7,000 Lights Flip on For Chicago’s Christmas Tree Lighting
Drive or fly to Chicago this holiday season for the 97th annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, beginning on November 24, the day before Thanksgiving. Join thousands of spectators as the 70 foot Christmas tree comes to life in the Daley Plaza. Musical performances will entertain crowds for approximately half an hour before the 7,000 tree lights are flipped on at 5:00 p.m. Best of all, admission is free, so there’s no reason not to come down to join in the holiday cheer as the Windy City prepares for Christmas. You may have plans to stay overnight or longer for Thanksgiving with your family, and if that’s the case, you can reserve your choice of Chicago lodging.
Before you’ve had your fill of Chicago, you’ll want to sample some of the other activities such as the Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament in Schaumburg, IL. At this show, you’ll enter into a world filled with knights, death-defying swordplay and romance. After you’re done touring the lobby’s Middle Ages decorations, you may walk into the massive arena where six knights, a princess and countless others await to perform for you. Cheer on your knight and enjoy baked garlic bread, steaming roasted chicken and two rounds of beverages.
Once you’ve explored the Medieval Times, you can ride back to the city for a full exploration of its people, parks and holiday decorations with the Go Chicago Card – Chicago, IL, granting you admission to more than 25 different activities for a one-time price. Pick from a one day card up to five days for an unlimited amount of sightseeing. Plan your itinerary to see highlights like the Art Institute of Chicago, Shedd Aquarium, Chicago Architecture Foundation, Navy Pier Attractions and Brookfield Zoo.
Plan your holiday vacation around our fair city this winter. Pack in all the sightseeing and memories to store up for the new year!
Chicagoween is the Hottest Halloween Celebration in the Nation
The city of Chicago really gets into it’s Halloween celebration, and everyone is looking forward to this year’s Chicagoween. Daley Plaza is where the majority of the celebration takes place, but there are also several neighborhoods throughout the city participating. October 29-31, Daley Plaza is transformed into a spooky venue known as Franken Plaza where guests can enjoy hayrides, arts and crafts, special performances, fire dancers, a costume contest, and special Halloween-themed treats. Elsewhere in Chicago, the Chicago Botanic Garden is turned into the “Garden of Good… and Evil” to celebrate Halloween while the streets are prepared for the Spooky Pooch Parade for pets in costume to participate in on October 30th. Chicago is the place to be for Halloween fun and celebrations this year!
You came to Chicago for a good time. Don’t let the good times end with your Halloween fun. Visit Six Flags Great America while you’re in Chicago to get theme park thrills and good times. With a variety of great roller coasters like Batman the Ride, American Eagle, and Iron Wolf, this theme park is known for its exciting rides and attractions. For those with kids, there is even a section of the park dedicated to rides that your young ones can ride. Nobody gets left out of the fun at Six Flags!
While you’re in Chicago, it would be a shame to miss out on the city’s hottest attractions. Get the CityPass for admission to Shedd Aquarium, The Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, Museum of Science and Industry, and the John Hancock Observatory or Skydeck Chicago. You get all five attractions at one money saving price. Your pass is valid for nine days after the first day of use, so you can explore the city at your leisure. Your pass also allows you to skip long lines at some attractions, so you can spend more time enjoying each attraction. You will love the way the CityPass enhances your Chicago experience.
Moviegoers Gear up For Chicago’s 46th International Film Festival!
The Windy City is great any time of year, but if you make a trip to Chicago from October 7-21, you’ll see the fascinating 46th International Film Festival, which combines the talents of thousands of people as they demonstrate their works of visual art. In the past, Chicago has hosted films from famous and influential directors like Bertrand Taverneir (France), Mike Leigh (UK), Martin Scorsese (USA) and Jan Troell (Sweden). Join movie lovers as exciting screenplays, brilliant productions and fun ”red carpet” showings are provided to share with Chicago visitors and residents. If you want to go, be sure to book your Chicago lodging ahead of time, as many of the hotels will be booked up closer to October!
You can tour the great downtown Chicago fully with the Historic Chicago attraction, which shares knowledge of the city’s growth and culture ranging back to the 18th century. You’ll see many of the highlights of the city, including Soldier Field, Joseph Petrillo the Art Institute of Chicago and Jackson Park. Take a look out at the beautiful lake water while you’re in the area and see much of the natural landmarks and manmade sculptures that have characterized the city. The tour lasts approximately two hours, but it packs in plenty of activity.
For a different experience, you may want to concentrate on a specific part of Chicago’s history – the Chicago World’s Fair, one of the largest in the area. Join your tour guide on The White City – Chicago’s 1893 Columbian Exposition Tour as you learn about the historical explorer Christopher Columbus who arrived on our shores in 1492. In addition to the fair, you’ll also learn about other events in Chicago’s history, such as a famous serial killer as well as a view of Wooded Island and the University of Chicago’s front yard.
The Chicago atmosphere alone is worth the trip, and these great attractions will only add to your fun experience. Head to downtown Chicago for a grand fall vacation.
Mastodons and Mammoths Exhibit Thrills Visitors to The Field Museum
The Mastodons and Mammoths exhibit at the Chicago Field Museum will be open from now until September 6th for guests to come and examine. This exciting collection gives you the chance to see a real baby mammoth that was found and carefully preserved by scientists as well as videos about saber tooth tigers and giant bears. This exhibit even gives you the chance to see what scientists believe caused mastodons and mammoths to become extinct.
If you’re interested in seeing the Mastodons and Mammoths exhibit at The Field Museum and also want to visit many of Chicago’s other hot attractions, get the Go Chicago Card. This card gives you admission The Field Museum, Chicago Children’s Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, 2 Day Hop on Hop off Trolley Pass, Shoreline Skyline Boat Tour, and over 30 other attractions, museums, and tours. You even get special offers on meals and shopping. It’s an activity perfect for the smart saver who enjoys doing a lot at one low price.
While you’re in Chicago for the exhibit, you can’t miss out on the chance to get your live, history entertainment at Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament. This dinner and show combination will transport you back to the time of lords and ladies for dramatic sword fights, jousting, and other medieval games. While you’re watching the show, a server will give you a meal of spare rib, roasted chicken, and herb baked potatoes that is fit for a king!
Lake View Music Festival Thrills Visitors and Locals in Chicago
Get ready for the fun and excitement of live music, delicious local food, and the talents and products of local vendors at Lake View Music Fest August 28th and 29th. If you’re looking for the real Chicago on your vacation, this festival is the place to be. The many talented chefs and locals participating in this event as well as the musicians make this a showcase for Chicago’s finest citizens. It’s the “must see” event of the season!
If you’re in Chicago to participate in the festival, you will definitely want to take in the many sights and attractions of the city. The Go Chicago Card is a great way to see them all and save money. This card gives you admission to over 25 attractions including the hottest attractions like Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium. There’s nothing easier than the Go Chicago Card when you’re planning out your vacation.
You can’t miss out on Six Flags Great America, Chicago while you’re in the city. Summer time is the perfect time to really take advantage of all this great park has to offer. The family-friendly atmosphere, roller coasters, water rides, and other thrills at the park make it the perfect place to spend an entire day while you’re in the Windy City. It’s a wonderful way to finish your vacation experience!
Attend the World’s Largest Block Party Hosted by Old St. Patrick’s Church in Chicago
Old St. Patrick’s Church is hosting the 26th annual World’s Largest Block Party from July 9-10. Old St. Patrick’s Church is the oldest public building in Chicago and is treasured by the whole community. Come party for a great cause that supports the Outreach Group, Education Center, Global Alliance for Africa, Career Transitions Center, and Horizons for Youth. While attending the block party enjoy several concerts by artists like Kris Allen, Barenaked Ladies, White Rabbits, and many more great entertainers. Come out and support this great cause at the World’s Largest Block Party.
If you need a hotel for your trip to Chicago, we have a great selection of lodging choices located in the Chicago area.
Chicago is also host to many great activities. One great choice is to take a cruise on Spirit of Chicago Lunch & Dinner Cruises. Hop on board and enjoy beautiful sights of the wonderful Chicago skyline as you have lunch or dinner. From the ship’s deck and dining room you will see McCormick Place, Adler Planetarium, Sears Tower, and more landmarks in Chicago. Have a fantastic meal and enjoy beautiful scenery on the Spirit of Chicago Lunch & Dinner Cruises.
A great way to experience popular landmarks in Chicago is the Chicago CityPass. With the CityPass, you will receive admission to five popular landmarks in Chicago including the Field Museum, Hancock Observatory or Skydeck Chicago, Shedd Aquarium, Alder Planetarium, and the Museum of Science & Industry. Save time and money by purchasing the Chicago CityPass for your vacation to Chicago.
Chicago is a great place to explore and with the Hop On and Off Trolley Tour, you can see Chicago at your own pace. The trolleys in Chicago make rounds that stop at popular landmarks continuously throughout the day. The trolleys stop at landmarks like the Field Museum of Natural History, Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Sears Tower, and many more. This Hop On and Off Trolley Tour is a great addition to the Chicago CityPass for a fantastic experience in Chicago.
Get a Taste of Chicago – It’s a Delicious Event!
If you want to be a part of one of the biggest events of the year, come and join in at the Taste of Chicago event this year. Taste of Chicago brings over six million people to Chicago annually for a chance to sample the delicious meals set up in the Gourmet Pavilion in Grant Park. This year, the event will take place from June 27th to July the 4th and promises to be bigger and more exciting than ever. A variety of foods and beverages will be presented to you at the Gourmet Pavilion for you to sample. You may find some new favorites or rediscover some old favorites with a new twist. In addition to the great tastes you get to explore, this event has Battle of the Bands and the Taste of Talent contest to add even more fun activities to your experience.
If you enjoy the magnificent dishes at the Gourmet Pavilion, you’re going to really enjoy the Your Love of Food Culinary Tour. Chicago’s culinary treats are magnificent, and this tour is a great way to get a sample of them. Chocolate, ice cream, rare spices, wine and more are all a part of this fantastic journey through Chicago’s food. You will even get to visit some of Chicago’s most famed food markets to see where restaurateurs and those with select tastes go to get their produce and meats. The entire tour is a dedication to love of great food.
After eating so much, it may be time to get a little bit of exercise and fresh air. Enjoy the sights of Chicago with a bike tour. There is nothing like Chicago in the evening, so take Bobby’s Lakefront Neighborhoods Tour. This evening tour will take you through exciting downtown Chicago. You will see Millennium Park, Chicago Riverwalk, the Art Institute Museum Campus and many more exciting venues with this bike tour. In addition, you get to experience the classic music of Jay Pritzker on this tour. It’s the perfect tour to help you enjoy your Chicago experience!
Tulips Days Decorate the Magnificent Mile of Chicago, IL
Tulip Days on Magnificent Mile is one of the most breathtaking events in Chicago, IL. It takes place April 15th through May 31st. Eight blocks of gorgeous tulips decorate the finest boutiques, shops, and restaurants you will find in Chicago, creating a charming destination.
Chicago’s Tulip Days are a great reason to travel to Chicago, and the attractions Chicago offers are a great reason to stay for awhile. Chicago offers attractions like the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center with Transportation. This museum can inform you on the holocaust and the impact it had on not just Germany, but the entire world. It’s a great educational display that brings to life past events for those who visit. For a more lighthearted Chicago adventure, go to Legoland Discovery Center Chicago. This is an interactive attraction that the whole family can enjoy. With over 30,000 feet of Lego constructions, Lego characters, and trip to the Jungle Adventure gallery, you can’t help but enjoy your Legoland experience.
Don’t miss out on the great museums, landmarks, incredible planetarium, and the aquarium that Chicago has to offer visitors. Get the CityPass and take advantage of Chicago’s most popular attractions. The Field Museum and Museum of Science and Industry are both famous museums with exciting exploration opportunities. The Adler Planetarium provides exquisite pictures of galaxies, movies, and displays that are literally out of this world, and the Shedd Aquarium has wonders from all aquatic areas in the world that are thrilling to see and learn about. The CityPass is a great investment in your Chicago fun. It saves you money, and it gets you into some of the greatest attractions the city has to offer.
2 Parades and One Chicago, IL for an Action Packed St. Patrick’s Day
If you’re looking for excitement and true Irish celebration this St. Patrick’s Day, look no farther than Chicago, Illinois. Chicago has not one, but two incredible St. Patrick’s Day parades. Complete with the traditional bagpipes, kilts, and drinks, both the South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day parade and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade are noteworthy events in Chicago. The Chicago River is even turned green for the celebration. Take part in the party of the year with the Chicago Irish community and those who celebrate with them.
While you’re in Chicago taking in the Irish culture, don’t forget to visit some of the noteworthy museums and other attractions Chicago has to offer. Check out the CityPass for admission to three of the most remarkable museums in Chicago as well as the Shedd Aquarium and Alder Planetarium. The CityPass offers great value and even has VIP entry and fast pass privileges with two of the locations.
After a day full of learning and studying the exhibits, cut loose and see the nightlife of Chicago. Listen to the blues Chicago is so well-known for and see the clubs in the Chicago Club Crawl. With this pass there is no coverage charge, and you will be given a drink at each location. Transportation is also included so you can relax and not worry about driving afterwards. Also check out the Chicago Night Life Pass which gives you access to several clubs and allows you to skip the long waiting lines.
Keep Warm During a Chilly Chicago Winter
Chicago winters are not always that friendly, but that is no reason not to visit this fun city! Chicago has a fantastic selection of museums and other indoor activities that you can enjoy while you get out of the cold.
A multi-day pass is a great way to see a lot of Chicago without waiting in lines or paying lots of ticket fees. With the Go Chicago Card, you can have days of access to many of the great museums and attractions in Chicago. This card provides free admission to the Art Institute of Chicago, Field Museum, Chicago Children’s Museum, and the Kohl’s Children Museum. In addition, you have access to the Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, and the Hancock Observatory. The card is available from a one day to seven day ticket, so you can buy it for a day or weekend to entertain you and your family during Christmas vacation. With so many options, you’ll be sure to see something new and interesting while in Chicago. In addition, this card gives you immediate access to the attractions—no waiting in ticket lines!
Another fascinating museum option in Chicago is the new Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center. This museum contains many exhibits that have art, artifacts, documents, and photographs about the Holocaust. Some of the exhibits are temporary, but the Zev and Shifra Karkomi Permanent Exhibition can always be found at this museum. The permanent exhibit contains the history of the Holocaust from its beginning in Germany to the after effects in the Jewish community. The museum ticket also includes transportation to the museum from Chicago. A visit to this museum is certain to expand your knowledge and perspective on the events of the Holocaust.
If you are looking to escape the cold for an evening, check out one of the world-class theater options in Chicago. The city has a vibrant theater scene, and three acclaimed plays are showing right now in Chicago. Million Dollar Quartet, Jersey Boys, and The Addams Family all feature engaging music and performances that should guarantee any visitor a memorable night spent in Chicago. In addition, these plays all end in January, so you have only a few weeks left to experience them!
