| Boasting one of the world’s most impressive | | | | traditional Christmas market whilst listening to the |
| skylines, thanks largely to its plethora of striking | | | | Chicago Children’s Choir as they perform a range |
| skyscrapers, the city of Chicago is quite simply | | | | of festive carols. |
| magnificent. Located in the state of Illinois, along the | | | | For those seeking to participate in something a little |
| south western shores of Lake Michigan, it plays host | | | | more unusual, then the annual Carolling to the Animals |
| to a number of fun-filled, exuberant annual events that | | | | event is guaranteed to please. Taking place during the |
| are guaranteed to excite even the hardest to please | | | | first week of December, you can join the local choral |
| travellers. | | | | groups as they head to the city’s Lincoln Park Zoo |
| Whilst it is a remarkable place to visit at any time of | | | | to sing to the animals. Santa Claus is also on hand to |
| the year, it is arguably at its most glorious in the winter | | | | feed them (the animals that is, not the carollers). |
| months. Indeed, often blanketed in a sparkling layer of | | | | Running from mid November until the beginning of |
| snow and filled with an array of twinkling lights, the city | | | | January, the Museum of Science and Industry’s |
| transforms itself into a magical winter wonderland | | | | Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light |
| come Christmas time. Add to the mix a superb | | | | event is great to take the children to. Designed to |
| selection of colourful festivals and celebrations and you | | | | highlight Chicago’s ethnic communities, there are |
| have the perfect winter destination to head to. | | | | more than 50 trees to view that have been decorated |
| Held every November, the Chicago Pow Wow is a | | | | by various members of the communities, and which |
| definite highlight. Currently entering its 55th year, visitors | | | | serve to represent the different cultures present there. |
| can expect to be entertained by a number of Native | | | | There are also a number of live performances and |
| American singers and dancers, as well as having the | | | | choral groups to enjoy. |
| opportunity to try out some of their traditional produce. | | | | As well as the many events going on around the city, |
| Not only that, but there are also sacred rituals to | | | | there is also a wealth of enticing cafés and |
| behold, making it a unique event and one well worth | | | | restaurants to take advantage of, bars and nightclubs |
| taking the time out to experience. | | | | to experience and a wide range of great hotels in |
| To truly get into the Christmas spirit, the Tree Lighting | | | | Chicago to lay your weary head in. Therefore, you can |
| Ceremony is also impressive. In addition to joining the | | | | rest assured that a Christmas time visit to this |
| thousands of people who gather to see the lights on | | | | fantastic city is filled with a host of festive activities |
| the 85 foot tree switched on, it is possible to browse a | | | | and frolicking opportunities galore! |