Margaret and Neal32 Comments on Christmas in Chicago

Christmas in Chicago

Chicago, Chicago that toddlin’ town
Chicago, Chicago we will show you around

Some cities do Christmas very well. In our experience, this includes London across the pond (see here, here, and here) and Chicago more locally. Bitter cold when the lake effect wind kicks up, the presence of Christmas cheer around Chicago seems necessary to prevent your face from freezing…or at least ensure it freezes in a smile.

There are nutcrackers,

Carolers,

And banisters covered in holly.

Beautifully decorated trees and gingerbread creations welcome you into holiday traditions.

Traditions like holiday inspired afternoon tea – an absolute favorite!

That special time of year where you nibble on delicacies,

And you pay a premium to drink a Nutcracker or Sugar Plum Fairy blend (we tried both!)

Also, can we please talk about this perfectly prepared scone, featuring the exact right combination of Devonshire cream, jam, and lemon curd!?! We miss you scones!

And where the bars carry pomegranate and grapefruit themed cocktails.

Luckily in Chicago the wintery drinks at the Signature Room are accompanied by twinkle light and garland framed views.

If you can handle the chill, grab a hot spiced wine and check out the (free) zoo lights at the Lincoln Park Zoo. Purples, reds, and blues set next to a truly impressive cityscape,

Monkeys swing from trees,

Gorillas breakdance,

Giraffes roam,

Trees dance to music,

Lizards lurk,

Flamingos perch,

And soldiers march about.

All meant to give you a warm and fuzzy feeling on the inside…even if you can’t feel your fingers or toes!

32 thoughts on “Christmas in Chicago”

  1. pam@ichoosethis December 20, 2019 — 1:15 am

    Looks lovely! Was it cold walking g through that zoo??

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. (Post author)
      Margaret and Neal December 20, 2019 — 3:40 am

      It sure was!! But we bundled up and had warm beverages to help us out a bit!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  2. Hettie D. December 20, 2019 — 2:16 am

    yes-yes-yes-yes!!!! Also, the Christkndl Market, and the Christmas Carol in Goodman, and a New Nutcracker at Joffrey’s Ballet. Also – the Neapolitan Creche in the Art Institute and the Holiday Thorne Rooms (at the same place). And also – Caroling at the Cloud Gate (the last performance, free! will be tomorrow at 6 PM). And also free skating at the McCormick Ice rink.

    And my holiday cookies :))))

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    1. (Post author)
      Margaret and Neal December 20, 2019 — 3:42 am

      It is such a wonderful city!! We only scratched the surface! Chicago definitely does the holidays well!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  3. Michelle December 20, 2019 — 4:15 am

    Everything is beautiful! I love the zoo lights.

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. (Post author)
      Margaret and Neal December 20, 2019 — 1:24 pm

      It was a very impressive display! The music was fantastic too! Thanks so much for reading!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  4. Sheree December 20, 2019 — 6:53 am

    Never been to Chicago at Xmas time, it looks lovely. Having been there in February, i know how face numbingly cold it can get.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. (Post author)
      Margaret and Neal December 20, 2019 — 1:28 pm

      We only saw a couple snowflakes the whole time but it didn’t stop the cold! The bars and restaurants do a good job of using outdoor heaters so it can stay pretty pleasant at times! Thanks for reading!

      Like

      Reply
  5. beth December 20, 2019 — 11:02 am

    Christmas is wonderful in Chicago –

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  6. katelon December 20, 2019 — 1:30 pm

    Great photos! Eureka, CA used to do Christmas well. I haven’t seen it in awhile.

    Thanks for following my blog and introducing me to yours!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. (Post author)
      Margaret and Neal December 20, 2019 — 1:35 pm

      Of course!! Eureka has some wonderful buildings…very easy to picture how beautiful it can be over the holidays! Thanks for reading!!

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      Reply
      1. katelon December 20, 2019 — 1:39 pm

        I especially enjoyed their period dressed carolers and seeing the reindeer sleigh rides. Arcata, CA was lovely, too.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. (Post author)
        Margaret and Neal December 20, 2019 — 1:46 pm

        Thanks for these recommendations! They are now put on our list! That is a great part of the country!

        Like

      3. katelon December 20, 2019 — 1:58 pm

        Have you been to Aspen, CO in the holiday time? Aspen Village is closed to traffic, so walkable. All the stores are covered in lights. Leavenworth, WA is also lovely. Christmas seems to dress up most places 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      4. (Post author)
        Margaret and Neal December 20, 2019 — 9:46 pm

        We were fortunate enough to visit Leavenworth a couple months ago!!! Such a cool place. We visited the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm and blogged about it a handful of posts back! And yes…Aspen is stunning. It is a relatively short trek for us coming from Denver!

        Liked by 1 person

  7. katelon December 20, 2019 — 9:50 pm

    I’m still looking for home. In my heart, I feel it is somewhere in CO. I’ve lived in Rico, Dolores and Vail Valley but they weren’t it. I’ll see where I end up. Since CO I’ve been in WA, OR, No and So CA, AZ, No ID, and Utah either living or visiting

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. (Post author)
      Margaret and Neal December 20, 2019 — 9:54 pm

      Each of those states is so beautiful! We really like Utah and have been exploring it a bit recently!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  8. Pingback: Christmas in Chicago | Providing Inspiration,Comfort,and Encouragement – WINDOWS FROM HEAVEN PHOTOGRAPHY-MERRY CHRISTMAS!
  9. short-prose-fiction December 21, 2019 — 6:46 pm

    Wonderful post. May you have a magical Christmas.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
      1. Outosego December 22, 2019 — 2:37 pm

        You’ re always welcome !

        Liked by 1 person

    1. (Post author)
      Margaret and Neal December 23, 2019 — 3:03 am

      Thank you very much my friend! Thanks for reading!

      Like

      Reply
      1. Psychotherapist ,Counsellor, Film Screenwriter,Playwright,Producer - LONDON.UK December 23, 2019 — 3:05 am

        I think Canada is icy nowadays, but Christmas parties make every thing so cute there.

        See you in London

        XXXX

        Liked by 1 person

  12. Sumita Tah December 23, 2019 — 7:19 am

    Love the Christmas spirit.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  13. smzang January 1, 2020 — 12:34 am

    Grand!!

    I’m guessing New Years in Chicago is as special as Christmas.

    Here’s hoping that 2020 brings you joy and peace and a bounty of blessings.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. (Post author)
      Margaret and Neal January 1, 2020 — 3:24 am

      Same to you!! Thanks for reading! Have a great new year!

      Like

      Reply

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