Chicago in December
Oct 26th, 1999 | 11:58 AM
#2
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Kelly,
You will be heading to the city during a time when what we call "the Hawk" (that biting, windy cold that makes us so famous) will be in full swing. Still, I think the city is really beautiful in Winter and here are some things you shouldn't miss:
1) The decorated holiday windows at Carson Pirie Scott and Marshall Field's department stores.
2) If you like figure skating, Skate on State, which is a lot of fun and pretty inexpensive.
3) Check out the tree at Daley Plaza.
4) Theater! I understand "Fosse" is extended thru January and I hear that "Rent" is coming back. If you're coming around the holidays, a performance of the Nutcracker is a must.
5) The cold makes it a perfect time to take in the museums. Museum of Science and Industry is especially fun with annual "Christmas Around the World" exhibit.
6) If it's not too, too cold, stroll along North Michigan Ave. The uniform white lighting on the trees always makes it classy-looking and beautiful to me (and if you're with the right person, very romantic).
7) If you like shopping and want some cool holiday gadgets, go to Hammacher Schlemmer next to Tribune Tower. They have all kinds of fun stuff (be forewarned, it ain't cheap.)
I'm sure I'm forgetting something. Chicagoans, join in.
You will be heading to the city during a time when what we call "the Hawk" (that biting, windy cold that makes us so famous) will be in full swing. Still, I think the city is really beautiful in Winter and here are some things you shouldn't miss:
1) The decorated holiday windows at Carson Pirie Scott and Marshall Field's department stores.
2) If you like figure skating, Skate on State, which is a lot of fun and pretty inexpensive.
3) Check out the tree at Daley Plaza.
4) Theater! I understand "Fosse" is extended thru January and I hear that "Rent" is coming back. If you're coming around the holidays, a performance of the Nutcracker is a must.
5) The cold makes it a perfect time to take in the museums. Museum of Science and Industry is especially fun with annual "Christmas Around the World" exhibit.
6) If it's not too, too cold, stroll along North Michigan Ave. The uniform white lighting on the trees always makes it classy-looking and beautiful to me (and if you're with the right person, very romantic).
7) If you like shopping and want some cool holiday gadgets, go to Hammacher Schlemmer next to Tribune Tower. They have all kinds of fun stuff (be forewarned, it ain't cheap.)
I'm sure I'm forgetting something. Chicagoans, join in.
Oct 26th, 1999 | 01:53 PM
#4
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Although summer is really the best time of year to visit Chicago, December has a few charms. Sabrina has touched on a lot of them. The first three suggestions are in the same area of the city, the decorated windows are on State Street not Michigan Avenue. At the Daley Center where the lighted tree is there has been in past years a delightful German market, the Christkindlmarket.
Shopping on Michigan Avenue in December is a must, just to see the lights and the decorated stores.
Other than what's listed above, the best place to be is indoors. There will be several plays going in December-"Aida" runs through 1/9 at the Palace, "Fosse" runs through 1/8 at the Oriental and I believe "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" will be at the Shubert 12/9-12/18 (not entirely sure about the dates). They have also just opened up the Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier, "Antony and Cleopatra" will be playing through 12/12. The Nutcracker is playing at the Auditorium Theater, I haven't seen it since they performed it at the Arie Crown.
The Museum of Science and Industry is an excellent suggestion; there is a wonderful display of Christmas trees every year.
Navy Pier usually has lots of activities going on around each holiday, check at www.navypier.com when it gets closer to December.
A couple of other good web sites that you can check out are www.metromix.com, www.chicagotribune.com and www.chicago.il.org/ which has a link to the Chicago office of Tourism.
You will miss the Christmas parade on November 28, but I'll put it out here for anyone who's coming around Thanksgiving.
Have a nice visit and dress warm!
Shopping on Michigan Avenue in December is a must, just to see the lights and the decorated stores.
Other than what's listed above, the best place to be is indoors. There will be several plays going in December-"Aida" runs through 1/9 at the Palace, "Fosse" runs through 1/8 at the Oriental and I believe "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" will be at the Shubert 12/9-12/18 (not entirely sure about the dates). They have also just opened up the Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier, "Antony and Cleopatra" will be playing through 12/12. The Nutcracker is playing at the Auditorium Theater, I haven't seen it since they performed it at the Arie Crown.
The Museum of Science and Industry is an excellent suggestion; there is a wonderful display of Christmas trees every year.
Navy Pier usually has lots of activities going on around each holiday, check at www.navypier.com when it gets closer to December.
A couple of other good web sites that you can check out are www.metromix.com, www.chicagotribune.com and www.chicago.il.org/ which has a link to the Chicago office of Tourism.
You will miss the Christmas parade on November 28, but I'll put it out here for anyone who's coming around Thanksgiving.
Have a nice visit and dress warm!
Oct 27th, 1999 | 06:32 AM
#6
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Yes, it WILL probably be cold in December, but every once in awhile we get a warm spell then too, when the sun is so bright and the wind not bad: one Christmas I can remember sitting in shirtsleeves on my front porch. But PROBABLY it will be cold.
Try to see ANYthing playing in the Auditorium theater--this Louis Sullivan is so gorgeous it enhances whatever is on stage, has great sightlines, and probably the best, ie, most stalls, bathrooms of any theater in the city. One idea would be to go to the Hot Tix booth Saturday morning and see what's on for half price--we got Joffrey Ballet tickets at the Auditorium that way last Saturday.
Try to see ANYthing playing in the Auditorium theater--this Louis Sullivan is so gorgeous it enhances whatever is on stage, has great sightlines, and probably the best, ie, most stalls, bathrooms of any theater in the city. One idea would be to go to the Hot Tix booth Saturday morning and see what's on for half price--we got Joffrey Ballet tickets at the Auditorium that way last Saturday.
Oct 27th, 1999 | 07:08 AM
#7
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I used to live in Chicago, but I moved to Virginia Beach, VA two years ago. I never got a chance to see anything at the Auditorium Theater. I deeply regret that since I am a huge fan of Frank Lloyd Wright (he was a draftsman for Sullivan at the time and designed the ceiling panels). If you have a chance to get to Oak Park, take the tour of the Unitarian Temple, IMHO the best of Wright's Oak Park buildings. Definately check out the art museum, and if you can brave the cold for an afternoon, watch the Bears play at soldier field (assuming they play a game at home while you're there).
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Oct 28th, 1999 | 03:19 PM
#9
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I'm an old Chicagoan, as in moved away 10 years ago, but Wanda's suggestions struck me as absolutely perfect. A yummy German dinner at Berghoff before the symphony always meant winter to us. Do they still do "A Christmas Carol" at the little theatre behind the Art Institute? Just dress warm and know if the going really gets tough you can retreat to the Water Tower where everything is under roof.
Oct 29th, 1999 | 10:26 AM
#10
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Hi Kelly,
I'm very envious of your upcoming trip to Chicago! What a great town. We were there last year in early December. Lucky for us the weather was fantastic. Jeans and a sweatshirt during the day, but we did break out our jackets at night. You must have the turkey and dressing meal at the Mity Nice restaurant in Water Tower place. It is wonderful. When we were there it was the special on Sunday and Monday nights. After a full day of shopping and taking in all of the beautiful Christmas decorations, it was great to go have an early Christmas dinner! Of course, as a tourist the carriage ride down Michigan avenue and the surrounding areas were not to be missed. All of our previous trips to Chicago had taken place during the summer, but I wanted to see Chicago all lit up for the Holidays. It was a wonderful trip I will never forget as long as I live. What a great city Chicago is. Make sure you stop by Fannie Maes and get some peppermint ice candy for me!! It's my favorite. Have a wonderful time and make sure you post about your trip when you return.
I'm very envious of your upcoming trip to Chicago! What a great town. We were there last year in early December. Lucky for us the weather was fantastic. Jeans and a sweatshirt during the day, but we did break out our jackets at night. You must have the turkey and dressing meal at the Mity Nice restaurant in Water Tower place. It is wonderful. When we were there it was the special on Sunday and Monday nights. After a full day of shopping and taking in all of the beautiful Christmas decorations, it was great to go have an early Christmas dinner! Of course, as a tourist the carriage ride down Michigan avenue and the surrounding areas were not to be missed. All of our previous trips to Chicago had taken place during the summer, but I wanted to see Chicago all lit up for the Holidays. It was a wonderful trip I will never forget as long as I live. What a great city Chicago is. Make sure you stop by Fannie Maes and get some peppermint ice candy for me!! It's my favorite. Have a wonderful time and make sure you post about your trip when you return.
Oct 29th, 1999 | 09:23 PM
#11
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How neat to see what a fan club Chicago has! Next thing you know, the town will be on the cover of Newsweek or some-such, and we'll have to go underground to protect "a good thing."
I didn't think anyone would let pass the Goodman Theater (and they didnt't -- see, just above) -- That's where the annual "Christmas Carol" got started (and it's a wonderful venue - they MUST have a website, book some tix right now!!). It's the same theater that birthed B'way's current Tony-grabbing "Salesman." Intimate, and hard to get a bad seat.
Marshall Fields' Walnut Rooom - with it's beautiful tree...has been a Chicago tradition for decades. It may or may not be worth the lunch, but it's possible to see the tree w/o buying a meal. And the State Street == (original - do not be fooled by Water Tower) == Fields for the mere..wandering/shopping experience....well, tell me a department store that's better...?
The Drake Hotel once put up QE2 = the woman, not the ship.
Located at the far north end of Boul Mich (Michigan Avenue-the Magnificent Mile), this venerable, vintage hostelry sets up a lovely, lobby visit. You can just wander thru, enjoying the huge model train that chugs along, or set yourself down for a relaxing tea (a bit price-y, but relaxing).
Come back, later in the evening, and experience a local treausre: Buddy Charles, in the downstairs Coq d"Or lounge. You want the ultimate piano bar/know everyone experience? This is it. (Liza stops by, when she's in town, as do plenty of others - well-known and not-so, but all, wonderfully talented). Plus, you can get one fine burger. It's like the "corner bar" for Chicago's upper crust.
As you know by now, there are quite a # of threads on Chicago...and so, you've probably seen mine -- which says: get out of downtown, off the beaten track...and walk the neighborhoods: Old Town, ...and a tad farther north, DePaul....Also: visit the zoo. and Historical Society (with informative Chicago Fire and Abe Lincoln exhibits amont others). On a pleasant (its possible!) December day, you can have either/both nearly to yourself...Enjoy!
I didn't think anyone would let pass the Goodman Theater (and they didnt't -- see, just above) -- That's where the annual "Christmas Carol" got started (and it's a wonderful venue - they MUST have a website, book some tix right now!!). It's the same theater that birthed B'way's current Tony-grabbing "Salesman." Intimate, and hard to get a bad seat.
Marshall Fields' Walnut Rooom - with it's beautiful tree...has been a Chicago tradition for decades. It may or may not be worth the lunch, but it's possible to see the tree w/o buying a meal. And the State Street == (original - do not be fooled by Water Tower) == Fields for the mere..wandering/shopping experience....well, tell me a department store that's better...?
The Drake Hotel once put up QE2 = the woman, not the ship.
Located at the far north end of Boul Mich (Michigan Avenue-the Magnificent Mile), this venerable, vintage hostelry sets up a lovely, lobby visit. You can just wander thru, enjoying the huge model train that chugs along, or set yourself down for a relaxing tea (a bit price-y, but relaxing).
Come back, later in the evening, and experience a local treausre: Buddy Charles, in the downstairs Coq d"Or lounge. You want the ultimate piano bar/know everyone experience? This is it. (Liza stops by, when she's in town, as do plenty of others - well-known and not-so, but all, wonderfully talented). Plus, you can get one fine burger. It's like the "corner bar" for Chicago's upper crust.
As you know by now, there are quite a # of threads on Chicago...and so, you've probably seen mine -- which says: get out of downtown, off the beaten track...and walk the neighborhoods: Old Town, ...and a tad farther north, DePaul....Also: visit the zoo. and Historical Society (with informative Chicago Fire and Abe Lincoln exhibits amont others). On a pleasant (its possible!) December day, you can have either/both nearly to yourself...Enjoy!
