Festive Holiday Happenings in the Windy City
LondonHouse Chicago
Put up the twinkle lights, cue the festive music, and mark your calendar for plenty of holiday festivities this year! Even though the holidays will likely look quite a bit different this year than in the past, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t fill the next week with any less joy and fun. Good food and good times can still abound over the next few weeks in our favorite city. Chicago is stepping up to provide festive fun across the city for all kinds of holiday revelry! Here are some not-to-miss happenings…
LondonHouse Chicago’s Rudolph’s Rooftop Bar {LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton, 85 East Wacker Drive, Chicago; 312.357.1200}: Get lost in a a whimsical winter wonderland complete with panoramic city views at Rudolph’s Rooftop! You’ll be surrounded by holiday décor and festive photo ops, and you can also cozy up in one of their outdoor igloos or enjoy refreshing drinks from their Ice Bar. You can even get dinner dishes like Truffled Chicken Pot Pie and Apple Crisp, too!
Frosty’s at Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel {221 North Columbus Drive, Chicago; 312.638.6686}: Surround yourself with holiday cheer at this first ever Christmas hotel, in partnership with the Frosty’s pop-up. It’s an ideal socially distanced holiday experience, with select guest rooms completely decked out and decorated with holiday cheer. Enjoy signature Frosty cocktails, order a holiday dinner from the FireLake Chicago, and a cozy night watching Christmas classics in the comfort of your hotel room.
Bandit Liquors
The Bandit Après Ski Patio {841 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 312.666.6061}: Patio season isn’t over, Chicago! It’s just gotten cozier with the tableside s'mores, along with warm cocktails and other seasonal winter menu items at the après ski patio lodge on Randolph Street. Bandit has been getting creative with fun dining experiences all year long and that won’t stop for the holidays! You’ll feel merry and bright when you dine with them.
Uvae Kitchen and Wine Bar Holiday Pop-Up {5553 North Clark Street, Chicago; 773.654.1432}: If you want to shop local this holiday, Uvae Wine Bar is making it super simple! Saturdays and Sundays from 12-5PM, you can choose from pre-made gift baskets or “build your own'' gift basket with products from other Andersonville small businesses and artists. Andersonville Fine Foods (spiced and candied nuts), Downstate Donuts, Slumbering Alligator (holiday crafts and décor), and more are all participating!
Replay Holiday Drive-In Experiences {multiple locations}: In an effort to create magical memories during a non-traditional holiday season, Replay has created a holiday-style movie experience, enhanced with twinkling decor and appearances by The Grinch, Santa, Mrs. Claus, reindeer and many other favorite characters. Multiple locations only means multiple chances to take in your favorite festive films!
The Dawson Winter Market {730 West Grand Avenue, Chicago; 312.243.8955}: Turn up your holidays with all the bells and whistles at The Dawson Winter Market! The River West hotspot is hosting a winter wonderland-like experience every Saturday and Sunday from 11AM-2PM to get you in the holiday spirit. Enjoy a Hot Spiced Cider or Butternut Squash Latte from The Dawson’s bar while perusing a variety of fare and wares available for purchase.
Vanille Patisserie’s Holiday Experiences {multiple locations}: From Holiday Tea To-Go and a Holiday Movie Night package to Sugar Cookie Christmas Tree Kits and Christmas Alphabet Matching Macaron Set…Vanille is a literal one-stop shop for festive sweet treats! While you’re spending the season inside, these activities will keep your whole family busy with fun.
The Press Room’s Miracle on Washington Street {1134 West Washington Boulevard, Chicago; 331.240.1914}: For the entire month of December, you can visit a holiday market with a variety of local vendors for unique gifts. In addition to the market, the seasonal menu by Chef Jeff Williams features items traditionally available at the Christkindlmarket, including raclette grilled cheese, spiked cider and more. You have to purchase the $25 tickets via TOCK for timed entry to allow for proper social distancing. Tickets include entry, a holiday cocktail in a keepsake mug, and a patio table reservation!
By Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor