A festive German Christmas market (actually based on the Christmas market in Nuremberg Germany and the biggest in the US), this is definitely a holiday favorite and worth checking out if you have the time!

Second City is a Chicago comedy club that was the starting point of many well-known comedians and SNL cast members. They usually have special holiday shows and for those sticking around for the weekend, you can make a night out of it by grabbing dinner in Lincoln Park and taking a walk through the Zoolights at the nearby Lincoln Park Zoo.

Other fun activities for those that have a little extra time or want to explore more of Chicago: Chicago Bulls or Blackhawks game, visit Willis Tower, museums (personal favorites are the Art Institute, Museum of Science and Industry, and the Field Museum), Christmas shopping on Michigan Ave, the riverwalk, ice skating at Millennium Park.

There are tons of great restaurants in Chicago so you really can’t go wrong, but for some classic Chicago deep dish pizza we recommend Lou Malnati’s or Giordano’s!