Photo courtesy The Residences at the St. Regis Chicago
November is an exciting time of the year as the holiday season commences and friends and family come into town. Nestled in the heart of downtown, The St. Regis Chicago is surrounded by a plethora of special offerings and experiences to eliminate the stress of entertaining your out-of-town visitors. Here are some potential excursions to consider while planning a memorable trip for your guests this Chicago holiday season.
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 Gough, Monet and other famous artists. And for first-time visitors to Chicago, standing before the iconic Seurat painting from the scene in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” is an imperative.
Shopping Activities
Holiday shopping is a staple activity for Thanksgiving weekend and the Lakeshore East area has you covered with an array of retailers to help you find the perfect gifts. A few blocks north of The Residences is Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, equipped with shopping centers, department stores and all the luxury brands your heart desires including Neiman Marcus, Tiffany & Co., Ralph Lauren and more.
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 amenities, like our state-of-the-art golf simulator or private cinema.
Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District
Embrace the Season
Beginning the week of Thanksgiving, the city of Chicago will transform into a winter wonderland with seasonal offerings to immerse you in the holiday spirit. Right next to The St. Regis Chicago is the Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon, an ice rink shaped in an untraditional loop to make for a unique skating experience sweeping views of the surrounding Chicago skyline.
While in the area, indulge in a hot cocoa and sweet treat at Stan’s Donuts and stop by the grand City of Chicago Christmas Tree at Millennium Park. This year’s tree lighting ceremony will be held on November 17 at 6 p.m. Also on this day, one of Chicago’s most unique and beloved holiday experiences opens, the Christkindlmarket. An authentic German-style outdoor market, the Christkindlmarket transports you to the traditional holiday markets of Europe with German delicacies like warm spiced wine and roasted nuts, handmade artisanal crafts, musical performances and an air of holiday cheer.
The Bells Ring for Food and Drinks
For a pick-me-up in between your outings, consider popular bars in the area for refreshments that will lift your spirits. Stroll down a few blocks to Cindy’s Rooftop in the Chicago Athletic Association for a sophisticated ambiance and craft cocktails. Atop a historic Chicago building with extensive views of Millennium Park and outdoor fire pits in the wintertime, Cindy’s is the perfect place to impress your out-of-town guests.
For another uniquely Chicagoan offering, visit the Arriviamo Cocktail Bar inside the world’s largest Starbucks Reserve on the Mag Mile for seasonal martinis and a fantastic view of the holiday lights lining the street.
And no trip to the city 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 give your visitors the true Chicago experience.
In a city with such robust restaurant culture, it can be hard to choose a venue when it comes time to eat, but the large variety of choices ensures that all guests’ desires are met. A few blocks west of The St. Regis Chicago, Smith & Wollensky boasts views alongside the river and classic steakhouse dishes with an air of sophistication.
As you travel further down, you’ll find fun and contemporary stops like Beatnik on the River and Pizzeria Portofino, where the beautiful interior décor makes the food taste even better. Venteux is a great nearby place for rich and decadent French fare, which sounds especially enticing with the cold weather.
Photo courtesy of Miru
And of course, Miru, located on the 11th floor of The St. Regis Chicago, is a fantastic option for breakfast and dinner with its elevated, high-quality take on traditional Japanese cuisine.
Radiate Joy with the Spirit of the Chicago Holiday Season
The best way to make this the trip of a lifetime is to ensure that your guests are getting the best lodging accommodations in the city at The St. Regis Chicago Hotel. Not only will its proximity to The Residences make it easy to plan your daily outings, but you can rest assured that your loved ones will have access to the best treatment and amenities Chicago has to offer. See more information about staying at The St. Regis Chicago Hotel.
‘Tis the season for reconnecting with loved ones and making memories. This November, take advantage of the amazing experiences that Chicago and The Residences of St. Regis’ Lakeshore East neighborhood have to offer you and your party. Visit The Residences website for more trip-planning inspiration.
