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Fox in a Box Chicago reveals the top 5 2019 Christmas events in Chicago
Hark how the bells,
Sweet silver bells,
All seem to say,
Throw cares away...
Know what the next line is?
Sure you do.
Christmas is here!
And what better place to spend your Christmas than the Windy City!
From the Chicago Christmas Tree to Reindeer on the River to the Night That Changed Ebenezer Scrooge’s Life (a.k.a. A Christmas Carol) – it’s all happening here in Chicago!
Here is the official Fox in a Box - Chicago list of the top 5 Christmas events in Chicago.
The City of Chicago Christmas Tree – Millennium Park
Be present at Millennium Park on Friday, November 22nd at 6pm to witness the official Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Father Christmas will be there (as if he would miss such an important event), as will Grammy Award winner Jonathan Butler, the mariachi Cielito Lindo and Eleanor and the elves from Eleanor’s Very Merry Christmas Wish - The Musical.
There will also be an art market at the Chase Promenade North featuring works by the students of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Columbia College Chicago.
Date: The lighting ceremony is on Friday, November 22nd, at 6pm. The tree itself will remain in place till January 6th next year.
The art market will be open from November 22nd to November 24th.
Entry: Free
How to reach: Lake (Red Line) or Washington (Blue Line) subway stations are nearby. A number of buses also stop nearby.
Paid parking may be available at Millennium Garages.
Reindeer on the River – Trump International Hotel & Tower
Get a chance to meet Santa and his reindeer before they start their journey all over the world, delivering gifts to children.
You could also get some Christmas takeaways, revel in the music and cheer and enjoy cider, cocoa and seasonal treats by Melania Castegnaro.
And the best part is that the event will benefit the St Jude Children’s Research Hospital – celebrating the giving spirit of Christmas.
Date: Saturday, November 23rd, 2019 2pm to 7pm.
Entry: Tickets need to be booked in advance.
How to reach: A number of trains, buses and subway routes have stops within walking distance.
Christkindlmarket Chicago – Daley Plaza
If you’re looking for a more traditional Christmas experience, or a taste of vintage Christmas, then this is your place to be.
Inspired by the historical Christkindlesmarkt of Nuremberg, Germany, Christkindlmarket features hand-crafted ornaments, toys and gifts by German and other international vendors. Traditional food and drinks are also available.
Performances by school groups, professional singers and dance troupes will punctuate the merriment.
And finally, you can get to meet the Christkind and see the Children’s Lantern Parade, which celebrates St Martin’s Day.
Fact: Christkind (German for ‘Christ-child’) is the gift-bringer for children on Christmas in the tradition of many countries in Western Europe and Latin America.
The tradition was started by the German theologian Martin Luther.
If Christkind is the Christmas gift-bringer, who is Santa? Why don’t you tweet the answer with the hashtags # Christkind #FIABChicago?
Date: November 15th to December 24th, 2019.
Entry: Free.
How to reach: Washington Station (take the Randolph/Washington exit) is within a 5 minute walk.
Chicago BYOB Party Bus Holiday Lights Tour
How does a bus tour through some of the most important Chicago Christmas destinations sound?
Hop onto to the Chicago BYOB Party Bus Holiday Lights Tour for a tour through the Christkindlmarket, the Chicago Christmas Tree, State Street & Macy's Holiday Display and Lincoln Park ZooLights.
Join in the festivities with complimentary drinks, Santa hats and lots of other Christmas gifts.
Date: Saturday, December 28th, 2019 from 4:30pm to 9pm.
Entry: Tickets need to be booked in advance.
How to reach: The bus starts and ends at Ironside Bar & Galley.
A Christmas Carol – Goodman Theatre/Albert Theatre
Never mind that Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol a hundred and fifty years ago, it remains as popular today as it was when Mr Dickens himself used to read it to jubilant audiences.
And that is what is going to be staged at Goodman’s Albert Theatre from November 16th to December 29th.
This critically acclaimed theater production has been adapted by Tom Creamer and directed by Henry Wishcamper.
Fact: Goodman Theater is Chicago’s oldest nonprofit theater organization that’s still active. It has been staging Mr Dickens’ novel for over 4 decades.
Date: Saturday, November 16th, 2019 to Sunday, December 29th, 2019.
Entry: Tickets need to be booked in advance.
How to reach: It can be reached via a number of major CTA rail lines and bus routes.
A large number of parking lots are located near the theatre; if you park at Government Center Self Park you can get a special Goodman discount.
If you’re in the mood for a thrilling experience for Christmas (such as facing off with a serial killer or breaking out of prison), you can try out Chicago’s premier escape room – Fox in a Box.
Or, if you’d rather just sit at home and relax, I can recommend getting some deep dish pizza from Malnati’s and curling up to Home Alone or Silent Night, Deadly Night (as per your taste).
Have a very Merry Christmas!
God Bless Us, Everyone!
EVENTS
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