It isn’t even December yet, and already I feel like our holiday season is already jam packed. I love the busyness of this time of the year, though. It makes the cold weather just a bit more bearable.
We’ve got an advent calendar that I fill with Christmas-themed activities to do with the kids. It is a nice way to make sure we check off everything on our holiday “to-do” list. Here are some fun holiday activities for Chicagoans that we have in our calendar this year:
During a charming 50 minute train ride departing from three Chicago-area locations, kids can enjoy milk and cookies while chatting with elves. With Christmas carolers and the chance to personally deliver Christmas wish lists to Santa, I know this is a memory the kids will keep forever. We’re really looking forward to our first ride on the Candy Cane Express on December 7!
http://thecandycaneexpress.com
We love the Lincoln Park Zoo. Not only is it free, but my grandparents live nearby so visiting the zoo is usually just an excuse to spend time with them. During December, the zoo comes alive with millions of tiny twinkling lights. It is truly magical. And it doesn’t cost a thing.
We have a trip to the Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza on our to-do list this year for one very important reason: Vivian broke Evie’s treasured ballerina ornament, and I know we’ll find a suitable replacement that this spirited outdoor European market!
Plus, when Chris and I went to Europe a couple years ago we enjoyed a mug of mulled wine, and we brought home that mug. Ever since, there have been countless arguments between Evie and Mack about who gets the Christmas mug, so hopefully this year we’ll get another one just to put an end to the bickering – ha!
Chicago Botanic Garden Wonderland Express
We’ve been to the Chicago Botanic Garden for the Wonderland Express exhibit, and it is adorable. Unbelievable, really. With several rooms of trains racing through familiar Chicago scenes, it is easy for adults and kids to be completely mesmerized. Any kid who loves trains will love this experience.
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You might also like the trains at Lincoln Park Conservatory. Not nearly as grand as the ones at Botanic Garden but free and a good way to pass an afternoon.
Have you tried the CTA holiday trains? Amazing!
Those trains are great, too! Plus, my skin always feels so good after a trip to the Conservatory! 🙂