Photo courtesy: Getty
The holiday season is upon us and residents of The St. Regis Chicago are in the heart of the city’s magic during the most wonderful time of year. Whether you’re seeking decadent holiday spreads, looking to indulge in holiday shopping, are looking for special offerings and experiences to eliminate the stress of entertaining your out-of-town visitors, or simply enjoy the festive ambiance, Chicago offers an array of activities and events to get you in the spirit. Here are a few holiday events and activities to consider this season, just steps away from the front door of The Residences at The St. Regis Chicago.
Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District
Embrace the Season
A few blocks away, the Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon offers a quintessential Chicago winter experience. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or looking to enjoy the festive atmosphere and crisp air, this outdoor rink is the perfect place to glide with stunning views of the city skyline. Warm up afterwards and indulge in a hot chocolate at a nearby café. And no holiday venture in the neighborhood is complete without admiring Chicago’s official Christmas tree in Millennium Park. Towering at 53 feet, this beautiful tree is a spectacle at night as the lights twinkle against the winter sky.
For the perfect mix of tradition, shopping and holiday cheer, head over to the Christkindlmarket, an authentic German-style outdoor market that brings the magic of an elaborate European Christmas celebration to Chicago. The market captures the essence of the holidays with beautifully handcrafted gifts, intricate decorations, and authentic European treats like mulled wine, freshly baked pretzels, and roasted nuts.
Artistic Impressions
Impress your guests with the rich culture and fascinating history of Chicago with a visit to one of the city’s various museums. The vast art collections housed in the Art Institute of Chicago offer something for everyone as your group can get lost for hours amidst the beautiful works of Van Gogh, Monet and other famous artists. And for first-time visitors to Chicago, or even Chicago residents who are having a nostalgic streak during the holidays, standing before the iconic Seurat painting from the scene in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” is an imperative.
For a sophisticated holiday experience, consider watching The Nutcracker by the world-renowned Joffrey Ballet. With beautiful choreography, elaborate costumes and an iconic score, this holiday classic is a timeless tradition. This world-class performance will be running until December 28. You can also find one of Tchaikovsky’s scores performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra with Swan Lake coming up in the seasonal concert rotation. From December 14 to 22, the orchestra will be hosting special performances ranging from classical pieces to jolly Christmas carols. A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theatre is another must-see local holiday tradition. Charles Dickens’ heartwarming tale of generosity is brought to life on stage through spectacular stage design and performances that remind us of the season’s true meaning.
Photo courtesy The Residences at The St. Regis Chicago
Shopping Activities
At the heart of Chicago’s high-end retail scene, The Magnificent Mile is the ideal destination for luxury holiday shopping. This iconic stretch of Michigan Avenue includes flagship stores, designer boutiques and department stores offering everything from fashion and fine jewelry to home décor. Whether you’re in search of the perfect gift for a loved one or browsing for yourself, the Mile is a delightful place to be this time of year with festive window displays and seasonal landscaping.
On the southern side of the river, you have the Block Thirty Seven center featuring popular retailers like Anthropologie and Banana Republic. For those in your party who’d prefer to opt out of the shopping marathon, bring them home to The St. Regis Chicago to enjoy a variety of luxury amenities, like our state-of-the-art golf simulator or private cinema.
Photo courtesy of Miru
Radiate Joy with the Spirit of the Chicago Holiday Season
For families and the young at heart, Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier will immerse you in a winter wonderland. From craft workshops and artisan markets to an exhilarating ice slide, the lakefront festival offers something for everyone. You can also consider visiting the grand ZooLights display at the Lincoln Park Zoo. Through January 5, the zoo is transformed for the holidays with mesmerizing light shows, warm treats, carolers and activities for all ages.
Whether you’re entertaining out-of-town visitors or you live in Chicago, no Chicago holiday activity checklist is complete without a jazz performance. Winter’s Jazz Club is just across the river from The St. Regis Chicago and offers an intimate lounge setting with live jazz performances to bask in a true Chicago experience.
For Chicago holiday visitors and Windy City residents seeking a unique holiday dining experience, look no further than Miru on the 11th floor of The St. Regis Chicago Hotel. From December 24 to 25, Miru will offer a curated Christmas Brunch menu featuring seasonal specials, smoked salmon, sizzling rice and Japanese-style fried chicken, inspired by Japan’s Christmas Eve tradition of enjoying fried chicken. Those looking to partake in this unique twist on authentic holiday fare can make reservations. here. On the 2nd floor of The St. Regis Hotel, Tre Dita is a great choice for a warm and intimate atmosphere, fresh pastas, authentic Tuscan meats and velvety wine during the winter season.
‘Tis the season to gather, dine, shop, and be merry! This December, take advantage of all the festive experiences that Chicago has to offer. For more information on local offerings, visit The Residences at the St. Regis Chicago website.
