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Holiday Top 10

11/22/2011

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1. Christkindlmarket
Inspired by the Christkindlmarket in Nuremberg, Germany, this traditional open-air European holiday market is located right in the heart of Chicago’s Daley Plaza. Browse over 50 vendor booths for one-of-a-kind handmade treasures, including holiday ornaments, nutcrackers, beer steins, wooden and plush toys, and European chocolates while warming up on a traditional cup of Glühwein (hot spiced wine) served in a special collector’s edition Sweet 16 anniversary boot-mug. Dine on German delicacies, such as bratwurst, potato pancakes, and schnitzel. Sun-Thu 11am-8pm, Fri-Sat 11am-9pm. Nov. 23-Dec. 24. FREE. 50 W. Washington. 312/494-2175.

2. ZooLights
The city is all aglow this time of year, but nowhere is this truer than at Lincoln Park Zoo where the grounds are illuminated with over two million lights for the seasonal ZooLights extravaganza. Visit the polar bears and penguins while enjoying warm drinks, ice carvings, and visits with Santa. Open Nov 25-27, Dec. 2-4, 9-11, and nightly Dec. 16-Jan. 1. Closed Dec 24 & 25. 5pm-9pm. FREE. 2001 N. Clark. 312/742-2000.

3. Christmas Around the World
The halls are decked, and holiday singers and the sparkle of dozens of decorated trees greets you at the Museum of Science and Industry’s70th annual Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light. The Museum’s 45-foot Grand Tree takes center stage with more than 30,000 lights and 1,000 ornaments, and is surrounded by more than 50 smaller trees—beautifully decorated by volunteers from Chicago’s ethnic communities to represent various cultures and holiday traditions. Nov 17- Jan 9. Daily 9:30am-4pm. Check museum website for extended hours. Adults $15, seniors $14, children 3-11 $10. 57th and Lake Shore. 773/684-1414.

4. Winter Wonderland
The city’s highest Winter Wonderland returns for its 4th year. Sitting 1,000 feet above the Mag Mile, the John Hancock Observatory is chalk full of holiday fun for the whole family, including visits from Santa every Sat & Sun from noon-4pm. Kids Go FREE every day with adult admission, and families get a FREE photo with Santa every weekend. Nov 1- Dec 31. 9am-11pm. Adults (12+) $15, kids are FREE. Upon entering John Hancock Center, don’t forget to check out the complimentary Winter Wonderland Railroad display – Chicago’s largest model train exhibit. 875 N. Michigan. 888/875-VIEW.

5. Ice Skate at Millennium Park
Lace up your skates for a day of figure-eights at Millennium Park's McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, now in its 11th season. The ice rink is free and open to the public, and skate rental is available for $10. Mon-Thu noon-8pm, Fri noon-10pm, Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 10am-9pm. Michigan and Washington. 312/742-1168.

6. A Christmas Carol
Goodman Theatre's perennial holiday classic A Christmas Carol, consistently included among the Midwest's top-tier holiday events, returns for its 34th season. Nov. 18-Dec. 31. $25-$80. 170 N. Dearborn. 312/443-3800.

7. Afternoon Tea
Celebrate the custom of midday tea in the elegant surroundings of the Palm Court at the Drake Hotel. Their traditional Tea Lobby features live harp music performed 365 days a year and a large selection of Palm Court blended teas served with a selection of finger sandwiches, fruit breads, scones, and French pastries. Open Daily: 1pm-5pm, each seating last approximately one and a half hours. Harpist Performs: Mon-Fri between 2pm-4:30pm, and Sat-Sun between 1pm-5pm. Adults $35, children 4-12 $18. 104 E. Walton. Reservations are recommended, 312/787-2200.

8. Macy’s on State Street
Although the name has changed, the tradition remains the same. From the whimsically decorated State Street windows––which this year showcases the story behind “The Wish Factory”–– to the massive Great Tree rising through multiple stories of the building’s main atrium to the long lines of families waiting for a prime table at the base of the tree in the famous Walnut Room restaurant, this year’s celebration at Macy’s on State Street will give visitors plenty of reasons to believe.  111 N. State. 312/781-1000.

9. Winter WonderFest
Holiday spirits soar at the 11th annual Winter WonderFest celebration at Navy Pier. Featuring stunning décor, awesome rides, slides and attractions, plus an indoor ice-skating rink, Winter WonderFest remains a holiday favorite for the entire family. Find Santa Claus and his toy-making elves at the Family Pavilion Stage and tell Old St. Nick your wish for Christmas! Dec. 2-Jan. 8. Basic Activity Wristband for $15 includes all rides and activities with no ice skate rental. The Premium Wristband for $18 includes all rides and activities plus skate rental. Hours vary. Check website for more information. 600 E. Grand. 312/595-PIER

10. Robert Joffrey’s The Nutcracker
The world renowned Joffrey Ballet once again transforms the Auditorium Theatre into a winter wonderland full of magical toys and waltzing snowflakes during the annual production of Robert Joffrey’s The Nutcracker. Dec. 9-27. Tickets are $30-$115. 50 E. Congress Parkway. 800/982-2787.


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Another Magnificent Shopping Season Begins

11/15/2011

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When it comes to shopping, North Michigan Avenue is so much more than just another city street – there’s a reason they call it the Magnificent Mile, after all. So it should probably come as no surprise that the biggest shopping season of the year is always just a little bit bigger in this part of town, which is why the holiday frenzy will kick off once again this year with the 20th annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival on Saturday, November 19th.

Hundreds of thousands will line Michigan Avenue to watch as an array of floats, marching bands and musical performers – along with Mickey and Minnie Mouse and Santa Claus – make their way down the Avenue, with millions of twinkling white lights strung from the Mile’s more than 200 trees lighting their twilight path. The 5:30pm parade culminates at the bank of the Chicago River, where a spectacular fireworks display will light up the night sky.

But the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is more than just a parade, of course. For many of the Avenue’s merchants and restaurants, kicking off the holiday shopping season means rolling out some great deals and special offers:

Wendella Boats

Get a unique perspective on the festivities from aboard a decorated (and heated) Wendella tour boat on the Chicago River. The special Lights Festival Cruise departing at 5:45pm on November 19 features onboard carolers, complimentary cookies and hot chocolate, a 90-minute narrated river tour, and an ideal view of the fireworks. 400 N. Michigan; 312/337-1446.

Candyality  

Nothing gets an anxious youngster through the waiting and anticipation of December like a daily dose of candy. On November 19th and 20th, this popular sweet shop is offering a candy-filled Christmas Countdown Calendar for just $3, or free with a $15 purchase. 520 N. Michigan; 312/527-1010 and 3425 N. Southport; 773/472-7800.

Chiaroscuro
Art of all kinds will be featured over the Lights Festival weekend, with nominally priced holiday glitter tattoos for kids and hand-painted, personalized Chicago skyline ornaments available on November 19th. 835 N. Michigan; 312/988-9253.

Texas de Brazil

In celebration of the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, you are invited to Breakfast with Santa. Join Texas de Brazil for a special breakfast menu, children’s entertainment, and a surprise visit from Ronald McDonald. Proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. November 19th from 9am-noon. Adults $25, children under 12 $15. 51 E. Ohio; 312/670-1006.

Harry Caray’s

Head over to Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse or Harry Caray’s Tavern at Navy Pier following the parade on November 19th and warm up with a complimentary Italian Hot Chocolate at this popular watering hole. 33 W. Kinzie. 312/828-0966 and 700 E. Grand; 312/527-9700.

Trump Tower

Back by popular demand, Trump International Hotel & Tower® Chicago invites you to celebrate the launch of the holiday season with Reindeer on the River, a festive afternoon featuring special Christmas time guests - two live reindeer, as well as fun reindeer-themed take-aways for children, holiday music and seasonal refreshments. November 19th from 3pm-8pm. FREE. At the Riverwalk, 401 N. Wabash; 312/588-8700.

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See You at the Crossroads

11/14/2011

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When it comes to grabbing a bite to eat before or after a concert, what could be better than having a great restaurant right under the same roof? Of course, there’s much more than just the notion of convenience to recommend a pre- or post-show stop at the new Crossroads at the House of Blues. With a menu of contemporary takes on Southern classics and down-home comfort food conceived by Food Network standout Aaron Sanchez, this is one dining experience that just might rock as much as the music in the next room. 

“House of Blues is all about music, love, art and spirituality,” said Chef Sanchez.  “In many ways, those are the same ingredients for great food and that’s exactly what I’ve tried to capture in the new menu for the Crossroads restaurants.”

Among other standouts, Chef Sanchez’s new signature dishes include shrimp and grits, short rib meatball sliders, chile braised short ribs and street tacos (pictured here). 329 N. Dearborn. 312/923-2007.


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A Terrific Tenth

11/5/2011

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With all of the steakhouses opening in Chicago lately, it would be easy to take for granted the ones who have been getting it right for years. In the case of Keefer’s, that’s ten full years, to be exact. Of course, thanks to the French-inspired influences of longtime executive chef John Hogan on the menu and the commitment to personalized service from hands-on owners Glenn and Rich Keefer in the dining room, Keefer’s has been so much more than just another steakhouse for the past decade. As the restaurant celebrates its tenth birthday this month, it’s pulling out all the stops – including hanging stunning new artwork by local artist Tony Fitzpatrick reflecting a unique story of Chicago, and rolling out specials like a $25 three-course Sunday Supper and a weekday $10 lunch special, along with specialty cocktails and free valet parking all month long.Keefer’s is located at 20 W. Kinzie in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. For reservations call, 312/467-9525.

$25 SUNDAY SUPPER SPECIAL
Every Sunday starting November 6 (culminating on the 27th), an ample three-course supper will begin with either lobster bisque or salad Lynonnaise. Entrée choices include prime delmonico steak, Scottish salmon papillote, veal scallopine and roast chicken, each served with potato mushroom gratin and chipotle-vanilla squash puree.

$10 WEEKDAY LUNCH SPECIAL
Weekdays in November, one daily $10 lunch special will be offered. Chef’s choice might be braised rabbit on papardelle or Hogan’s hearty version of pho with noodles, braised beef, pork, noodles, Asian herbs and chile paste – among others. The daily lunch entrée will be accompanied by soup or salad and either broccoli, spinach, french fries, potato croquettes or whipped potatoes.


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