Turkey Day, Christkindlmarket and Zoo Lights

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, have you made plans for your holiday meal during your Chicago visit??

If not, look no further the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel and our very own chef Krista Lotesto! We are offering a $48/per person Thanksgiving 2011 Prix Fixe Menu at our very own NIX restaurant. Reservations are highly recommended so do not hesitate to call today. (312) 751-8100.

Start your day at 9am on Thanksgiving morning by taking part in the 34th Annual Turkey Trot 8K Run/Walk in Lincoln Park. Make sure you Sign up to register at http://turkeytrotchicago.com. In the spirit of the season, bring a couple cans of food to the race to donate to Greater Chicago Food Depository to help feed Chicago’s less Fortunate

After your delicious meal, work off those calories by heading over to the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park, which is located at Michigan Ave and Washington St. The rink officially opens on Friday November 18th and does not close until Sunday March 11, 2012. There is a $10 charge for skate rental however there is no charge for admission, so bring you camera and bring your best ice dancing moves.

Travelers from near and far enjoy a tradition takes that place from November 23rd-December 24th at Daley Plaza – 15th year of Christkindlmarket Chicago. This is a German market where you can find a variety of authentic fare such as potato pancakes, sausages, pretzels, beer and the hot spiced wine called “Gluhwein” which will warm the cockles of your heart on a chilly winter’s day. If you have a sweet tooth there is a standalone building filled with hundreds of German candies and bakery treats!

After a little noshing, you can do a little holiday shopping; there are numerous vendors that sell favorites such as the ever popular nutcrackers, as well as ornaments, clothing and beer steins. Tables are set up outside if you are hearty enough to brave some of those winter days, but there are also tents set up if you need a place to thaw out with some hot wine! Hours are: Sunday – Thursday: 11am – 8pm, Friday & Saturday: 11Am – 9pm. Holiday hours for Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 2011 and Christmas Eve, December 24, 2011 is 11am – 4pm.

If you are looking for more outdoor adventure head north to Lincoln Park Zoo (LPZ) to see the Zoo Lights – where you can visit the animals at the zoo while enjoying almost 2 million twinkling lights. You can drive (paid Parking lot) but it is much easier to take public transportation to LPZ. The zoo is open 365 days a year and is FREE every day; something very few zoos around the country can offer. Zoo Lights start on November 25th every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night through December 11th. After that, in the spirit of the holiday season, the lights can be viewed every night from 5pm – 9pm, December 16th – January 1, 2012

Warm wishes to you and yours this Thanksgiving and enjoy your visit to Chicago!

Scenery, Shopping and Santa, OH My!

Make the most of you visit to Chicago by taking in some of the best of the city has to offer!

Just steps away from you stay at the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago; there is an endless array of shops and boutiques as well as world class restaurants on Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile. Day or night there are breathtaking view from the 95th and 96th floors of the John Hancock Tower, the Signature Room and Lounge, or if you make your way to Navy Pier, check out the Chicago Skyline by taking a ride on the 150 foot-high Ferris wheel.

One of the biggest events of the holiday season takes place on November 19th – The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. A family favorite, Mickey and Minnie lead the parade to light up Michigan Avenue while Santa makes a surprise appearance at the end to kick off the holiday celebration!

Now for those of you that are sports minded, you have come to the right city!
Chicagoans are fiercely loyal to their sports teams, especially when it comes to football and the Monsters of the Midway… aka... The Chicago Bears.
So far we have been very lucky with our fall weather; however the Bears could use some of that luck to improve their record from 3-3. The Bears will be back at home to rumble with the Detroit Lions on November 13th at noon. There is no bigger thrill than to watch punt and kickoff returner Devin Hester zigzag down the field for a touchdown.

You can also catch the Bears at Soldier Field on November 20th when they play the San Diego Chargers. We take pride in our winter games, especially against warm weather teams… and we do not have a dome, so bundle up.

If hockey is your sport of choice, you must get to the United Center on West Madison to see the 2010 Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks. You need to experience the National Anthem being sung by Jim Cornelison at the United Center – his rendition is second to none.

Then to the main event to watch as Team Captain Jonathan Toews leads superstars Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp and “the man who Lost 7 Teeth” Duncan Keith, to Victory. Their Schedule of home games for November are 11th (Flames), 13th (Oilers), and 29th (Coyotes).

Make the most of your stay in Chicago at the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel!