Winter Break Holiday To-Do List

🎄Holiday Themed Activities This December

When the kids our out for winter break, we all know that we need to have a lot of activities to keep them busy so we don’t go crazy. Here is a list of some of my favorite things to do during the Holiday Season, as well as a few new ones we plan on trying out this year.

Winterland @ Gallagher Way: There are so many great Holiday activities to do at GW this year! We are huge Cubs fans, so any excuse to hang out at Wrigley Field is ideal for us. From ice skating to ChristKringle market (open through 12/31/19), you can shop, eat and drink while the kids are entertained. They just lit the Christmas tree, so there are great photo ops too. Don’t forget to to try the donuts, yum!

The Rink is open through February 16, 2020, kids 12 and under are FREE, 13+ $6, skate rental is $12 and if your kiddos are just learning they have these adorable penguin aides for $10 each.

Hotel Zachery: Brunch with Santa is already sold out, but you can still sign up for the Teddy Bear Tea Party and enjoy hot chocolate, tea Sammies and treats and finish with story time. Event Cost: $55 adults: $35 Kids: 2-12 Event Times: 11 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays Nov. 30-Dec. 29

Also at HZ, get your Glamping on (is there any other way!?) right on the terrace of the hotel! This is such a cute idea that can be for both adults and kids or adults only, you decide! Enjoy hot cocoa, hot toddies, cookies and munchies in cozy tents and comfy couches. Packages start at $150

Want to make the night for adults only? Make a night of shopping at Christkringle market and then head over to HZ for their special hot toddy menu.

Christmas Themed Bars – Kids are welcome too for lunch or an early dinner and there are always a ton of selfie-stops. It is very festive and the kids loved it. The milkshakes are over the top and the bar food is always delish. Santa Baby Bar: 3505 N. Clark | Christmas Club (more for adults) 3460 N. Clark | Frosty’s | 860 W. Evergreen

Lights and Windows: It’s been a holiday tradition since I was a little kid to go and see the lights on Michigan Ave and the State Street windows. Warm up with a pitstop at the new Worlds Largest Starbucks at Michigan and Elm!

A Christmas Carol @ The Goodman Theater: We kick off our holiday season with this wonderful play. The actors are sensational and Scrooge has been the star for over 10 years! We just saw it last night and it was just as good as it has always been. It really gets you into the holiday spirit. If you want to bring your littles, it has gotten scarier year after year with loud noises a spooky Jacob Marley and a Darth Vadar like ghost of Christmas Past. Leave any kiddos at home that may get too scared, our 6 year old definitely closed her eyes and ears a lot this year.

Zoo Lights: Make sure to pop over to the famous and FREE Lincoln Park Zoo. Our trick is to pick a mild weather day (if possible) and go around 4:00 before it gets too crowded. Once you park it will almost be dark and you can Cruze through the Zoo before the kids get hangry. Zip over to kid friendly R.J. Grunts for a classic Chicago burger dinner – in a hurry? Five Guys is just a block further at Fullerton and Clark.

Ride on the Polar Express We were able to hop on this well known train last year and absolutely loved it! We did run late and almost missed it, but with some help of the staff and a run through backstage we made it on in the nick of time {read: don’t be late}. This is like a play on the train and it really does leave the station. You get the magical golden tickets at check in and your train ride is hosted with hot chocolate, cookies, music, dancing, bells and of course Santa! I know I was smiling ear to ear the whole time. Train runs at select times through December 29. Get your tix here Promo code CHICAGO10 for $10 off!