Karen Winters - Chicago, IL

Christkindlmarket - Chicago, IL

One of Chicago's most popular annual yuletide attractions is the Christkindlmarket.  This block long German "village" is nestled under the large Christmas tree at Daley Plaza.  Seasonal music and the smell of  traditional German foods slow down the most hurried passers-by and warm any traces of bah-humbug out of everyone.  

Shoppers stop to watch the village being set up

A Chicago tradition since 1995, the market offers a variety of foods, unique gifts and toys from over 50 vendors.  Hats, scarves, mittens, jewelry, tree ornaments, and wooden gifts are displayed in the windows of Bavarian facades.  Enjoy traditional treats such as hot cider, hot chocolate and spiced wine along with German Christmas Market favorites, including bratwurst, potato pancakes, schnitzel, and strudel.

The Christkindelmarket is open daily thru Christmas Eve.
Sunday-Thursday  11-8
Fr-Sa 11-9                                                     
Christmas Eve 11-4

Admission is free

Daley Plaza
50 W Washington
Washington between Dearborn and Clark

Candlelight Tours Of The Glessner House and Clarke House Museums

Experience a 19th century Christmas on historic Prairie Avenue and learn how the celebration of Christmas, as we know it today, began.  Special 90-minute docent led tours are offered this Saturday and Sunday, December 11-12 at the Glessner House and Clarke House Museums.   Each museum has been transformed for the holiday season.  The Clarke House is decorated in the style of the 1830's and 1840's, and the Glessner House in the style of the late 19th century.

These special tours are this Saturday and Sunday only at 5:30, 6:00 and 6:30 each evening. 

General Public Tickets: Adults  $18, Children 8-12 $14
Museum Member Tickets:  Adults  $15, Children 8-12 $11

Pre-paid reservations are required.  For more information and to reserve a space, call 312-326-1480.

The Glessner House
1800 S Prairie Avenue
Chicago, IL  60616

It's A Circus Out There!

If it's November, you can bet it's a circus out there.  An absolute circus.  Pitchmen calling your attention this way and that!  A bunch of clowns running amok!

And smiling little faces enjoying every minute of it. 

Ha, ha, I'm not talking about the election circus! The real circus is coming to town.  From Wednesday, November 17th through Sunday, November 28th the Ringling Brothers Circus, "The Greatest Show On Earth," comes to the United Center.  As an added bonus, Ringling Brothers provides a variety of special discounts, such as discounts for military families and families with infants. 

I cast my vote for an afternoon or evening of family fun at the circus. I'm Karen Winters and I approve this message.

The United Center
1901 W Madison

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Circus Trivia Ballot

What's the difference between Alpacas and Llamas  Answer

What animal can survive in all conditions from the tropical rain forest
to snow-covered regions?  Answer (#6)

How long is the gestation period for elephants and how much to they weight at birth? Answer (#'s 4 & 5)

You've heard of the Big Top, but what's a Big Bertha.  Answer (pg 3)

Horses have special names depending on their gender and age. 
Can you name them?  Answer (#3)

How many different breeds of horses are there?
What are they?  Answer

Circus Related Fun Facts, Games & Puzzles

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A Perfect Day For A [Loft] Walk Around The Neighborhood

I just returned a little earlier from volunteering at Loft Walk, an annual fall event of the South Loop Neighbors organization. This year's event showcased 12 lofts in 10 buildings along a route stretching just over a mile. Visitors had the option of walking the entire route or riding a trolly to designated stops.

The trolley's first stop was a location which was built as a hospital and then sat vacant for some time before being converted for residential use. In true Halloween fashion, the trolley would deliver a full load of passengers to this stop, but each time upon it's return, no takers for the ride back. South Loop Neighbors President, Dennis McClendon joked that "they all went in and never came out!" << insert scary music here>> As it turns out, Loft Walk visitors honored the theme of the event and took off walking to the next set of lofts. But you have to admit, an eerily appropriate touch for a Halloween weekend!

Featured lofts ranged from timber lofts in buildings that date back to just after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, to a contemporary space built around with a center core left open to create a two level outdoor space, (an outdoor seating area on the main level and a grassy "backyard" on the roof.)

The South Loop has been transformed from it's railroad and industrial past into a vibrant residential community. If you missed the Loft Walk but would like to learn more about the history of the area, the South Loop Neighbors will offer three 1-hour Trolley Tours of the South Loop next Sunday, November 7th.

In the meantime, I am in the process of getting interior photos from Loft Walk organizers and other volunteers. When I do, I'll do a follow-up to this post, with details on the featured lofts. I can tell you about Loft Walk and show you photos, but nothing beats seeing it for yourself. Make plans to attend next year.

Don't worry, I'll send you a reminder. :)

November Events in Chicago, IL - Floats, Food and Festivals = Fun

Gobble, gobble . . .  it's almost Turkey Time!

Can you believe it?  Wasn't it Labor Day weekend just last week?  No?  My bad.  Ha, I guess the cooler weather is a reminder that it isn't summer any more.  So bring on the holiday parades. 

 First up is the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, a 40 year old Chicago tradition.  It takes place on Saturday, November 20th.  This full day of festivities begins at 11am with food, music and several family friendly stage performances spread out all along North Michigan Avenue, (The Magnificent Mile).  Around 5pm, perennial Grand Marshall Mickey Mouse kicks off the parade, lighting up trees on each side of the avenue as he passes.  (His float is a replica of Chicago's Historic Old Water Tower). This year, for the first time in his 15 years as Grand Marshall, Mickey will be joined by Minnie.  The light theme continues at 7pm as the lakefront is lit up with a spectacular fireworks display.  

On Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 25th, it's The McDonald's Thanksgiving Day Parade.  This year is the 77th anniversary of the Thanksgiving Day Parade.  It starts at 8:00am, winding it's way down State Street from Congress to Randolph with theatrical performances, equestrian units, national & international bands, and drill teams.  There is surely something for everyone.  Oh, and did I mention that Santa will be in town for a 3-day, Thursday-Saturday vacation?  Well, it'll be a "working vacation" since he plans stop by and celebrate the season at both parades.

From the "Magnificent Mile" to State Street "that Great Street", Chicago will be all lit up in it's holiday finery and ready to share the joy of the season. 

Mag Mile Lights Festival Location

Thanksgiving Day Parade Location

Mickey Mouse Photo Credit: Mike Miley                   Turkey Photo Credit: randz