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Haaaaappppy Holidayssssss! We’re so excited for this festive season, and that’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best spots to celebrate the occasion—whether you choose to be indoors with the wonderful or delightfully wacky, or outdoors enjoying the magic of our beautiful city. Whatever your style, there’s a piece of a Chicago holiday pie waiting for you. Get out there and grab it.
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Next of Kin {625 Davis Street, Evanston; 847.563.8242}
Gingerbread, Eggnog, Triple Chocolate Glitz, Hot Cocoa, Peppermint, and Holiday Party! Nope, these aren’t Santa’s newest reindeer, but Next of Kin’s delightful holiday éclair flavors—with Hanukkah varieties to follow. What else is new in this Evanston charmer? Nightly holiday surprises to the menu and, coming soon, a new-and-improved winter dome on the patio. Order those éclairs online now (or in-person starting Black Friday). We don’t blame you if you eat them all.
The Berghoff {17 West Adams Street, Chicago; 312.427.3170}
120 years of beer and service excellence (not to mention the city’s first official liquor license after the end of Prohibition) means you’ve been doing something right. Christmas at The Berghoff goes all-in—garlands galore trimmed in lights, and four-foot, wooden nutcrackers set the festive mood. Whether you want pictures with Santa (make sure he knows you’re on the Nice List) or need a sip of something a little naughty (try the Other Nog, a chocolate-forward porter cocktail with hints of peppermint), you’re in for a treat.
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Club Lucky {1824 West Wabansia Avenue, Chicago; 773.227.2300}
November 16, or what the waitstaff lovingly calls “Snowflake Day,” marked the start of this year’s epic holiday extravaganza that is Club Lucky. Humming, electronic snowflakes on the building’s exterior beckon you inside, where the only appropriate response is, “Dang, Santa!” Hundreds of handmade paper snowflakes drape the ceiling, a football field’s length of green garland spreads over the counters and walls, while ornaments add twinkle to every corner of this kitschy kitchen. Snap a selfie, sample that Sleigh Ride Killer Martini, and soak up the Christmas spirit.
Miracle Bar Pop-Up at Sable Kitchen and Bar {505 North State Street, Chicago; 312.755.9704}
Get your jollies going at the Miracle Bar Pop-Up, hosted by Sable Kitchen and Bar at Kimpton Hotel Palomar. This nationwide, holiday-themed pop-up bar features 10 Christmas-inspired libations alongside Executive Chef Kevin Atkinson‘s sweet and savory menu (think: Cinnamon Churros). If the nostalgic decorations, craft cocktails, and tasty bites aren’t enough to warm your three-sizes-too-small-heart, knowing a portion of all proceeds will be donated to Hope for the Day. This nonprofit is dedicated to suicide prevention, and sure to get even the grouchiest Grinch in the holiday mood.
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Hotel Zachary {3630 North Clark Street, Chicago; 773.302.2300}
Hotel Zachary has collaborated with The Fields of Michigan, the Midwest’s only glamping professionals, to offer a one-of-a-kind experience overlooking Gallagher Way. Welcome to Camp Zachary, where you can put your feet up on a couch under The Fields’s signature canvas tents, sip a craft cocktail, and snuggle up beside a fire cauldron for one enchanted afternoon or evening. It’s a taste of the woods right in the heart of our city.
West Town Winter Market at Homestead on the Roof {1924 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago; 773.332.2354}
Homestead on the Roof is hosting its second annual West Town Winter Market on Saturday, December 7 from 11am to 4pm. Shop to your heart’s content from local, independent vendors like Higher Healing, Big League Pins, Madera Chicago, and Zucchero & Paper. Then, throw out a song request to the strolling Victorian Carolers, and hit Santa up with your big Christmas wish. All in a holi-day’s work.
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The Peninsula Hotel {108 East Superior Street, Chicago; 312.337.2888}
The Peninsula Hotel has created the Sky Rink, a rooftop ice skating rink complete with pine trees, views of the gorgeous city skyline, festive music, hot beverages, and holiday treats. ‘Tis the season to give, and Sky Rink will donate all proceeds to two local Chicago charities. Just make sure you’re dressed to impress, because a photo op this magical comes around once in a Yuletide season.
Joy District Rooftop {112 West Hubbard Street, Chicago; 312.955.0339}
Ringing in the merry season for the second year in a row, Joy District Igloos are back on the rooftop! Heated faux fire pits, cozy blankets, and the Winter Rooftop Menu are just some of the holiday cheer waiting for you and up to 25 of your closest cronies. Sample cocktails served in ornaments, festive bites like Roast Beast (grilled lamb patties with goat cheese and bacon) and Grinch Bread (donut holes dusted with sugar and three dipping sauces), and stop by the Milk & Cookies Cart, where you can decorate sugar cookies with sweet toppings.
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Santa Baby Bar {3505 North Clark Street, Chicago; 833.967.2682}
Where can we even start with the outrageously awesome Santa Baby Bar? Christmas karaoke every Thursday night, frozen shots and shotskis in the Alpine Ski Chalet, and all the yuletide spirits that, frankly, spending the holidays with your family requires. How about a taste of the Spiked Hot Chocolate Rumchata Nog, the Elf Fashioned, some Jingle Juice, and the Mega Yule Mule? The zero-proof Red Velvet Cakeshake slams an entire slice of red velvet cake and an optional booze buddy into one frozen drink. And don’t leave without trying the Atomic Yule Logs—three giant cheese sticks with Flamin’ Hot Cheeto crust, topped with a cheddar and Sriracha dust. Go big or go home, festive friends—it’s time to get Blitzened!
Balena Pop Up at Dutch & Doc’s {3600 North Clark Street, Chicago; 773.360.0207}
After a kitchen fire in 2017, Balena closed its doors and the Chicago food community lost a beloved eatery. Luckily, Chef Chris Pandell gifted us this season with a Balena Italian Holiday Pop Up at Dutch & Doc’s, running now through December 31. Favorite dishes like Balena Meatballs, in tomato fondue, and a special holiday menu (we will never say no to Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe) offer an homage to years past with a nod to the now—exactly what this season is all about.
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Elf’d Up at Stretch Bar & Grill {3845 North Clark Street, Chicago; 773.755.3980}
Back by popular demand, Wrigleyville’s Stretch Bar & Grill will host the holiday pop-up of your Christmas and Will Ferrell dreams. A 10-foot Christmas tree, condiment carriers on each table prepped with each of the four classic “Elf” food groups (candy, candy canes, candy corn, and maple syrup), an upside-down Christmas tree, and 1,000 elves of all shapes and sizes from floor to ceiling are just a slice of Elf’d Up’s commitment to North Pole madness. Try Buddy’s Breakfast Pasta (spaghetti, maple syrup, chocolate fudge, and mini marshmallows) if you’re hungry. You can also sip on a Sleigh All Day (Wheatley vodka, St. Germain, Mionetto Prosecco, and a splash of cranberry juice) or the World’s Best Cup of Naughty Coffee (Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream, Paddy’s Irish Whiskey, maple syrup, and caramel coffee), and end your evening with a snack of elf-shaped cookies. There’s room for everyone on this bar’s Nice List, so grab a friend’s hand and skip on over.
By Abbey Bloom | Contributing Writer
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