celebrating the
holidays
2016 holiday ACTIVITY GUIDE
This Week
In Chicago
Publisher Walter L. West III Account Managers Jean Lieber and Jessica Young Production & Editorial Director Kameron West Editorial Contributor Mark Loehrke Office Manager Nancy Vargas Chairman & CEO Wally West Editorial Intern Jamie Gentges
This Week
In Chicago
222 W. Ontario Street Suite #420 Chicago, Illinois 60654 phone: 312.943.0838 | fax: 312.664.6113 keymagazinechicago.com @KEYMagazine @KEYChicago
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2016 holiday ACTIVITY GUIDE
welcome to
Chicago
keymagazinechicago.com
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happenings holiday
German Tradition
For the past twenty years, the heart of downtown Chicago has been transformed into a quaint German village for the holiday season – and the more than one million Chicagoans and visitors who experience it every year couldn’t be happier about the cultural exchange. That’s because the annual Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza (50 W. Washington, 312.494.2175) is more than just a great place to browse the tents of the more than 60 independent vendors selling handmade holiday ornaments, sweaters, toys and cuckoo clocks, or to warm up on a chilly December evening with a cup of hot chocolate or an authentic German bratwurst. It’s also a gathering spot – a place to come together for conversation, conviviality and a reminder of what the season is really all about. 6
2016 holiday ACTIVITY GUIDE
don’t miss...
Enjoying traditional German Glühwein in a souvenir mug!
Christmas with the Animals
During most of the year, Lincoln Park Zoo (2200 N. Cannon, 312.742.2000) is strictly a daytime activity. But during the holiday season, it becomes something much more – after dark. Because during the annual ZooLights festival, this oasis of amazing animal life right in the heart of the city flips the switch on millions of twinkling lights to bring new life and a touch of magic to the season. Add in photo opportunities with Santa, live ice sculpture carving demonstrations, holiday shopping, craft-making for the kids and delicious seasonal snacks and drinks, and you have a family-friendly night to remember. Call for holiday hours.
don’t miss...
A ride on the decorated carousel or miniature train!
Christmas Carriage
A cozy blanket. The familiar clip-clop of a horse’s feet on the city street. The brilliant twinkling lights of North Michigan Avenue. For many visitors and Chicagoans alike, no holiday season in the city would be complete without a classic hansom cab ride through the shopping corridor and lovingly decorated neighborhoods of the Magnificent Mile area from Antique Coach & Carriage (806 N. Michigan, 773.735.9400).
Razzle Dazzle
One of the best ways to experience the full spectacle of the holiday season is to take in the fabulous lights and decorations that festoon so many city neighborhoods. And the best way to see as many of those displays as possible is with the help of an expert guide.
The Holiday Express Tour from Big Bus (departs from 806 N. Michigan, 877.285.4796) takes guests on a one and a half hour tours of the best displays and events throughout the city. Adults $29, kids $19. Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Company (departs from 875 N. Michigan, 312/648.5000) also offers a seat to see some of the city’s most spectacular holiday spots and it’s decorated trolley is itself a rolling celebration of the season.
don’t miss... .
Enjoy FREE Ghirardelli hot cocoa with Big Bus! & Enjoy a FREE holiday cupcake from Sprinkles bake shop with Chicago Trolley!
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Global Celebration It may not qualify as either “science” or “industry,” but few visitors to the Museum of Science and Industry (5700 S. Lake Shore, 773.684.1414) over the past 74 years have complained about this minor technicality when it comes to the South Side institution’s annual Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light display. Featuring 50 decorated trees representing the diverse cultures and holiday traditions of Chicago’s many ethnic communities, this beautiful celebration of the season continues to be a cherished way to travel the world at Christmastime without ever leaving the city.
don’t miss...
Customized LEGO versions of each country’s flag!
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2016 holiday ACTIVITY GUIDE
The Great Indoors
Holidays on Ice
Chicago’s winter chill is part of the fun of celebrating the holidays in the city. But when the cold finally gets to you and you’ve had enough of that kind of fun, head over to Navy Pier (600 E. Grand, 312.595.5282) for an indoor celebration at Winter WonderFest – 170,000 square feet of rides, giant slides and holiday décor! Opens daily at 10am – call for closing times. Prices range from $10-$25.
Nothing epitomizes the holiday season in Chicago quite like a few laps around the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink (55 N. Michigan, 312.742.1168) against the backdrop of the city’s magnificent skyline. Call for holiday hours.Skating is FREE, skate rentalis $12. For more skating options see page 22.
don’t miss...
The chance to skate a few laps on the Chicago Blackhawks indoor ice skating rink (no checking, please).
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A delicious après skate Milkshake Martini at Rudy’s Bar & Grille.
Sing your Song! Why go door to door to get your holiday singing fix when you can join your voice with hundreds of fellow amateurs – as well as some of the city’s finest choral groups – beneath the iconic “bean” sculpture in Millennium Park for the annual tradition of Caroling at Cloud Gate (Michigan at Washington, 312.742.1168). Fridays at 6pm!
Oh Yes, We Need a “Little” Christmas
Macy’s Holiday Windows “Reasons to believe” is this year’s theme for Macy’s (111 N. State, 312.781.1000) Holiday windows, which combine traditional old school artistry with gorgeous new visual elements. This favorite Chiago holiday tradition dates
all the way back to 1897 when Marshall Field's pioneered window design with Christmas toy windows. Later a new plan for the holiday season was revealed... theme designed windows that span the length of State Street, as you walked from one end to the other, the windows told a story.
don’t miss...
Mrs. Hering’s Pot Pie served under the Great Tree in the Walnut Room.
A popular year-round exhibit for visitors to the Art Institute of Chicago (111 S. Michigan, 312.443.3600), the Thorne Miniature Rooms tend to draw even bigger crowds during the holiday season, as several of these amazingly detailed and perfectly scaled recreations get decked out in period-appropriate trim with trees, wreaths, menorahs and more. Open 10:30am-5pm daily. Adults, $23; under 14, free. keymagazinechicago.com 11
on stage holidays
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Chicago is known by visitors the world over for a lot of wonderful things – our world-class architecture, the World Champion (!) Chicago Cubs and, of course, a truly remarkable live theater scene. From downtown palaces to neighborhood storefronts, family-friendly matinees to naughty late-night fare, this is a town that thrives on theatre, and things only get better during the holidays. Whether you’re treating the kids to a heart-warming tale like The Christmas Schooner (on stage at the Mercury Theater, 3745 N. Southport, 773.325.1700) or A Charlie Brown Christmas (playing at the Broadway Playhouse, 175 E. Chestnut, 312.977.1700), taking in a yuletide classic like Dickens’ A Christmas Carol (pictured left - on stage at the Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn, 312.443.3800) or the Joffrey Ballet’s all-new
world premiere production of Christopher Wheeldon’s Nutcracker (playing at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress, 312.386.8905), or even enjoying some R-rated chuckles compliments of The Second City’s Holidazed & Confused (on stage at The Second City, 1616 N. Wells, 312.337.3992), the Chicago theater scene truly has something for everyone this holiday season. For a complete list of Holiday productions, download the KEY CHICAGO app from iTunes or Google Play.
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TWIST YOUR DICKENS
Goodman Theatre 170 N. Dearborn, 312.443.3800 This holiday season, unwrap Goodman Theatre and The Second City’s holiday hit Twist Your Dickens! This twisted take on Charles Dickens’ classic skewers Scrooge, Tiny Tim and pop culture’s most beloved holiday specials with yuletide yuks to keep you laughing through the past, present and well into the future. Performances Dec. 2-30. Tickets ($20-$45) are available online at GoodmanTheatre.org/Twist.
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THE NUTCRACKER
Chopin Theatre 1543 W. Division, 773.769.3832 The House Theatre of Chicago’s fresh take on this holiday classic centers on young Clara’s journey to save Christmas. This modern holiday production weaves together riveting dialogue, astonishing puppetry and original song, and spellbinding spectacles to tell a heartwarming, darkly moving story of magic and hope — a fun outing fit for the whole family. Tickets ($15-$45) are available online at TheHouseTheatre.com.
CHRISTMAS BINGO
Royal George Theatre 1641 N. Halsted, 312.988.9000 Vicki Quade returns as our favorite former nun in the holiday comedy, Christmas Bingo: It’s a Ho-Ho-Holy Night! In this interactive comedy, audience members play bingo while also answering questions about Christmas traditions, the origin of St. Nick, where do candy canes come from, miracles in the Bible... and a clever re-creation of the Annunciation. Tickets ($30) available at 312.988.9000 or Nuns4Fun.com.
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
2257 N. Lincoln, 773.404.7336 For 15 years, the American Blues Ensemble has treated Chicago audiences to a live 1940s radio broadcast of the cherished holiday tale It’s a Wonderful Life. The incredible cast recreates the entire town of Bedford Falls with Foley sound effects, an original score, and holiday carols. After each performance, milk and cookies are served by the cast. Tickets ($19-$49) available online at AmericanBluesTheater.com. Use code “BELL” for $5 off!
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Get Your Wishlist Ready! From the malls and department stores to parks and zoos, Santa Claus is a hard guy to miss this time of year in Chicago. So whether you’re popping into his temporary quarters near the Christkindlmarket, paying him a visit between shopping stops or taking a seat on his lap in the middle of the lion house, be sure to have your wish list (and camera) ready and your good behavior record intact! Macy’s SantaLand Call for hours 111 N. State – 5th Floor, 312.781.1000 Santa House at Daley Plaza Fri-Sun, 11am-8pm 50 W. Washington, 312.744.3315 ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo Fri-Sun, 4:30pm-9pm 2200 N. Cannon, 312.742.2000 900 North Michigan Shops Call for hours 900 N. Michigan – Level 3, 312.915.3916
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Magnificent Shopping When it comes to shopping, Michigan Avenue is much more than just another city street – there’s a reason it’s called the Magnificent Mile after all. So it should come as no surprise that the biggest shopping season of the year is always just a little bit bigger in this part of town. Lined with horse-drawn carriages, magnificently decorated storefronts and talented performers, visitors will be awestruck all through the season. Scenery aside, the Mag-Mile is a shopper’s paradise. From large flagships and world famous European couture fashion houses to the newest and trendiest imports, the street stands as Chicago’s ultimate shop-till-you-drop holiday destination. If luxury is what keeps you warm, start your excursion on the North end of Michigan Avenue at Marshall Pierce & Company (960 N. Michigan, 312.642.4299). This family owned boutique has been selling exquisite jewelry and luxurious timepieces from leading brands such as Cartier, IWC and Vacheron Constantin for over 88 years. Check out the Holiday Gift Guide on page 26.
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High-end goes even higher at House of Kahn Estate Jewelers (900 N. Michigan 5th floor, 312.943-9937) that specializes in hand-crafted jewelry currated famous and prominent families from around the world! This prestigious shop has over a half century of expertise and can also advise customers on selling individual pieces or an entire collection.
Sold at
My Sister’s Circus
900 N. Michigan, Level 4 | (312)664-7140
While Michigan Avenue certainly does have it’s fair share of high-end retailers, visitors can also find hundreds of options that are a little easier on the pocketbook. Macy’s (835 N. Michigan, 312.335.7700) located inside the Water Tower Place shopping complex is a one-stop holiday shopping destination. Make sure to bring a box of Frango Mints home, your friends and relatives will love you for it. All throughout the holiday season you can’t help but run into a gaggle of little girls proudly carrying their big American Girl (835 N. Michigan, 877.247.5223) shopping bag, possibly with this year’s Girl of the year doll Lea Clark inside. This fall the entire country fell in love with our World Series Champion Chicago Cubs and you play the gift-giving hero by making sure there are plenty of hats and jerseys under the tree. The Sports Store (900 N. Michigan 5th floor, 312.877.5455) carries not only officially licensed Chicago Cubs merchandise and souvenirs but also clothing from the Bulls, Bears and Blackhawks. Don’t miss one of America’s most iconic companies, Harley Davidson (668 N. Michigan 2nd floor, 312.335.8000) Who ever is on your shopping list, they will appreciate a gift with a hint of rebellion. Use the coupon on the previous page and get a free gift for yourself!
Mon-Sat 10am-6pm & Sun 12pm-5pm
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About mid-mile you might notice a sweet scent wafting through the crowds. Savvy locals know that smell can only mean one thing, Garrett Popcorn (625 N. Michigan, 888.4POPCORN) Make sure to order two tins since you are sure to finish one off by yourself!
2016 Holiday
for him... Drive De Cartier
It’s beautiful, it’s refined, it’s masculine. Sold at one of the finest family-owned jewelers in the city. $6,250. Marshall Pierce & Company 960 N. Michigan, 312.642.4299.
Bose Quiet Comfort25 Headphones
For the man who loves to travel. Featuring excellent noise cancellation and a sculpted audio performance. $299. Best Buy 875 N. Michigan, 312.397.2146.
Mallet Bomber Jacket
Quilted patterning, rib-knit collar, and classic bomber vibe come together to define this stylish and functional piece. $134.95. Burton 56 E. Walton, 312.202.7900.
Gruebel Forsey
Highly technical, innovative and timeless. Find the world's top watchmakers - shop rare, new and pre-owned timepieces. B. Young & Co. 834 N. Rush, 312.888.0027.
Gift Guide Popcorn Bracelet
From the So Sweet Collection, inspired by pastry from France. Impeccably designed, hand-enameled resin with gold plated kernels. $62 Les Néréides Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan, Level 3 & Block 37, 108 N. State; 312.255.7042.
Lithuanian Handmade Water Snake Cuff
This Mag Mile Boutique features unique fashions for women, men & children from 20 Lithuanian designers. $98. Monique Boutique Shops at Northbridge, 520 N. Michigan, Level 3; 773.816.3613.
Piano Wire Necklace with Pearl Cluster
Simple design with tasteful embellishments for the Modest & mature woman. $138. My Sister’s Circus 900 N. Michigan Shops, Level 4; 312.664.7140.
Exquisite Natural Ruby Ring
21.32 carats of natural ruby and approx. 1.00 carats of diamond. Set in platinum. House of Kahn Estate Jewelers 900 N. Michigan Shops, Level 5; 312.943.9937.
Vintage Inspired Bracelet
for her...
with sapphire blue, pewter, and clear stones. For the woman who loves glamour and bling. $49. Accessorize 5 E. Superior, 312.482.9780. keymagazinechicago.com 23
for them...
Parrot MAMBO
Pilots of every skill level will be ready for lift-off with this fun and rugged drone. $119. AT&T Flagship store 600 N. Michigan, 312.280.4696.
Kid’s Cubs Jerseys
Start your little one rooting for the World Champion Chicago Cubs! Jersery $50. The Sports Store 900 N. Michigan Shops, Level 5; 312.877.5455.
Leonardo Da Vinci Catapult
For the future architect, build-it-yourself, working re-creation of Da Vinci’s 15th century catapult. $24.99. Da Vinci Museum Exhibit Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan, Level 3; 312.877.5982.
Piggy Bank
It's never too early to start saving for their first ride. Do it authentically with the Harley Davidson Hog Bank $5.Chicago Harley Davidson 668 N. Michigan, 312.335.8000.
Holiday Cheer Truffle Collection
An enchanted chocolate experience, featuring six new truffle parfums including nuts, herbs, and fruits from Europe. $40. Vosges Haut-Chocolat Shops at Northbridge, 520 N. Michigan, Level 2; 312.644.9450.
Holiday Classic Candle
Add a fragrant finishing touch to your home this holiday season with this candle by NEST. $40. Nordstrom Shops at Northbridge, 520 N. Michigan, Level 1; 312.464.1515.
Duffield Throw
Wrap yourself in warmth with this decadently soft blanket. Offered in a palette of neutral hues $98. UGG 909 N. Rush, 312.255.1280.
Stovetop Popcorn Maker If family movie nights are a regular occurrence in your home - a popcorn maker is the way to go. $29.95 Crate and Barrel 646 N. Michigan, 312.787.5900.
IMAGINE
Storytellng party game perfect for family game night! $14.99. Marbles: The Brain Store Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan, Level 4; 312.255.1201.
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skate après
Photo by: Total Photography
Looking for ice skating fun in this holiday season? Don’t stop at just Millennium Park... A few blocks to the east, the Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park (337 E. Randolph, 312.552.3000) features equally stunning views on a uniquely meandering and rolling journey through the landscape. Or, sneak away above it all to the Sky Rink at the Peninsula Hotel (108 E. Superior, 312.337.2888) for a tucked-away experience and magnificent city views. Finally, at Lincoln Park Zoo (2200 N. Cannon, 312.742.2000), you can skate just steps away from the magnificent ZooLights displays.
Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park
Skating is FREE, skate rental is $12. Mon-Thurs, 12pm-8pm; Fri, 12pm-10pm; Sat, 10am-10pm; Sun, 10am-8pm 26 2016 holiday ACTIVITY GUIDE
Peninsula Hotel Sky Rink
Skating is $15 for adults, $10 for kids 12 and under (includes skate rental). Mon-Thurs, 4pm-8pm; Fri, 3pm-9pm; Sat, 12pm-9pm; Sun, 10am-3pm
Lincoln Park Zoo
Skating is $5, skate rental is $5. Mon-Fri, 4pm-9pm; Sat and Sun, 12pm-9pm (12pm-9pm all week beginning December 17)
Photo by: Clayton Hauck
After an afternoon or evening performing your best figureeights and spins (or just trying to stay upright), nothing beats a winter warm-up. We highly recommend any of these establishments for a warm, tasty treat just a stone’s throw away from some of the city’s most popular rinks. Discerning Millennium Park and Ice Ribbon skaters will rejoice at first sip from The Milk Room (pictured above -12 S. Michigan, 884.312.2221). Located just steps from both rinks inside the trendy Chicago Athletic Association hotel, this intimate lounge serves hand-crafted cocktails featuring vintage spirits and exceptional ingredients, all curated by legendary mixologist Paul McGee. Try their classic Highball made with 12-year old Yamazaki whiskey.
With the skating taking place indoors at Winter WonderFest, it’s very possible that a cool down will be in order. And there’s no better way to cool down, relax AND celebrate the centennial of Navy Pier than with a bottle of Domaine Chandon Brut or Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut at Riva (700 E. Grand, 312.644.7482) while looking out over Chicago’s incomparable skyline. Before gliding across the ice at the “secret” skating rink located above Michigan Avenue on the terrace of the Peninsula Hotel, head to The Lobby (108 E. Superior, 312.337.2888) for traditional afternoon tea. Regardless of your skating skills, your day will be memorable simply for having tried the herbal Infusions blend with Marrakesh mint, China chamomile and a citron ginger twist.
Of course, not every winter warm-up need be a liquid elixir. After a day gliding past the goats and pigs at the Lincoln Park Zoo’s rink, head over to Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder (2121 N. Clark, 773.248.2570) for a unique take on the traditional Windy City deep-dish. Known for their Pizza Pot Pie and “grinders” overflowing with Italian meats, cheese and peppers, this cozy spot has been a favorite of locals and knowledgeable visitors for over 45 years!
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Grab that Gherkin!
Think kissing under the mistletoe is an odd holiday tradition? Try searching through the pine boughs of a Christmas tree to try and find the hidden Pickle in the Pine (also known as Die Weihnachtsgurke for those sticking to German) A distinct holiday custom for generations of Chicagoans, the pickle ornament continues it’s long and storied run at the venerable Berghoff Restaurant (17 W. Adams; 312.427.3170). Each year, families will come downtown to enjoy a classic German meal or one of the Berghoff’s new specialties such as the Cedar Plank Salmon along with a few craft beers. The children are invited to comb through the lighted branches of the decorated Christmas tree in the Century Room to find the elusive pickle ornament. This year, children under 12 who are lucky enough to find the pickle will be treated to a FREE mug of Berghoff hand-crafted root beer. It’s a Merry Christmas-or Frohliche Weihnachten, to be more precise. Germany, by way of Chicago.
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don’t miss...
Starting your meal with one of the Berghoff's famous Bavarian Pretzels served with a Stout and Cheddar dipping sauce, or if you are more of a traditionalists, order the Dusseldorf mustard on the side. For the main course, try their delicious Jäger Schnitzelpork cutlet sautéed with mushrooms and served with a bacon and Jägermeister infused sauce!
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FR EAK C RUIS ER