Okay, here’s the low in Chicago this evening: 19 degrees. So what did you expect in the Windy City during the run-up to Christmas, Miami Beach? Here are some ideas from Choose Chicago on how to warm up the holiday season:
– Tonight, bundle up big time and head to Millennium Park for some cold caroling. Take along a Thermos of hot chocolate or spiced tea to encourage the vocal chords and be prepared to belt out the songs of the season. Caroling at Cloud Gate (our featured image is by Marit & Toomas Hinnosaar) starts at 6 p.m. It usually last 50 minutes or so, but could be cut short by the low temperatures.
– See Chicago’s holiday lights by night. Chicago Trolley Holiday Lights Tours run through Dec. 31. See the gorgeous window displays at Macy’s on State Street. Revel in the ZooLights at the Lincoln Park Zoo and take in Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza.
– Take in the beauty of the lake in winter on a two-hour walking tour. Start at the dock of the Michigan Avenue Bridge and amble from there through some of the planet’s great shopping areas. Marvel at the city’s extraordinary architectures and landmarks. These waling tours are set for 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 30.
– More walkabouts. The Chicago Greeter visitor program offers free, hour-long foot tours of North Michigan and environs. The guides really know their stuff. They live here. Get an insider’s peek at the famous Streeterville and Gold Coast neighborhoods. Gaze up – way, way up – at the John Hancock Center. Walk past historic hotels and magnificent cathedrals.
