Christmas in Chicago

Christmas in Chicago:  2022 Guide

The Christmas Holiday season in Chicago is magical with great excitement and seasonal celebrations.  Christmas in Chicago is truly special as the city comes to life.  The Magnificent Mile and Millennium Park are decorated and vibrant during this magical time of year with folks ice skating in Millennium Park or viewing the majestic Chicago Christmas Tree.

Chicago celebrates Christmas like no other with special exhibits, pub crawls, dazzling Holiday light displays, live theatre productions, magical holiday transportation, and many shops and Christmas markets during the Christmas Holiday season in Chicago.  Christmas in Chicago is so magical that we have put this ultimate Christmas Guide to Christmas in Chicago for your convenience.

Included is a special Christmas Gift - see video of Christmas in Chicago below.

Updated:  December 8, 2022

Table Of Contents

• Dazzling Holiday Lights - magical holiday light displays
• Free Holiday Walking Tour - Get some exercise while you are guided to some of the favorite Holiday spots in Chicago
• Winter Wonderlands  - Christmas in Chicago turns Navy Pier and Gallagher Way into winter paradises
• Magical Holiday Transportation - Christmas in Chicago means some CTA trains and busses are turned into festively decorated holiday transportation
• Christmas Restaurant Traditions - The Walnut Room is a Christmas tradition in Chicago.
• Holiday Pub Crawls - Christmas in Chicago means various pub crawls are scheduled in December to celebrate
• Christmas Shopping and Markets - A list of shopping and Christkindlmarket locations for your Holiday shopping list
• Museum Holiday Magic - A few of the famous Chicago museums take part in the holiday fun. 
• Live Holiday Theatre Productions - Christmas in Chicago means live Holiday productions of some of the Christmas classics - "A Christmas Carol", "Nutcracker", and more
• Ice Skating - Christmas in Chicago is not complete without a list of ice skating locations around Chicago.
• Christmas in Chicago Video - Our special video gift of a walk in Chicago at Christmas time put to Christmas music

** Additional Chicago area events are found on the Festivals and Events page. **

Christmas in Chicago Video

Merry Christmas!!

Looking for Christmas gifts?

• We offer a selection of Merchandise, Journals, and "Create Your Own Recipe" books on the Available Products and  Available Books page
• Order by December 15, 2022 for delivery before Christmas

Dazzling Holiday Lights

ZooLights at Lincoln Park zoo - The Lincoln Park zoo is decked out and lit up by more than 2.5 million colorful lights.  Includes moving displays set to music, wonderful ice sculptures, and much more.  Lincoln Park zoo also usually offers special events like an adult night out and pop-up bar.

• Dates:  November 19, 2022 - January 1, 2023
• Brew Lights (Adult Only):  Thursday December 1st – Catch Zoo lights while sipping and savoring specialty brews under millions of beautiful holiday lights.  
• Check out the Chicago Parents Guide on Zoo Lights

Brookfield Zoo hosts a Holiday Magic Display - Christmas in Chicago means Brookfield Zoo is decked out with Christmas decorations and more than 1 million twinkling LED lights.  It includes a 600 foot long Tunnel of Lights with thousands of colored lights synchronized to music.

• Dates:  Nov. 25 - Dec. 31, 2022 (Select Dates)
• Tickets must be purchased in advance:  $24.95 for adults, $19.95 for seniors, and $17.95 for children aged between 3 and 11.

Brookfield Zoo - Holiday Magic

Chicago Botanic Garden Lightscape - This illuminated and immersive experience has visitors explore the botanic garden after dark.  The glow of twinkling lights is mesmerizing with different installations around every corner of the walking path.  

• Dates:   November 11, 2022 - January 8, 2023

Chicago Botanic Lightscape

Illumination:  Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle -  This is a dazzling illuminated outdoor experience set to music.  The mile long path winds through the arboretum and offers magical and captivating lighting displays.  Along the trek cozy up by the fires, grab some hot chocolate, or make some s’mores.

• Dates:  November 19, 2022 - January 7, 2023

Shine Light Show - Schaumburg, Illinois - Schaumburg’s Largest Drive-Thru World Of Lights At Wintrust Field – Home Of the Schaumburg Boomers is back for Christmas in Chicago for a 2nd year.

• Dates:  November 18, 2022 - January 1, 2023

Sparkle Light Festival at Impact Field in Rosemont - Includes five illuminated villages with millions of sparkling lights, custom 3D holiday features, ice tube slide, holiday train adventure, mouth-watering food and drink and more.

• Dates:  November 18, 2022 - January 1, 2023

See the Chicago Christmas Tree - The massive tree lights up the heart of iconic Millennium Park.  It is adorned in twinkling lights and makes the perfect holiday photo opp. The tree shines brightly near the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Washington Street.

• Dates:  November 18, 2022 - January 8, 2023

Chicago Christmas Tree

Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Parade -  A thrilling holiday celebration: A day-through-night, mile-long extravaganza drawing more than one million celebrants.

• Date:  November 19, 2022

Magical Christmas Drive Thru at Santa's Village Dundee - Enjoy over 3 million lights synchronized to holiday music, dazzling displays,  and Santa himself.  At the end of the route you are able to park and enjoy the new 300 foot tube slide and entertainment.

• Dates:  November 25 - December 30, 2022 (Select Dates)

Free Holiday Walking Tour

Chicago Holiday Tour - The tour takes you through parts of downtown Chicago and get to visit some of Chicago's favorite holiday spots, visit the traditional Chicago Christmas tree, scope out good places for ice skating, and discover places to grab an indulgent dessert.  This free tour walking tour is guided by Free Tours by Foot, and you get to decide what, if anything, the tour was worth when it's done.  Reservations are required ahead of time at Chicago Holiday Tour.

• Dates:  November 20, 26-27 and December 2 - 4, 9 - 11, 16 - 18
• Duration:  Approx. 1.5 hours. Total walking a bit over one mile (1.6km)
• Start Location:  The Chicago Cultural Center: 78 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602 by the cow statue

Winter Wonderlands

Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier - A massive indoor holiday experience includes an authentic beer garden, a gift market, activities for kids, and a light garden made of large-scale sculptures. Also the indoor Alpine ice rink means skating thrills without any of the chills.

• Dates:  November 25, 2022 - January 7, 2023

Winterland at Gallagher Way – This includes family-friendly activities, new interactive experiences, along with returning favorites, including Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville and the Gallagher Ice Rink, with the rink now located inside the iconic ballpark.  

• Dates:  Friday, November 18, 2022, through Sunday, January 8, 2023

Magical Holiday Transportation

CTA Holiday Train – This is a beloved Chicago tradition.  A CTA holiday train makes its way through the city usually in December.   The six-car train is decorated with holiday scenes and thousands of sparkling lights. Hop on board to meet the elves handing out candy. Don’t forget to wave to Santa, whose sled replaces the head car. 

• Dates:  November 25th through December 19th select dates and CTA Lines

CTA Holiday Bus – The CTA Holiday bus will traverse the city streets. 

• Dates:  November 29th through December 23rd select dates and routes

Metra Holiday Train - New in 2022 - Experience holiday magic on the Metra Electric Line 3 Saturdays in December.  The special holiday train with Santa and Mrs. Claus brings you to the North Pole winter wonderland at Millennium Station.

• Dates:  December 3, 10 and 17 ** tickets go on sale November 21st

Polar Express Train Ride from Union Station – Sorry not available in 2022.  Expect back in Christmas 2023

Christmas Restaurant Traditions

Walnut Room - inside Macy’s on State Street.  The historic restaurant is an essential holiday destination. The Walnut Room is adorned with elegant décor and sparkling chandeliers, with the towering Great Tree in the center of it all.

• Dates:  Begins November 5, 2022 – Reservations all full, sorry

Macy's Walnut Room

Holiday Pub Crawls

SOUTHPORT HOLIDAY STROLL & COCKTAIL CRAWL - Sample different holiday-themed cocktails at this event

• Date:  December 2, 2022 

TBOX: Twelve Bars of Christmas – Chicago’s most popular bar crawl returns to Wrigleyville.  

• Date:  Saturday December 10, 2022

Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl – Put on your ugliest Christmas attire and join this bar crawl. 

• Date:  Saturday December 17, 2022  

Magical Christmas Shopping and Markets

Chicago is a great place for Holiday shopping as it offers many shopping districts and options.  

Christmas in Chicago

Here is a run down of some of the shopping options:

• The Magnificent Mile – this is one of the world’s most iconic retail destinations including Water Tower Place.  Many famous department stores and favorite chains exist along the Magnificent Mile, as well, as tons of twinkling lights to dazzle shoppers throughout the Christmas season

• State Street – just a few blocks from the Magnificent Mile is another wonderful shopping option where the iconic Macy’s on State Street is located.  Macy’s offers their annual Holiday Windows and the Great Tree inside the historic Walnut Room.

• Christkindlmarket - Authentic German Christmas market  This is a free-admission event featuring local vendors.  On sale are traditional German crafts and treats, hot mulled wine, hand-knit gloves, beautiful glass ornaments, wooden cuckoo clocks, and other special holiday items and treats.

• Available at 3 locations: 

1. Aurora:  Nov. 18 - Dec. 24, 2022
2. Chicago:  Nov. 18 - Dec. 24, 2022
3. Wrigleyville:  Nov. 18 - Dec. 31, 2022

• Woodfield Mall – Schaumburg, IL  - One of the most iconic retail destinations in the suburbs of Chicago is Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, IL.  Lots of good department stores and favorite chains are available at Woodfield mall for your Holiday shopping needs.  
• Address:  5 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, IL 60173

• Randolph Street Market - Find the unusual and stylishly crafted mix of vintage and modern decorative objects, housewares, fashion for men/women/children, art, hostess gifts and more from 125 vendors! Enjoy the market bar for a bloody mary, beer, wine or champagne and local eateries while browsing vendors on three floors in the Plumbers Hall building!
• Dates:
• November 12 - 13
• December 17 - 18

• Other Chicago Holiday markets:

• local-artisan-filled Renegade Craft Fair - wintertime marketplace

• pre-Kwanzaa Market at Africa International House

• One Of a Kind Show at the Merchandise Mart - A 4-day (Dec 1 - 4th) shopping experience to find unique holiday gifts

Museum Holiday Magic

A few Chicago museums love to take part in the holiday fun as well:

Museum of Science and Industry - hosts the annual Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Lights, with 50 elaborately decorated trees that represent holiday traditions from across the globe. In Holiday of Lights, the museum honors the traditions of Chinese New Year, Diwali, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, Hanukkah, Visakha Puja Day, and St. Lucia Day.

• Dates:  Nov. 16, 2022 - Jan. 8, 2023

Art Institute of Chicago - The museum’s beloved lions will welcome you wearing holiday wreaths, while inside, a world of treasures await — the soaring new Tiffany Window, the ever-popular 18th-century Neapolitan crèche, a thought-provoking and expansive exhibition by Barbara Kruger, and visitor favorites from Rembrandt and Van Gogh to O’Keeffe and Warhol.

Art Institute Lion

Happy Holiday Railway at the Illinois Railway Museum - Enjoy a 40-minute train ride for the whole family and visit with Santa Claus on the train.  Treats and hot chocolate will be served.

• Dates:  November 25 - Dec. 18, 2022 (Select Dates)

Theatre – Holiday productions

The magic of Christmas is foretold in Chicago’s live theatre holiday productions.  Check out one of these performances:

• Goodman’s Albert Theatre - A Christmas Carol   
• Dates:  Nov 19 - Dec 31, 2022 

• Joffrey Ballet – The Nutcracker at the Lyric Opera House 20 North Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606  
• Dates:  December 3–27, 2022 

• Strawdog Theatre Company - Hershel & The Hanukkah Goblins  
• Dates:  December 11, 2022 - Jan 1, 2023  

• Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve 
• Venue:  All State Arena, 
• Date:  December 21, 2022  

• Chicago Theatre – An Unforgettable Night of Christmas Classics – Brett Eldredge
• Dates:  December 15 – 16, 2022     

Chicago Theatre

• The Athenaeum Theatre – 2 Christmas productions:
• Tomáseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas
• Date:  November 30, 2022  

• Ballet Chicago presents The Nutcracker
• Dates:  December 9 – December 18  

• Drury Lane Theatre Oakbrook Terrace – 2 Christmas Productions:
• Elf the Musical  
• Dates:  November 9, 2022 – January 8, 2023

• Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol 
• Dates:  November 25 – December 30, 2022

• Ruth Page’s ‘The Nutcracker’ - College of Lake County
• Date:  Two (2) shows December 17, 2022
• At James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts
• Address:  19351 W. Washington St., Grayslake, IL
• Phone:  (847) 543-2300

• Salt Creek Ballet: “The Nutcracker” With New Philharmonic
• Dates:  Dec. 17-18, 2022
• Performance Times:  2  and 7 p.m. Saturday and 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday
• At College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn
• Address:  425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
• Phone:  (630) 942-4000

• Chopin Theatre - IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIVE IN CHICAGO!
• Dates:  November 23, 2022 - December 23, 2022
• Address:  1543 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60642

Ice Skating

Chicago offers several places to put on the ice skates and skate indoors or outdoors

Millennium Park Ice skating rink - Admission to the ice rink is free but online tickets will be required

• Dates:  November 18, 2022 - March 5, 2023 (weather permitting)

Maggie Daley Park ice skating ribbon — online reservation is needed

• Dates:  Nov. 18, 2022 - Mar. 5, 2023 (weather permitting)

Maggie Daley Park - Ice Skating Ribbon

Midway Plaisance in Hyde Park -  1130 Midway Plaisance North, Chicago, IL 60637

Gallagher Way rink in Wrigleyville - 3635 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613

Navy Pier indoor Alpine ice rink - 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

For a list of additional Ice skating locations in the Chicago area view Chicago Ice Skating.

For other places to see in Chicago visit the Travel page.

(C) 2022-23 jspublishing.blogspot.com

Chicago - The Movie Town

Chicago - A City destined to be in the Movies

Chicago is a pretty famous movie city especially with its great architecture and sky line.  The film industry and Hollywood has a long history of filming movies in Chicago as the back drop for blockbuster movies and television shows throughout the years.  Thanks to the Chicago Film Office, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, big time movie productions are attracted to the city and its sites for filming movies.  

The Chicago Film Office has had great success in attracting feature film production, television series, and other film productions including commercials and documentaries to film in the city of Chicago.  More than 1,100 television productions and feature films have been filmed in Chicago since 1980.  Movie titles include The Untouchables, The Dark Knight, The Blues Brothers, Risky Business, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Sixteen Candles, Home Alone and many more.  

Several recent television programs are either partially or entirely filmed in Chicago including Empire, Chicago Fire, and Chicago PD.

The Chicago Film Office reports the first film shot in Chicago is The Tramp and the Dog in 1896 and thousands of movies have been filmed in Chicago ever since.  

We developed this guide of film locations for Chicago PD, Chicago Fire, and the Chicago Med TV shows and 5 of the best movies filmed in Chicago (The Dark Knight, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Home Alone, The Untouchables and Blue Brothers).

Chicago PD Film Locations

The Pilsen neighborhood around 18th Street is often used in the filming of Chicago PD.  Restaurants and Pubs used in the filming of Chicago PD include:

• Boni Vino Pizza: 111 W. Van Buren St.

• Lou Mitchell’s: 565 W. Jackson Blvd.

• Original Ferrara Bakery: 2210 W. Taylor St.

• Bridgeport Restaurant: 3500 S. Halsted St.

• White Palace Grill:  1159 S. Canal St. 

• Lottie’s Pub: 1924 W. Cortland St.

• Maria’s Packaged Goods And Community Bar: 960 W. 31st St.

• The Village Inn: 4035 S. Wallace St.

District 21 Police Station:  The UIC Police Headquarters at 943 W. Maxwell St. is used as Chicago PD’s District 21.  This is a real working police station so don’t be surprised if you can’t get a tour inside.

Chicago Fire Film Locations

Firehouse 51:  All of the exterior shots of the Chicago Firehouse 51 in Chicago Fire are shot on location at the working Chicago Fire Department Engine 18 firehouse located at:   1360 S. Blue Island Avenue.   A must see for fans of the television show and it is quite possible you will catch the stars of the show in action

Chicago Fire Academy:  Located at 558 W. De Koven Street.  This modern building makes many appearances in the television show.  And is nearby the location of where the Great Chicago Fire began in 1871.

Molly’s Pub:  Scenes for Molly’s pub were originally shot inside Lottie’s Pub at 1924 W. Cortland St.  Going into Lottie’s Pub feels like walking on set and the pub has the Chicago Fire burger on the menu.

Chicago Med Film Locations

Graceland Cemetery:  4001 N. Clark St.  The Chicago Med characters found themselves in Graceland Cemetery for a graveside ceremony.  This cemetery is the final resting place for many famous historical people - public figures, architects, famous inventors, and baseball and boxing greats so it is worth the trip to see.

Gaffney Medical Center:  The hospital that stands in for the Gaffney Medical Center in the show is located at 1653 W. Congress Parkway and is part of the Rush University Medical Center. This is the home base for the show.  

The Dark Knight (2008) Movie Locations  

Dark Knight starring Heath Ledger as the Joker, Christian Bale as Batman, Michael Caine as Alfred, and Maggie Gyllenhaal as Rachel Dawes was filmed partly in Chicago.  These are the main film locations.

Wayne Enterprise and Bruce Wayne film locations:

• Wayne Enterprise Headquarters:  Richard J Daley Center, Daley Plaza, Washington Street

• Wayne Enterprise Boardroom:  IBM Building, 330 North Wabash Avenue

• Wayne Enterprises Applied Science Division:  West Building, McCormick Place, 2301 South Indiana Avenue 

• Bruce Wayne's penthouse:  Wyndham Grand, 71 East Wacker Drive 

Harvey Dent Scenes:

• Harvey Dent and Rachel Dawes at the opera:  Chicago Theatre, 175 North State Street 

• Harvey Dent fundraiser:  Illinois Center Buildings, 111 East Wacker Drive

• Dent turns up as bartender:  Twin Anchors, 1665 North Sedgwick Street, Old Town 

Gotham General Hospital and Evacuation of Gotham City

• Location of Gotham General Hospital:  401 North Cicero Avenue 

• Evacuation of Gotham City: Navy Pier, 600 East Grand Avenue 

Other Movie Scenes:

• Opening Robbery film location:  Chicago Post Office, 404 West Harrison Street 

• Scarecrow Arrested:  Parking Garage, 200 West Randolph Street

• Maroni arrested:  The Berghoff, 17 West Adams Street 

• Dark Knight looks down on the city:  Willis Tower, 233 South Wacker Drive

• Emergence of the Batpod:  Millennium Park Metra Station 

• Truck flipped over:  South La Salle Street 

• Lamborghini chase:  Lake Street, between Upper Wacker Drive and State Street

• Final face-off with Joker:  Trump Tower, 401 North Wabash Avenue 

Home Alone (1990) Movie Locations:

Home Alone starring Macaulay Culkin was filmed in Winnetka a north suburb of Chicago.  Here are the main film locations for the movie.

• McCallister Home:  671 Lincoln Avenue, Winnetka, Illinois, USA

• Mitch Murphy's home:  656 Lincoln Avenue, Winnetka, Illinois, USA

• Exterior church scene:  Trinity United Methodist Church - 1024 W. Lake Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, USA

• Railroad track bridge scene:  Hubbard Woods Metra Station - 1065 Gage Street, Winnetka, Illinois, USA

• Interior church scene:  Grace Episcopal Church - 924 Lake Street, Oak Park, Illinois, USA

• Airport Scene:  O'Hare International Airport, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Pharmacy scene:  Panera Bread Company--formerly Hubbard Woods Pharmacy - 940 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka, Illinois, USA

The Untouchables (1987) Movie Locations

• Ballroom where Capone kills guy with baseball bat:  Blackstone Hotel - 636 S. Michigan Avenue, Downtown, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Front entrance and main lobby used as Lexington Hotel, where Al Capone lives:  Roosevelt University - 430 S. Michigan Avenue, Downtown, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Chase between Ness and Nitt:  Chicago Cultural Center - 78 E. Washington Street, Downtown, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Interior of Lexington Hotel, where Al Capone lives:  Chicago Theatre - 175 North State Street, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Ness's house:  2030 W 22nd Place, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Chicago Board of Trade:  141 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604

• Ness meets Malone:  Michigan Avenue Bridge, Chicago, IL

• Ness meets Malone:  Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica National Shrine - 3121 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Police headquarters:  209 S LaSalle St, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Malone's house:  4600 S Calumet Ave, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• USPS office:  208 S LaSalle St, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Union Station: Canal St. & Jackson Blvd., Near West Side, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Street scenes:  South LaSalle St

• The raid:  917 W 19th Place, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Location of the Untouchables’ office:  Rookery Building - 209 S La Salle St, Chicago, IL 60604

Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) Movie Locations

• Cameron's house and Ferrari garage:  370 Beach Street, Highland Park, Illinois, USA

• Katie Bueller's real estate office:  583 Chestnut Street, Winnetka, Illinois, USA

• Running home scenes:  Butternut Lane, Northbrook, Illinois, USA

• Chez Quis Restaurant exteriors:  22 West Schiller Street, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Baseball game:  Wrigley Field - 1060 West Addison Street, Lake View, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Scene in cab next to dad:  300 block S. Financial Place, Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Ferrari jump scene:  1549 S Clark St. Chicago, Illinois, USA

• School exteriors: Glenbrook North High School - 2300 Shermer Road, Northbrook, Illinois, USA

• Woods Theater is seen in background in shots during the parade sequence:  54 West Randolph Street, Chicago, Illinois, USA

Blue Brothers (1980) Movie Locations

• Elwood’s apartment:  Unfortunately, Elwood’s apartment didn’t stand the test of time. It is a small park, today, that sits in front of 327 S. Plymouth Court.

• Soul Food Café:  807 W. Maxwell St.

• Police car pileup:  Lake St. and LaSalle St., Lower Wacker – around 190 N. LaSalle Street

• Chez Paul Restaurant:  660 N. Rush St

• James Brown church scene:  Pilgrim Baptist on the South Side of Chicago - 9114 S. Burley Ave.

• The nazis take a swim:  Bridge is located at Jackson Park in Chicago - 6401 S Stony Is Ave, Chicago, IL 60637

• The finale: Richard J. Daley Plaza and City Hall  at 121 N. LaSalle St.

Other Notable movies filmed in Chicago:

• Risky Business (1982)

• Sixteen Candles (1983)

• The Color of Money (1986)

• A League of Their Own (1991)

• The Fugitive (1993)

• High Fidelity (2000)

• Public Enemies (2008)

• A Nightmare on Elm Street (2009)

Final Thoughts

Chicago is a great city for movie production.  The Chicago Film Office website has a complete list of movies filmed at least in part in Chicago.  The Chicago Film Office website is available here.  Plan in some of these locations on your next trip to Chicago.    

 

(C) 2022-23 jspublishing.blogspot.com

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist - Home Ownership series

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

Home ownership is rewarding, exciting, and with the proper home maintenance your home will last a long time.  If this is your first time owning a house or you have owned a house for many years, it is important to do regular and preventative maintenance to keep your home in great shape.  The  following Fall home maintenance checklist will help in keeping your house in tip top shape.    

Exterior

Roof

ㅁ Inspect roof, attic, and crawlspace for any signs of damage or moisture

ㅁ Clean Gutters and Downspouts frequently throughout the fall

Lawn Care

ㅁ Fertilize Lawn

ㅁ Trim shrubs and trees

ㅁ Remove outdoor hoses, insulate pipes and faucets if necessary

Exterior Walls, Doors, and Windows

ㅁ Check dryer vent and clean if necessary

ㅁ Replace any light bulbs that have burnt out

ㅁ Check doors and windows for cracks and apply caulking or weather stripping if necessary

Interior

Heating and Cooling

ㅁ Replace air filters as needed

ㅁ Clean Air ducts

ㅁ Inspect heating and furnace system, verify it is in good working order

Attic

ㅁ Verify for proper insulation thickness and ventilation is occurring 

ㅁ Visually inspect attic for mold 

ㅁ Visually inspect for signs of animal or rodent infestation

ㅁ Examine for signs of a roof leak

Fire Safety

ㅁ Confirm expiration dates on fire extinguishers and replace expired ones 

ㅁ Test and maintain fire extinguishers, smoke, and carbon monoxide alarms

ㅁ Visually inspect smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms

ㅁ Replace batteries if needed on smoke and CO alarms

Other

ㅁ Check windows and door frames - repair any that are loose or damaged

ㅁ Install weather stripping or caulking around windows and doors

ㅁ Visually inspect plumbing and ensure pipes are well insulated

ㅁ Clean chimney and fireplace (if applicable)

ㅁ Clean baseboards

ㅁ Donate any unwanted household items or clothing

(C) 2022-23 jspublishing.blogspot.com

Taco Chicago - Best Taco places in Chicago

Chicago Best Tacos

On September 8, 2022, Secret Chicago published an article titled “The 20 Best Places To Get Tacos In Chicago” and it includes a list of the “best of the bunch” taco joints.

The culmination of Chicago's world famous food scene and a large Mexican population blesses Chicago with some fantastically great taquerias.  

Let's take a look at the top twelve (12) in the list which comprise the most reliable, affordable, and unique locations for the best tacos around Chicago.  The list includes small corner venues to upscale locations.

In looking at the Chicago neighborhoods where these taco places are located - Wicker Park, Lakeview, Lower West Side, and Midway Airport area are all fortunate to have 3 of the top 12 taco places each.

Top 12 taco places by Neighborhood:

• Wicker Park (3):  Antique Taco, BIG & Little’s, Big Star
• Lakeview (3):  Rojo Gusano, BIG & Little’s, Big Star
• Lower West Side (3):  5 Rabanitos, Carnitas Don Pedro, Rubi’s
• Midway Airport area (3):  Carnitas Uruapan, BIG & Little’s, Birrieria Zaragoza
• Logan Square (1):  L’ Patron
• Lincoln Square (1):  Taqueria El Asadero
• Lincoln Park (1):  Del Seoul

Taco, Taco, Taco - Top 12 Taco places in Chicago

1.)  Antique Taco

• About:  Farmers market style tacos & margaritas, made from scratch with the best local and seasonal ingredients served up counter service  style
• Top menu pick:  Garlic Shrimp Taco

• Two (2) Locations:
• Wicker Park Neighborhood
• Address:  1360 N Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622
• Phone:  773.687.8697

• Bridgeport Neighborhood
• Address:  1000 W 35th Street, Chicago, IL 60609
• Phone:  773.823.9410

2.)  Taqueria El Asadero

• About:  Tacos, burritos & homemade chips with salsa draw crowds to this no-frills, cash-only Mexican staple.  Serves only choice beef, the best guacamole, and uses locally grown ingredients
• Top menu pick: Carne Asada Taco (Grilled skirt steak)
• Chicago Neighborhood:  Lincoln Square
• Address:  2213 W Montrose Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618
• Phone:  (773) 583-5563

3.)  Carnitas Uruapan

• About:  Legendary destination for those whose palates crave authentic carnitas from Michoacan, Mexico.  
• Top menu pick:  Tacos De Carnitas
• Chicago Neighborhood:  Gage Park (near Midway Airport)
• Address:  2813 W. 55th Street, Chicago, IL 60608
• Phone:  (773) 424-7617

4.) Rojo Gusano

• About:  Creative tacos & other modern Mexican eats served with mezcal in relaxed, beach-inspired surroundings
• Top menu pick:  Mixed Mushroom Taco (Taco de Hongos)
• Chicago Neighborhood:  Lakeview
• Address:  4217 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL  60613
• Phone:  773-360-1628

5.)  L’ Patron

• About:  Laid-back Mexican restaurant featuring tacos & other street food in an industrial setting with a patio.  Always Fresh, Amazing, & Made to Order.
• Top menu pick:  Carne Asada Taco
• Chicago Neighborhood:  Logan Square
• Address:  3749 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
• Phone:  (773) 799-8066

6.) Del Seoul

• About: No-frills counter-service eatery with Asian fusion eats like Korean BBQ tacos & banh mi sandwiches. Keeping things fresh and unique.  Del Seoul believes in popular, not trendy and customer-focused and food-focused is the only way to go.  
• Top menu pick:  Sesame Chili Shrimp Taco
• Chicago Neighborhood:  Lincoln Park
• Address:  2568 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614 
• Phone:  (773) 248-4227

7.)  BIG & Little’s

• About:  Casual counter-serve eatery featuring seafood & meat tacos, along with po’ boys, burgers & fries.
• Top menu pick:  The BIG & LITTLE’S Taco

• Three (3) Locations:
• Lakeview Neighborhood

• Address: 1034 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
• Phone: (773) 857-6677

• Wicker Park Neighborhood

• Address: 1310 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
• Phone: (773) 698-7777

• Midway Airport Location

• Address: 5700 S Cicero Ave Concourse B, Gate 15, Chicago, IL 60638

8.)  Big Star

• About:  Mexican street food, plus margaritas, bourbon and beer-focused, taco-slinging, lively scene at this funky hangout
• Top menu pick:  Papas Con Rajas Taco

• Two (2)  Locations:

• Wicker Park Neighborhood
• Address:  1531 N Damen Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622
• Phone:  773-235-4039

• Lakeview Neighborhood (Wrigleyville area)
• Address:  3640 N Clark Street, Chicago, IL  60613
• Phone:  773-857-7120

9.)  5 Rabanitos

• About:  Mexican cuisine by Chef Alfonso Sotelo.  One block from the National Museum of Mexican Art, and one block from the 18th Street station on the CTA Pink Line.  Mexican classics served in a simple, brightly colored setting.
• Top menu pick:  Grilled Chicken Adobo Taco
• Chicago Neighborhood:  Lower West Side
• Address: 1758 W 18th Street, Chicago, IL  60608
• Phone: (312) 285-2710

10.)  Carnitas Don Pedro

• About:  Traditional Mexican cuisine served in bustling, bare-bones quarters.  Prides itself on providing delicious food, great service and a sense of family to each and every customer.
• Top menu pick:  Taco De Carnitas
• Chicago Neighborhood:  Lower West Side
• Address:  1113 W 18th Street, Chicago, IL 60608
• Phone:  (312) 829-4757

11.)  Rubi’s Tacos 

• About:  Authentic Mexican food at this no frills taco joint.
• Top menu pick:  El Taco Azteca (Al Pastor con huevo)

• Two (2) Locations:
• Near West Side at the New Maxwell Street Market 
• Address:  800 S Desplaines St, Chicago, IL 60607

• Lower West Side Neighborhood
• Address:  1316 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608
• Phone:  (773) 318-9526

12.)  Birrieria Zaragoza 

• About:  This Mexican institution specializes in a single item—birria—tender stewed goat accompanied by diced onions, cilantro, and house-made salsa.
• Top menu pick:  Birria Taco
• Chicago Neighborhood:  Archer Heights (Near Midway Airport)
• Address:  4852 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL  60632
• Phone:  (773) 523-3700

Final Thought

Chicago is home to great Mexican food.  These twelve (12) taco places are some of the best venues for flavorful and affordable taco-fare.   So if you are in the Wicker Park, Lakeview, Lower west side, or Midway Airport area you have plenty of the best taco places to choose from.  Lincoln Park, Logan Square, Lincoln Square, and even Bridgeport have at least one of the best taco places in Chicago.  Enjoy!! 

Check out Chicago Best Restaurants for other great Chicago restaurants.

Source Article:   The 20 Best Places To Get Tacos In Chicago

(C) 2022-23 jspublishing.blogspot.com

Chicago Pumpkin Patches

Chicago Area Pumpkin Patches

💀 Halloween 💀 is right around the corner and it is time for Pumpkins.  We are fortunate in the Chicago area to have a variety of pumpkin patches and farms to choose from.  To make it easy to get the perfect pumpkin for Halloween here is a list of pumpkin patches and farms in the Chicagoland area.

Happy Halloween!

Chicago Pumpkin Patches & Farms

Abbey Farms

2855 Hart Road

Aurora, IL

All Seasons Apple Orchard

14510 IL Route 176

Woodstock, IL

Apple Holler

5006 S. Sylvania Avenue

Sturevant, WI

Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm

13341 W. 151st St.

Homer Glen, IL

County Line Orchard

200 S. County Line Rd.

Hobart, IN

Dave’s Pumpkins

9112 Algonquin Road

Huntley, IL

Didier Farms

16678 W. Aptakisic Road

Lincolnshire, IL

Dollinger Family Farm

7420 E. Hansel Road

Channahon, IL

Edwards Apple Orchard

7061 Centerville Road

Poplar Grove, IL

Goebbert’s Pumpkin Farm

40 W. Higgins Road

South Barrington, IL

Johansen’s Farm

710 W. Boughton Road 

Bolingbrook, IL

Jonamac Orchard

19412 Shabbona Road

Malta, IL

Kregel’s Pumpkin Patch

7705 W. 159th Avenue

Lowell, IN

Kroll’s Fall Harvest Farm

13236 Townline Road

Waukegan, IL

Kuiper’s Family Farm

For GPS:  1N318 Watson Road (Pumpkins & Tulips)

Maple Park, IL

Odyssey Fun Farm

18900 Oak Park Avenue

Tinley Park, IL

Prairie Sky Orchard

4914 N. Union Road

Union, IL

Royal Oak Farm Orchard

15908 Hebron Road

Harvard, IL

Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm

17250 Weber Road

Lockport, IL

Sonny Acres

29W310 North Avenue

West Chicago, IL

Stade’s Farm and Market

3709 Miller Road

McHenry, IL

Woody’s Orchard & Family Fun Farm

3223 Creek Road

Plano, IL

For a list of Apple Orchards in the Chicago area check out Apple Picking Chicago!

(C) 2022 jspublishing.blogspot.com