Christmas-ing Around

I love Christmas.  Every year I try to find tons of holiday activities to do throughout the whole season.  Needless to say, I've tried to do a bunch already and there are some really good events in both Chicago and Northwest Indiana.  It's just something about the season that puts me in such a good mood!  Take advantage if you're around any of these.

Christkindlmarket - Tons of booths from all over the world are set up in Daley Plaza downtown Chicago.  We looked at beer steins handcrafted in Germany and purchased an ornament from Israel.  We took advantage of all the authentic German food and had legitimate German bratwursts, spicy kilometer sausages, the best sauerkraut I've ever had in my life, and delicious potato pancakes.  They also have hot spiced wine (which comes in a souvenir boot) and dark Spaten bockbeer.  As a bonus to all the booths, beer, and brats, the Daley Plaza Christmas tree is up and there is a beautiful manger seen too.  Definitely worth finding your way through the crowd!

Christmas Around the World at the Museum of Science and Industry - From November 15th through January 6th, the museum will have this beautiful exhibit on display.  This year there are over fifty trees representing different customs and traditions from countries all over the world.  The grand tree is Snoopy themed and has over 30,000 lights and 1,000 ornaments.  The museum has even coordinated falling snow every so often during the course of the day.  This display is absolutely breathtaking!!

www.michigancityparks.com

Festival of Holiday Lights - From early December to early January, Washington Park in Michigan City turns their entire landscape into a stunning light show.  There are all kinds of lights from snails and lighthouses to carolers and dancing Santas.  Entrance into the park is free and it's a drive along event, so no need to leave the warmth of your car!  Furthermore, while trying to find a website with the information regarding the 2012 lights, I noticed that every year on their press release they include the above picture with the caption "Please take a moment to remember our soldiers, who bravely give up so much, including time with their loved ones during the holiday season, so that we may spend time with ours."  Well said, Michigan City!

Ice Skate the Plaza - Deep River Water Park in Crown Point makes an Ice Plaza out of some of their kiddie pools.  This year, the park is open for skating from November 23rd to February 24th.  Obviously I can't take Carl along to this event (he's still in a sling from his surgery) but I will definitely be seeing if my Goddaughters want to go; ice skating is always a good time!

Macy's Holiday Windows - This year the theme for the State Street Macy's windows is The Magic of Christmas, which highlights the traditions Marshall Fields began long ago.  If you plan on taking a stroll by the windows, this article has good information on other happenings going on inside Macy's.

ZooLights - The Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago does a seriously fascinating display of lights every year!  Admission is free and you can purchase hot drinks and warm food to snack on while walking around the beautifully lit pathways.  Some of the lights are coordinated with music and there is an ice sculpture area to enjoy as well.  I love this holiday activity & cannot wait to go this year!

Hope you all are out there enjoying your holiday season too!!!