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My Five Favorite Chicago Holiday Traditions

December 02, 2008

There is certainly no shortage of holiday activities in Chicago. These are five of my family-friendly faves.

(1) Zoo Lights. It just doesn't seem like the holidays without a walk around the zoo in freezing weather with cold, whining kids.

(2) Ice Skating at Millennium Park. See yesterday's post for more info (and don't forget the obligatory hot chocolate afterwards).

(3) A Trip to Macy's on State Street to See Santa Claus and the Holiday Windows. I have many, many memories of standing in long lines at Marshall Field's Department Store in my hot coat and Christmas outfit waiting to see Santa Claus and his elves. Afterwards, we would have lunch under the tree in the Walnut Room and walk around to see the decorated windows. This annual pilgrimage was a holiday highlight for me. And although things don't quite seem the same now that Marshall Fields is Macy's, I still think that getting dressed up in holiday outfits and making this trip is a fun seasonal ritual.

(4) Sledding. At our house, a decent snowfall means the season's first sledding trip! I recommend the sledding hill near Soldier's Field or Cricket Hill at Montrose Harbor.

(5) The Christmas Trees from Around the World at The Museum of Science and Industry. This year's display -- in honor of the Museum's 75th anniversary -- is not to be missed.

Share your favorite local holiday traditions with us.