Be sure to check back daily for more holiday posts!

{25 Days of Christmas} Chicago at Christmas: Christkindlmarket

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Just a few short blocks away from Millennium Park is a little plaza of Christmas cheer.  Located in Daley Plaza is the Christkindlmarket, a German Christmas market filled with little holiday trinkets and treats.  Have you ever wanted to browse cuckoo clocks and beer steins while devouring potato pancakes and cider (the kiddos can visit Santa too)?  Well then this is the place for you.  I guarantee the aroma of spiced chestnuts will be enough to draw you in. 

My personal advice: Go early to avoid the *nearly claustrophobic* crowds that develop; the market is freakishly crowded on the weekend too. Oh, and be sure to try the bee sting cake (Bienenstich).  It’s a German cake with sweet dough, caramelized almond topping, and a vanilla custard filling. Basically it is crack for your sweet tooth.

The FREE admission market is open now through Dec. 24, 2012

Location: Daley Plaza in the Chicago Loop (between Dearborn, Washington and Clark Street)

Hours: Open Daily Sun - Thu 11am - 8pm Fri - Sat 11am - 9pm

Special Hours: Christmas Eve: Dec. 24th 11am - 4pm

For further information, call (312) 494-2175, or visit their website

{25 Days of Christmas} Chicago at Christmas: Ice Skating

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Aside from being semi-crafty, I’m also a Chicago girl. I love the city and everything it has to offer, so today I’m going to highlight one of my favorite Chicago holiday spots:  the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink.  Nestled right in the heart of Millennium park is a small ice rink, free to the public.  The only thing you have to pay for is the ice skate rental ($10).  Trust me, this is the perfect spot to go with friends or your loved ones for a fun daytime trip, or a romantic evening.  So if you’re in Chicago, grab some hot chocolate, your winter hat, and skate away!

Photo Courtesy of Chicago Signature Properties

(You might want to wait until it gets a bit colder or snows for the full effect).  I promised the boyfriend this WILL be the year we go ice skate.  I typically prefer to be the watcher than the embarrassed novice skater, but hey, you only live once. If you're hungry after, be sure to try the kobe beef burger at Park Grill...yums.

Now through March 10, 2013

Address:

Millennium Park

Michigan Ave & Washington St.

Chicago, IL 60602

Regular Hours for the season are as follows:

Mondays through Thursdays: 12 pm — 8 pm

Fridays: 12 pm — 10 pm

Saturdays (through Dec. 29): 10 am — 10 pm

Saturdays (beginning Jan. 5): 10 am — 9 pm

Sundays: 10 am — 9 pm

Holiday Hours:

Thursday, November 22 (Thanksgiving Day): 10 am — 4 pm

Monday, December 24 (Christmas Eve): 10 am — 6 pm

Tuesday, December 25 (Christmas): 10 am — 4 pm

Monday, December 31 (New Year's Eve): 10 am — 8 pm

Tuesday, January 1 (New Year's Day): 12 pm — 9 pm

Click here for more information!