It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year to Visit Chicago

What better place to celebrate the holidays in then Chicago, Illinois? The "windy city" truly comes alive with the season as this cultural city presents some of the finest holiday happenings in the country. For sports fans, Mayor Daley's 6th Annual Holiday Sports Festival is held at McCormick Place North from December 28-30. What a good way for sports fans to work off some of that holiday dinner and come try some of their favorite and new sports for free. For those who are planning on making a New Year's resolution to get fit, this is also a good experience. Fitness counselors will be offering assessments, body fat measurements, and the most diverse collection of exercises and sports will be demonstrated, so there is sure to be an exercise to your liking. Your kids will love the cheerleading and pitching clinics, and you can get valuable health information sponsored by the Mayor's Fitness Council.

In keeping with the "Daley" theme, be sure to check out Daley Plaza (50 W. Washington at the corner of Washington, Clark, and Dearborn Streets). Mayor Daley lights the annual Christmas tree on November 24th. Also on that day, Santa's Workshop will officially open. Here children can meet Santa and tell him their gift requests. For the adults who love culture, be sure to check out Daley Plaza's Christkindlmarket. Basically, it is like Oktoberfest, just with a Christmas theme to it. This outdoor festival celebrates Christmas German-style and includes handmade holiday gifts for sale and German food. All of these Daley Plaza events conclude on December 24th, so be sure to plan your visit appropriately.

If an indoor venue is more to your liking, the Genesee Theatere is one of the busiest places during the holiday season. The concerts begin December 1st with an appearance from American Idol runner-up, Clay Aiken. His performance, "Christmas with the FullScore Chamber Orchestra", is sure to be on the must see list for all Aiken fans. A few days later on December 10th, the holiday performance, "Old Fashioned Christmas" is presented by the Illinois Brass Band and has vocal accompaniments compliments of the Red Rose Children's Choir. If you are sill looking to return to the Genesee Theatere, the Nutcracker Ballet is one performance not to be missed. It is playing from December 16-December 17.

For holiday decorations, some good places can be found all around the city. Visit Navy Pier and check out the La Salle Bank's Winter Wonderland, from December 8 until January 7th. Here, you will see holiday decorations, and if you feel up to it, you can try your hand (or shall I say feet) at ice skating. Another great place to visit is the Lincoln Park Zoo's ZooLights. In addition to animals, the zoo displays over a million Christmas lights, ice sculptures, laser light show, and Santa visits. While it is open select nights starting November 24th, beginning December 15 and lasting until January 1st, every night will be open (except December 24 and 25). Admission to this event is free. Lights can also be found at the Lake County Fairgrounds (intersection of Routes 45 and 120). Here, starting November 24, and running until January 7th, visitors can drive through musical holiday displays, and visit with Santa. While the light display is open seven days a week, the interactive meet and greet with Santa is only open on the weekends. Before you plan to visit, note all parts of the holiday display are closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve.

While all of these activities seem fun, one has to remember the true meaning of the holidays. No place does this better than the "Tidings of Tap" program presented at the University of Illinois Chicago Theater (1044 W. Harrison). This performance is a dance interpretation of Christmas and Chanukah celebrations, and runs from December 15 until December 17th.

Finally, while there are many more activities to see and do than I can write about, be sure to look on the City of Chicago's website to find out about all holiday happenings. Also, if you don't see something of interest, be sure to check back periodically, as more events are added the closer we approach the holiday season.