We haven’t been to Chicago at Christmas time in couple of years, but we have our favorite places to visit when we go. I love Chicago at Christmas time. It is magical. All the stores are decorated, and they actually have winter weather. If you like the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, then this list is for you.  We live in Oklahoma and we get ice storms sometimes and maybe a little snow, but it doesn’t stay very cold for very long. If you like the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, then this list is for you.

Here are our favorite things to do in the windy city when its chilly out! If you’re planning a trip during the holidays, then you need to check these places out.

• Daley plaza-Must see. They have a giant tree set up, little pop up shops everywhere, with some of the best German treats and hot cocoa I’ve ever had. My husband and I spent all morning checking out handmade Christmas ornaments, knitted items and lovely gifts. Dress warm because you’re going to want to spend a lot of time checking out all the shops. The actual event is called Christkindlmarket. We enjoyed some authentic German food but be prepared for the crowd because it’s usually packed. I had my foot stepped on a couple of times. It’s worth it though.

• Magnolia bakery-This place is so good. We stopped in while doing some shopping to warm up and grab a sweet treat. They have a beautiful Christmas tree that will serve as the perfect backdrop for your cupcake photo op. This place is so cute and has such a cozy feel. 

• The Bean – A photo op must! – Millennium park is beautiful all the time and worth checking out even when it’s chilly. A frozen bean is pretty neat to look at too. Apparently, they have carolers in the evenings, but we didn’t wait around for that because we were frozen and had some shopping to do.

• Garret Popcorn – You obviously need to bring back your family/ co-workers/ everyone you know, a tiny taste of Garret’s famous “mix” popcorn. These make great gifts and even though you have to wait in line, it moves along pretty quickly. Warning: This popcorn smells delicious and if you leave it unattended even for a second, your dog will eat it. So annoying. 

• Al’s Italian Beef – We’ve been to this place quite a few times. It’s the perfect place to warm up with a hot Italian beef sandwich-“dunked” of course. I’m a fan of the polish sausage myself. There are several locations to choose from so check it out.

• Macy’s – The window displays are amazing. They go all out with Christmas scenes for kids and adults alike. Inside Macy’s you’ll find the most beautiful department store that I’ve ever seen. Ceiling to floor is decked out with holiday decorations. Gorgeous. While you’re there, check out the beautiful, enormous tree in The Walnut Room.

I hope you enjoyed my list of things to check out during Christmas time in Chicago. I know there are a ton of other light and tree displays to check out and I wish we had spent more time there so I could see them all. We hope to return soon. What is your favorite thing to do in Chicago at Christmas?