Most Photo-Worthy Spots for the Holidays in Chicago

The holidays are perfect for many things - hot cocoa, ice skating, dancing to Mariah Carey on repeat. They’re definitely perfect for family photos and cheesy selfies with your pals! Thanks to twinkling lights and festive decor, there are a whole host of spots perfect for getting a last minute Christmas photo or just have fun taking in the festivity. You only have a few more days to take advantage before Santa arrives though! Check this list (check it twice) and then head to the city’s most holiday-tastic places…

Happy's Bar at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel

The Happy’s Pop-Up Bar at the CAA is one of the coziest Christmas bars we’ve visited this month. Tucked away in the hotel, but still just off Michigan Avenue and across the street from the Millennium Park, this holiday bar is warm and festive and all kinds of fun. It closes on Thursday, December 23 though so head over their fast for a happy hour cocktail (open Wednesday-Saturday from 4-11PM).

Christkindlmarket Chicago

With locations in both the Loop and Wrigleyville, the market is the perfect place to do some last minute holiday shopping and eat delicious food, all while supporting small businesses and local artists. Head to the Loop location after work, and then grab dinner at The Dearborn to warm up! Or choose Wrigley’s market, then use your 2021/2022 Culinary Guide at Big Star or The Smoke Daddy across the street.

Camp Lottie's

Stay warm and well-fed by booking one of the individualized, heated tents at Camp Lottie’s. They fit up to eight guests and come complete with TVs, plus plenty of seating, blankets and festive decorations. You can rent them for holiday movie nights on Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays or for Bears games and even New Year’s Eve. It’s great for groups who want to celebrate together without the crowds of a standard bar!

The Signature Room at the 95th®

Holiday date nights should be something special, and with dinner at The Signature Room, you can enjoy a delicious dinner plus some of the best views of all the holiday lights across the city. From high above, you can sit window-side and point out your favorite lights and search the skies for Santa’s sleigh while you dig into classic dishes like a Seafood Tower or Rack of Lamb.

The Fairmont Lodge

The Fairmont Hotel has brought the wintery outdoors into their lobby with their Fairmont Lodge, complete with cozy décor, indoor “fire pits”, and seasonal cocktails to celebrate the holidays! The Lodge will also host events like a singles night, movie showings, and more. It’s a great spot to bring the whole family or out of town guests and just relax.

The Peninsula Hotel Tree in The Lobby

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a Christmas tree! And the one in The Lobby at The Peninsula is a true beauty. Come for afternoon tea and stay over with one of their holiday packages. It’s the perfect festive staycation, plus you can help the hotel celebrate 20 years in Chicago!

ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo

Another classic Chicago tradition is ZooLights, and since this December has been pretty mild weather-wise, it’s not a bad time to get outdoors and see the lights! There’s free admission on Mondays and Tuesdays, and they even have a special New Year’s Eve event! Walk the lights, then head to The Kennison for dinner for an amazing night in our beautiful hometown.

Terrace Globe Reservation at The Bar at Hotel Zachary

Another spot to hit up after you visit the Wrigleyville Christkindlmarket, Hotel Zachary has a series of snow globes you can reserve on their terrace. Bring a group and make sure you order their delicious Mulled Wine, a house hot punch made for you to spike your way through the holiday! Snap group photos inside the globe or with the winter wonderland at Gallagher Way in the background when you step outside.

By Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor