Christmastime in the Windy Cityby Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger 27 Nov 2007 12:30 AM Consider yourself lucky if your holiday travel plans bring you anywhere near Chicago in the next few weeks. Okay, the traffic is nothing to cheer about, but the spectacular holiday events and attractions the Windy City offers during the month of December are virtually unparalleled. I listed some of my favorites in a previous blog and now I am back with more. Here are a few additional must-see holiday events you won't want to miss: Christkindlmarket After a few minutes strolling around you may think you've been transported to the German Christmas Market in Nuremberg. But, alas, you're still in Chi-town's Daley Center Plaza, though the Christkindlmarket (which is considered the largest holiday decor exhibit in Chicago) is so authentic don't be surprised if you start talking with a German accent. The annual open-air holiday event brings the cherished European tradition to downtown Chicago (and big crowds as well). While there you can tour the timber cabins packed with seasonal German goodies such as handmade glass ornaments, wooden toys, nutcrackers, candles and more. In addition, German specialty foods and drinks are available to keep you warm and in the shopping spirit. Macy's Holiday Window Display From Daley Center stroll over to State Street and join the line of shoppers who have their noses pressed up against Macy's (originally the Marshall Field's flagship store) huge windows. Each year the retailer fills more than a dozen windows with elaborate holiday displays dedicated to an animated theme or story. Past themes have included Harry Potter, the Grinch, and Cinderella. If you go pack your patience and dress warmly as thousands of visitors crowd the area to take in the displays, which require you to slowly move from one window to the next. Most people move very slowly and justifiably so considering there's so much to take in. Between looking at all the intricate decorations and reading the story line that accompanies each display it take a good 20 minutes to really appreciate what's going on behind the glass. McCormick-Tribune Ice Skating Rink It's considered Chicago's version of Rockefeller Center and believe me, during the holiday season it is just as crowded as the New York landmark. If you've never been, Millennium Park in downtown Chicago is an incredible family-friendly wintertime destination. The ice rink is open from mid-November through early March and is situated in the heart of downtown. The park is close to theaters, major department stores and museums. And at 15,910 square feet (200 feet long and 80 feet wide), the skating surface is large enough that you don't have to worry about knocking elbows with your neighbor. And the best part... skating is free to the public. Skate rental is available for $7. There is also a concession area where you can warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or munch on a sandwich when you are done taking a spin on the ice. Related Articles: Chicago's Festive Edible Treats (Or Where You Can Get Rudolph On A Bun) Five Reasons You Should Visit Chicago Five More Reasons You Should Visit Chicago Visiting Chicago's Sears Tower Visiting Chicago's "Concrete Beach" "Taste of Chicago"-The Ultimate Food Festival Learn more about Michele Cheplic  Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism. Relevanttravel tags User Comments No comments on this article yet. Be the first to comment! Community Tags chicago, christmas, Illinois, seasonal travel, winter travel Discuss this article
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