The holidays are upon us and that means exploring everything magical about winter in Chicago this weekend!
Morning
Start your Saturday off by boarding the South Shore Line and riding to Millennium Station. Once you disembark the train, head to one of our favorite breakfast spots for a little food and coffee.
Exit the station, and walk north across E. Randolph Street, then cross Michigan Avenue walking east, and Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe is on your left! (130 E. Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601). From Belgian waffles, paninis & wraps to espresso and mocha beverages, they have all you could need to start your day off right with a little caffeine high and a spring in your step.
Once your bellies are full and your hearts are happy, it’s time for ice skating at Millennium Park! Head across the street to the Millennium Park McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, and take a spin around the rink. While at the park, grab hot chocolate from the Park Grill, or go ahead and snap an iconic picture in front of Millennium Park’s famous Cloud Gate sculpture known as “The Bean.”
Afternoon
Now that you have enjoyed the winter fun Millennium Park has to offer, let’s head down Michigan Avenue and across the Chicago River for some holiday shopping fun! From pet boutiques, to home good stores, to sports apparel shops, and department stores, the magnificent mile has all you need. Shop from over 400 retailers all within walking distance. https://www.themagnificentmile.com/shopping/
If walking to shop on Michigan Ave. sounds less appealing after ice skating in the brisk winter weather, you can take the short walk to the Madison/Michigan bus stop, and jump on the 26 to Michigan & Hubbard.
For information on how to get your Ventra card to ride the bus, check out this short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4448q8ARpQ&feature=youtu.be
Ventra vending machines can be found at our SSL Millennium Station, Navy Pier, Museum of Science & Industry EL stations, and are available for purchases at CVS, Walgreens, and Jewel. You can manage your card balance by downloading the Ventra App and then use your card to ride the CTA EL (train) or buses.
We bet you are hungry after all that shopping! Get some Chicago deep dish pizza at Gino’s East (162 E. Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611). These slowly baked pies made with their signature secret dough and fresh toppings are sure to leave you with a full and happy belly! https://www.ginoseast.com/
Night
The magic of the holidays will only just begin once you step foot into the Christkindlmarket. Take the 20 minute walk from Gino’s to the Christkindlmarket (50 W. Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602), or catch the 146 at Michigan & Illinois bus stop, and ride to the State & Lake stop. Walk 6 minutes, and you will arrive at Chicago’s largest open-air Christmas festival!
After a long day of winter festivities in the windy city, it is time to head back to Millennium Station for your train ride home. Take the 6 minute walk back to Millennium or grab an Uber. Sit back, relax and enjoy your ride home.