Hello everyone,

I am thinking of driving to Chicago either tomorrow or monday (Christmas eve). I mainly want to see the christmas decorations in the downtown and if any other christmas stuff is going on. As parking is really a problem in the downtown, I was thinking maybe I could park my car somewhere else and then maybe take the blueline (or any other line) to downtown. Can you please let me know of some nice and safe area where I can park my car and then catch a train to the downtown? I will be with my family so safety is a big concern for me.

Also if I have to stay overnight is there any cheap hotel you can suggest. Right now I dont want to stay in downtown area as the prices might be too high and I will also have my car so again parking will be a problem.

Thanks for your help.

Which direction are you coming from?
My favorite cheap place to stay in Chicago is the HI Hostel on Congress not too far from Lakeshore Drive.

I am coming from Springfield IL.
So from there can I catch a train to Downtown? Also when you say cheap, how much do you mean?
Thanks for your reply.

Coming from the south you could stay near Midway airport (there must be some accommodations there) and take the "L" to downtown.

The Amrrak station is at 100 N. Third St. in Springfield. There are 76 free parking spots there. The #300 Lincoln Service leaves about 6:30AM and gets to downtown Chicago about 10AM.
If you only want a safe place to sleep, the HI Hostel works.
http://www.hichicago.org/
The one way fare for 1 adult and 1 child is as low as $28.50 from SPI to CHI.

Sorry, I probably mis wrote what I intended to say. I will be driving from Springfield. But wanted to stay at a cheaper hotel (not too far from downtown) from where I can catch the train to downtown. That way I wont have to bother about parking. So any suggestion about a cheap hotel with free parking a close to a train station from where I can go to downtown and comeback. Thanks.

With as good a surface transportation system as Chicago has, I never saw the need to drive a car into the city to park for overnight. With luggage, I take a taxi from and back to Chicago Union Station. Luggage can be stored in lockers at the baggage claim at Union Station.

Ok, so I got the hotel already. Now my question is for sunday evening and monday entire day, where I need to be for christmas decorations and any other christmas stuff?
Thanks.

Macy's windows, Randolph and State
City Hall-tree

Should be able to find what you want here: http://www.chicagotraveler.com/chica...day-events.htm

Christkindl Market in Daley Plaza - pretty sure it runs through Xmas Eve.

is the city hall tree and the christkindle market at the richard daley centre? I googles and thats what it says, but just wanted to confirm. thanks for the great suggestions.