Although it may look a little different this year, there are still plenty of holiday festivities and things to do in Chicago! Here are some socially distant holiday activities in and near downtown Chicago.

Courtesy of Element5 Digital

Christkindlmarket (Virtual)

Christkindlmarket is a Chicago staple for holiday activities. This year, instead of its traditional pop up location in the Loop, the market has gone virtual. Browse goods from all over the world and check out virtual events, like cooking classes, Sunday story time, and German language lessons, all through the end of December.

Zoo Lights (Lincoln Park)

Zoo Lights at Lincoln Park Zoo runs select dates from 4-10pm through January 3rd, 2021. Stroll along Lincoln Park Zoo’s winding paths to see hundreds of luminous holiday displays comprised of 2.5 million bulbs and indulge in some seasonal fare. With reduced capacity admissions, Zoo Lights can be a great option if you’re looking for outdoor socially distant holiday things to do!

Mag Mile Lights Festival (Loop)

Courtesy of Austin Henckel

Watch downtown Chicago transform into a winter wonderland with over 1 million lights lining the Magnificent Mile. Knock out your holiday shopping list while perusing the grand illumination trees lining Michigan Avenue now through Christmas Day.

Ice Skating at Maggie Daley Park (Loop)

Skate along the winding ribbons of ice rink at Maggie Daley Park, surrounded by the backdrops of the serene lakefront to the east and the striking Chicago skyline in all other directions. The icey path is twice the length of a lap around a traditional ice rink. Admission is free, but you’ll need a reservation, as capacity this year is capped at 180 skaters. Ice skates are also available for rent starting at $16. Maggie Daley Ice Rink is open now through March.

Courtesy of Maggie Daley Park and Timeout Chicago

Looking for luxury apartments for rent now near downtown Chicago? Contact us today! One of our neighborhood experts will be happy to help you in your search and answer any questions. Be sure to ask about move in specials! We are now offering virtual, in person, and self guided apartment tours!

Even with the shelter in place order, you can still enjoy many of the West Loop’s greatest restaurants. Here are some of the West Loop restaurants offering curbside pick up.

Courtesy of Louis Hansel

Aba- 302 N. Green St.

Aba is a favorite when it comes to Mediterranean fare. With an assortment of spreads and hummus, meat, fish, and vegetarian options, there’s something for everyone. Aba is offering both carryout and delivery (including bottles of wine)

Au Cheval- 800 W. Randolph St.

Au Cheval isn’t going to let anything stand in the way of its customers getting their hands on it’s world famous burger. With a high quality patty, dijonnaise, thick cut bacon, fried egg, and even fois gras, it’s easy to see why this burger has developed quite the following. Thankfully, it’s available for curbside pick up.

Monteverde- 1020 W. Madison St.

If homemade pastas, gnocchi, and dishes with truffle galore are your cup of tea, try Monteverde. The menu includes traditional classics like spinach and ricotta ravioli or gnocchi with pesto and innovative creations like wok fried arrabiata with shrimp and tagliatelle.

Momotaro- 820 W. Lake St.

Courtesy of Momotaro

Be as involved or uninvolved as you’d like. Momotaro offers an a la carte menu with sushi, ramen, and other favorites if you’re looking for standard pick up, but you can also spice things up with one of their meal or cocktail kits.

Little Goat- 820 W. Randolph St.

If you’re looking to enjoy your Sunday brunch ritual from home, picking up carryout from Little Goat Diner is a good place to start! Try their beloved hash browns, unique waffles (like the Fat Elvis, which comes topped with peanut butter flavored butter), and in typical West Loop fashion, an assortment of breakfast meats.

The Loyalist- 175 N. Ada St.

The Loyalist serves American favorites with an upscale twist. Order dishes like the homemade biscuit with n’duja butter and honey, beet and avocado salad, or their signature dish, the cheeseburger, complete with cartelized onions and seasoning.

Looking for luxury apartments for rent near the West Loop offering virtual tours? Contact us today for more information.