It’s the best time of year to celebrate and soak in the holidays. With so many events happening in Chicago, I wanted to narrow down my top ten events we love to do as a family or on my list to do in the next two weeks!
This past weekend we got a private tour of the Swissôtel Santa Suite, with this being our second year, we were more than excited to go. My boys remember the Santa so clearly and the numerous Christmas trees and decor is beautiful. Once again, we had a great time and the Santa room was AMAZING.
I’ve convinced my boys that the only real Santa is at the Swissôtel and the rest are men that work for him. They were smart enough to notice that there were way too many different looking Santas and with all the events we’ve gone to, I had to come up with a clever way to make them believe. This is a definite must do on my list and on the bottom are 9 other must do’s for the holidays.
They gave us a private breakfast of waffles, bacon, and the works! Sweet treats on another table and a room full of hot chocolate.
In the master bedroom was a place to write a letter to Santa, it’s the best for the kids. The hotel sends a letter back to the kids from Santa and you should see their faces!
We changed into pajamas for a final cute photo and the kids were wired with sugar. It is truly a memorable experience you should do as a family. Thank you to Swissôtel for having us!
{1} Swissôtel Santa Suite – We love this tradition! As you can see in our photos above, the room is HUGE and decorated with the prettiest trees with a visit to Santa that can’t be beaten. Get tickets to visit Santa (every Sat and Sunday until the 23rd). MUST DO.
{2} Christkindlmarket – one of my favorite things to do! It’s cold but get warm with the yummy food and drinks, buy yourself an ornament and enjoy. Try to go during the week as the weekend is CROWDED.
{3} Four Seasons Holiday Tea or Gingerbread Tea, see details here. I LOVE the tea service and lunch at the Four Seasons Chicago and drop by here often with my girlfriends. Remember my Mother’s Day brunch post here.
{4} Zoolights at Lincoln Park Zoo – my kids and I love the zoo throughout the year and the Zoolights is so pretty (but cold :). This is a must do with the kiddos!
{5} Macy’s Walnut Room – visit the fabulous tree or sit down and dine in the festive room. I did this with my kiddos last year, it’s fun and you can go shopping after!
{6} Peninsula Sky Rink – get your hot cocoa on and ice skates on for a great time at the Peninsula Terrace.
{7} Santababybar – this bar popped up this year (and open until Jan. 6th) Dying to go but haven’t had a second to yet. Looks so festive and fun and a definite must do.
{8} Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier – 170,000 square feet of winter wonderland. Ice skating, rides, and holiday decor for the whole family.
{9} The Nutcracker – I’ve seen the Nutcracker several times and it is always a favorite activity. I’m a big lover of the ballet and add in the holidays, it is magical.
{10} The Ledge at Skydeck Chicago (Willis Tower) Selfies with Santa – I haven’t done this but as a visitor, I think this is a must do! From Thursday, Dec. 20 to the 23rd you can take photos with Santa on the Skydeck. A view and the bearded man :).
Hope you guys like the list and check off a few before Santa officially arrives! xoxo
Looking for more to do in Chicago? Don’t miss my popular post of the Top Ten Instagram Worthy Coffee Shops in Chicago
