The holidays have arrived and even though they might not feel the same this year, there’s still lots of cheer to go around! Now is a very important time to support one another and our local businesses. Here are some fun ways to check items off your holiday to-do list while getting in some of those famous Chicago sights.
Takeout
1. Christmas Dinner Feast for Two at Nobu
Who says a tasty holiday dinner has to be made at home? Nobu is offering a take-out, multi-course dinner for two on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! The extraordinary menu features a wide array of delicacies, such as prime filet and lobster, as well as other favorites like sushi rolls. Make sure to leave room for matcha gelato or one of their other exquisite desserts! This tasty holiday experience is available for a reasonable $285!
2. A Global Christmas and NYE at PROX
PROX offers you the unique opportunity to celebrate both Christmas AND New Year’s, with a different menu for each! Both dinners are for two and offer extensive choices for only $140. Their Christmas package offers an Asian feast, while the New Year’s package includes braised lamb shank, Basmati rice, and much more!
3. Heat & Eat from Nonnina at home
Make the holidays a breeze with heat-and-eat meals that are ready to go! Nonnina has options for the entire family with their vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian options. These meals typically feed 6-12 people, and they contain an assortment of starters, salads, pastas, and entrees to pick from. And what would the holidays be without dessert? Don’t forget to try one of their delicious seasonal pies, cannoli’s, or Tiramisu!
4. Ballyhooligans holiday takeout feast
Ballyhooligans offers a flavorful feast to enjoy at home this holiday season, so you can push back gift-wrapping a little more! The menu includes all of the important fixings of a holiday meal such as house made rolls, prime rib roast, and Double Chocolate Peppermint Cake. This delicious meal feeds 4-6, and is available for $395.
Pop Ups
On the twelfth day of Christmas Recess gave to me, Twelve Days of Christmas cocktail creations to drink with my closest friends! Enjoy your festive drink while roasting gooey s’mores around the toasty bonfire table pits. Blitzen’s Pop-up also offers plenty of festive photo opportunities with the tasty treats and holiday decor. There is plenty of fun for the entire family! Just make sure you get to the Santa Station on time to get your holiday wishes mailed directly to the North Pole before Christmas!
2. Frosty’s at Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel
Frosty’s pop-up is back in Chicago and is partnering up with the first ever Christmas Hotel! Feel like a kid again in rooms decked out with holiday cheer. Enjoy signature Frosty cocktails, a Holiday dinner from the FireLake Chicago, and watch your favorite Christmas classics while feeling right at home!
3. Holiday Hut at Gemini
Hats and gloves can’t always do the trick while you’re outside enjoying the holiday fun. On your way to the Zoo lights this year, make sure to stop by the Holiday Hut to keep you nice and toasty! Sip on house made hot cocoa (made with a Belgian chocolate blend) and other specialty drinks, such as hot apple cider, coffee, and more.
Local Gifting
1. Stan’s Donuts & Coffee’s sweet deliver
Craving something sweet and full of cheer? Order from Stan’s Holiday menu and try festive flavors like Gingerbread Old Fashioned or Peppermint Bark. Take some of the fun home to your family by decorating your own donuts with Stan’s new donut decorating kit! Available for only $29.99. Kits must be ordered 24 hours in advance.
2. The Kimpton Gray Hotel Gray @ Home Gift Basket
Enjoy a holiday staycation with The Kimpton Gray Hotel Gray’s @ Home gift basket! Experience all the lavish comforts of the Hotel Gray from your own home with shawl collar robes, holiday cocktails, bath salts, and more! It will be great practice for your future stay, which you can get with a 25% discount code already included with your package!
3. Ballyhoo Hospitality gift cards
Still looking for the perfect stocking stuffer? Give the gift of Ballyhoo, and receive a complimentary $25 gift card for every $100 you spend in-store! Gift cards can be used at any of their restaurants like Gemini, Old Pueblo Cantina, and more!
By Megan Collins