Five Reasons to Go to Chicago for the Holidays

The Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier is just one of many reasons to visit Chicago during the holiday season. This Midwest city is filled with outstanding hotels; a multitude of shopping; major attractions; top restaurants; and entertainment options for day and night.

Hotels
Chicago has hotels that meet whatever need you are looking for and all of them roll out the red carpet (and green decorations for the holidays). If you want pampering for yourself and your pouch, the concierge at the Trump Plaza will have your dog taken to the hotel's own dog walk anytime you need it. At the historic Palmer House Hilton, you can experience afternoon tea like nowhere else in the world, while the Radisson Blu Aqua offers the ultimate experience for the traveler keeping fit. Their fitness facility is 8,000 square feet and has the latest equipment as well as an indoor lap pool and a basketball court.

Shopping
The blocks around Michigan Avenue are is one of the most famous shopping areas in the world and you will only find it in Chicago. This area is known as the Magnificent Mile and that's because you will find nearly 500 places to shop here. Whether you are looking for a Giorgio Armani suit or something from Victoria's Secret you can find just about anything here. During the holidays the streets and windows are dressed with decorations and children of all ages will enjoy a trip to the Lego Store or American Girl Place. In between shopping, be sure to stop at Ethel M's for the best hot chocolate you've ever had.

Attraction
While the parks and beaches of Lake Michigan garner visitors in the spring and summer, you won't find a shortage of indoor attractions in the Windy City. The Shedd Aquarium, where you can train beluga whales and pet penguins, is a must stop. The Adler Planetarium is one of the best space science centers around. You can explore history at the Field Museum of Natural History, which explores the planet from the replica of Sue the T. Rex to the Ocean Floor. And, a trip to Chicago is not complete without a visit to the Art Institute. You will find nearly 300,000 pieces of art here, from Impressionist to Modern.

Restaurants
The ethnic diversity of Chicago is not lost in its cuisine. You can find just about any type of food you are looking for in Chicago. The star here is deep dish pizza and one of the best places to get a taste for what that is all about is Pizzeria Due. Be prepared to wait, though, as it can take nearly an hour to prepare this heavenly pie. If you are looking more for fine dining, Chicago has two dozen restaurants that consistently receive Michelin Stars. Try to get a table at Naha, where the "B.L.T," made from slow roasted bacon, is worthy of its reputation, or Sepia, where you should always start with their hand-crafted cocktails and end with the sinful chocolate dessert.

Theater & Nightlife
Anyone who thinks all the theater is in New York has never experienced Broadway in Chicago. The same shows that line Times Square also come to the Windy City. In addition to the top shows coming to and from New York, there are 200 other theaters with plays of all types. Chicago is also the home of the infamous Second City, where comedians such as Robert Klein, John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd and John Candy got started. And, if it's live music you want, you'll find it at many of the clubs throughout Chicago, from jazz at Blue Chicago to the classics at the Civic Opera.

Before you head to Chicago for the holidays, check out the City of Chicago's Official Tourism Website for helpful hints and more ideas.