We plan to take our grandchildren, ages 9 & 11, to Chicago for several days between Christmas and New Year's. Does anyone have any suggestions for well-located hotel, activities, restaurant suggestions suitable for that time of year for a 2-3 day stay?

It all depends on where you want to be! Downtown Chicago is truly magical at the holiday time! Watertower Place is a viewing must for nighttime lights - and the entire Lakeshore Drive area. There is a nice Holiday Inn downtown that is very conviently located (within walking distance of DisneyQuest and Watertower). Be sure to do the Field Museum of Natural History - mummies & dinosaurs- and the aquarium is always fun. I haven't been lately - but the Navy Pier area is also something you may want to check out. Don't forget to try Chicago-style pizza - Uno's or Due's are famous! Have fun!

I too love Chicago at Christmas! I live in the Western Suburbs but love to stay downtown for 2 nights around this time. There's always The Christmas Carol or Nutcracker or the zoos (Lincoln Park and Brookfield) which usually have caroling with the animals and other holiday type stuff and decorations.

It depends on how much you want to spend, but there are some fabulous hotels in the North Michigan Avenue area -- Hyatt on Wacker, Park Hyatt across from the Water Tower, LeMeridan in North Bridge Center, Inter-Continental, Sheraton on Columbus and Ambassador East are all top notch.

FYI, DisneyQuest is now closed. ESPNzone would be a good alternative for the kids..similar games, etc. My niece and nephew love it there.

One of the big department stores ( I think Marshall Fields) has moving Christmas displays in all their windows. It is really neat for all ages.

How about Frontera Grill/Topolobampo. It's upscale for the adults to enjoy, but the Mexican food should be fimiliar and fun for the kids.

Are you aware of the weather? As a South Carolina girl I was UNPREPARED for my 1st trip to Wind-chill-y City at x-mas. First order of business was to buy a hat!

Besides Fields, I thought there was one other dept store that decorates somewhat - it's around the corner and I think it's Carson Pirie Scott. Not sure if they still do it but right there is Skate on State (outdoor ice skating). There are usually vendors by Fields with hot chestnuts, hot chocolate and other goodies. Also go to the Daley Plaza nearby to see the large outdoor Christmas tree.

No skate on state. There will be skating in millenium park on N michigan ave.
Navy Pier has fun holiday skits going on. I think there is skating there too.
I like swissotel for family, great pool!! PJ