What to Eat, Drink & Do to Celebrate the Holidays in Chicago
Le Sud Chicago
The holidays are perfect for many things - twinkle lights, building a snowman, dancing to Mariah Carey on repeat. And they’re definitely perfect for cozy family dinners and final nights out with your pals! Thanks to seasonal drinks and festive decor, there are a whole host of spots perfect for hosting a last minute Christmas gathering or just have fun taking in the festivities. You only have a few more weeks to take advantage before Santa arrives though! Check this list (check it twice) and then head to the city’s most holiday-tastic places…
Get Tacos & Trees at Big Star {December 10 & 11}
This weekend, Chicago’s honky-tonk hangout, Big Star, is giving their iconic patios new (and festive) life! Both the Wicker Park and West Town Mariscos locations will be slinging tacos, margs, and now trees with Christmas tree lot pop-up on Saturday and Sunday. Pop over for delicious tacos and the perfect pine to purchase day-of.
Have Brunch with Santa at Saranello's {Sunday, December 11 and Sunday, December 18}
This Sunday, December 11 and next Sunday, December 18, Saranello's in Wheeling will put on a Grand Buffet Brunch that is Santa-tastic! It comes complete with a seafood station, carving station, made-to-order omelets and mimosas, plus other brunch favorites and an endless dessert station with holiday treats. Santa Claus will also be on site to take photos!
"Let It Snow!" at Le Sud’s Holiday Pop-Up {Through December 30}
Let it snow at Le Sud! This Roscoe Village restaurant is holding a holiday pop up all month long, complete with lots of festive decor, kid-friendly fare, holiday dishes, a special holiday brunch menu! Plus, 23% of sales from the children's menu (during brunch and dinner in December) will benefit Audubon Elementary School. Do good and dig in with the whole family!
Dig in to Winter Wonderbrunch at AceBounce {Saturdays}
Get into the holiday spirit with the Winter Wonderbrunch at AceBounce Chicago. Every Saturday in December, you can have the jolliest experience in The Loop at this festive brunch featuring a spiked hot cocoa bar, bottomless mimosas plus a brunch buffet with festive dishes including Frosted Mini Churros, Jingle Bell Pork Belly Sliders, Mistletoe Margherita Pizza and more! There will also be merry Insta-worthy photo opps and karaoke so you can carol to your favorite holiday hits.
Vacation at the “Holiday in the Hamptons” in Streeterville {Friday-Sunday in December}
Want to escape to somewhere warmer this winter? Lucky you - The Hampton Social will be transforming their Streeterville location into a 'Holiday in the Hamptons' for the season! Their rooftop will feature two hand-crafted holiday cocktails alongside a new dinner menu, all wrapped up in festive décor with a seaside spin. You’ll feel merry and bright in no time!
Shop at the Here Here Market Chicago Food Stop {Wednesday-Sunday Through the end of February}
Shop local foodies this season at this pop-up shop from our friends at Here Here Market! This is a retail and interactive experience that celebrates Chicago’s incredibly rich and diverse food community where you can purchase products from a selection of Here Here Market’s Chicago creators, plus take part in weekly programming like cooking demos and food samples. It’s the perfect place to finish your holiday shopping!
By Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor