I grew up in a very small town on an island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Which means as a child I was not exposed to the holiday pomp and pageantry displayed in many major metropolitan areas. However, in the years since moving from my hometown in Hawaii I have tried to make up for lost time by frequenting large cities during the holidays. I’ve been to New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Dallas, but without a doubt my favorite city to visit during the month of December is Chicago.
Chicago is an incredible place to visit year round, but during the holiday season the Windy City outdoes itself. Take a look at just some of the holiday events going on right now, then be sure to check out the related articles, which will go a long way to aid you during your next trip to Chi-town.
LINCOLN PARK ZOOLIGHTS
This year’s ZooLights event is bigger and brighter than ever. In all, 1.5 million lights have been strung to lure in holiday visitors. In addition to the dazzling light displays and the feisty residents, the zoo’s South Lawn is decorated with dozens of 20-foot-tall snowglobes featuring characters from your favorite holiday films and specials. Santa is also on hand daily for children to sit and take pictures with. The jolly guy is set up in his new Santa Safari outpost located next to the Kovler Lion Center. And don’t miss the live ice-sculpting exhibit that takes place on weekends during the month of December.
HOLIDAY MAGIC AT BROOKFIELD ZOO
Not to be outdone, my daughter’s favorite zoo is going wild for the holidays with its own holiday light display. Brookfield Zoo is offering an “Enchanted Holiday Walkway” where you can visit the animal buildings amid one million twinkling lights. You can also show off your vocal talents at the “Sing to the Animals” exhibit. In addition, hundreds of decorated Christmas trees have been placed throughout the zoo serving as the ideal backdrop for a family photo. During the month of December the zoo is also sponsoring storytelling, musical performances, ice-carving demonstrations, crafts, caroling, and the traditional visit from Santa.
CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD AND WORLD OF HOLIDAY LIGHTS
The Museum of Science and Industry exhibition is a holiday tradition that dates back decades. If your trip to Chicago is limited I would highly recommend placing this event at the top of your list. It is an awe-inspiring and thought provoking display of ornaments and customs from around the world. The exhibition also includes a forest of 50 trees and three creches, all decorated by one of Chicago’s ethnic groups and displayed in the Museum’s West Court and Rotunda. This multicultural display is always a hot ticket around town so I would suggest going early and staying late. This year’s exhibition highlights the customs and traditions of the Chinese New Year, Diwali, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, Hanukkah, Visakha Puja Day, St. Lucia Day, and other multi-cultural celebrations. Each includes authentic traditional artifacts contributed by a variety of individuals and community groups. Bottom line: the entire exhibit is nothing less than spectacular.
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