Christmas with a Capital “C”: The Best Christmas Town

1. Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier

2. Christkindlmarket

3. Ice skating at Millennium Park

4. Christmas Around the World and Holiday of Lights

5. Wonderland Express

*Winter Wonderfest (12/1 – 1/7) includes an annual indoor winter carnival complete with a tobaggan tunnel, Blackhawks ice-skating rink, miniature golf, and more!

*Christkindlmarket (11/17 – 12/24) is similar to European Christmas markets and nothing in America compares to it. Visitors will find hand-blown ornaments, cuckoo clocks, wooden handicrafts, nutcrackers, and eleborate German steins. Did I mention all the delicious food, decorations, and concerts? Be sure to keep warm with a cup of hot, spiced wine that’s a bit like hot cider but a lot better!

*Forget Rockefeller Center. You can ice skate for FREE at the lovely Millennium Park throughout the holiday season. Note: There is a fee for skate rentals. You can also enjoy the 104th annual Christmas tree and more seasonal events.

*Chicago’s Museum of Science & Industry features four stories of displays and trees celebrating Christmas around the world. Learn how Christmas is celebrated by different cultures around the world and see nearly five dozen spectacular Christmas trees and live holiday performances (weekends). Their “Christmas Around the World” and “Holiday of Lights” shouldn’t be missed!

*Wonderland Express (11/24 – 1/7) at the Botanic Gardens is amazing. This indoor railroad garden with classic model trains and lots of “snow” and meticulously crafted Chicago landmarks. Plus, there are intricate ice carvings and carolers.

More Seasonal Things to Do: Magnificent Mile Christmas shopping (including Macy’s) and dining, plus dozens of Christmas productions!