Some of the Best Things Are Free in Chicago, IL, During Christmas Break!

Given our current economic problems, 2009 Christmas Break in the Chicago, IL, area may prove to be "lean" but sometimes it doesn't need to cost a bundle to have fun. I have already written articles about parades and free concerts. Here are a few more Christmas Break activities which are almost free or cost nothing.

Wednesday, November 18th through March 14th, Millennium Park

Enjoy ice skating on the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park (Michigan Avenue between Washington and Madison Streets). Admission is free if you bring your own skates. (Skate rental available for $10.) Weather permitting, the rink will be open on Mondays through Thursdays (12 - 8 p.m.), Fridays (12 p.m. - 10 p.m.)　plus Saturdays (10 a.m. - 10 a.m. through Jan. 2) and (starting Jan. 9) Saturdays and Sundays (10 a.m. - 9 p.m).

Special holiday schedule: Thanksgiving, Nov. 26 (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.), Thursday, Christmas Eve (10 a.m. - 6 p.m.) Friday, Christmas (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.), Thursday, New Year's Eve (10 a.m. - 8 p.m.)　and Friday, New Year's Day (12 p.m. - 10 p.m.).

Wednesday, November 25th, 4:00 P.M., southwest corner of Daley Plaza

Following hallowed holiday tradition, the 96th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will commence with the flip of a switch triggering thousands of lights on the beautifully decorated 90 foot tall holiday tree comprised of more than 130 smaller Balsam Firs.

Also happening from November 25th - December 24th in Daley Plaza

The famous Christkindlmarket, a reproduction of a centuries-old German market where vendors sell hand-crafted ornaments, toys and other gifts, as well as traditional German foods, goodies (Marzipan Lovers, please note!) and beverages. Prices range from reasonable to OH BOY but it doesn't cost much to look or to enjoy a snack. Hours: Sunday through Thursday (11 a.m. - 8 p.m).; Friday and Saturday (11 a.m. - 9 p.m). For further details, see Christkindlmarket.com or call (312) 494-2175.

A few feet away, Santa will be lurking in his little house, hunkering to pose for pictures, meet little kids and scan their gift lists. Santa's hours are from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. with an hour's break for reindeer-feeding each day from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Meet Us Under The Clock!

It doesn't cost anything to cross State Street and enjoy the famous Christmas windows at what used to be Marshall Field's. Macy's has kept up the tradition of beautiful decorations and while you are there, check out that 45 foot tree shimmering with 25,000 lights and 1,200 themed decorations in the Walnut Room.

November 27th - January 3rd (Friday, Saturday and Sunday Nights)

ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 Canon Drive, Chicago, 60614 (312-742-2000) is a magic event illuminated by more than two million lights. Admission is free and also includes a chance to watch live ice carving, be photographed with Santa, participate in family crafts and, of course, enjoy a visit with the animals.

November 28th - January 10th (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Wednesdays)

Here's another grand tradition - the Holiday Flower Show at the Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Avenue (312-746-5100). Enjoy a cozy, warm visit with your plant friends coupled with a chance to be dazzled by an amazing display of holiday poinsettias. (Wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera.)

God Rest Ye, Merry Chicagoans!

There have been lean economic times before but other generations of Chicago area survivors learned that it doesn't have to cost a lot to have fun during Christmas Break. I can only add my own wish for my readers, that there be Happy Holidays (and hopefully a prosperous New Year) ahead for all of us!

Sources:

Various Websites
Personal Experience