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The holiday season is a busy one, full of family and laughter and fun and food. How can you make the most of these next few weeks? If you’re still making plans for the season, you should head to The Peninsula Chicago {108 East Superior Street, Chicago; 312.337.2888}. This iconic hotel is the epitome of glamour and service, perfect for holiday-lovers of all ages. Bring your family, friends, or just take a day for yourself to enjoy! They have plenty of upcoming events and specials to take advantage of…
The Peninsula Sky Rink
This 2,100-square-foot hybrid rink is the only hotel skating rink in Chicago. Located above Chicago’s bustling Michigan Avenue, The Terrace is the ideal setting, surrounded by Chicago’s skyscrapers and twinkling lights. The skating rink’s outdoor menu features a selection of hot beverages and snacks including hot chocolate, hot cider, and other treats. The Sky Rink is even available for groups to rent and for marriage proposals too! All monies collected—including skate rental and beverages—are donated to two Chicago children’s charities: Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and Hephzibah Children’s Association.
Ugly Sweater Party
Make a memorable fashion statement by attending the most over-the-top Christmas sweater at Z Bar’s first annual ugly sweater soiree this Friday, December 14. Ugly sweater-themed cocktails and ugly dancing are requirements—a DJ will get the party started in style! Prizes including an overnight stay, dinners, and more will be awarded for various categories, so dress to impress.
Holiday Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea during the festive season at The Peninsula is an annual tradition. The 20-foot Christmas tree and lavish holiday decor enhances the afternoon tea experience, perfect for any girl’s day or holiday family outing. The Holiday Afternoon Tea also includes a glass of Champagne (for those of age), and each purchase will make a donation of $5 to two local charities: Make-A-Wish® Illinois and the Chicago Public Library Foundation.
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Christmas Eve Dinner
Get ready for Santa with a very special menu at The Lobby! They will have a five-course prix fixe dinner featuring options like lobster tartlet, cider poached Wagyu cheek, and The Lobby’s famous Chocolate Bar for dessert. You can also add wine pairings for more festive fun!
Christmas Day Brunch
For those who aren’t spending Christmas Day at home, the brunch buffet in The Lobby is nothing short of spectacular options. The whole family can enjoy a holiday menu that features caviar and truffle station, slow-roasted prime ribs, Shanghai Terraces’ famous Peking Duck carving station, and a grand seafood buffet station with sushi and sashimi. Not to mention dessert! Bûche de Noël, eggnog and a vast array of sweets including macarons and pastries will also be on hand. There will even be a visit from Santa Claus under The Lobby’s magnificent tree. After a long night of delivering Christmas presents, he will be a welcome sight for children of all ages.
“All That Glitters” New Year’s Eve Celebration
If you love sparkles, the “All That Glitters” party at Z Bar on New Year’s Eve is for you! On Monday, December 31st, Z Bar will be decked out in “all gold everything,” from stunning installations down to 24K gold ice cubes in all specialty cocktails. Live entertainment and a midnight countdown will also be included in this gilded and glorious affair. Perfect for anyone who wants to have an over-the-top amazing end to the year.
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For even more details and recommendations on the best ways to make the most of the holidays, we talked to chef concierge, Steve Grillo….
DiningOut: How does the hotel cater to both tourists and locals on a staycation?
Steve Grillo: Our wonderful building has an amazing spa with a beautiful pool area with large windows with stunning views. Our restaurants feature our signature restaurant, Shanghai Terrace as well as our brand-new exciting bar, Z Bar, which will give our visitors sweeping views of The Magnificent Mile. The exciting part is that our guests could stay at the Peninsula Chicago and never have to leave the building to have an enjoyable, rewarding experience.
This year, we are also offering holiday overnight stay packages. Guests who book either the “Holly Jolly” or “Merry and Bright” packages will receive amenities such as skating and treats on our Sky Rink, a ride to the Christkindlemart, and the Chocolate Bar in The Lobby.
Even if we’re not staying at the hotel, how can we experience the holidays at The Peninsula?
Come skate on our Sky Rink where all visitors are welcome. The admission fee ($20 for adults, $10 for children) is donated to two local children’s charities. Or, stop by for a festive cocktail in Z Bar after a long day of holiday shopping along Michigan Avenue. Magnificent holiday décor is displayed around the entire hotel. This season, our holiday décor is themed after our brand-wide campaign “Stories From The Tree” which is in support of children’s literacy. We have partnered with The Chicago Public Library Foundation and are encouraging guests visiting the hotel to bring a book to drop off in our donation bin in The Lobby next to the Santa’s Chair.
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What are some must-try holiday food and drink items?
Our rooftop lounge, Z Bar, offers a menu of crafted holiday cocktails, perfect for celebrating the season such as the Gingerbread Martini, Peppermint Stinger, or Santa’s Treat. Pierrot Gourmet offers a variety of holiday themed treats from macarons to tarts as well as “Christmas To-Go” for those looking to celebrate at home. The Lobby also offers magnificent Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas Day brunch.
What are some of the most photo-worthy spots in the hotel?
A photo in front of our beautiful 20-foot Christmas tree in The Lobby is a must. Also, a nice photo opportunity may be had on our Sky Rink.
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What is the best part of Chicago during the holidays?
The palpable energy that all the visitors bring to the city during this season. The lights coupled with Chicago ‘s beautiful architecture is reason enough to make it a destination for the holidays.
What are spots near the hotel that visitors should be sure to visit when they stay with you?
Make sure to venture to Millennium Park where visitors can grab a photo next to “Cloudgate,” or The Bean as it is affectionately referred to by locals and tourists alike. ZooLights at the Lincoln Park Zoo! The zoo comes alive with lights to bring in the holiday. The Christkindlmarket, a re-creation of the holiday market in Nuremberg, Germany, is also great. Visitors can buy holiday items, sip some Gluhwein, eat some holiday delicacies and enjoy live entertainment.
By Kaleigh Glaza | Online Editor
The post Celebrate the Holidays at The Peninsula Chicago appeared first on DiningOut Chicago.