COVID SAFE HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES IN CHICAGO & BEYOND!
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It seems like I’m stating the obvious when I say that this holiday season will be unlike any other…Many of us will be celebrating away from loved ones, missing out on lifelong traditions, and understandably feeling a little bit of those winter blues…
But rather than dwelling on all the ways this holiday season sucks, I’ve decided to look at this as an opportunity to make new traditions and find ways to keep the spirit of the season alive!
Below you’ll find a mix of Chicago-centric COVID safe suggestions + ideas that you can enjoy no matter where you live!
AND IF YOU’RE A VISUAL LEARNER, YOU CAN WATCH THE ENTIRE VIDEO GUIDE WILL ALL MY RECS BELOW!
VIRTUAL HOLIDAY EXPERIENCES IN CHICAGO
Beatrix Gingerbread House Kit
Beatrix Restaurants has created its own version of a Gingerbread House kit!
The gingerbread house comes assembled so all you have to do is the fun part of decorating. The kit comes with gingerbread men, icing, sprinkles, gumdrops and candy for you to go absolutely wild with.
Order it on Tock from the Beatrix location closest to you {keep in mind you need to order by 12 p.m. 3 days before your desired pick up}
Lettuce Entertain You Virtual Dining Experiences
Some of your favorite Lettuce Entertain You restaurants are offering some of the COOLEST virtual dining experiences this holiday season.
I’m talking virtual pasta making with RPM, family game night with Aba, cocktail demos with Three Dots and a Dash and more!
It’s a Wonderful Life: LIVE in Chicago
The American Blues theatre has opted to perform the classic Christmas show live on zoom and nothing is pre recorded!
It’s the closest thing you’re gonna get to seeing a live show these days and I have to say that even though it takes a minute to get accustomed to watching a performance on zoom, it really is an incredible sign of resilience in the theatre community.
Check out showtimes below!
The Steadfast Tin Soldier
Check out the Lookingglass Theatre Company’s virtual performance of the Steadfast Tin Soldier, written and directed by Tony award winner Mary Zimmerman. The production is based on Hans Christian Andersen’s story about a little tin soldier who never gives up, and is a gorgeous display of music and movement that the whole fam bam can enjoy.
You can snag tickets to the livestream for $25 and the cost of the ticket gives you access the watch the performance again on demand.
The Joffrey’s Nutcracker on Art on the Mart
The Joffrey debuted it’s digital display of iconic scenes from the Nutcracker ballet as part of Chicago’s Art on the Mart. The visuals are set to the classic Nutcracker songs and you can view the entire projection - which is the biggest of it’s kind - on the Art at the Mart website or if you live in the city then I highly recommend driving or walking by.
Shop the Virtual Christkindl Market
This year, for the first time ever, the German style Christmas market, that’s a Chicago CLASSIC, will be open virtually.
You can find everything from its signature mugs, ornaments and gifts from 47 different vendors.
Virtual Holiday Stories Happy Hour
Chicago Detours is offering a virtual happy hour where you’ll learn about some of Chicago’s iconic and lesser known holiday traditions, virtually travel to the city’s holiday landmarks and visit some classic Chicago bars.
This experience can be done on your own or in a group and you are encouraged to bring a drink {we love that}
Virtual Hoppy Hour Beer Tasting Class
You can join the Chicago Beer Experience for a virtual hoppy hour where you’ll learn some fun facts about beer, Chicago and how to properly taste beer with your pals!
The experience is just $15 a person and there’s a 6 person minimum.
COVID SAFE CHICAGO HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
Aurora Festival of Lights
If you live in the Western suburbs and are looking to enjoy some lights from the comfort of your card, you’ve gotta check out one of the largest free outdoor drive-through holiday light displays in Northern Illinois.
ENTER FROM 5TH AVE and SMITH BLVD.
Open through December 27th
{Sunday Through Thursday 5PM - 9PM and Fri & Sat 5PM - 10PM}
Let it Shine Drive Through Light Show
Let It Shine is North Shore’s largest drive thru world of Christmas lights and you can find it at the Northbrook Court! You can enjoy the crazy cool lights from the comfort of your car and listen to some of your favorite holiday songs synchronized with the dancing lights.
Tickets are required and you can snag them when you click the button below!
VIRTUAL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES YOU CAN ENJOY FROM ANYWHERE!
Christmas and Secrets with Drag Queens
If one of your favorite Sunday activities was attending boozy Drag brunches, you NEED to check out this AirBNB online experience coming to you all the way from Lisbon, Portugal.
From the makers of the Number 1 Airbnb online experience Sangria & Secrets with Drag Queens, comes their Christmas show edition. You guys I’m telling you this is the most incredible interactive production you’ve EVER seen. You’ll laugh, you’ll dance and you’ll forget how shitty this year has been.
12 days of Christmas calls
If you’re missing your friends and family a little extra this year, why not schedule some catch up calls or a facetime? And just to make sure you don’t spend an entire day on the phone you can spread out your calls in the 12 days leading up to and on Christmas.
We’re all finding new and unique ways to connect with loved ones this year and I hope that even though we might not be together we still make time to catch up and send some virtual hugs.
Try a Virtual Cheeseboard Masterclass
If you LOVE cheeseboards, you need to join me as I co-host a Cheeseboard Masterclass with chef and wine expert Caroline Conner LIVE on Sunday, December 20th at 12pm CST.
Caroline will share her top tips for how to make a gorgeous cheeseboard, and guide you through a live cheeseboard demonstration! The class is FREE and bound to be one hell of a time.
Pasta Making with Italian Grandmas
Okay, one more Airbnb Online Experience because I’m hooked lol. This one has been at the top of my list and I also think this would be a great gift idea for the aspiring chef in your family.
You can check the weekly recipes and book the one you want to make. They’ll send you the recipe and ingredients and then BOOM yummy pasta! Almost as good as if you had it in Italy lol.
So friend what do you think?! Which COVID safe holiday activity are you trying first? Let me know in the comments below!
PS. You might also like my Small Biz Holiday Shopping Guide or my Oprah’s Favorite Things style 2020 Gift Guide
