Holiday Memories in Chicago

The Freezing of your breath while visiting Chicago's Lakeshore makes for special holiday memories. One of the best childhood memories to have is the season's first hot Chocolate after a walk down Michigan Avenue admiring the holiday windows. Many people avoid visiting the city in the winter but the winter is the best time to see the various events the city offers. Surprisingly a visitor to Chicago can experience many things in the winter.

Skating in Millennium Park - Millennium Park is located in the heart of downtown Chicago and is bordered by Michigan Avenue, Columbus, Randolph Street, Monroe Street. In the summer, the park is a venue for Summer Events and Concerts, but in the winter, it becomes a winter wonderland where skaters of all ages come to skate. Admission is free and if you don't have skates, there is a place to rent them for a very reasonable fee. Also during the month of November and December, the park offers a place for people to come and sing Carols at AT&T Plaza.

American Girl Place - The ultimate place for little girls and their dolls. If you don't know what American Girl, offers just ask any girl between the ages of five and twelve. These girls know about American Girl Place and Chicago is fortunate to have a Store right on Michigan Avenue. Plan a day with your daughter and see all that this brand has to offer.

Make sure you plan because without a reservation you will not be able to see the American Girl Theater or eat at its specially designed restaurant. Don't forget to check their website to see what is happening at the store on the day of your visit.

A Walk Down Michigan Avenue - Michigan Avenue is a magical walk for any power shopper but the wonder happens as all the Avenue's windows magically turn into windows of fantasy and joy during the holiday season. There are over 460 unique stores and boutiques, over 200 fine dining restaurants, and 50 hotels all in just eight-city blocks. Discover why Michigan Avenue in Chicago is called The Magnificent Mile.

Visit Santa at the Hancock Building - Kids will enjoy the elevators, which rocket through the air at 1800ft per minute. You can tell them these elevators are the fastest in all of North America. Once at the top of the tower experience the only open-air viewing deck in Chicago. There you will find Santa's Winter Wonderland.

Take your picture with the Lions at the Art Institute. - Each year both Lions are decorated for the holidays. Make it a Chicago tradition in your family to get your pictures taken with them.

See A Christmas Carol - Purchase tickets to see the Goodman's Yearly Presentation of the Christmas Carol. The perennial classic that will remind your family that Christmas is more than just getting gifts. Together watch as Scrooge is reminded and redeemed through the visits of three Christmas Sprits. If you can afford to see the play or your children are too young, rent the movie and play it on the way to the city for a day at Millennium Park

Visit Grant Park - See Grant Park in all its holiday glory and show your children where history was made.

See the Zoo lights at Lincoln Park - Visit during the day and experience Chicago's own Zoo! Take a picnic basket along and all you'll have to pay for is the price of parking! Admission to Lincoln Park Zoo is free! When the sunsets, see the holiday lights turn the park into a winter wonderland.

Childhood memories are forever. The experiences we offer our children today are the memories they have to share with their children in the future. Look back into your own childhood do you remember the toys for each year or do you remember the way your family celebrated the holidays. Create some lasting Holiday memories for your children, this year.

To get additional information on visiting these wonderful places please visit their websites at the following addresses.

Millennium Park

At this site, you will find a map, an audio tour of the park and current event information

http://www.millenniumpark.org/generalinformation/

The American Girl Place

835 N. Michigan Avenue

Chicago, IL 60611

1-877-247-5223

http://www.americangirl.com/stores/location_chi.php

Michigan Avenue

On these city blocks, you are sure to find something to interest you.

http://www.themagnificentmile.com/

John Hancock Observatory

875 N Michigan Ave

Chicago, IL 60611

Phone: (312) 751-3680

http://www.hancockobservatory.com/en/