It just isn't Christmas in Chicago unless you attend a few traditional events...
First is the Magnificent Mile Lighting Parade.
Ok, maybe I wouldn't attend if I couldn't watch it out the office window, but since I can it is a "must go".
My sons thought it was too cold to go, but luckily Bittersweet Sister Kim was game :)
The crowds outside didn't look quite so intense due to the cold.
The balloons had to be held close to the ground due to the high winds.
But the Rockettes still put on a great show despite the weather.
(Sorry about the dirty windows - The Wrigley Building is undergoing major renovations... )
Next stop:
Macy's on State Street (although it will always be Marshall Field's to me.)
This year the store windows celebrate the history of Marshall Field's.
My favorite window is this recreation of Norman Rockwell's famous Saturday Evening Post cover.
The clocks still count the time at each corner of the store and can be seen in the very bottom of the picture with the trumpets above...
Then it is time to walk the block to Daley Plaza for the Christkindlmarket. I stopped there tonight for gluwine and potato pancakes on my way home... despite the below 0 windchills :)
It is a feast for all of the senses. The official city tree is shown above.
(Although my favorite tree is the beautifully white lit tree out the Wrigley Building windows in Pioneer Court as seen in the parade pictures.)
I love all of the traditional German crafts.
So much to take in as you visit each booth.
My favorites - the nutcrackers and of course, one of them had to come home with me to join my collection :)
The visit wouldn't be complete without a stop in the Sweet Castle to pick up German chocolates (Kinder Schokolade and Duplos) for certain boys' stockings...shhhh
Hope that you are enjoying the traditions of your hometown!
"While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them."
~Luke 2:6-7
Blessings, Patti
8 comments:
How very lovely. Your post rekindles memories of my childhood...of taking the train (the North Shore) to wonder at the magical Christmas windows at Marshall Fields. Holiday enchantment indeed!
Wishing you much joy ...
Judy
those are wonderful photos, it's all so very Christmasy, don't know how anyone could look at those and not want the Christmas spirit of fun.
the scriptures, though, are the heart of all that is Given!
Did someone say potato pancakes? lol! I agree! The best way to watch the Christmas festivities is from the warmth of inside a building! :-) Those poor Rockettes... bare legs... brrrrrrrrr.....
What a special time...despite the weather!! Really gets you into the spirit!! Thanks for sharing!
P
What a special time...despite the weather!! Really gets you into the spirit!! Thanks for sharing!
P
Thanks for the Chicago Christmas cheer.
Hugs :)
Lauren
I used to work on the corner building on Dearborn (its been awhile sorry if Ive misspelled that) across the street from Daley Plaza. It was fun to look out from the office windows and see all the seasonal displays. Halloween and Christmas were my faves, and I do believe I did buy some German made wooden toys for my son to play with. Im going to have to look for them, they were precious! Nice pics thanks for sharing. Brings back memories as even though I live pretty close to the loop, I have not gone back since I stopped working there.
I just found your blog. It's nice to read a blog from someone that also lives in Chicago. Oh and a Chicago Bears fan. Have a wonderful New Year!
Post a Comment