The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year and celebrating Christmas in Chicago is one of the best places to spend it. Downtown Chicago is full of many things to do during the Holidays and has many places to spend time with your loved ones and friends. Here is my guide on how to spend Christmas in Chicago.

1. ZooLights

Lincoln Park Zoo lights up during the holidays. This is a great place to bring your family and enjoy walking through the colorful lights at night.

2. Christkindlmarket

Daley Plaza features a German village and market during the holiday season. This is a great place to shop, listen to carolers, and try different foods.

3. Maggie Daley Park's Skating Rink

The Maggie Daley skating rink is shaped like a ribbon so you can keep skating around in circles. It is a great place to skate with family, friends, and loved ones with a view of the city.

4. Millenium Park Skating Rink

Located in front of the bean and next to Michigan Ave, this skating rink is much smaller but a great place to enjoy skating with a great view. You can even rent skates there.

5. Window Shopping at Macy's

Macy's features a new window display each year, often telling a story as you walk by all the windows. It is a great place to go with your family and enjoy the christmas spirit.

6. Lunch/Dinner at Macy's Walnut Room

The walnut room is my favorite place to go during the holidays. The wait to get a seat may be long, but you can shop as you wait. You are seated around the large and famous Macy's christmas tree that is always decorated perfectly.

7. Visit Santa at Macy's

Bringing children to visit Santa Claus during the holidays is always a must. Santa at Macy's is where I went all of my childhood and is a great place to get a picture with santa.

8. The Nutcracker at Joffrey Ballet

If you want to really feel the holiday spirit at a show this season, the Joffrey Ballet is the most famous and best place to go. The Nutcracker is a well-known show in Chicago and is great for a family night out.

Chicago is the best place to be during the Holidays and always feels like home. It is lit up with lights during the holiday season and the holiday spirit is everywhere downtown.