Chicago: Holiday Guide

We're about to hit the holiday season in full swing and Chicago has some fantastic experiences every year! I try out a few new ones each season and I'm so excited to share with you all my favorites. Some are classic and some are creative but they're all enjoyable to anyone who gets a twinkle in their eye when they hear "Christmas."

If you can't tell, I am that person.

This weekend Michigan Avenue kicks off the season Friday night with Illuminate 900. The official tree lighting ceremony at 900 North Michigan will also have Elf on The Shelf and Santa! But the best part is all the proceeds will go Make-A-Wish Illinois. Saturday night there is going to have a fantastic parade that lights up Magnificent Mile and finishes with fireworks at the Wrigley Building. Large crowds are buzzing with cheer; excited kids run after the floats and gather popcorn and candy. It's a great time with friends especially if you're wearing a few layers and have a cup of hot cocoa from Ghirardelli in hand.

Macy's opened Santaland and their gorgeous tree in the Walnut Room (7th floor on State St.) I never was much for seeing Santa as a kid but watching everyone so excited (and seeing the humongous Christmas tree) has me feeling fuzzy! 

ChristkindlMarket also opens this weekend! It's a Chicago favorite and trademarked as a "German market" but many of the businesses are local artisans. It's great fun to soak up the holiday cheer and savor the cinnamon roasted nuts as you peruse all the vendors! I am bummed that their sister market isn't returning to Gallagher way because they had THE BEST ICE RINK IN CHICAGO. I love ice skating and never liked the rinks here. That one was fantastic. (Yes, I've tried Maggie Daley. Wasn't a fan.)

A new experience I'm putting on my list this year is the Morton Arboretum's Illumination. It opens this weekend but I'm hoping to go once snow is on the ground. The outdoor museum is "illuminating" their favorite subject: trees. I can just picture strolling down a snowy path with a hot cider in hand watching the trees twinkle. Do you have goosebumps, too?!

I snuck a peak at the Museum of Science and Industry's Christmases Around The World exhibit this week and am so excited to see it unveiled in full effect this weekend! I always go through and sample ideas for how I'm going to decorate based on what countries inspire me. It makes me laugh how I'm always drawn to the European trees, specifically Germany. My family has been in America a long time but my roots go back to Germany - of course that's the one I like best. 

Next week may be Black Friday but a little birdie told me there's a store in Lakeview with a midnight madness sale on Friday! The later you go and shop, the more % off your purchase you get! They're even taking care of the gift wrapping!! You can find them at @m2chicago on Instagram or their website, M2 Boutique. Show them you're following them on Insta at the check out and they'll give you a discount as well! I have a few pairs of earrings from them that I love and their Chicago gear is too cute! (I may have my eye on a sassy mug for my sister. Don't tell her!!)

I think we can all agree the biggest thing we have on our mind when it comes to holiday season is SHOPPING. I have more coming your way next week but for now, this is your PSA that the Randolph Street Market is open this weekend only!! Make sure to grab your tickets early and get ready for some serious holiday shopping. 

Another market open for this weekend only is the Holiday Show of Hands! You can purchase tickets for a preview on Friday or visit this weekend for free. With one hundred and seventeen vendors, you could quite possible shop local and finish all your Christmas shopping in one weekend! 

If you want in on all the decorating, check out Wicker Park's Decorating Extravaganza all day Saturday, November 17th!! Click the link to see the tools you need and be a part of the holiday transformation!! 

Each week I'm releasing holiday favorites as they open to the public. I send out a newsletter with all the details FIRST so don't miss the scoop! Sign up here!

CHEERS from C H I C A G O,

ashley brianna