Free Holiday Family Events in the Windy CIty

Growing up in Chicago I remember every Field's window display, all the trips to see Santa at Fields on State, and the huge tree in Daley Plaza that my family takes a picture in front of each and every Christmas. The downtown atmosphere and the magical background provided by all the lights and street music make you forget all about the crowds and the cold. The best part about celebrating Christmas in Chicago is the huge amount of holiday events to choose from that are free to the public. Even the tightest budget reveler can have a great time if they only take advantage of the free holiday events in the Windy City.

A hugely popular Christmas event in Chicago is the unveiling of the Field (now Macy's) Christmas window displays. Each year the store fills its storefront windows, that line State Street, with scenes from a classical favorite. Past years displays have depicted scenes from Cinderella, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Snow White. This years window unveiling will take place on November 11 at 9:30 am and stay open through the Christmas season. The best time to view the windows is anytime after dusk when they really come alive with lights and street performers providing holiday background music. Soon after the window unveiling Macy's will be having its Tree Lighting event in the Walnut Room. The tree will remain on display in the Walnut Room from November 12 - January 7.

New to the Chicago scene is the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink which is part of the new Millennium Park along Michigan Avenue. The new 16,000 square foot rink opens on November 15th and is free to the public, skate rental is available for a fee. The location of the rink, right along the main thoroughfare in Downtown Chicago and the incredible view of the skyline at night has quickly made it a favorite for tourists and residents. The ice rink is open every day from 10am-10pm but call ahead to make sure that it will not be closing early for a private event.

Probably the most attended one day event in Chicago for the Holidays is the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. This year Chicago will be kicking off the 15th annual festival on November 18th. No matter the age this event is always enjoyable and sets the mood for the city as Michigan Avenue is transformed by the lights, sounds and decorations. You will truly believe you have stepped into wonderland. The main event takes place on Saturday evening at 6:00 pm as Mickey Mouse leads a procession down Michigan Avenue, from Wacker to Oak Street, lighting up the tree, poles and everything else that can bear the weight of thousands of tiny lights! Following the procession is a fireworks display at Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River. If you want to make it a full day family event there are also performances on an outdoor stage set up throughout the day, carolers, live ice carvings, lego building events and the Water Tower is nearby for viewing. You can check out a full schedule of events at www.themagnificentmile.com/SeasonalEvents/Fall/default.cfm

The Daley Center Plaza has served as a gathering place year round for Chicagoans and Christmas is no different. Starting November 23 the Daley Plaza Santa's House will be open for the younger set. From the 24th of November through December 10th Santa's House will be open Friday through Sunday Night then from the 15th of December through January 1st the House will be open nightly. Santa will be in residence for all the wishes and list reading Chicago can give him. For the parents of all the Christmas hopefuls the Daley Plaza will be filled with the stalls of the Christkindlmarket an annual German Christmas Market featuring shopping, food and music. The Christkindlmarket Chicago will open on November 24th and remain till December 23rd. Also in the Plaza will be the huge Holiday Tree which is lit on the 24th of November, a great place for a holiday picture! If you are still looking for things to do be sure to check out Zoolights at the Lincoln Park Zoo, which features ice carvings, a million holiday light and of course the resident animals.

Be sure to get out and enjoy all Chicago has to offer, after all its free to everyone!