The Ultimate Chicago Holiday Bucket List: Markets, Lights, and Retro Bites
The winter holiday season is in full swing! If you are looking for some fun family activities before the year is over, check out these fun family ideas.
1 ) Christkindlmarket - a holiday tradition for my family. They have a nice variety of hot meals, snacks, drinks (including some deliciously hot and sweet Gluwein in souvenir mugs for adults), and fun things to buy such as handmade ornaments, nutcrackers, and cute winter gear - perfect for last minute Christmas gifts.
If you have kids, pick up the free Kinder Club passport filled with riddles and activities. My then 5 and 7 year old kids enjoyed the scavenger hunt last year at the Aurora location.
At the Wrigleyville location, they also offer ice skating inside Wrigley Stadium.
Wrigleyville location is the only one of the 3 that will be running until December 31. Aurora and Daley Plaza both end on December 24.
If you're still hungry after you made your way through all the stalls, go across the street to Big Star Wrigleyville for some Mexican street food.
2) Lincoln Park Zoo Lights - What's not to like about millions of lights, a light tunnel, hot chocolate and fresh churros. They offer free admission on Mondays and are open until January 4.
Before or after visiting the zoo, stop at Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba (only 5 min drive away) for some Spanish tapas and sangria.
3) Ed Debevic's- is a must-experience! This retro-themed diner is filled with snarky servers dancing on counters!
Combine that with any of the following for a family outing perfect with older kids.
- Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon - (5 min uber ride) open until March 8
- Christkindlmarket Daley Plaza - (5 min uber ride) open until December 24
- Navy Pier Winterfest - (7 min uber ride) open until January 4
Whether you're creating new traditions or revisiting some annual activities, enjoy the winter holiday magic with the ones you love!
Happy holidays,
Alisa
Nugget Local Hero
Chicago
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