Looking for favorite activities or experiences in downtown Chicago during the Christmas season.

SP? Should be Christmastime in Chicago

I would recommend The ChristKindlmarket

http://www.christkindlmarket.com/

A great Chicago tradition is to eat near the Christmas Tree at The Walnut Room at Macy's on State Street (formerly Marshall fields). I am sure another Fodorite will know if reservations are accepted.

Hope this helps!

Go to www.explorechicago.org for info. There are a lot of activities over the holidays. When are you going? The Cultural Center has a lot going on. The Christmas Carol will be at the Goodman Theater again. It is excellent. It is fun checking out the windows at Macy's too. From what I remember, the Walnut Room doesn't take reservations but it has been a while since I was there. They should have it listed on the Macy's web site. If you go though, have patience. The lines are very long. Try to get a seat by the tree not in side room.

Oh, heck, just walking up and down Michigan Ave. What more could you want? It's beautiful! Don't forget last-minute shopping at Water Tower Place and ice skating in Millenium Park. Priceless.

Merry Christmas- only 108 days!!

Macy's Store windows on State St. are decorated for Christmas. The Christmas Tree in Daley Plaza (Near the Picasso), Goodman Theater's A Christmas Carole, The Nutcracker Ballet, the lions in front of The Art Institute always get evergreen wreathes around their necks for Christmas.

Have afternoon tea at the Drake Hotel. The decorations are over the top, and it's very festive with the harpist playing carols in the Palm Court while you eat, elbow to elbow, with the other happy shoppers.

Oh, and the Walnut Room does not accept reservations -- you're given a pager and are free to shop while you wait (sometimes for a very long time).

Breakfast is just as festive and less crowded. Don't go for the food, though, just go for the tree.