Holiday Pleasure in Chicago

One of the best times to travel to Chicago is the winter/holiday season.Yes, the weather is frosty; however, there are some first-rate events to tickle your fancy regardless of the temperature.
 
I traveled to the city last week to partake in a few of my favorite holiday festivities - the Christkindlmarket, the windows and great tree at Macy's on State, and the CTA Holiday Train. I plan to head back soon to catch a few more. 

Here are the events not to be missed:

• CTA Holiday Train through 12/23
• Christkindlmarket through 12/24
• Lincoln Park Zoo Lights through 1/4
• The Great Tree in the Walnut Room and  Holiday Windows at Macy's through 1/11
• Navy Pier Winter Wonderfest through 1/11
• Millenium Park Ice Skating Rink through 3/8

My day couldn't begin without a donut from Firecakes, and this little beauty is a Meyer's Lemon that I devoured in almost one bite.
 

 The Great Tree & Windows at Macy's

 

The only time I'm giddy when riding the "L"

Lunch time! I tried a new sushi place and so glad I did. Delicious vegan eats at Friends Sushi.

Bitburger and Gluhwein at the Christkindlmarket

Time's a-wastin' for some of these celebrations, so get yourself bundled up and head to Chicago.

Winter Festivals on My Bucket List

Winter is not my season of choice. I would like to migrate, but instead I hibernate. It takes a lot to lure me out into the cold; however, I found some intriguing festivals that could easily make me embrace winter.

Quebec Winter Carnival 
This looks like one wild ride, and 2015 will mark the festival's 60th anniversary. You will be entertained by ice canoe races, snow sculptures, nighttime parades, and more. You can stay warm by indulging in mugs of caribou, a concoction of brandy, vodka, sherry and port.  http://carnaval.qc.ca/en/

 

Photo by Quebec Winter Carnival

Photo by ABC News

Photo by Off Metro

Frozen Dead Guy Days 
There is an interesting story behind this quirky fest, which takes place in Nederland, Colorado. Taken directly from the website:

"Before Grandpa Bredo Morstoel died from a heart condition in 1989, he enjoyed a comfortable life in Norway, where he was born and raised. He loved painting, fishing, skiing, and hiking in the mountains of his homeland. He was also the director of parks and recreation in Norway’s Baerum County for more than 30 years. After he died, things got really interesting. Instead of a burial, he was packed in dry ice and prepared for international travel. First, he was shipped to the Trans Time cryonics facility in Oakland, California, where he was placed in liquid nitrogen for almost four years. Then, he was moved to Colorado in 1993 to stay with his daughter Aud Morstoel and his grandson Trygve Bauge, both strong advocates for cryonics who hoped to start a facility of their own. There he stayed for years under cold cover, in a shed, near his grandson’s home, and about to be left on his own due to some pesky visa issues."

So what kind of wackiness can you expect? Coffin racing, brain freeze contests, a parade of hearses, and frozen dead poet society readings. Sign me up!  http://frozendeadguydays.org/

Photo by NY Times

Photo by IX Daily

Photo by 5280

Whitefish Winter Carnival 
This celebration is based on the myth of Ullr, the God of Snow. Frolic in the beautiful mountain village of Whitefish, Montana, relishing a torch-light ski parade, penguin plunge, skijoring, snow queens, and fireworks.
https://www.facebook.com/whitefishwintercarnival?sk=wall

Photo by Explore Whitefish

Photo by Daily Mail

Skijoring photo by Horseback Magazine

 I do declare these celebrations are three good reasons to get out of the house this winter, don't you?

GET IN THE CHICAGO SPIRIT

Winter is in full swing and you are already freezing your bum off; however, I have some fun activities to share that can help you get through it.

Lincoln Park Zoo Lights 
This was my favorite way to beat the winter blues.  It's so festive and beautiful that you will have a smile on your face despite the cold temps.  Discover lights, ice carving, a musical light show, some Santa action, and a carousel ride.  I will never grow tired of carousels and this is one of the best.  A big perk - no entrance fee!

Not just for kids!

http://www.lpzoo.org/events/calendar/zoolights

The CTA Holiday Train
Trust me when I say there is never a reason to get excited to ride the city trains in Chicago.  That is, until the holiday train rolls to town.  It's fully decorated and you may spot Santa and his elves on board.  I rode this train as much as possible whether or not I had a destination in mind.  Get to know the schedule -
 
http://www.transitchicago.com/holidaytrain/

All smiles

Ho, ho, ho!

Holiday Movies at the Music Box Theatre
A special event isn't warranted to check out the Music Box.  It's my favorite place to see a movie, because the theatre continues to maintain its original 1929 architecture and design, and features independent and foreign films.

I made it a December ritual to watch "It's a Wonderful Life."  The show begins with a piano and singing by none other than Mr. Claus himself.

It's a sing-along

http://www.musicboxtheatre.com/collections/30th-annual-music-box-christmas-show

No Pants Subway Ride
After the craziness of the holidays is over, you will be ready to tackle the "No Pants Subway Ride" mid-January.  It may be the only time you leave the house without your pants, intentionally!  This silly event, arranged by Improv Everywhere, originated in NYC and has become an annual affair in cities all over the world.

At least you're allowed to wear a coat

 

My Christmas theme

http://improveverywhere.com/missions/the-no-pants-subway-ride/

Before you know it, this scene will be all too familiar....